#maximalist holiday homes

[hermaximalismhome]

[lurkingshan]

1, 17, 29, 43, 62

Oh my god y'all are sending me so many.

What was the first piece of furniture you bought?

A custom-made headboard from an artist friend who did woodworking. For years and years I lived with hand me down furniture and it was the first thing I ever said, "fuck it" and bought for myself.

17. What's a movie you saw recently that you liked?

Oh I see, this was all a scheme to get me to post about Past Lives. Recently you tricked me into watching this on a plane and making an absolute fool of myself weeping in front of a bunch of strangers.

It's a really beautiful film about a Korean woman, Nora, who has made a life in the US with a career and a husband she loves. She is not unhappy with her life at all, but she reconnects with her first love and the life she might have lived and all her unresolved feelings about it come crashing down on her. My favorite thing about this movie is how generous and empathetic it is to everyone involved, including Nora, her husband, Arthur, and her first love, Hae Sung.

29. Go-to holiday card format?

I don't send holiday cards because I am lazy about that kind of stuff. If you want to see a picture of me in December just follow me on IG.

43. Favorite book you've read recently?

I have been having a bad few months for reading (my brain just gets like that sometimes post-COVID), so the last book I loved and actually completed was Da Ge during the early days of the Unknown watch. I still think about it all the time (and why the show adaptation messed up the ending FOR NO GODDAMN REASON).

62. Where are you on the minimalism-maximalism kinsey scale?

I am assuming 0=total minimalist and 6=total maximalist and we are talking about home decor, and I think I'm probably a solid 3. I like a home to actually have a personality and look like someone lives in it, but I also favor a soothing color palette and don't get too fancy with furniture.

Ask meme for people in their 30s

[thotsforvillainrights]

What would the mla members be like during the holidays?

(I had so much fun mapping out how they were acting during Halloween that I was hoping someone would also end up asking about Christmas too!)

headcanon|scenario|imagine|match-up

I imagine they all end up together regardless of the situation. I mean you have to think about the main man of the group. There is no way ReDestro doesn't find some sort of cheer in celebrating the holidays at some point. Because he's the shepherd and they're the flock, obviously they'll be giving into this. Rikiya likely holds any and all events personally in his home for this kind of thing. He does end up hiring some help to get the place decorated since his house is so large and there's no way he can find the time to get it all done himself. He probably holds a little dinner and maybe even thinks to get a game or two for the group to bond over. Geten naturally is there to help as well. Geten probably takes things a little TOO seriously when they're asked of him. ReDestro can ask him to go to the store and pick up some candy canes for the tree and Geten will go overboard and return with every size/shape/flavor of candy cane. There's no way he won't be told he's doing a good job by that! Chitose orchestrates a secret Santa of sort. If there's one thing about this group is that they go really hard for secret santa. There is no price limit for this thing. One year someone gifted Skeptic a car. It's still sitting in his garage considering he's not a maximalist for a lot of things other than computer related stuff. Speaking of Skeptic, he's probably expected to be the scrooge of the group. It's still so very funny to watch him in a grey and black Christmas sweater pouting as he sips hot chocolate or egg nog and complains about the ice on his car this morning. Nonetheless, he finds his way to the group and celebrates because he supposes it's better than being alone. Trumpet loves this time of year, but does tend to find himself busy in the weeks leading up to Christmas. He ends up taking part in a lot of charity events both to make his campaign look good, but to also give back to the good citizens of Deika for putting their trust in him enough to vote him into office every year lol.

[narniadreams]

i was tagged by the darling @trumpkinhotboy thank you thank you always!!

picrew

funfact! i did this picrew a long time ago before. check it! i decided to make my softer side today instead of the punk side i made last time. and the knife because i feel murderous :3c

15 questions

Name: celine

Age: 26

Favorite seasons: winter is my favourite, spring is a close second

Movies or tv shows? i am not a big fan of either, i just watch what i like, i don't have a preference

Do you carry a bag/purse? what kind? it depends on what i am bringing with me that day, but i usually go for a backpack. if i'm bringing my laptop i use a backpack from ikea, if i am not bringing much i take a small fluffy backpack that i think i got from aldi or lidl once haha

What color is your waterbottle? i have multiple, but the one i use the most is clear with a cartoon on it, ryan the lion. the cap is pastel blue.

What color is your phone case? it's also clear, but it has shiny, gold stars and planets on it!

Do you sleep in silence or do you need white noise/sounds/music? i used to sleep with music on, but in this past year or so i started to sleep without it. just silence. i can handle some white noise too (like a clock ticking) but there are definitely noises that will prevent me from sleeping well

Top sheets. Yes or no? ngl, i had to google what this meant. i don't use that, so no

You're in the candy aisle at the corner store, what are you grabbing? corner stores here don't have many vegan options haha, but i would go for read bean rice cakes or red bean bread, probably!

