#mani cure pedi cure at home

[honey-minded-hivemind]

Reader meets many strange people in that sleepy little town:

- Charles and Erik, an older couple who own the bed and breakfast Reader stays at. Charles apparently keeps bees as a hobby and keeps insisting Reader eat some honey. Both regularly praise Reader for all the help they do around the house and "that's its so nice to have someone youthful energy in the old place".

- Hank is the town doctor. For someone who looks like he can break steel beams, he's very polite and mild mannered. But he can get a little invasive when he gives Reader a check up. " How's you relationship with your parents?" " I saw your light was on late last night, you should get to bed at a more proper time. A good night's rest is important to growing bodies."

- Ororo is the one school teacher in town, though everyone calls her Storm. She teaches out of a tiny one room school house. Reader thinks she's lucky all the kids around the place are the same age. Storm regularly invites Reader for "girl's night" ( even if reader is not a girl, they are getting mani-pedis and face masks). Reader just wishes she would get not so strong alcohol, they always end up blacking out.

- Reader doesn't see Logan that often, but he comes to town regularly to check up on Charles, get a check up with Hank about his short-term memory loss, and have a beer. He doesn't seem to like Erik all that much, but he's nice to Reader. Apparently, he and his brother own a farm just out of town, which Reader is "allowed to visit whenever, kid". Charles says he's Laura's dad but she stays with Kurt and Rogue and their mom during the school week and goes home during the weekend, holidays, and summer.

- Rogue and Kurt are the goth girl and blue hair boy they met earlier. Apparently, they're siblings, but they don't look much alike. Their mom, Mystique, runs the mom-and-pop store and is always dressed impeccably. Rogue and Kurt's relationship with her is a little rough at best and they cling to Reader, asking for advice and attention.

- the other teens are similar. Evan, Scott, Jean and all of them. Reader may be older than them but still young enough to relate to their problems so they like to follow behind when they run errands for the Bed and Breakfast. They assume they think it's "cool" to hang out with the new, older stranger from out of town, so they try to be a goof example. They wonder where the rest of the parents are at, though.

Hahaha... I love it, @sugar-soda! I admit, I keep imaging Reader being somewhere between 15 to 19, but honestly, it works at any of those ages! I'll add a little to this, as a treat-!

• Reader doesn't quite remember how they ended up with Charles and Erik, but according to them, they found Reader passes out in the bushes outside, so they brought Reader in and helped make sure they were okay. They always compliment Reader on how polite they are, how strong they are when they lift heavy boxes or haul jars of honey-like liquid around, how sweet they are when Reader brings back some raspberries for them... They're nice, very nice, for people who supposedly found Reader drugged or passed out or dying in their bushes...

• Hank is okay! He just seems a bit obsessed with health and eating proper meals and the like. Old school doctor values, right? And Reader could probably stand to eat a bit more, or eat more consistent meals... He says he has a clinic outside of town too, which is funded by Charles and Erik, and has volunteers such as his friends, Logan and Victor... He also thinks honey is the best cure for everything, for some reason, and asks if Reader eats a bit every day...

• Reader likes Ororo! She's funny, and smart, and always on point with fashion! Plus she let's Reader try a sip or two of mead, which she says is good-! Of course, Reader can't remember anything after having their small sip... And they woke up in the field outside of town. Again. So maybe they should stop tasting the different honey stuff...

• Logan is gruff, from what Reader can tell. He seems to like the kids, including Reader, and he's checking up on Mr. Charles every weekend before he and Laura go back to their farm, so he seems pretty nice for a tough guy. Reader doesn't know why he invites Reader to visit, or why Laura likes them, but they let Reader eat pancakes with them at the diner and don't mind when Reader falls asleep, exhausted from a night of trying to figure out why they can't seem to find the way out of town...

• Reader doesn't mind offering advice to Kurt and Rogue, seeing them as the siblings they never had (all of the teens feel like siblings, in way, which confuses Reader for people people hardly know-). Whether it's how to make a new friend, what to wear in Winter, how to win at darts- It doesn't bother Reader to answer their questions or let them follow them around. Reader just hopes they don't get caught up in Reader's search for clues, in case it gets dangerous... Their mom, who seems cold and sharp, is oddly nice to them. Reader left her some wild roses they found, and now they get discounts on snacks or drinks when they come in her store

• Reader doesn't mind entertaining the kids. Really, they don't. For how they can't remember much, there are certain tricks and skills they have that seem to impress the teens. Be it winning at guessing games, knowing how to climb a stone wall, or being able to win over stray cats and bugs, they always seem to find Reader interesting. Sometimes they feel a little... freaked out... over having so many eyes on them. But these are just teens. Good ones, for the most part. What harm can they do?

• Reader keeps trying to find clues as to the odd symbol on their hand, or why the town is closed off from the outside world, and why Reader can't remember anything before waking up here... they keep digging, checking the old history museum and the woods beyond the last few houses, but whenever Reader feela they're getting too close- suddenly they're pulled off to something else. They're worried, for themself, for the others... but with each new puzzle piece they uncover... they can't help but start to think there's something hiding close enough to touch it...

• If only they could just reach it and not fall asleep again, waking up back in the field or in their bed, wondering why their dreams keep getting so strange and frightening...

[diannedazzlesskinbeautydelights]

The Perfect At-Home Manicure: Gel Nails Extensions 

Do your nails ever look dull, short, or just simply unkempt? Having beautiful, polished gel nails extensions can make all the difference in finishing off a put-together look. While visiting the salon for manicures and pedicure produces fabulous results, it can get pricey fast. Luckily, with a bit of practice, you can give yourself a salon-worthy mani-pedi right from the comfort of your home. Read on to learn all about at-home gel manicures, pedicure best practices, and how to apply acrylic nails.

Gel Nails extensions at Home

Gel manicures have become popular in recent years due to their ultra-glossy finish and long-lasting wear. The gel polish is cured under an LED or UV nail lamp, allowing it to harden on the nail rather than air dry. This gives the color serious staying power—oftentimes 14 days or longer before any chips appear.

The best at-home gel manicure kits contain everything you need to achieve a flawless, chip-free gel mani, including:

Gel polish in various colors

Nail primer

Base and top coat

LED lamp

Manicure tools

Before applying gel polish, start by filing and buffing your nails into the desired shape. Push back and trim any overgrown cuticles with a cuticle pusher and nail clipper. Then, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and allow the nails to dry completely. Swipe on the nail primer, allowing it to dry. This helps the gel polish adhere properly.

Paint on a thin layer of gel base coat, cure in the lamp per package directions, and follow with two thin coats of gel color, curing in between each layer. Finish with a gel top coat to make the manicure extra glossy and hard-wearing. Cure one final time. The entire process takes 30-40 minutes.

With the right prep and products, you can achieve stunning, salon-grade gel nails from the comfort of your home. They will withstand everyday activities and look freshly manicured for weeks.

Pampering Pedicures at Home

Caring for your feet is just as important as your manicure when it comes to overall beauty maintenance. Professional pedicure services groom feet and toenails, removing dead skin and massaging in hydration. The results are sandal-ready feet that feel soft and renewed.

Recreate the pedicure experience at home with this simple routine:

Soak feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salts, coconut oil, or essential oils for 10-15 minutes to soften skin and cuticles. Rub any particularly rough areas with a pumice stone. Rinse feet and pat dry with a clean towel.

Use cuticle clippers to trim overgrown cuticles, then gently push them back with an orangewood stick. File toenails into the desired shape using a crystal nail file. Buff nails to smooth ridges if necessary.

Give yourself a foot massage by applying moisturizing lotion or foot cream and kneading pressure points with your fingers or knuckles. This stimulates circulation. Slip on a pair of cotton socks and allow products to absorb for 5-10 minutes.

Paint nails in your polish shade of choice. Use a concealer brush dipped in acetone around the edges for extra precision for a salon-style finish.

Indulge your feet in this soothing spa-like treatment once a week or whenever they need a little TLC. Consistent at-home pedicures will keep feet looking and feeling soft, healthy, and beautiful.

DIY Acrylic Nails near me Application

Acrylic nails are valued for their natural-looking length and flexibility. Typically applied by professionals, you can also learn to apply acrylic nails safely at home with some patience and practice. Here is a step-by-step overview:

Start by thoroughly washing your hands to remove dirt, oil, and moisturizer residue. Trim natural nails short and file into the desired shape. Then, push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher. This is important so the acrylic can adhere directly to the natural nail plate.

Apply nail dehydrator and primer. These act like glue, allowing acrylic powder and liquid to bond properly to the natural nail. Have all supplies nearby and workable: acrylic powder, liquid monomer, an application brush, and tips if using.

Please select the right nail tip size and use adhesive to secure them to the end of each natural nail. They should fit perfectly to each nail, never overlapping the edges. If not using tips, proceed to the next step.

Use the application brush to pick up a small, wet bead of powder and liquid monomer. Carefully press it onto the nail, brushing back and forth to create an even surface and seamless edge against the cuticles and sidewalls. Repeat this process until the desired thickness and extension length are built.

Shape and refine the acrylic nails using gentle filing motions. Avoid filing too aggressively at the stress area to prevent cracking, which occurs within the natural nail and acrylic overlay. Finish by buffing for a natural glow.

It takes time to perfect acrylic application. Starting with just a few nails helps develop technique. With regular practice, you can successfully do a full set from home. Be sure to infill growth and soak off/reapply every 2-3 weeks to prevent lifting and maintain healthy nails.

Treat Yourself Salon visits undoubtedly pamper and beautify, but they aren’t always practical or affordable. With the right guidance, tricks, and tools, you can indulge in professional-looking gel manicures, pedicures, and acrylic nails from the comfort of your home. Pay attention to key tips that promote safe, healthy nail care practices, too. Go ahead and treat yourself!

[chandigarhayurved]

What are the Best Herbs for the treatment of Ringworm?

Introduction

Ringworm is a common skin infection that is seen in both children and adults. A fungus known as dermatophyte causes ringworm. Ringworm can affect human being as well as animals. Ringworm infection occurs on the skin areas that are usually warm and moist, such as the skin folds between the toes, groin region, scalp, and fingers among others. Ringworm appears in the form of a circular ring like rash with a clear area in the centre. The edges of the ring are raised, red coloured and scaly.

Types of Ringworm

Ringworm or Tinea goes by many names based on its location on the body

Tinea pedis(Athlete’s foot): On the soles of the feet

Tinea cruris: On the groin inner thighs and buttocks

Tinea barbae: On the beard area

Tinea manuum: On the palms of the hands

Tinea capitis: On the scalp

Tinea unguium: On the fingernails and toenails

Causes of Ringworm

Skin to skin contact like hugs or handshakes with people who are suffering from this skin condition

Sharing objects such as brushes combs

Exposure to Dermatophytes

Ringworm symptoms

Round patches with a raised border and a clear area in the centre

The patch may appear red, pink, grey or brown.

Multiple ring-shaped patches may fuse together and spread to larger area.

Pus-filled boils may also appear around the rash.

Swelling and redness in the groin region are present in the initial stages of infection

Blister- like lesions and itching

Bald patches on scalp

Skin may appear unusually dark or light.

Finger and toenqails tht are discolored, thick or crumble.

Dryness

Types of Ringworm

Ringworm or Tinea goes by many names based on

Best herbs for the treatment of Ringworm

1. Coconut oil

There are both antifungal and microbial properties in coconut oil that can help cure ringworm infection. It’s an effective home remedy for ringworm and infections with other fungi.

Take a coconut oil and apply it directly to the infected area. It will easily absorb into the skin. Apply it at least thrice a day

2. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has strong antifungal properties, so it can help treat ringworm when applied to the infected area.

Soak a cotton ball in undiluted apple cider vinegar and gently apply the cotton ball over your skin. Do this twice daily

3. Turmeric

It has various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s also an effective antifungal that prevents growth.

Mix turmeric spice, with a small amount of water and mix until it becomes a paste. Apply it to your skin and leave it on until it dries. You can also drink turmeric water or turmeric tea daily to get the internal benefits.

4. Licorice

It has antimicrobial properties, and research has shown that licorice extracts could be used to treat fungal infections. Mix a cup of water with 5 spoons of powdered licorice and bring it to boil. Reduce the heat after boiling and simmer for ten minutes. Until it make a paste, stir. Apply the paste when it is cool, and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. Apply twice a day.

5. Aloe Vera

It has long been used both for bacterial and fungal infections as a natural treatment, and ringworm is no exception. Aloe vera may cure the ringworm and can soothe symptoms of itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort.

Apply alovera gel on affected area. Do this thrice a day

6. Garlic

Garlic has been considered very effective in treating many types of fungal infections. According to research garlic  can be effective in treating ringworm. Slice some garlic into slim pieces or, alternatively, smash them. Rub the garlic on the affected areas around three times daily.

7. Neem

Neem has many medicinal properties. Anti-fungal properties are found in neem, which are helpful in removing fungal infections. To eliminate the problem of ringworm, you can use neem leaves. Grind neem leaves and apply it on the affected area. And you can also use neem water for washing the infected area. To make neem water, boil neem leaves in water for 2 to 3 minutes.

8. Marigold flowers

Marigold flowers have anti-bacterial and anti0viral properties. Make a paste by boiling marigold flower leaves in water. Use this paste 2 to 3 times a day you will see the difference in a few days.

Chandigarh Ayurved Centre made a kit to cure the ringworm of its root cause. ‘Ringworm Go Kit’ that includes natural and pure herbs which have very effective results in the management of Ringworms.

Chandigarh Ayurved Centre made a kit to cure the ringworm of its root cause. We made a ‘Ringworm Go Kit’ that includes natural and pure herbs which have very effective results in the management of Ringworms.

Detox Premium Powder:

Detox premium powder is a very effective ayurvedic medicine to cure skin problems as it purifies the whole body by removing excess toxins from the body. The powder is composed of shukta pishti, giloy satv, gandhak rasayan, moti pishti, akik pishti, shankh bhasma, etc. The ingredient reduces all the signs and symptoms associated with Ringworm and provides a healthy skin.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.

Twak Tailam:

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification, treats ringworm and blood purification without any side effects. It gives a calming effect on the affected area and reduces swelling, itching, redness, etc.

Method of Application – Apply over the affected area of the skin.

Blood Purifier Syrup:

This is the herbal syrup that removes excess toxins from the blood naturally. The syrup is made up of natural herbs like Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. It is very beneficial in the case of ringworm as it restores the skin to its fullest potential and keeps its elasticity while combating infections.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu:

This is the best medicine in the management of ringworm as it subsides all the symptoms and prevents the skin from further infection also. These herbal tablets are prepared from Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), It detoxifies the blood and rejuvenates the skin, reduces skin rashes, redness, dryness, etc.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

Skin care tablet:

Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It helps to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.

Twak Churna

This is the herbal formulation of Manjistha and Yashtimadhu that surely cures the ringworm of its root. The churna has best result in relieving the burning sensation, itchiness, redness, reduce the patch, etc

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily with normal water.

[306spa]

Are you searching for a best salon Abu Dhabi? then look no further, your search ends at 306Spa salon. We are delighted to be number one salon in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. We have served N number of clients and helped them to get their desired personality.

[food1top]

Medication for Athletes Foot

Medication for Athletes Foot Athlete’s food can be prevented and definitely can be cured. Before looking into the medication for Athlete’s foot, let us first look into the different preventive measures to be remembered to avoid getting Athlete’s Foot. Let us start off with the simple fact and that is to avoid walking barefoot. Of course, wear comfortable shoes when you are on the go and when you get home ready to slip on those slippers. There should be slippers to be used only outside of the house and another pair exclusively for roaming around inside the house. Even when taking a shower, always use shower shoes or shower slippers. Talcum powder is a very powerful vanity item because it reduces perspiration. Always use it most especially before doing any activity that will surely leave you perspiring. You can use it minimally everyday just to make sure you will not as perspire as much when commuting or walking to and from work. From now on, talcum powder should be in the list of care items to buy. The best pair of shoes to buy is a pair that is both light and airy. Lightness is of course highly essential because trudging along many flights of stairs or covering long distances will not be as tiresome when you are wearing the right footwear. Checking your shoes in relation to how it allows air to come in through it is also good. If ever you need to wear socks, make sure you change when you perspire heavily or whenever you feel uncomfortable. If all these measures failed and you now have to deal with Athlete’s Foot then go to the nearest drug store because there are over the counter topical and oral medications available. You can ask for suggestions from your pharmacists which brands to buy but it does not really matter because most of these brands as long as they are not fake meds have the same working ingredients. These medications will not take effect though if you do not clean your feet regularly. There are chances that these medications will not take effect because of your not being able to practice good hygiene. So before applying any medicine or even aside from taking medicines, make sure that you also clean your feet properly with soap and water as constantly as needed. After washing, make sure to dry both feet as well. Damp feet are easily prone to Athlete’s Foot. athletes foot cream,athletes foot treatment,,fungal infection between toes treatment,clotrimazole for athletes foot,foot fungus treatment,tinea pedis,athletes foot disease,antifungal cream, Read the full article

[ruheesblog]

How To Care For Your Nails Post Gel Manicure Or Pedicure

Congratulations on your new gel manicure pedicure! Here are a few tips on ensuring your nails stay looking their best for as long as possible.

First and foremost, always make sure to keep your nails clean and dry. It's also important to avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents near your nails, as these can cause the polish to chip or peel.

If you're doing manual labor, like gardening or cleaning, wear gloves to protect your nails. And finally, remember to use a good quality nail polish remover each week to remove any excess polish or build-up.

These simple tips will help ensure that your nails stay fresh and fabulous for weeks!

What You Should Know Before a Gel Manicure or Pedicure

Here are some things you should know BEFORE getting a mani pedi home service:

1. Always ensure your nails are clean and free of oils or lotions before your appointment.

2. If you're getting a gel manicure, ask your technician to use a base coat, as this will help protect your nails from damage.

3. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals on your nails for at least 48 hours after treatment.

4. Be sure to moisturize your hands and feet regularly, especially after washing them, to keep them looking healthy and hydrated.

Preparing Nails for a Gel Manicure or Pedicure

As a professional nail technician, one of the most common questions is HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NAILS POST GEL MANICURE OR PEDICURE. So, today, nail salon Dubai going to walk you through the basics so you can extend the life of your mani/Pedi and keep your nails looking their best.

The first thing to keep in mind is that gel nails are a synthetic product, requiring a different type of care than natural nails. Therefore, to achieve the longest possible life for your gel nails, it is crucial to follow these simple steps:

1. Prep your nails by removing any traces of old polish and buffing them to a smooth surface.

2. Apply a thin coat of cuticle oil or balm to each nail and rub it in until it's absorbed.

3. Apply a primer to each nail and allow it to dry completely.

4. Apply 2-3 thin coats of gel polish, making sure to cap the tips of the nails.

5. Finish with a top coat and cure under a UV or LED light.

6. To remove, saturate a cotton ball with acetone-based nail polish remover and place it on top of each nail for 5-10 seconds. Next, gently push down on the cotton ball with your thumb until the gel polish pops off (or use an orange stick). Beware that this process may cause your natural nails to become thin and weak, so be sure to use a good strengthener afterward!

Caring for Your Nails after a Gel Manicure and Pedicure

Now that you've had a gel manicure or pedicure, it's essential to know how to care for your nails properly, so they last as long as possible. Here are a few simple tips:

1. Keep your nails dry and clean. Avoid getting them wet as much as possible, and brush them off after showering.

2. Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on your nails. This includes using strong cleaning products, scraping at the gel polish with metal instruments, or using your teeth to remove a nail polish mishap.

3. Apply a thin layer of nail oil every day to help keep your nails healthy and moisturized.

4. If you notice any peeling or lifting of the gel polish, soak your nails in a bowl of warm water and then gently push the polish back into place. Do not try to remove it yourself, as this can damage your nails.

Following these simple tips can help ensure that your gel manicure or pedicure lasts for weeks!

Professional vs. DIY: Pros and Cons of Nail Salon Services

When it comes to your nails, there are a lot of options out there. You can go to a best nail salon Dubai and get a gel manicure or pedicure or do your nails at home. There are pros and cons to both choices, so it's essential to weigh your options before making a decision.

If you choose to go to a salon, you'll be able to sit back and relax while someone else takes care of your nails. This can be a great way to unwind after a long week. However, beauty salon Dubai can be expensive and require more time and effort than doing your nails at home.

DIY manicures and pedicures are a great way to save money and time. You can also customize your nails however you want, which gives you more control over the final result. However, doing your nails can be difficult and time-consuming, and it's essential to ensure you're using the right products and techniques to avoid damaging your nails.

So there you have it! Your foolproof guide on how to care for your nails post mani pedi home service. By following these simple tips, you can keep your nails looking their best for longer. And the next time you go for a gel mani or Pedi at your favorite nail salon, you'll know exactly what to do when you get home to maintain your perfect nails. 

[silverlab101]

Health Subject Athletes Foot

Heel spurs, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns, and calluses, as properly as many post-operative surgical circumstances, reply properly to bodily therapy. This therapy is a secure and effective different treatment for heel pain and solely requires a brief recovery time. Clinical studies show a 70 % success fee for treatment of plantar fasciitis using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. Keep your nails clear and clipped brief –– nails can house and unfold an infection.

Foot soaks with anything that kills the fungus (diluted bleach, vinegar, iodine, alcohol, and so on.) and topical antifungals utilized to the affected areas twice a day. Athlete’s foot, additionally referred to as tinea pedis, is the most common sort offungal an infection. It can affect any boy, girl, man, girl, athlete, or sofa potato. It’s contagious, too, which implies that being conscious of how it spreads could scale back your chances of getting it. The medicaldermatologists at Water’s Edge Dermatologycan help diagnose and treat athlete’s foot. Soak your foot in a mix of 2 teaspoons of salt per pint of heat water, says Suzanne M. Levine, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at New York Hospital–Cornell Medical Center.

HIV/AIDS hampers the immune system and increases the danger of acquiring athlete's foot. Hyperhidrosis will increase the chance of an infection and makes treatment harder. Athlete's foot can often be treated successfully with creams, gels or sprays which are available from pharmacies without a prescription. These merchandise athlete's foot treatment contain an ingredient that stops the growth of the fungus or kills it. Once your infection has cleared, assist guard against its return by persevering with to use the antifungal medication that cured your problem, says Dr. Levine. You should continue using the cream for 50 % longer than it took to clear up the problem.

Over-the-counter foot medications and home treatments can help do away with athlete’s foot. In instances where these therapies don't work, you should see a well being care provider to get a prescription medication or discuss other types of foot care and treatment. Keep them clean and dry – as an alternative of closed sneakers, put on sandals when you can. An glorious natural remedy is tea tree oil, extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. This works as nicely as or higher than pharmaceutical antifungal merchandise. Tea-tree oil will also clear up fungal infections of the toenails or fingernails, situations which might be usually tough to treatment, even with robust systemic antifungals.

Your physician can confirm athlete's foot by scraping a small little bit of scale off the foot and inspecting it beneath a microscope. Prescription-strength topicals, such as clotrimazole, may be used. Oral prescription medications similar to fluconazole could additionally be required for severe or resilient infections. If complicated with bacterial an infection, antibiotics can also be necessary. In many cases, toenail fungus doesn’t produce any signs other than an unpleasant look.

Your foot and ankle surgeon will advocate the best treatment for you. A fungal an infection could occur on any part of the physique; on the foot, it's known as athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis. Fungus generally attacks athlete's foot treatment the toes as a outcome of it thrives in a dark, moist and heat environment, similar to a shoe. Athlete’s foot is attributable to the tinea fungus rising on the pores and skin.

These signs could be a signal of a secondary an infection that might unfold and trigger serious health problems. Your signs do not resolve in 2-3 weeks with house treatment. Once the skin turns into contaminated the fungus begins to grow and multiply, presumably infecting other areas of the body.

Keeping your toes dry and training correct hygiene are essential to stopping athlete’s foot from growing. The most typical type of treatment is over-the-counter medicines, but some instances may require prescription treatment. It is crucial to take the right steps in the course of the treatment of athlete’s foot as soon athlete's foot treatment as attainable to prevent additional spread of the infection. Athlete’s foot is a commonly occurring fungal pores and skin an infection that often begins between the toes. It can unfold to you in various methods, together with skin-to-skin contact or touching a contaminated floor, and can last a couple of days to a few weeks.

[cleanbeautymarketplace]

How to do a Foot Spa at Home

You are on your feet from morning to night and doing everything you’ve got to do. You manage your face care routine, your body care routine, and also your diet. While all of that is necessary and appreciable, there’s one thing that’s constantly being ignored… your feet! Ask yourself and answer honestly, how many times have you actually sat down and took care of your feet? If the answer is, “I don’t remember the last time I got a pedi”, followed by an excuse that “I’m so busy to even get a pedicure”, well, here’s your cue to read this!

#VWApproves:

Bliscent Peppermint Foot Soak

Soak away the tension in your feet with this truly amazing Peppermint Foot Soak. This is how you begin to end a very hectic day on your feet. And all you need is a tub of lukewarm water and a spoonful of this soak. It’ll help revive and re-energize your feet and help to make you feel rejuvenated. Enriched with Pink Himalayan Salt and Peppermint extracts, this soak will help remove dead skin and make your feet smooth & soft.

mCaffeine Naked & Raw Dead Skin Removal Coffee Foot Scrub

A relaxing soak must be followed by an extensive scrub to exfoliate and refresh your skin. This supple yet strong Coffee Foot Scrub is the perfect partner to really clean out dead skin,rid of impurities, and dirt, and keeps your feet feeling fresh and relaxed, giving your feet a makeover.

Soulflower Tea Tree Foot Reflexology Aroma Oil

Tea Tree Foot Reflexology Aroma Oil wakes senses and re-energizes your feet. It calms skin, provides antibacterial protection, and relaxes the mind and body with its aroma. Your itchy skin will be relieved by the antibacterial characteristics it holds. Additionally, this oil prevents fungal infections on the body, reduces body odor, and leaves skin feeling supple and radiant.

The Nature’s Co. Volcanic Foot Therapy Stone

This foot therapy stone will help you truly scrub out the leftover dry and dead skin cells and give your sole that polished natural pink glow. You can use it daily for a quick foot cleanser or follow a thorough foot spa at home.

House of Beauty Paraffin Wax Socks, Lavender

A unique, effective, and simple-to-apply, deep moisture mask with a sock-like shape that completely envelops the foot. The cutting-edge revitalizing solution ensures intense and thorough regeneration as well as hydration of dry spots on heels and feet. The natural paraffin comes in hygienic packs and is ready for immediate use, you just have to warm it up and put it on.