Preferred mode of travel (plane, train,car,bus,on foot): i loooooove walking

What's your phone background right now? a picture of my mom and i, we took it at a parking lot of a train station when i went back home for holiday earlier this year <3

Are you more of a minimalist or maximalist? maximalist for sure, i love trinkets!

It's time to paint your bedroom! What color are you choosing? a soft, pastel pink! (which truly is the colour of one wall in my bedroom)

And finally, tell me something that brings you joy: 1. that i got my film photos printed today and they turned out nicely, my mom really liked them too. 2. i also saw a girl in the subway station today, wearing a shirt that said 'i <3 making boys cry' which made me chuckle. 3. the kdrama that i am watching these days (and will probably finish tomorrow) called mask girl, i recommend it, it's really good! 4. that it's going to rain a lot this week so the weather will cool down a bit. 5. the song i am currently listening to on repeat, paddleboat breakup by ben folds, who i will see live THIS OCTOBER!!! *0*

tagging once again: @seunghyubtual and @thebaguettegal >:)

[hiccanna-tidbits]

Jackunzel February Special Week 4 - Winter Winter in the City

Sure, a festive sleigh ride through sprawling fields, rolling hills, and quiet, snowy forest might not be an option, but Jack and Rapunzel can still find ways to enjoy a very urban winter.

It turns out flirty and needlessly-intense snowball brawls are just as much fun at the bus stop or in the city park as they are in a frozen-over meadow. As pleasant as braving woodland trail with a thermos full of hot chocolate might sound for some, it’s equally as delightful to stroll along snow-adorned neighborhood streets, house never too far in case you need cocoa refills.

And that’s to say nothing of the decorations and festivals and cheer. Shop-lined streets could very well be wild countryside, for how many Christmas trees, holly boughs, and pine wreaths line everything in sight. In all honesty, nothing feels more lively than the darkest, coldest days of the year, with the city air filled with singing and laughing and bells and the smell of gingerbread and peppermint and wassail. There are few places better for a wintry adventure than a line of cheery gift shops with snow-covered awnings--and no place where you should keep a close eye on your bank account, for that matter.

But one year, Jack and Rapunzel’s urban winter is different. There’s snowball fights and hot chocolate and fireside storytelling and tacky Christmas gifts that break the next day, of course, but this time, something seems to have shifted by the time spring rolls around.

It probably has something to do with the fact Jack and Rapunzel have fallen back into the hand-holding habits they had as kids, insisting it’s only for warmth because “this winter is especially frigid.” Or maybe the fact they dozed off on top of each other mid-holiday-movie marathon one too many times. Or perhaps something related to them both separately paying a visit to the city’s biggest candy store and purchasing a heart-shaped box of chocolates for the other “as a joke.”

Either way, it turns into a spring of kissing under blooming trees. And they have a feeling they’ll still be doing it when next winter rolls around.

***

YOOOOO, last Jackunzel February Special submission!!! Alas, all good things must come to an end :( But there seems to be a Jackunzel revival as of late, so rest assured that the shameless Jackunzelposting will not be stopping anytime soon :P

Anyhoo, I have all these winter city pics that I’ve been saving basically like. As long as I’ve been making Jackunzel moodboards. And I have so many saved up I do what I always do and am like “what if I made a themed moodboard about it???”

...and so I did XD

I do love the idea of Jack and Rapunzel living in a big city, though. They seem like they’d live for the energy and liveliness of it all, and would have a great time just walking up and down a busy street and people-watching. They’d also be the kinds of people to live in a city their whole lives and still try to hit every tourist trap in it, just to have the experience XD

Continuously enamored with the idea of them at some kind of holiday market and going on a shopping spree for nothing but festive knickknacks and wintry snacks while sipping hot cocoa, and then going home and redecorating their rooms with the most maximalist winter decorations known to man <3 <3 <3

Pic credits available upon request!

[pbandjesse]

My throat hurts today! What the heck! This whole time I didn't have a voice my throat never really hurt and now I can talk I talked to much and made my throat hurt. Very annoying.

But I will not let it ruin my whole day. Because today was awesome. I had such a good day.

I slept alright last night. Though I woke up feeling very dried out. Which is probably what exasperated my throat. I got up and washed my face and drank some water and was able to go back to sleep.

When I woke up for real at 9 I felt alright. I stripped the bed and went to get washed and dressed. I decided to take a shower and wash my hair this morning. I do really like washing my hair in the day time rather then at night. I think it dries nicer. And even though I hate when my neck gets wet from my hair. It is almost worth it for me hair.