Mellow Crack Heal Cream with Castor Oil & Beeswax

This foot cream helps smoothen out your heels and is made softer by the presence of beeswax. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of til oil effectively cure damaged skin. This heel cream hastens the healing of heel sores. Castor oil, which is high in ricinoleic acid, helps wounds heal more quickly and naturally moisturizes heels. You can get soft, smooth heels by using a crack heel cream, and this one is what you and your feet are looking for!

[websitestrust]

Sally hansen

SALLY HANSEN FULL

Lustig suggests more natural shapes, like oval or “squoval,” look the most classy and upscale, but there's a shape for every personal style. Acrylics are available in lots of different shapes. If you're not used to long nails, some things-like typing, playing the guitar, or doing the dishes-might prove a bit of a challenge. Since they’re usually longer than your regular nails, they might be best for a fancy occasion, though many women rock them every day. Not that I’ve ever done that.Īcrylics: Acrylics are the nail extensions you might think of when you think “fancy nails.” If you ask for these, the tech will file down your nails and then glue on nail-tip extensions. Just remember that picking at them is a bad idea. You can get your polish removed at a salon for a small fee (some salons will even waive the fee if you get new polish, Lustig suggests). It’s best to soak your nails in acetone, but it’s a bit of a process. Gel is more expensive (generally $10-20 more), and is cured under a UV light so there’s no long drying process. I can usually go two weeks or even a bit longer before people would notice any flaws. Gel: Gel polish lasts longer than regular nail polish. Removal is just the same as if you did your own nails at home-a cotton ball and some nail polish remover. After the tech finishes your nails, you will go sit at a table to let your nails dry under some fans (kind of like a hand version of those old-timey hair salon dryers). This will be chip-free for five to seven days if you are both lucky and careful. Lacquer: This is just regular nail polish. If you’re not sure, you can always ask what’s included in the various tiers of service and what their respective prices are. Some salons also offer an “express manicure/pedicure” that’s somewhere in between, maybe without the massage.

SALLY HANSEN FULL

This is great if you’re on a budget, if your hands/feet already look good, or if you just don’t like the feeling of the full mani/pedi experience. Asking for a “polish change” (if you already have nail polish) or “just the polish” should cost you a little less than a full mani or pedi-in some cases, half the price. Polish change: You don’t have to get a manicure or a pedicure to get your nails done. Both of these include some TLC: clipping cuticles, moisturizing skin, usually a massage with a manicure and a footbath with a pedicure. pedicure: A manicure is for your hands a pedicure is for your feet. “Hi-I-was-wondering-if-you-can-do-a-French-gel-manicure-today-and-how-much-is-it?” The nail tech will almost always have follow-up questions because there are so many tiny differences. Often the most daunting part of the experience with a new-to-you nail salon is the first phone call.

[shilparoy9955876]

Stay evergreen at your doorstep. PrettyU has brought manicure and pedicure services by our professionals at your doorstep.

[andrewmoocow]

Steven Universe Alternate Future chapter 8: Black and White (originally published on January 25, 2021)

Author's Note: At long last, the long-awaited conclusion to Part 1 of Steven Universe: Alternate Future is upon us! This may seem like an innocuous love letter to the mockumentary genre (I even watched This is Spinal Tap on HBO Max for inspiration), but the ending will change everything you will see in this chapter! But I'm through being dramatic, let's boogie!

Synopsis: A Black Rutile and her partner White Topaz want to get answers from Steven.

Cast:

Zach Callison as Steven, Onion

Estelle as Garnet

Michaela Dietz as Amethyst, Ocean Jasper

Deedee Magno-Hall as Pearl, Black Rutile’s Pearls

Uzo Aduba as Bismuth

Jennifer Paz as Lapis Lazuli, Zuli, Mean Lapis

Shelby Rabara as Peridot

Kimberly Brooks as Cherry Quartz, Jasper

Ian Jones-Quartey as Snowflake Obsidian

Michelle Maryk as Little Larimar

Amy Sedaris as Teal Zircon

Aparna Nancherla as Nephrite

Grace Rolek as Connie

Crispin Freeman as Doug

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as Priyanka

Tom Scharpling as Greg

Zach Steel as Ronaldo

Eugene Cordero as Jamie

Joel Hodgson as Mr. Dewey

Reagan Gomez Preston as Jenny, Kiki

Brian Posehn as Sour Cream

Lamar Abrams as Buck

Matthew Moy as Lars

Kate Micucci as Sadie

Alastair James as Rainbow Quartz 2.0

Shoniqua Shondai as Sunstone

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Charlyne Yi as Eyeball

Jinkx Monsoon as Emerald

Christine Pedi as Holly Blue Agate

Hayley Kiyoko as Morganite

Olivia Olson as Black Rutile's Citrines

Featuring Noël Wells as Black Rutile

And Lauren Ash as White Topaz

--

"Is the camera ready, Topaz?"

"It's ready, my Rutile!"

"You idiot, you forgot to turn on the lens!"

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry, my Rutile, let me fix that!"

A camera was turned on inside a black-colored dropship, where a matching-colored Rutile in a green visor and white cape sat down in a captain's chair, confident and charming. "Hello, universe!" the Rutile greeted. "My name is Black Rutile, and welcome to Eye on Era 3, the special interview show where we discuss with Gems about the changes a certain Steven Universe brought to our proud culture!"

"And I'm White Topaz!" the Topaz operating Black Rutile's camera turned the lens to herself and cheerfully waved to the audience.

"Uh, Topaz, over here." Black Rutile ordered.

"Oh, sorry!" White Topaz muttered and turned the camera back to her superior.

"Anyways, we've traveled across the stars to chat it up with all sorts of Gems." The Rutile continued ecstatically. "From Pearls free from slavery, to proud Emerald pilots! Agates with no one to order around, Lapis Lazulis thinking they're lost in the world, and even a few fusions here and there! But today, we're gonna get answers straight from the mouth of this so-called "new Pink Diamond" himself!" she stated, making air-quotes while calling Steven the new Pink Diamond.

"My Rutile, we are closing in on Earth." A Citrine piloting Black Rutile's ship announced. "Is there any good spot you'd like to land?"

"Let's try that Little Homeworld place I've heard so much about." Black Rutile suggested. "We're bound to get tons of special guests there."

"Yes, your clarity." The Citrine complied, and she returned to her station.

"In case you were stuck in a Kindergarten for the past couple hundred years, Little Homeworld is where tons of Gems formerly corrupted by the Diamonds at the end of the Rebellion have made their home." Black Rutile narrated over footage of Little Homeschool. "The number one hotspot of this little bit of home is Little Homeschool, where Gems from all over come to learn how to mingle with the life on Earth and let go of the old ways."

"Hey, you think maybe we could go to that place, BR?" White Topaz grinned eagerly.

"Don't forget about our plans." Black Rutile said under her breath to her Topaz bodyguard. "I mean, we should be nearing Little Homeworld any minute now, so stay tuned!"

--

Gems began to gather when Black Rutile's ship made its landing in Little Homeworld, and the landing door opened to reveal its owner and her sidekick strolling out.

"Oh my, we already have quite a crowd here!" Black Rutile laughed into a microphone. "Now then, I'll pick a few lucky Gems from our audience here to answer some questions about their experiences on Earth." Looking around, Black Rutile managed to pick out Bismuth, Peridot, and Lapis Lazuli from the huddling Gems. "Ah, you three, over there!"

"Us?" Lapis asked.

"Could you care to tell us how life has been on Earth for you?" Black Rutile asked, sticking her microphone out to the trio.

"I've actually been on Earth about as long as Lapis here." Bismuth answered, gesturing to Lapis. "I was one of the original Crystal Gems under Rose Quartz, chosen because I wanted to build whatever I wanted, with no uppercrusts to order me around! But my methods of dealing with the enemy was a bit more extreme than what she was used to, so Rose took one in particular a bit personally and had me poofed & bubbled. In hindsight, maybe Rose was worried that her cover would've been blown."

"As Bismuth said, I was on Earth for a very long time." Lapis began speaking into the mic. "I was supposed to be there for only a little bit to assist in terraforming, but then I got caught in the war and was poofed before being confused for a Crystal Gem. I was interrogated while my gem was stuck in a mirror, but that kind of got cut short when the Diamonds unleashed their final attack and forced everyone to flee. I was left behind by accident, and someone cracked my gem by stepping on it, and years later, I was found by Pearl, who kept me in her gem until Steven freed me."

"Aw, what a happy ending!" White Topaz cooed.

"Yeah, no." Lapis sardonically corrected White Topaz. "After I was freed from the mirror, I nearly drowned tons of people because I wanted to get home, but then home turned out to be a lot different from when I left it. I was once again made a prisoner by Peridot and Jasper, who then invaded Earth because I met the Crystal Gems that everyone thought were defeated in the Rebellion, then I fused with Jasper to protect Steven, which took a number on both of our mental states, I was freed yet again, then I left Earth because I was told the Diamonds might be coming, before coming back only to get poofed by Yellow Diamond."

"Much like Lapis, I was only supposed to be on Earth for a short while to perform my duties." Peridot began telling her story. "I was supposed to check up on the old Galaxy Warp, but then the Crystal Gems kept getting in my way no matter what. Before I knew it, I was without help, without any working technology, and then without my limb enhancers. I don't think I even bothered to ask where the Gems put them."

"A Lapis, a Bismuth and a Peridot. What an unlikely trio." Black Rutile mused. "Tell me, what was it that made you three decide to work alongside each other in the first place."

"Well, it all began when Steven and the Crystal Gems left Earth to convince White Diamond to help them cure corruption." Bismuth said. "I elected to stay behind on Earth to watch over these two."

"Ooh, ooh, can I do a reenactment?!" White Topaz asked, to which Black Rutile responded with a sigh.

"Proceed." Black Rutile muttered, tapping on her camera to produce a light shining on the surface of the dropship. White Topaz began to shapeshift her fingers into various characters, and started a shadow puppet show.

"Bye Bismuth, I'm gonna go to Homeworld and hope we can convince White Diamond to help us save the corrupted Gems." White Topaz said, imitating Steven. "You do you kid. I'm gonna watch over those other Gems while you're away." She continued, now impersonating Bismuth. "Have fun!"

Steven's shadow puppet was raised into the air as White Topaz made rocket sounds, followed by turning more of her fingers into Peridot and Lapis. Black Rutile just gave an annoyed glare to the camera.

"Hey, where's Steven?" White Topaz's impression of Lapis asked. "Oh, him? He ran off to Homeworld with the Diamonds." Her mimicry of Bismuth answered. "Oh my stars, are we too late?!" an aping of Peridot cried out.

"Do I really sound like that?" Peridot muttered as the shadow play went on.

"No little guy, he's fine!" White Topaz's impression of Bismuth continued. "Just something about corruption or whatever."

"Okay, I think we've seen enough!" Black Rutile laughed awkwardly as she interrupted the puppet show.

"Aw, but I was getting to the good part!" White Topaz moaned sadly.

"To be fair, you were almost spot on." Bismuth stated. "When Steven told us through some weird watermelon creature that looked just like him that trouble was indeed brewing on Homeworld, Peridot and Lapis reformed not too long after and we came together out of a desire to help him out."

"United by a common goal, how quaint." Black Rutile smiled and folded her hands behind her back, trying to hide their fidgeting. "Now then, would anyone else like to come up and chat?"

"I would, I would, I would!" Teal Zircon cried as she pushed her way through the crowd. "Hi, name's Teal Zircon, nice to meet you!" she greeted Black Rutile while rapidly shaking her hand. "So, you wanted to learn about my time here on Earth?"

"You're awfully excitable." Black Rutile pushed up her visor by the bridge with a grin. "More to the point, I'd like to hear your story Ms. Zircon."

"Gladly!" Teal Zircon exclaimed. "Like many of the Gems here, I was once corrupted by the Diamonds and became a long-tongued speedster that Peridot tried to capture no matter what, through hell or high water. Eventually, she did succeed, and I was stuck in the barn she and Lapis called home, until the Crystal Gems took me to their place. One day, I was healed by Steven along with a Cherry Quartz and shown around Little Homeschool. That same day, Steven took me along to see a Jasper who didn't want to go to school, and I was willing to become her friend, but I'm pretty sure she hates my guts."

"I'll have to check up on this Jasper sometime." Black Rutile commented. "Now then, anyone else care to share?"

"I'd like to." Zuli answered as she flew up and touched down next to Black Rutile. "I only came here a few weeks ago after Steven recommended the place to a former friend of mine and me. We were terraforming this moon called Aozul 2, but Steven and this other Lapis that we were buddies with back in our terraforming days told us that wasn't cool anymore, so they taught us new ways to express ourselves. I was a lot more accepting, but my ex-friend didn't want to change. To this day, I still don't know where she's at."

"May I go next?" Cherry Quartz asked Black Rutile.

"Sure, go ahead." Black Rutile answered, passing the mic to the Quartz.

"I was an average Quartz soldier made to fight in the war, but then I got corrupted, of course." Cherry began. "Then Steven came along and healed me along with TZ, and introduced us to Little Homeschool. I was a little nervous at first, but while Steven was away, I met up with some fellow Quartzes who told me all about how great it was here."

"I was the first corrupted Gem Steven helped defeat." Nephrite said, taking the mic from Cherry Quartz. "I was actually brought back out a few times, the first was a complete accident & I was poofed soon after, but the second time was when Steven thought he could try to heal me, but instead he reunited me with my old crew."

"Okay, we're running out of time here folks, I got other people to interview, and I haven't got all day!" Black Rutile yelled. "Which one wants to cap off this part?!"

"Little Larimar and I wanna talk." Snowflake Obsidian answered. "Hi, I'm Snowflake Obsidian. This is my buddy Little Larimar."

"We were corrupted Gems too." Larimar said. "I remember when Steven dropped us into that fountain, and we were all right as rain. Then years later, he helped us all find jobs that he thought were right for us, but then hilarity ensued."

"Wow, pretty much everyone here has such nice things to say about Steven." Black Rutile commented while putting on an eerie fake smile. "Isn't there anyone on this planet that doesn't love him?"

"Well, there is Jasper, kind of." Bismuth answered. "I say kind of because I have no idea what's even up with her ever since she was uncorrupted. I mean, she does express a teeny bit of gratitude for it, but she still would rather stay as far away from us as possible."

"To be frank, I wouldn't blame her." Lapis agreed. "Anyway, if you want to interview her, she's in a cave in the woods nearby."

"Good to know, Lapis." Black Rutile thanked Lapis. "I do hope we can see each other again sometime." She laughed as she and White Topaz began leaving Little Homeworld. "Perhaps even sooner than you think."

--

"We've all had our fun in Little Homeworld, but there's still a Gem we've yet to cover as we move on with our tour of Earth." Black Rutile continued narrating while walking in the woods. "This Gem, in particular, has been living in the woods ever since she was cured of an unfortunate case of corruption, and refuses to join her fellow Gems at Little Homeschool! Well, let's see if she can tell us why."

"Is that where she's living over there?" White Topaz asked as she pointed the camera to a cave with a tarp over the entrance.

"I think you might be right!" Black Rutile exclaimed as she raced over to the cave. "Excuse me, does Jasper live here?!"

"No she doesn't, now get out." Jasper's voice grumbled from within the cave.

"If Jasper isn't here, then who are you?" White Topaz asked, forcing Jasper to emerge from her cave.

"Someone who's going to pulverize you if you don't leave me alone." Jasper snarled.

"But we just wanted to ask about your time here on Earth!" Black Rutile nervously explained.

"Guess what, I'm not interested." Jasper added. "Now let me repeat myself, beat it, or I'm gonna beat you!"

"I think we should do as she says, my Rutile!" White Topaz began sweating nervously and slowly stepping away from Jasper.

"Righto." Black Rutile agreed before they ran away from Jasper. "But trust me, I think she might be useful to us."

--

"Well, that went horribly." White Topaz commented the farther she and Black Rutile got from Jasper. "Now where are we?"

"I'm not sure." Black Rutile answered while gazing at a terraced house. "But I do believe we have our next interviewee!"

"Which is?" White Topaz asked her superior.

"The residence of one Connie," Black Rutile declared, bringing up data on Connie on her visor, but then stopped at her last name. "Moo-hee-swear-ann. Seriously, how do you pronounce that?" The reporter decided to brush that off with a shrug and proceeded to knock on the door. "Good day Ms. Moo-hee-swear-ann, my name is Black Rutile, here to interview you about your experiences on Earth."

"It's Maheswaran, in case you're struggling to pronounce it." Connie's mother Priyanka corrected the Rutile. "Now, can I help you?"

"Oh, my apologies." Black Rutile said. "You look a lot taller than my data says."

"I believe you have me confused for my daughter, I'm her mother." Priyanka stated. "If you wish to speak with Connie, she's busy with college preparations, so you can only speak for 15 minutes."

"Uh, question!" White Topaz raised her hand. "What's college?"

--

"So you're doing all this for a TV show?" Connie asked Black Rutile moments later in the living room.

"You could say that." Black Rutile answered with a grin. "I'm working on an investigative report chronicling everyone's experiences with Era 3, and I'm working towards interviewing all the Crystal Gems and their allies, you included little girl. Now tell me, how did you first meet little Steven?"

"Well, it all started a few years ago." Connie began retelling her first meeting with Steven. "I was minding my own business, Steven was trying to get my attention because he wanted to be my friend, but one thing led to another, and we were stuck in a bubble together."

"Not how I'd expect your species to make new friends, but you do you." White Topaz commented with a grin.

"Anyways, it's all thanks to him that I was able to get out of my comfort zone a bit over the years." Connie continued. "I learned sword fighting from Pearl, became able to fend for myself, and we even fused!"

"Yeah, we still find that a little strange." Her father Doug interjected.

"Fusing with humans, just like they said." Black Rutile whispered to herself.

"Did you say something, miss?" Priyanka asked.

"Oh, nothing." Black Rutile covered up what she just said before moving back to Connie. "It seems like you two are just inseparable!"

"Well, mostly." Connie stated. "When Steven let himself get captured by Aquamarine to save everyone, we were all so worried sick for him. And even when he came back perfectly fine, I still felt like this all could've been avoided if we fought together."

"Oh, poor little girl." Black Rutile comforted Connie, though with a secret hint of condescendence in her voice. "It must be hard to lose someone so dear only for them to come back and disregard your feelings by acting like everything's fine."

"It's okay." Connie said. "We did get back together eventually, and now our bond is stronger than ever!"

"Woo, love wins!" White Topaz cheered, inciting yet another angry glare from her boss. "Um, can I do the shadow puppets again?"

"Go ahead." Black Rutile frowned in embarrassment.

"Wait, your documentary has shadow plays?" Priyanka wondered aloud.

"Don't ask me; this was all her idea!" Black Rutile replied grumpily. "What a childish clod."

"Hey Connie, I'm back from Homeworld! Hope no one missed me." White Topaz began another puppet show, this time of Steven and Connie's brief falling out, while trying her best to mimic Steven. "We did kinda miss you, you could've died!" she continued while imitating Connie's voice. "I don't see what the problem is, I'm standing right here!" the Steven puppet replied carelessly. "Well, we could've stopped Aquamarine together, but you gotta make everything about you!" the Connie puppet declared. "So screw you Steven, I'm going home!"

"Wait, I didn't say anything like that!" the real Connie said nervously.

"Sorry kid, I'm just making this up as I go." White Topaz apologized, and just as she was about to continue her show, Black Rutile cut it short. "Aw man!"

"Well, I think we've just about wrapped up here, friends!" Black Rutile announced. "We've got places to be, people to meet, and more opportunities for me to be humiliated by you, Topaz."

"Well, it was nice to see you." Doug said goodbye as the two Gems left the Maheswarans' house. "Hope your documentary is a big hit!"

"Thank you; you're too kind!" Black Rutile waved back and closed the door, allowing some privacy as she scolded White Topaz. "Was it really necessary for you to go all "love wins" on us, you softhearted fool?" she scowled as they began walking away from the house.

"I'm sorry, I just think they're so adorable together!" White Topaz tried to justify her actions, before Black Rutile pulled her down by her collar.

"We have no time for sappy romances!" the Rutile yelled in her bodyguard's face. "We are here to gather information, and that's final! Are we clear?!"

"Yes, your clarity." White Topaz bowed her head in shame.

"Good, now where were we?" Black Rutile tapped on the side of her visor and pulled up a map of the surrounding area. "Ah, yes! Beach City!" she declared while the map began pointing to the little seaside town.

"Ooh, that place sounds fun." White Topaz commented. "Think maybe we could take a vacation there some time, just you and me?"

"Apologies, but we're on a mission." Black Rutile declared as she put the map away. "We'll have time for fun later, but it'll be my choice of fun. Understand?"

"Yes, boss!" White Topaz gave a comical salute, and the two began setting off for Beach City.

--

"Now then, this place should be full of Steven stories!" Black Rutile announced as the duo strolled into town. "And maybe we could find some of his weaknesses too."

"Hey, check out this funny sign!" White Topaz said while gazing at the sign for It's A Wash. "What do you think is a wash?"

"Hey new Gems, welcome." They heard Greg greet them. "If you came here to sign up for Little Homeschool, you should take it up with the Gems first."

"Oh no sir, we already saw that school." Black Rutile said. "It's all part of a series of interviews I'm doing for my show, Eye on Era 3. Which reminds me, how would you describe your experiences with the Crystal Gems?"

"My experiences?" Greg wondered. "Well, it all started one night when I was just a young rocker on tour. I had arrived in Beach City for a show, and Rose Quartz was the only one who showed up."

"Ah yes, Pink Diamond always had a fascination with humans," Black Rutile interjected. "often at the expense of her own kind."

"Yeah yeah, Pink kinda stunk, but don't we all sometimes?" Greg philosophized. "Like I was saying, Rose was the only one who came to my concert at Beach City, and from then onward, I felt like it was destiny. I even wrote a song about it!" He then walked to his van to search for his guitar, and began to play. "Do you believe in destiny? Close your eyes and leave the rest to-"

"I'm sorry, we have no time for a song." Greg's interviewer cut him off. "Could you please continue, sir?"

"Sorry if I was any trouble." Greg apologized, putting away his guitar. "The Gems didn't have a very high opinion of me when we first met, especially Pearl, but we were still able to get along with each other. Amethyst in particular took a liking to me."

"Speaking of which, are the Gems in town today, or are they off on some magical mission or something?" Black Rutile asked Greg.

"Oh, they kinda retired from going on missions now that everything's at peace." Greg answered. "But, Steven's still at home over there." He then pointed over to the Crystal Temple not too far away from Beach City itself.

"Yes, pay-dirt!" Black Rutile grinned eagerly. "Come along Topaz, we shall hit ratings dynamite!"

"Coming!" White Topaz cried as she raced after her master. "Hey, maybe we can chat with some of the people here along the way! They might give us some good info!"

--

"It was kinda thanks to Steven that I died and came back to life." Lars admitted to Black Rutile. "But also thanks to him, I came back as a completely new man with my own awesome spaceship, a serious attitude adjustment, and ever since I came back to Earth, I've taken up some combat training in case I ever go back to space and fight new threats, like I learned musti-yuddha from Connie's dad for example!"

--

"Lars's disappearance got me kind of depressed for a while." Sadie said while her band prepared for practice. "But I found a new way of expressing it with horror-themed rock music!"

"We had trouble finding our sound before Sadie became our frontman." Buck Dewey stated.

"And since then, we became an overnight hit!" Jenny Pizza exclaimed.

"But I have a feeling our differing paths might cause a break-up." Sour Cream admitted.

--

"Steven had good intentions when he helped me run for re-election," ex-Mayor Dewey said. "but ultimately I lost. But hey, I did find a new calling at the Big Donut!"

--

"I was having stress dreams about my sister making me do her work, which took the form of a giant pizza monster, until Steven used his crazy dream powers to help me out." Kiki Pizza said.

--

"I'll admit, I had a crush on Garnet once upon a time." Jamie declared. "But really, can you blame me?! She was just so stoic and radiant and-"

"Get to the point!" Black Rutile sternly ordered.

"I'm sorry, got a little distracted." Jamie apologized. "But I had since moved onto better things, like my future career in the theater!"

--

"Okay, that should be all." Black Rutile sighed in exhaustion. "Now then, let's not waste any more ti-"

"Wait, I want to talk to you!" Ronaldo cried out as he raced to the Gems with a notebook in hand.

"What do you want?" the reporter grumbled. "We're wasting daylight here!"

"You've been going around asking people questions about Gems, but this time I want to ask you for a change." Ronaldo declared.

"Okay then, fire away little guy." White Topaz said with a smile.

"There are still tons of unanswered questions about your kind that I must inquire about!" Ronaldo said while flipping through his notebook. "Like, for example, do you know who created the Gems in the first place? How was Homeworld first colonized? When did they start colonizing other planets?"

"I don't believe we have time for your questions." Black Rutile snidely shut Ronaldo's questions down before making her way to the Crystal Temple. "Come Topaz, we have work to do."

"Yes, my Rutile!" White Topaz obeyed and followed behind, leaving Ronaldo in the dust.

"You can run, but I will get my answers!" Ronaldo declared loudly, but he was too late. "And they're gone."

--

"Okay, Topaz, we have to make a good first impression here, so no silly games or shadow puppet shows." Black Rutile commanded as they ascended the beach house's front steps and reached the front door.

"Aw man." White Topaz moaned in disappointment.

"Quit being such a child you moron." Black Rutile exhaled in disgust as she knocked on the door. "Hello, is anyone home?"

"Just a minute!" a voice the two Gems were eager to hear answered as its owner raced downstairs.

"Oh my stars, the moment has come; he's finally here!" White Topaz squealed happily before she received a slap to the face.

"Hello, what brings you here?" Steven greeted Black Rutile.

"Steven Universe, at long last!" BR exclaimed. "I'm Black Rutile, host of Eye on Era 3, and this is my camera-Gem/bodyguard White Topaz! We're here for an investigative report on the state of Earth in this new era, and have been interviewing many of your family and friends."

"You're a bit shorter than I expected." White Topaz commented.

"I see my reputation precedes me." Steven declared. "Come on in."

"Nice place you got here." White Topaz complimented the house as she and her boss were shown inside.

"Thanks, the Gems helped build this place." Steven accepted the compliment. "Hey, I got a question. I've met a Topaz and a Rutile before, but they sound nothing like you. Why is that?"