I walked around the apartment to assess what I needed to do before Naomi and Kim came over for a private sewing lessons. I was really excited. Also nervous! Terribly nervous!

James had made me breakfast and left it in the microwave. I appreciated that a lot. I warmed that back up and ate in the kitchen.

I put all the clean dishes away that were in the dishwasher. And loaded in the newly dirty stuff. I would start cleaning the apartment then. Three times today I would vacuum up some snails in the frog tank. Just continuing my battle against the snail invasion. But I mostly focused on cleaning the apartment and making it nice for guests.

Our vacuum had a big clog and I took that out on the fire escape and took it apart and cleaned it out. I would then vacuum and wipe things down. Dusting and putting things away. I was really happy with how the space was looking and feeling. Ignore our bedroom where all the Christmas stuff is piled, and James room where I moved my rocking chair and stool so I could set up the picnic table to have a work space. Everywhere looked great.

I would work on the studio for a bit. I did all the finishing sewing on the bears and horses from last night. So I have 4 more finished bears and 3 more horses. I am very pleased. I also have absolutely no more space on my cart.

I'm hoping when I do the holiday sales I can make some surprise bags or a sale basket to get some of the not as well made or ugly ones into new homes. Something I'll work on soon.

I was sewing and getting things ready. Poking around the apartment. I had a 4 hour video playing which helped me keep moving. I love when I don't have to stop whatever I'm doing to find a new thing to watch. I can just let it play and do my thing.

I would have some lunch. And work on a document to organize the houses we want to see because I felt like we had the listings in to many places and it was getting confusing. I do keep thinking about the yellow house. There would be work to be done. But our monthly expenses would go down so much. And I love a deal. And its a starter home! In a neighborhood I love! It might take work over time, but it also could be exactly what I wanted. Even if it's a little small. The basement storage is awesome. We might go see it again tomorrow. I hope it gives me clarity. In either direction.

I did one more vacuuming of the snails and as I was finishing that Kim, Naomi's mom, texted me they were downstairs.

She was actually trapped by a bus waiting at the light. So I got a good laugh about that. I brought them inside though and was excited to show off the building. It really is beautiful. And I do love it here. Even if I am ready to move into a new home, I still love it here.

And Kim was so nice. She thought we had the nicest place and kept saying how cool it was and how organized I am. And that felt really good. I worked hard on that!! Like I know I'm a maximalist. I have so much. But it's all in its place. And I know where things are.

Naomi was very interested in Sweetp and my fish tanks. Omelet was not out so later I would send pictures and Naomi was very excited about that. In her own way. She's very quiet and has a flat affect. But I enjoy her. She is funny.

We would sit down, after looking at my fish tank with Ari the Betta, and got to work. She brought 7 koopalings to try to create clothes for. We would make 3. Two in felt and one in a cotton. I cut everything out and we went over the pattern I created. Which I made almost the exact right size and was very proud of myself.

We worked on whip stitching. Pinning. Tying off (which she was very good at! Which most people struggle with). Buttons. And then we did some hemming with a running stitch. It was great.

Naomi was funny though and every once in a while she would ask if it was time to go. Her mom was just like. Not quite yet. And we kept working. We would have one of the shirts into a jacket for a koopaling with to big a head. And we would reenforce that one in the sewing machine.

Kim was fun to talk to as well. About my collections and music. Stuff Naomi is in to, stuff I'm into. Sewing and art and things. It was a really nice afternoon.

We worked on the sewing machine for a while. We discussed how to hem the necks of the shirts. I also showed them how to do a blanket stitch which they might use to make a fleece blanket for their grandma for Christmas. So sweet.

Kim would venmo James to pay me and said I'm not charging enough so she gave me some extra which was very kind of her. And she she scheduled to come back in a few weeks. Amazing. I'm so glad she trusts me to teach Naomi stuff. I think it's also just my energy. I was thrilled though and had such a good time.

I walked them down and said goodbye. Made sure they were alright getting out. And then I was alone again.

I had a bag of stuff to take to the car. So I went to do that. Just some junk to take to camp. It was very beautiful outside.

I came back upstairs and started putting stuff away. Put the room back together. And got cuddled on the couch. Had some cheese and crackers. Throat was hurting but I was having a good time.

James would come home early. I was happy to see them. They would make us dinner and we talked about our days. I got very tired all of a sudden. I enjoyed my corn on the cob and vegetarian crab cakes. But then I just wanted to lay on the couch with sweetp and watch videos.

Eventually James joined me. They read while I scrolled and was a baby about my throat hurting.

I would go take a bath. It helped a little. But really I'm just very tired. I am ready to sleep. It's nice to be clean and in pajamas. Texting Jess and helping her find vintage knobs to match the ones she got at the thrift yesterday. She said I was amazing. I am such a good finder.