"We're just special Gems. Comes with being former members of White Diamond's court." Black Rutile answered while sitting down on the couch. "But enough about us, let's talk you! Could you give us a little life story first?"

"If you want." Steven answered while sitting across from the Rutile. "I remember first discovering my powers like it was yesterday. I was super bummed that my favorite brand of ice cream was discontinued, but then the Gems told me they got tons of it from other stores, and taking a bite out of one coincided with me summoning my shield for the first time, which led me to believe I could do so by eating Cookie Cat."

"Hahaha, oh the innocence of youth!" Black Rutile chuckled nostalgically. "I remember when I first emerged for White Diamond. A real young hotshot, a little arrogant even. Could you tell us more about these powers, kid?"

"Over time, I learned tons of Gem powers." Steven regaled. "Like shapeshifting, control over plant life, making bubbles, telepathy, sticking my mind in others' bodies, but fusion gave me tons of new abilities. This reminds me of a story."

"Ooh, shadow time!" White Topaz exclaimed, but her happiness was immediately put to rest.

"What did I tell you?! No shadows!" Black Rutile yelled strictly at her sidekick, and then immediately changed her mood. "Please continue."

"All right." Steven was a little taken aback by Black Rutile's cold behavior towards White Topaz before he began his story. "Anyways, it all started when I had to take care of Onion for the day, and Pearl helped out."

--

"Thank you Explorer Gal for saving us from that dastardly Bandit Guy!" Rainbow Quartz 2.0 said, taking the role of one of Onion's toys. Onion was playing with Explorer Gal, who thanked the other toy in Onion's unintelligible matter.

"For your heroic efforts, please accept money." Rainbow continued while handing Onion a dollar bill. "Our city was a mess before you came along, but now…." Rainbow then began to break character as they took notice of Onion's messy room. "Well, I suppose it's still a mess." They commented. "It's been so much fun playing, but now we have to clean, which is also fun!" they declared while making a rainbow with their hands. "Are you ready to tidy up?"

Onion stared blankly while slowly sticking a piece of broccoli out of his mouth.

"Oh Onion, don't you be that way." Rainbow 2.0 chuckled. "Your best friend Rainbow will help you tidy up!" Just then, they pulled a parasol out of Pearl's gem. "Let's make things a little more animated in here!"

With that, Rainbow made Onion's toys come to life, and they began marching to their proper places in his room while Rainbow started a song. "Stick by stick, the little blackbird makes a nest." They began singing while making Onion's clothes fly into his dresser. "A mess to some, but the little blackbird isn't stressed."

Rainbow then allowed Onion to give the umbrella a try, making one of the boy's toy cars come to life and race away. "Stick by stick, the little blackbird makes a nest." The fusion continued while Onion marveled at the parasol's powers. "And then he naps, cause even blackbirds need to rest. The fun won't stop if you have a friend around. The fun won't stop if you have a friend around."

As Rainbow began to finish the song, Onion kept playing with the umbrella, making more of his toys come alive, along with a Venus flytrap. "And when you laugh, it is my favorite sound." Onion then discovered some darts in his drawer, and used the parasol to make them fly. "And that's what life is all about."

"What the?!" Rainbow stuttered before dodging the darts, making them land on a dartboard. With that, they finally decided to take their weapon back from Onion while noticing a stack of dirty dishes. "Next time, please wash your dishes." They instructed before sending the dishes off to be cleaned, and then taking notice of a stuffed toy in Steven's image hidden near Onion's bed, eerily waving to them. "And could you please explain what this is?"

Onion didn't answer, aside from blowing Rainbow a few kisses.

"Alright, thank you for the kisses." Rainbow thanked Onion before Steven's phone began to ring. "Just give me five or so minutes."

Rainbow un-fused into Steven and Pearl, and Steven answered his phone. Garnet was on the other end, holding her cellphone extremely close to her face. "Steven, you're late." Garnet said. "I need you for the Sunstone Safety Geminar."

"Oh no, that was today?!" Steven began panicking. "But Rainbow Quartz promised to hang out with Onion today!"

"Don't worry; I'll handle the Geminar." Garnet stated confidently. "I'll explain every possible future where they could get hurt around the house."

"I don't know if that'll be a good idea, I'll be right there." Steven responded before hanging up and turning to Pearl. "Pearl, I'll be back as soon as I can." He promised. "Could you watch over Onion for me while I'm away?"

"Of course." Pearl agreed. "Onion loves Rainbow, I'm sure he'll love me as much."

--

"In hindsight, that wasn't my best idea." Steven took a break from his tale to confess. "Onion can be a real handful."

"Like, how much of a handful?" White Topaz asked.

"Let's just say, he's a real oddball who loves causing trouble." Steven stated. "I can never really get a read on that guy, no matter how much of a good friend he is. Heck, he doesn't even seem to age normally!"

"So, about this Geminar." Black Rutile began. "You said Rainbow Quartz is a fusion between you and Pearl, but who is this Sunstone running that event?"

"Oh, Sunstone is the fusion of Garnet and I." Steven answered. "They're all hip and radical and like giving important life lessons, kind of like those old PSA characters from the 90s. Speaking of which…"

--

"I slip on the stairs?" Ocean Jasper wondered while watching a television screen with Garnet, the Heaven & Earth Beetles, and a Nephrite.

"Indeed, and you shatter on impact too." Garnet bluntly replied, causing Ocean and the Nephrite to scream and hug each other in fright.

"Garnet, I'm here!" Steven called as he entered the house.

"Thanks for coming, Steven, but I need help." Garnet stated. "I think I'm scaring our guests."

"It's okay; we got this." Steven assured. "Let's get this safety Geminar started with a very special guest!"

Garnet got up from the couch, and the two began to dance, eventually forming the totally cool fusion Sunstone.

"Your rockin' pal Sunstone's here to shine!" Sunstone announced merrily.

"Watch out Sunstone, it's dangerous here!" Ocean Jasper cautioned Sunstone.

"Not unless you guys practice home safety." Sunstone assured the scared Gems. "Don't slip up. Clear objects off the stairs." They instructed by taking a water bottle off the steps to Steven's bedroom and throwing it like a ball. "Foul shot!"

The bottle landed in a trash can near Lion, which prompted another tip. "Be sure to cover up your trash, or else you'll attract bugs or hungry animals." Sunstone demonstrated as they shooed Lion away from the garbage. "Come on, let's go!" they declared. "Don't waste water. Turn off any faucet still running." Sunstone then shut off the sink. "Put protective covers over your electrical outlets, especially when kids are around." They added while doing just that. "And don't even think about sticking a fork in there! But most importantly, turn off motion smoothing on the TV."

Sunstone then used the remote to operate the television, allowing clearer picture and sound for everyone. "Okay, hold tight gang, gotta take a phone call." They said. "In the meantime, check out this commercial."

--

"Well, seems like you had things handled." White Topaz remarked.

"Famous last words White Topaz." Steven gravely informed. "Pearl later called me on my phone because Onion was giving her a serious headache, so I came back to her to calm Onion down. Then Garnet was trying to do a home safety obstacle course, but that went horribly wrong."

"Okay, color me wrong." The Topaz guard said. "I suppose hilarity must've ensued?"

"Oh so much." Steven declared. "I tried merging both the Geminar with playing with Onion, but one thing led to another."

--

"It's important to keep in mind that all of these horrible things did happen to you in alternate timelines." Garnet instructed her seminar attendees near the lighthouse. "Safety rules."

"Hey, Garnet." An exhausted Rainbow 2.0 called for their fellow fusion as they flew in via umbrella, with Onion in front. "Would you mind taking on another student?" they asked as Onion was let off the umbrella. "I'm feeling a mite PLPBBT."

With one last raspberry noise, Rainbow un-fused into Steven and Pearl. Steven just groaned tiredly.

"You shouldn't have brought him here Steven." Garnet forebodingly scolded the boy as Onion took a seat in front of her with the Gems.

"No, no, it's fine. It's good." Steven stuttered, having had enough of the stressful day he had. "No one needs safety training more than Onion! I'm combining all of my responsibilities into one responsibility! It's brilliant, it's brilliant! It's fine. I'm fine. Really, it's fine. I'm fine. I'm fine."

Onion wasn't paying attention the whole time, and instead picked up a blade of grass to play like a musical instrument, hypnotically commanding the other Gems to follow him. And Steven was too busy assuring Garnet and Pearl that he was fine to notice too late what had just happened.

A madcap chase soon ensued, with the three Crystal Gems following Onion and the Little Homeschoolers throughout Beach City, into the woods, and finally to a hill, where Onion let go of the leaf. Despite that, Ocean Jasper, the Beetles, and the Nephrite continued marching to the point of falling over the edge.

"Oh no!" Pearl cried as the Gems fell off the hill.

"Steven, we need Sunstone to save them!" Garnet urged Steven.

"Okay!" Steven yelped, and they fused into Sunstone.

"No, we need Rainbow to save them!" Pearl began arguing with her de-facto superior as she swiped Steven away to form Rainbow Quartz.

"I'll catch them with this!" Rainbow declared as they presented their umbrella.

"Can't all three of us fuse to save them?" Garnet wondered just as Amethyst raced up to them.

"Hey wait!" Amethyst cried. "I need Steven!"

Rainbow un-fused so Steven could speak. "What is it Amethyst?!"

"I miss you, man!" Amethyst yelled. "I haven't seen you in like, eleven minutes! But it felt like even longer!"

Steven couldn't take it anymore, and without a single word, he collapsed to the ground in exhaustion.

"STEVEN!" Pearl screamed as she raced to Steven's side.

"I shouldn't have overbooked my schedule." Steven groaned one last time before passing out from exhaustion.

"Nooooooooo." Garnet unemotionally cried out in despair.

--

"Oh-hohohohoho, I know what it's like!" Black Rutile cackled as Steven finished his story. "Must be so hard to be so overworked at such a young age."

"Guess that's what happens when you're running a whole school." Steven chuckled in reply. "So, guess that should be it, right?"

"No, I'd like to speak with Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl first before we wrap up for today." Black Rutile answered, just as the Warp pad began glowing. "Oh, and look who should show up now!"

The core Crystal Gems stood at the Warp Pad, ready to kick back after the long day they had today. "Good thing it was so easy to get that crowd under control." Pearl exhaled. "Still, who was that interviewer they were talking about?"

"I believe that would be me." Black Rutile answered as she stood up from the couch to meet the Gems. "Hi, Black Rutile, intelligence officer of White Diamond turned news reporter. Pleased to meet you."

"I wasn't aware White had a court." Garnet said as the Rutile shook each of their hands. "Pleased to meet you too."

"I just got done interviewing Steven, and he told me the most hilarious story about his troubles with balancing two things at once." Black Rutile said.

"Yeah, things went kinda crazy that day." Amethyst reminisced. "But thankfully, everything went back to normal after that."

"Oh good, the way Steven ended things left me on the edge of my seat!" White Topaz exclaimed while positioning the camera to face the Gems. "One more question before we go, what would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"

"A little oddly specific, but okay." Pearl remarked. "I pride myself on orderliness, swordsmanship, and intelligence. But I can be a bit doting and perfectionist at times."

"I can be kinda foolish and impulsive, but I'm pretty much past that." Amethyst added. "I'm also more street smart than book smart, and super tough too!"

"I'm a very stable fusion, which especially helps in battle." Garnet said. "My future vision is also seldom wrong, unless the current timeline becomes too unpredictable."

"Well, that should be enough for now." Black Rutile said as she entered all of her data into her visor. "Apologies if we couldn't talk anymore, but I've got places to be and missions to go on, so toodles!"

"Hope we can see each other again, Black Rutile!" Steven said goodbye as the two visiting Gems took the Warp Pad back to Little Homeworld.

"Maybe sooner than you think." Black Rutile smirked before they disappeared.

"She's right, we'll be seeing her again many times." Garnet predicted with an adjustment of her glasses. "But none of them will be friendly."

Steven, Amethyst, and Pearl just laughed at Garnet's prediction, ignorant at what could be to come.

--

Upon returning to Little Homeworld and boarding their ship, Black Rutile and White Topaz finally left Earth and launched into hyperspace.

"Wow, those Crystal Gems really are swell!" White Topaz commented while her superior sat down in her chair. "I don't see why we're plotting against them."

"It's because they've become far too powerful." Black Rutile answered gravely, a far cry from the persona she put up on Earth. "Does Steven really think he can change our entire society with just hugging, crying, singing, and a cheeky one-liner? Bah, I've done so much better without any of those!"

"My Rutile, we should be exiting hyperspace above Revanche 666 in approximately 15 seconds." One of the Rutile's Citrines confirmed. "Would you like to inform your allies of your coming?"

"Bring Emerald up." Black Rutile commanded, cuing a video screen to appear, showing the tall, green Gem pilot on the other side. "Hello there, Emerald."

"Your clarity, has your reconnaissance ended well?" Emerald asked with a bow.

"Indeed it has." Black Rutile answered with a grin. "Those clods never suspected a thing!"

"And we got it all on video too!" White Topaz added.

"Excellent, we'll soon have everything we need." Emerald declared. "We're all waiting for you at the base, hoping you won't disappoint."

"Oh, don't worry, Emerald, I won't." Black Rutile replied. "That will be all." With a clap, the screen disappeared, and the ship exited hyperspace to reveal the skull-like planet of Revanche 666 before them. "Prepare for landing."

--

When the dropship finally landed at Black Rutile's headquarters, two rows of Pearls patiently awaited their master's return.

"Ah, my Pearls." Black Rutile announced as she disembarked. "When I ordered Shell to create all of you, I knew it wouldn't disappoint."

"Thank you, my Rutile." The Pearls thanked in unison while one of them took the camera from White Topaz. "Your minions await."

"Perfect." Black Rutile purred before beginning her stroll to her meeting room. "Come Topaz, we have much to do."

--

"Geez, what's taking her so long?" Lapis Lazuli 1J9G-5KL complained as she, Holly Blue Agate, Morganite, Emerald, Aquamarine, and Eyeball kept on waiting for their boss while seated around a round, white table.

"Patience Lapis." Aquamarine soothed her fellow Gem's annoyance. "She did say that she'd be arriving soon."

"The sooner, the better!" Eyeball yelled, pounding her fist on the table. "I want revenge on Steven for making me a pariah, and I want it now!"

"You're awfully eager." Emerald muttered to her fellow eye Gem before turning to Holly Blue and Morganite. "So, how goes that Zircon's democratic campaign?"

"That navel gem Ruby we planted as her campaign manager has been feeding her lies, and the Zircon doesn't suspect a thing!" Holly Blue answered excitedly.

"More and more Gems have been unknowingly swayed to our cause." Morganite stated. "Soon, we shall have an army strong enough to topple even the Diamonds."

Just then, Black Rutile and White Topaz finally arrived in the meeting room, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and salute her. "Welcome, your clarity."

"You're all too kind." Black Rutile thanked them sarcastically as she took a seat between Aquamarine and White Topaz. "I suspect your missions have been going well too, no?"

"Indeed it has my Rutile." Holly Blue revealed.

"That brat has been controlling us all for too long." Aquamarine declared. "Now it's time we take back our planet from those tyrannical pacifists."

"Are you all sure this is a good idea?" White Topaz asked the other Era 3 insurgents. "I mean, the Crystal Gems have become far too powerful to be challenged, and the Diamonds will no doubt come for our gems if they find out!"

"The Diamonds are yesterday's news!" Black Rutile roared, forcing her Topaz into silence. "And speaking of which, Steven may not realize this, but he's no better than his brat of a mother! Thinking he can force all of Homeworld to obey him by being a controlling twerp! Thankfully, he doesn't do so by throwing tantrums left and right until the Diamonds do what he says to shut him up. For now at least."

A Black Pearl entered the meeting room with White Topaz's camera in her hands, and she set it down on the table.

"Thank you my Pearl." Black Rutile thanked the Pearl before turning it on to reveal all the information that she collected on Earth.

"Is this all we need to know about the Gems in time for Phase 2?" Morganite asked her black-colored superior.

"You bet it is." Black Rutile declared with a sociopathic grin as she gazed at one of the holograms of Steven and plucked it out to hold in her hands. "You can have your happily ever after as much as you like, Steven." She declared evilly. "Cause your little Universe will soon be mine."

END OF PART 1: LITTLE HOMESCHOOL

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2: GRADUATION

--

At last, Part 1 is finally complete! And here, unfortunately, is where I must go on hiatus. Second semester of college and all that, and I think my classes might be harder than last semester. But hopefully, this cliffhanger should tide you over until we come back. Anyways, Black Rutile is finally upon us! A character that I think I'll have fun writing since I consider her to be like the Lex Luthor to Steven's Superman, the Frieza to his Goku, the Megatron to his Optimus Prime, the Aku to his Samurai Jack, etc etc. In other words, Steven's got a new archenemy coming and he doesn't even know it yet. Stay tuned! (evil laughter)

[p-artsypants]

Longest Night (32)- Listening

I’m so sorry for this chapter being late.

We switched to a new system at work, and I’m a sort of Adobe Creative Cloud expert in the office, so I had to learn the new system, and then prepare to teach it to everyone else, who were in the same meetings that I was in, but didn’t understand. This has made for several weeks of 10-12 hour long days. Gettin’ that bread tho!!

I had a chapter mostly finished, then I realized I was skipping a bunch of stuff, so I had to take time to really hash out the order of the next half of the story. Hopefully, my vague ideas won’t change too much. lol

I started a new blog, dedicated to sharing works that have been harassed on Ao3 by a certain anon. If you or a friend have received repeated, unwanted harassment by a certain troll, please feel free to reach out to me @lilaanonsupportgroup. The goal is to create a safe place to share fics and drown out unwanted comments.

Thank you all for your patience!  

Ao3 | FF.net

—

Pierre Rouso was not a praying man. He was a criminal, with a charge list the length of his arm. But he was completely and utterly done as of tonight. The bald camera man sat in his holding cell, crying his eyes and guilt out, praying for forgiveness. He had participated with the police chief, just as he promised, and led everyone down to the Bunker in the Catacombs. He handed over passwords, combinations to locks, found every key he knew of, and did everything he could to make up for the injustice of his actions.

Seven prisoners were recovered from the bunker, all huddled into ambulances and taken to hospitals. Families were contacted, and missing person cases were closed.

All in the span of one night.

It was terrifying, and Pierre knew he was traumatized.

He awaited his fate in the holding cell at the precinct, though it was more of a formality than anything. The police chief had assured him that his cooperation was greatly appreciated and would reflect well on him when trial came.

He got his one phone call, and instead of calling his parents or friends, anyone that he knew would listen to him, he decided to call his kid sister.

He got her voicemail. “Elise? It’s Pierre. I know you…you’re disappointed with me. I really let you down. I’m supposed to be an example to you, but so far, I’ve only been an example of what not to do.” He swallowed. “I just wanted to let you know, I’m sorry. I’ve really messed up, and I got tied up with the wrong crowd, trying to get my life turned around. Sort of…an Ursula from the Little Mermaid situation. I made things worse, and…well, I might be going back to prison. You’ll probably hear about it on the news.” He choked, the truth getting caught in his throat. But he vomited it out anyway. “I was…involved in the Ladybug and Chat Noir incident. I didn’t want to be, but Salo said if I didn’t—she would—she knew mom and dad’s address. Knew yours too. I felt so helpless. I just needed to confess to you. You probably won’t believe me. You…probably think I’m a failure as a brother. I sure feel like one. But, ever since that night you cut me off, I vowed to turn things around. I wanted you to be proud of me. Because I love you, and I’m so so proud of you. You’re a great kid, and the best sister a guy could ask for. I don’t ask for forgiveness. Just…understanding. I’m…I’m at the police precinct right now. This is my one phone call. Maybe I should have called Ma,” he chuckled. “But I couldn’t stop myself. I was just through hell. I don’t know if you saw the news. I was the person behind the camera. I don’t know why Ladybug spared me, but I didn’t want to waste another moment. I had to tell you. You hear me, Elise? Don’t waste anytime either. If there’s anything you want to do, do it.” He let out a shuttering breath. “Maybe, if you’re feeling generous, could you let ma and pa know? I know that’s asking a lot. I’m sorry to burden you.”

The phone beeped, a warning that he was running out of time.

“But I love you. I will never stop loving you. Even if you never talk to me again. That’s fine. Go out there and be amazing. Um…I’m going to hang up now. Bye.”

It was an awkward way to end the message, but he had to. Or else he’d go into more rambling apologies and ‘I love you’s. Not necessarily a bad thing, but he didn’t want to overwhelm her.

That was several hours ago, after he had returned from his tour of the bunker. Then he was allowed to wash up, cleaning the blood from his face and arms. His clothes were stained, but there was nothing to do about it.

He waited then. Officers letting brief updates float around the room. Edward Savauge had been murdered, his body hoisted from the Arc de Triomphe like a trophy. Lady Lacrima and Grimalkin faced off against the auxiliary heroes and Hawkmoth.

Several more hours passed before a group of three banged up kids were brought into his holding cell with him.

“What happened to you boys?” Pierre asked, noticing the way they trembled.

“There’s two akuma on the loose.” Said one of the boys. “It was just supposed to…we just wanted the money in the cash register. Easy, right? But I had no idea that he was there.”

“Who?”

“Chat Noir. Or…who used to be Chat Noir. Sent one of us to the hospital.”

Pierre grunted. “You’re lucky that’s all he did.”

“Whaddya mean?”

“I mean…I saw what those two are capable of. They killed a room full of people without breaking a sweat. This blood? It’s not mine. You should thank your lucky stars.”

Then, a rush of red Ladybugs filtered passed the cell, lifting the blood from his clothes, and easing the soreness in the boys.

Pierre sighed as a cheer went up through the Precinct. “It’s over. It’s finally over.”  

—

Nadja was exhausted, if not completely traumatized. She had been the one to volunteer to follow the Ladybug and Chat Noir story. So she had been on high alert with the van at any moment, ready to get a shot of the akumas in person.

But Lady Lacrima’s demonstration at the Arc de Triomphe was beyond horrible. It was scary, vial, and evil. Everything that Ladybug wasn’t. Later, she would find out that the cameras had turned away from the bodies as soon as they were revealed. They only captured Lady Lacrima’s speech, and the wails of the crowd surrounding them.

But it was over now.

The Miraculous Cure had run it’s course through Paris, correcting everything since they were first akumatized. It even fixed the damage caused by the wrecking ball akuma that started this whole mess.

She had even seen Marinette and Adrien loaded in the stretchers with her own eyes.

The hospital was silent. No one was allowed any information without clearance. So Nadja went home, finally. She’d monitor her phone and the Ladyblog. Someone would say something eventually, right?

—

Chloe had been helpful for once. She arrived at the hospital waiting room with her butler loaded up like a pack-mule.

“Alya, Nino, your backpacks.” She announced, holding out the bags.

“Thanks Chloe, you’re a real lifesaver!” Alya said honestly, noting her laptop was safely tucked inside.

“I know. Mrs. Cheng, I brought your purse with your phone chargers.”  

“Thank you dear.”

“And Mr. Agreste,” she said with some level of coldness. “I brought the project that was in your office. Sorry if it’s wrinkled.”

“That’s fine Chloe. I can iron it.” He said, coming to take the hefty bag from the butler.

“That will be all, Jean-Pierre.”

“Yes, Miss Bourgeois.” He bowed before leaving the room. He technically wasn’t cleared to be in the room anyways.

Chloe plopped into a chair by Alya and Nino. “Any word?”

“Not any more than what I texted you.” Alya sighed. “Adrien’s still in surgery.”

“And Marinette?”

“She’s in recovery.” Stated Sabine. “We’re not allowed to see her yet.”

Chloe ‘hmph’ed, crossing her arms. “I suppose I’ll just have to be patient then.”

“You? Patient?” teased Alya.

“I’ve been known to be patient! On occasion!”

“Sure Chloe, I believe you.” Nino said in a slightly sarcastic tone.

Chloe knew they meant none of it. She was happy she had become something akin to friends with them since this started. Not close friendship, but…she could tolerate a few meals together, and what they had affectionately called ‘sleepovers’ which were just watching the stream and strategizing. When this was all over, and Adrien and Marinette were back to their old selves again, she might even be persuaded to hang out with all of them, as a group.

Her, Alya, and Marinette could get mani-pedis. Heck, Adrien would probably be game for that too.

Yes, when this was all over, and everything went back to normal, they’d all have a lot of fun together. It would be great!

Pollen left her purse and settled on the chair with the other kwamis. Wayzz and Trixx were playing a card game, and Pollen joined.

But Tikki and Plagg were much too solemn to do anything.

“I should be with him.” Plagg stated, agitated, for the 100th time.

“You heard the doctor.” Tikki scolded softly. “Adrien’s immune system is down. Any germs could be detrimental to him.”

“I don’t have germs.” Plagg hissed.

“Oh yeah? So that wasn’t you who contracted fleas in the 12th century and spread a plague that wiped out a 1/3 of Europe in 6 years? That was another ‘Plagg’ of whom the name was attributed?”

Plagg hissed at her and curled in on himself. “I didn’t ask you.”

“Plagg, I know you love Adrien, but you have to let the doctors work.”

“I am!” He argued. “There’s not a lock in this world that can stop me from being with him, and I want to be there so so badly! But I know modern medicine is better than what I can do for him…”

Sabine listened to the quiet sobbing of the cat for a moment, before deciding she couldn’t take it anymore. Delicately, she scooped him up in her hand, and then delicately started to pet him.

“Not scared you’ll get the plague?” He snarked.

“Not a bit,” she returned, scratching between his ears.

Just like Adrien would do.

He nestled into her hands, and tried to sleep, knowing that time would pass quicker that way.

Nino’s attention was directed over to Mr. Agreste. No one had paid him much attention since Plagg chewed him out. But he looked like he was getting down to work with something.

He had a wooden ring with some light pink fabric stretched across it. In the basket next to him, he had a spool of rose gold thread that he was threading through the palette.

“Mr. Agreste…are you doing needlepoint?”

“Yes,” he said, undeterred. “I’m working on a present for Marinette.”

That was surprising.

“I didn’t know you could embroider.” Noted Alya. “Marinette gushed about your work all the time. I don’t think she knew either.”

“Well, you didn’t know I was Hawkmoth. I guess I’m just full of surprises.”

The weird tension in the room was destroyed as Tom busted out laughing, nearly falling out of his chair. “I-I’m sorry!” He managed out, still chuckling. “I was just not expecting that from you!”

“Like I said,” Gabriel spoke, eyes not even leaving his project. “Full of surprises.”

“Can I see what you’re doing?” Asked Alya.

“I’m afraid not. This is a surprise after all. I want her to be the first one to see it.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it.” Said Sabine, genuine.

Alya took her laptop out of her bag, resting it on the table in the corner. “Alright, I suppose it’s time I start my project as well.”

“What project, babe?” Asked Nino.

“I’m going to update the Ladyblog with news from the last few days. Nadja asked me to share what I can. Apparently, the world has gone stir crazy for news. I’ve even been contacted by the Associated Press.”

“That’s awesome!” Sabine cheered. “To be contacted by an international news group!”

Alya smiled softly.  “You know, when I first started the blog, I dreamed of being Ladybug’s best friend. I imagined following her and Chat and helping them so much that I got to be her friend. When I got to be Rena, it was the dream come true. She had asked me to join! And then…I found out she was Marinette. I laid awake one night just remembering all the crazy things I said about Ladybug to her face. The wild fan theories, demanding that she get with Chat Noir, the evidence I had for her identity. So many times, Marinette said ‘are you sure you should post that?’ and I completely ignored her. How was that being a friend?”

Nino sighed, “babe, you gotta stop beating yourself up. You didn’t know she was Ladybug. No one did. She didn’t expect you to act any different.”

Alya understood where he was coming from, and what he was trying to tell her, but it didn’t dissuade her doubts. “I’m going to draft a post. Then I’ll let you guys read it and tell me what you think.”

“Sounds reasonable,” stated Gabriel.

Alya got to work, clacking out a message.  

Sabine dug around in her purse for her phone charger, but found two items that had been placed on top. “Oh!” She said as she pulled out the handmade dolls.

“They were on Adrien’s bed.” Chloe explained. “I thought they might want them.”

“I’m sure that’ll make being separated for a little while easier on them.”

Plagg rose, not able to sleep with conversation in the room. His stomach rumbled, and he cursed it. “I’m hungry,” he stated.

Gabriel put his project to the side. “What do you eat?”

Plagg cast him a skeptical glance.

“I have the ring right now, so it’s my responsibility to feed you. Come on, let’s go down to the food court.”

Begrudgingly, Plagg followed, somehow feeling like there was more to this than appeared.

They were silent as they went down to the food court, following the same format he had taken with Nino. Though Nino had be easier to talk to, as he had been more willing to give him a second chance. This kwami wasn’t giving him an inch.

“Do you think it’s smart to be floating out here in the open?” Gabriel reprimanded.

“Bite me.”

“I’m just trying to—“

“Do nothing. I’m capable of finding food on my own. But I assume you had a reason to escort me. So I’ll let you tag along. But don’t talk to me until I eat. And don’t tell me what to do.”

Gabriel blinked at the ancient being. “Yes sir.”

It was the middle of the night, and all the kiosks were closed. But there were still vending machines. Plagg flitted between them, and found what he was looking for. “I want A3.”

“Popcorn?”

“An adequate substitute for my cheese.”

“What happened to being able to fend for yourself?” He asked as he took out his wallet.

“I can. But I know Adrien hates it when I take food without asking or paying.”

“Ah, I see.”

The cafeteria was devoid of people, which made things silent, save for the hum of the microwave and popping kernels.

Gabriel took a seat at a table by a window. The courtyard was alight with little lights illuminating sculptures and plants. A very peaceful, healing environment. A lovely garden that Marinette and Adrien might enjoy later.

A bag of popcorn flopped on the table. Plagg dove in, rustling the bag, and munching on his snack.

A few minutes passed before he came back out. “Okay. I’ve digested your apology and your reasoning. While I am still extremely angry for hurting Adrien, I am willing to listen to what you have to say.”

“I’m grateful.”

“I’ve concluded, that in the history of mankind, what you’ve done is evil and cruel. But not the worst I’ve seen. I’ve had wielders more evil than you.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I had a guy who ate his own baby.” He shuddered. “I had forgotten about that.”

Gabriel blinked. “That’s awful!”

“Well, it was part of the culture back then. Anyways, now you know the bar is really low.”

“Good to know, I suppose…”

Plagg ate some more popcorn before Gabriel finally cleared his throat.

“First, I’d like to thank you for taking care of Adrien these last few years.”

Plagg scoffed. “It wouldn’t have been a problem if you had just done your job.”

“That’s what I mean.” Gabriel insisted. “I wasn’t in the right place to be a father. Even if I put the effort in to be with Adrien, I wouldn’t have been kind or affectionate to him.” Gabriel fisted his hands, looking Plagg in his ancient eyes. “I hated him.”

Plagg stared, wide eyed. “What? How could you say that?”

“I need to be honest with you. For Adrien’s sake.”

Plagg watched him, considering, but stayed silent.

“He looks just like Emilie. He takes after her more than he does me. After she was gone, it became more evident. His smile, his eyes, his laugh, it was like…looking a painful reminder that she was gone. And of course, he didn’t know that she could be saved. He just grieved, and he still mourned, but I watched him grow. He made friends, hung out with their families…And I couldn’t stand it. Why wasn’t he in misery like me? Why was he so optimistic? So hopeful? I thought all sorts of horrible things about him. Assuming he was forgetting her. I’m sure that was the depression telling me that.

“The butterfly miraculous gives me heightened empathy. I knew exactly what everyone around me was feeling. So even when he was schooled into professionalism, I could tell what he was feeling inside. And…it felt better to me to make him sad.”

“You know, some people might categorize that into sociopathy.”

“That would make sense. Am I awful then? A terrible father?” Plagg crunched on mouthful of popcorn as he considered it. “Yes, you are a terrible father. I wish you could have found this out about yourself earlier in life before you had Adrien. Do you think you were always like this? Tell me about your childhood.”

Gabriel ran his fingers through his hair. “When did this turn into a therapy session?”

“When I decided I needed to further analyze you before letting you near Adrien again. Now, go on.”

“Well…I suppose to some degree, I’ve always gained some satisfaction from people’s suffering. It…really culminated when my little brother died when we were kids. My parents were inconsolable, but I was just angry because they stopped paying attention to me. They never got over it.”

“You were never sad that your brother died?”

“I was, a little. I think I might have cried. But, not like my mother did.”

“Did you have a lot of friends?”

He screwed up his lips. “I think there were a lot of kids who liked me and thought I was their friend. But I didn’t really care to stay in contact with them as I got older.”

“Ever feel lonely?”

“Only after Emilie left.” He admitted. “She was the only one I felt like I was equal with. That’s why I was so desperate to get her back.”

“Ever have trouble with the law before Hawkmoth?”

Gabriel got quiet again. “People had trouble with the law because of me.”

Plagg narrowed his eyes. “I know you think you’re better than others. You’re cold, and you shirk familial obligations. You manipulate and threaten people to get them to do what you want. You justify your destructive behavior, no matter how hurtful it is to yourself or others. Does that sound right?”

Gabriel didn’t answer.

“But wait!” Said Nooroo, flying out of Gabriel’s jacket. “He’s been a lot better lately.”

Plagg blinked at the newcomer. “I forgot you were in there.”

“I was sleeping.”

“What do you mean he’s been better?”

“He was really accommodating to Marinette’s parents, and Alya and Nino! He’s thought about their safety and he’s been really nice to them!”

“Is it because it’s the right thing, or the smart thing?” Asked Plagg.

Gabriel winced. “It’s…what Adrien would have wanted.”

“Ah, I think I see a solution here.” Plagg finished the last few kernels. “You may be around Adrien, but you have to judge your behavior on what you think he would like. Which would be painful, considering you hate him.”

“I don’t hate him.” Gabriel clarified. “I did, at one point. But, as soon as his mask dissolved on the screen—“ Gabriel trembled violently, as if the memory had grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him. “It was like I had been punched in the heart. Everything just—hit me. Like…everything I had done had caused this. Every missed dinner, every short comment…”

“Guilt?”

“It felt like I was awake for the first time in my life. Like I was omniscient to all the things I had done. Keenly aware of every piece I had played. And that my actions weren’t as self contained as I thought. I can’t explain it.”

“You became aware that Adrien was a person.” Plagg stated. “A person just like you.”

Gabriel covered his mouth. His eyes wide with horror at the thought.

“You’ve got work to do, Gabriel. I’m not the one who’s going to fix you. You have to do it yourself, for Adrien’s sake.”

The man just nodded his head. He looked nauseous.

“What did you want to tell me? You brought me out here, after all.”

Gabriel couldn’t speak. Couldn’t breathe.

Plagg was right. Absolutely right. Adrien hadn’t been a son to him. He was a trophy, a pawn.

A toy.

And the realization of that evil was crippling.

But Plagg just sat at the table licking the salt and butter off the bag as the man had a complete meltdown in front of him.

“Don’t you think that was a little harsh?” Asked Nooroo.

“What? No. Why don’t you ask him what you were to him? See if he can lie and call you a friend.”

But Gabriel already had his hands around Nooroo, holding him gently. “I’m sorry…I’m sorry…”

“You’re getting better.” Nooroo assured, petting his cheek. “I forgive you.”

It was still many minutes before Gabriel could speak. He patted his face with his handkerchief. “I’m sorry, I just…”

“Please don’t apologize for feeling emotion.” Plagg groaned. “I have to tell Adrien that all the time. Probably a trait he got from you.”

“Undoubtably.” Gabriel whispered. He swallowed hard, and took out his phone. “This is something I wanted to show you. I have to show you. It happened while you were dormant. I get no pleasure from showing you this, understand?”

Plagg was skeptical, but allowed him to turn the screen to him.

The footage was in green, showing a sickly and terrified Adrien. Plagg recoiled at the sight.

Then Gabriel pressed play.

“Plagg! Plagg!” Adrien screamed as he beat on the door. “Plagg!”

Gabriel fast forward, only for the scene to stay the same. Same scream, same pounding on the door, same begging, pleading.

“Plagg!”

Fast forward more.

“Plagg!”

The timestamp went up by minutes, and then hours.

“Plagg!”

On and on, never stopping.

“Plagg!”

Until his voice gave out.

Plagg just stared, eyes brimming with tears. “Why would you show me that? Why the hell would you show me that!?”

“I don’t know what his reaction will be to seeing you. But if it’s negative, I want you to know why. We’ll explain it to him. But you have to know…”

“You’re a sick and twisted man, Gabriel Agreste. I don’t envy you.”

And he floated off without another word.

—

Oh.

He was very tired.

Very tired and very in pain.

There was pressure on his chest, and strange voices all around.

He cracked open his eyes. A bright light.

Cold. Metal. Under his fingertips.

Paralyzed. He couldn’t move. But, maybe, if he could tilt his head forward just enough.

Oh.

That was a lot of blood.

A lot of blood.

His blood?

Yes. Quite.

And…bones. And tools. Sticking out of his chest. Whoa-oh.

“Oh shit. He’s awake. Dr. Boucher?”

His eyes shot to the speaker. A woman with red hair and reflective sunglasses.

Salo.

“Adrien? Adrien can you hear me?”

His eyes flicked to the other voice. Another Salo. And another next to her! A whole room of them!

“Adrien, you’re in surgery. Just relax.”

What were they doing!?

What was going on!?

Why was it so hard to breathe!?

“You’re going through anesthesia awareness. We’re going to get you back to sleep, okay?”

He couldn’t trust anything this woman-these women were saying.

Why did that one sound like a man?

Was that blood?!

But before he could panic anymore, a haze took him and he fell back to sleep.

[walkinsauce]

Christina Walkinshaw’s Health & Wellmess Blog- Chapter 1: Veganuary

Well, I’m 40 now. I guess I have to start caring about my body. For the most part of my life, I have not cared about the following:

Mani’s/Pedi’s

Shaving/Waxing 

Showering

Opening mail

Scented candles

Detox/Cleanses

Back up hard drives

Fashion/style

Oil changes

Flossing

Eyeliners over $4

Waze

Diets

Oh but I do recycle.

Do you know I’ve never lost weight in my life? My weight has been on a slow and steady incline in one direction my whole life- like the yodeler on “The Price is Right.” Up, up and away, like that sweet 5th Dimension song you’re probably too young to know. But now, as I enter a new decade of my life, I know for sure my metabolism is on it’s downward spiral. For the most part, I feel good. I’ve never been one of those super skinny chicks. The sick part is, I look back on photos of me when i was 40 pounds lighter and know I never even felt skinny back then, when I truly was. Weight and self-image can be a fucked up thing. Especially when you live in a town like this. (L.A., obviously. To be fair, I felt fat when I lived in Ottawa too.)

I’m not necessary trying to lose weight this year, I’m just trying to stop from gaining it. This is more of a preventative thing. I don’t even know how I’d track a weight loss blog. I don’t actually own a scale. When I was in my 20′s I lived with girls who owned that scale that said THINNER across the top of it and I’m still scarred. Who the fuck put that scale on the market? Cruel. The only place I consistently weigh myself is on Fremont Street in Vegas, at the Heart Attack Grill. (Hot tip: If you’re over 350lbs you eat for free!) The last I checked, I was 165lbs. 

When people think of me, they think “happy hour” and not “personal trainer.” I’m not anybody’s “health & wellness” coach, that’s for sure. That being said, if I’m going to try to fix myself, I’m happy to take any delinquents like me along for the ride. Why are there no diets for people who drink and smoke marijuana? Seems a little rude if you ask me. My favourite gift is a bottle opener. I recently joined a wine club. I’m only JUST getting into Prosecco. I like beer, okay? (That line has been tarnished, I know.)

But every January, as the clock nears midnight on Dec. 31st, I get this overwhelming feeling that this year is going to be different. This year I’m going to be my personal best. I fantasize about changing for the better, and yet every February I’m right back to being the same IPA fart machine I’ve always been. This. Year. I. Will. Be. Better.

So I’ve started with…

Veganism. 

Yup. There’s a whole thing right now called #Veganuary, and I’ve jumped on board. I’ve read a lot of Vegan propaganda in the past ten years. Eating Animals, Skinny Bitch, The Lean- they all have good points. I’ve tried being a vegan twice in my life. (The second time I referred to myself as a “stay at home vegan,” meaning I was only a vegan at home. I couldn’t deal with the social ramifications of being a picky eater.) Both times, I came back to my usual carny diet of chicken wings and first and foremost, cheese. Let’s see how I do this time…

I warned people at the end of December I was going to try a “plant based diet” for January. Somehow saying “plant based” seemed less jarring than “vegan.” Well, seems like nobody believed me.

I came home New Year’s Eve after my show (so technically it was January, but do we have to be nit-picky?) and decided I couldn’t let the last of the delicious Canadian Mastro’s Hot Calabrese go to waste. Or the blue cheese. Both cured meats and blue cheese are so much better in Canada. Plus I had a little wine after my show, and it would be detrimental to my health if I didn’t eat before bed, cuz everyone knows eating before bed stops you from getting hangovers.*  

Plus, how am I supposed to become a vegan when there’s still salami lying around the house? Do sex addicts let their last condoms go to waste before they go to sex rehab or wherever? I highly doubt it.

I wake up, January 1st, feeling fresh thanks to my 2am lite supper. I’m ready for Veganism! Me, my parents, cousin and cousin’s daughter meet at the Cactus Club in Vancouver (k-Burnaby, but close enough) and I am excited to find all the V’s on the menu. I order the Crispy Tofu Bowl, with NO radish. (When I was in Kindergarten we had a vegetable garden and it made me barf my first ever ingested radish. I’m still not over it.) 

I gotta say, it was delicious. I poured hot sauce over the whole thing obviously. My cousin is a vegetarian, but she has a side of fries, edamame and a Bellini. (So you know we’re related.) My meal is delish, and doesn't make me feel overly full like last week's lasagne did. Perhaps it's the tofu, or perhaps it's the Canadian portion. 

I’m still making my holiday rounds in the mother country, so afterwards we hit up Grandma’s house. (I have a very busy social schedule, as you can tell.) I check Grandma’s Danish cookies in the round blue tin to see if they’re vegan. They have those controversial “MAY CONTAIN” ingredients which are really stressing me out. I eat one pretzel shaped cookie and call it quits. 

Then off to my sister’s, for dinner. We’re supposed to order in, and I pray they don’t order without me, but of course they did. Pizza Hut. Four pizzas, all with cheese. To be fair, I don’t think anybody actually thought I’d stick to a diet. I never have. And I never turn down pizza, I just pick off the mushrooms. I decide to double down and order Thai. I love Thai food- coconut curries will literally get me through Veganuary. I know it.

Oh god is blogging about food boring? I was probs more exciting when I was blogging about my Tinder dates, but at least the food won’t get mad at me for blogging about it. (Except the maybe the mushrooms.)

I fly back to L.A. the next day. I know L.A. will be easy to pull of Veganuary. This place is full of picky diets. At the Vancouver airport I hit the Banh Mi place, which seems like the only vegan friendly joint past security. Of course they’re out of tofu. January! Fuck. Should I give up now? I can’t starve. And I can’t get drunk without eating lunch first and who can get on an airplane without a glass of wine?

Luckily I like to get to the airport 82 hours early, so I decide to wait for them to make more tofu. That’s right- I’m really doing this. Twenty-five minutes later I have my tofu Banh Mi (with hot sauce.)

I couldn’t be happier when I get home to my cute new L.A. pad. I open my fridge and of course, there’s not much in there after being away for two weeks. And you know what’s staring me right in the eye…

That’s right. My old pal, Trader Joe’s Calabrese salami. 

Shit. That stuff lasts forever. (That should scare me.)

I close the fridge, and slowly give it thought…

“Well, I shouldn’t waste food. I could be a vegan starting January 3rd. No one’s watching me. I’m not even THAT out of shape…”

But then something miraculous happens. A thought so exciting it overpowers any craving for food.

“OMG my VIBRATOR! I haven’t jilled off in weeks!”

I def don’t take it home for the holidays, ya pervs. I get in my pajamas, crawl into bed and satisfy myself sans le food. Straight to single girl dessert. I don’t need salami after all.

And just like that, I wake up the next morning, still a vegan.

xoxo with fruits and veggies, your new vegan (for now)

walkinsauce

p.s. Not sure I can give up cheese forever. If I fall off this diet, I’ll just try another. I hear there’s more than one...

* None of my “theories” on health and diets are proven or approved by doctors. This is just me, and what I think I’ve figured out about my body specifically.

[306spa]

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[hairstyleforteen]

Express Yourself With the Perfect Summer Manicure

There’s no better time to get a mani-pedi than summertime! With your toes and fingernails on full display in sandals and flip-flops, you might be tempted to try out a new color and style every week this summer. So what’s stopping you?  Manicures and pedicures can be expensive, and nail salons might only have a limited number of solid colors available. You can ask for gems, glitter, or other designs, but there’s no guarantee that your nail salon will be able to create the look you’re going for. If you’re not familiar with nail art, it can be even more difficult to know what to ask for at the nail salon—or to attempt it at home yourself. Acrylic, gel, and semi cured gel nails can be great alternatives to painting your nails yourself. Why worry about staying inside the lines or being a master artist when you can shape your polish to fit your nail? Fake nails come in hundreds of designs so you can choose a set that fits your personal aesthetic. Whether you prefer a French manicure or tiny watermelons on your nails, there’s bound to be an acrylic or semi cured gel nails set that fits your needs. Semi cured gel nails are especially unique and easy to use at home. They’re made of liquid gel nail polish that molds to fit your fingernail and hardens when exposed to a UV lamp. They usually last for about two weeks, so you can try out plenty of new styles this summer. Need some suggestions for the cutest summer nail colors? Here are just a few designs that you can wear as semi cured gel nails during your trip to the beach or your night out with friends. - Bold Colors Summer is the perfect time to try out a bold color like yellow or turquoise blue. Your nails can be an accessory just like your purse, shoes, or earrings, so don’t be afraid to make a statement. If you find yourself gravitating towards your safe colors when you’re at the nail salon—probably muted pinks or reds—why not try out something new? Since semi cured gel nails last for two weeks, you can try out a funky color like this vibrant yellow and easily switch it out if it isn’t to your liking. You’ll be more likely to wear bright colors and floral patterns during the summer anyway, so it will be easy to find outfits that match.  - Nude with Glitter Everyone feels like dressing up during the summer! If you have a wedding or birthday party to attend, you may be looking for nails that are formal but still have a little bit of personality. These gel nails in the shade “N Dress Up” are a peachy nude color with just a sprinkling of glitter and elegant, crisscrossed silver lines. They’re appropriately subtle with just a bit of summer sparkle. - Tropical Fruits This adorable semi cured gel pedicure gives such beachy vibes. If you’re going to a tropical location this summer, decorating your nails with summery fruits like pineapples or watermelons is the perfect way to set the mood. Alternating bold designs with solid colors gives any pedicure or manicure the ideal amount of balance. This set also includes solid yellow, green, white, and yellow gingham nails—all essential summer colors. - Ocean Blue If you’re headed to the beach this summer or even if you just love the ocean, a nail set that resembles the ocean or mermaid scales might be exactly what you need. These gorgeous blue nails are any mermaid’s dream come true. They’re patterned with decals that resemble the ocean when the sun hits it just right.  - Marbled Nails This marbled manicure set in shades of yellow, orange, and purple is suitable for those nail lovers who want to try out some summer shades but are nervous to completely embrace bold primary colors. Muted secondary colors or colored French tip nails could be a great way to try some bolder shades. If you’re going for a look that’s more sophisticated than spontaneous, this set resembling a sunset or desert could be for you.  - Fun Pastels Summer isn’t all about the primary colors. This nail set in shades of pastel green, pink, yellow, and purple with accents of gold is so playful and fun. It’s inspired by a merry-go-round and would be well-suited for any parade, carnival, or summertime fun. The French manicure style of the decals is even more subtle once it’s on your fingertips, making it easy to match. - Summer Sky Most people gravitate towards deep purple and blue nails in the wintertime, but this starry design would be a great summer twist on a darker color. The subtle glitter is achieved with a glossy yellow to make it look like stars. This style would be stunning at parties—especially if you have a deep blue or black dress to match. Read the full article

[dreamresearchgroup1]

Tinea Pedis- Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Explained

Tinea Pedis- An Introduction:

Foot ringworm as one calls it or Tinea Pedis infects the hands along with the feet as a result of the fungi resident in the toe’s soles or Interdigtale clefts of the nails. It is popularly called an athlete’s foot. Many parts of Africa, Australia, and Asia were victims of the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum which was determined as the main reason for the infection.

Usually developing in-between the toes, athlete’s foot also called Tinea Pedis is yet another type of fungal infection.

People may have feet that are sweaty due to the fact they prefer tight-fitting shoes. These people are more susceptible to this problem.

Athletes’ foot is characterized by itchy, stinging rashes which cause both burning along with itching.

The disease is contagious and is certain to spread through contact with infected floors, towels or the clothing one wears.

The athlete’s foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but the infection often recurs. Prescription medications also are available.

Symptoms:

 Athlete’s foot usually causes a scaly red rash. The rash typically begins in between the toes. Itching is often the worst right after you take off your shoes and socks.

Some types of this ailment feature blisters or ulcers. The moccasin variety of athlete’s foot causes chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that extends up the side of the foot. It can be mistaken for eczema or dry skin.

The infection can affect one or both feet and can spread to your hand — especially if you scratch or pick at the infected parts of your feet.

The symptoms of this ailment are usually red and scaly. Rashes often start appearing between toes. Taking off your shoes and socks is usually the time when you experience the most itching.

In addition to this, ringworm along with jock itch is also a fungal infection.

Antifungal medications could be purchased across the counter for treating this infection, but more often than not the fungal infection tends to recur. 

  There are medications available on prescription too.

These aforesaid mentioned symptoms help a doctor too in his diagnosis of assessing the Athletes foot syndrome. He would locate the infected skin and scrape off a meager portion of it. The piece would be immersed in a Potassium Hydroxide container. The chemical mix would attack the normal cells and destroy them. The affected fungi cells would remain as such which is subject to examination with the aid of a microscope.

What is Vesicular Tinea Pedis

A combination of multiple fungi leads to this most commonly known Vesicular athlete’s foot. The origin of this or the first symptoms is the infection in the toe web. In common parlance, it is called ‘ Jungle Rot’. It is generally associated with fire servicemen who engage in fighting fire under conditions that are more associated with heat.

Vesicular Athlete’s foot is largely due to T. Interdigtale. They increase in numbers due to their association with the Vesicles along with Pustules. These can be found on the mid- anterior plantar surface.

Treatment of Athlete’s Foot:

It can be treated with home remedies or Allopathy.

Here is a list of different home remedies suggested to the ailment:

1. Treatment – – Counter (OTC)

Buy it in the form of powders, lotions, ointments, or sprays through OTC. Apply these to whichever area is infected for only a week to know the improvement. 2. Tea Tree Oil

It is abundant in antibacterial along with Antifungal properties and fungal infections caused by ringworm can be easily cured. For best results mix coconut oil with 25% to 50% of tea tree oil and the ailment would disappear in a few weeks

3. Hydrogen Peroxide:

It kills the fungus at surface levels.

For best results pour the mix onto the affected area.

4. Garlic

Garlic has certainly one of the strongest ingredients to cure this ailment. The process is to

Take four pieces of Clive, crush them, and apply over the affected area

5. Alcohol:

If the fungi are found on the top of the skin there are two methods available. They are

Mix the Hydrogen Peroxide with water in the ratio of 70: 30.

Soak your affected parts of the feet in this mix for an approximate half-hour every day till it heals.

The second method is to carefully apply the peroxide to the infected area.

Found below are the medicines which can be applied on the infected areas. 

Miconazole (Micatin, Zeasorb powder), 

Econazole (Spectazole), 

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin), 

Terbinafine (Lamisil), 

Naftifine (Naftin), 

Butenafine (Mentax), ciclopirox (Loprox), 

Ketoconazole (Nizoral), 

Efinaconazole (Jublia), 

Luliconazole (Luzu), 

Sertaconazole (Ertaczo), 

Sulconazole (Exelderm), 

Tolnaftate (Tinactin). 

 What is B35.3?

ICD-10-CM Code for Tinea pedis B35.3

Infections and parasites are two types of ailments classified under ICD-10-CM codes by WHO. Tinea Pedis includes:

Athlete’s foot 

Dermatophytosis of foot 

Foot ringworm 

 B35Includes: Favus infections due to species of

Epidermophyton, 

Microsporum and 

Trichophyton 

Tinea,

Any type except those in B36.-

Conclusion:

As the condition is contagious, you shouldn’t spread it. It is best to avoid scratching the affected area and clean your hands after the application of medicine. It is essential to contain the fungal infection and not let it develop into a bacterial one.

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