I am ready to sleep now. Tomorrow we are going to the B&O museum for a belated birthday for James. And then we are supposed to go see houses. I hope we do. I hope we find something great. On a great block.

Wish us luck. I love you all. Goodnight everyone!

[rockislandadultreads]

Seasonal Cookbook Recommendations

Farmhouse Rules by Nancy Fuller

Nancy Fuller believes in bringing family together around the table, sharing stories and table manners. Her philosophy is to feed others with delicious, simple meals from the heart. Her straight-shooter approach to cooking will take the hassle out of dinner preparation. Every recipe helps readers to make healthy, authentic cooking their daily standard and shows readers how satisfying freshly cooked comfort food can be.

Festive Holiday Recipes by Addie Gundry

In this cookbook, Food Network star Addie Gundry offers easy, delightful holiday recipes for everyone looking for that last minute recipe for entertaining. From appetizers for holiday and New Year's Eve entertaining, like Caramelized Onion Tartlets, to recipes for The Best Roast Turkey and all your favorite sides and pies, this book is a home cook's trusty sous chef for easy and elegant entertaining throughout the holiday season. 

Gather at Home by Monika Hibbs

In this cookbook, Monika Hibbs shares her favourite relaxed and easy ways to make your everyday moments and seasonal celebrations special. Use Monika's collection of over 100 simple recipes, crafts, and do-it-yourself projects, conveniently divided by season, to turn your Friday family games night, Mother's Day brunch, holiday dinner, or outdoor evening barbecue into something memorable.

Grains for Every Season by Joshua McFadden

Joshua McFadden is back as he applies his maximalist approach to flavor and texture to cooking with grains. This cookbook’s 200 recipes are organized into chapters by grain type, unlocking information on where each one comes from, how to prepare it, and why the author can’t live without it. This volume will change the way we cook with barley, brown rice, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rye, wheat, and wild rice.

[ardent-fox]

✨️ Tag Game Masterpost ✨️

Got tagged in so many amazing things by so many precious humans while I was away, thank you all so much for thinking of me! 🥰🫶

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First up, @mishervellous, @creepkinginc, @energievie, @tanktopgallavich and @look-i-love-u tagged me to complete this wonderful Tag Game Tuesday created by our beloved @celestialmickey!

Please address me as: Lyds 💙

How many countries have you lived in? Two (one main one and the other for a few months)

States/provinces? Two (one in each country)

Cities/towns? Two (same as above)

Homes? Two (only counting long-term ones that are deserving of the name)

Road trip or long-haul flight? I'm used to and love road trips, but would prefer to go on a plane right now as it's been 14 years since my last flight.

On the spectrum of hoarder to minimalist, where do you fall? I'm a maximalist, so... organized hoarder? 😅

Do you have a keepsake box/bin/bag and if so, what’s in it? I have two, a box with old letters and photos from dear people, the other is a chest with handmade cards from my husband, we gifted them to each other every month for 3 years and it's overflowing at this point.

If you could live anywhere, where would you live? While living on the seaside with the mountains two hours away is not bad, I'd like to be closer to the cooler, foresty part of my country, also anything in the Scandinavian region seems very appealing.

Favorite place in your home? It changes frequently, right now it's my office corner with my baroque style desk and memo board full of inspiring, queer stuff on it 💖

Finally, what’s your current favorite item in your home? A tiny, antique, Viennese furnace I got from my grandparents', it's chipped in places and needs a paint job but I love putting LED tealights in it and watching it glow, especially during the holidays.

----

Next, I was tagged by @mishervellous and @ian-galagher to make this sweet picrew!

Lounging at home and thinking of all of you 😍

----

Last but not least, @mishervellous, @creepkinginc and @look-i-love-u tagged me to play this Screenshot Game!

Rules: post a screencap of your lock screen photo, a screencap of the last/current song listened to, as well as the last photo of a celebrity that you saved in your phone.

My bunny, my ringtone and my current crush 🤗

I'm super late and feeling a little overwhelmed with getting back into the groove, so I'll skip tagging this time, however if you see this and would like to complete any or all of these, please do! Love and good vibes to all 💙✨️

[loveandscience]

Wasn't as satisfied with today. It might be because I've been thinking about the return to work and I'm anxious about lack of alone time again. However, I WAS strong and turned down a new potential client. There's also a time limit on my suspending my marketing before the next payment is due, so I need to get on that to avoid losing that money.

Ordered some things to help organize the home more, and decluttered kiddo's room with them some more. Their room is so overwhelming to me. In addition to having too much stuff, they also have like nearly every inch of their wall covered in stickers and pictures and stuff. And no matter how often I say something like, 'oh, let's take some stuff off your wall to make room for the new stuff,' they immediately come back with 'Look! I found more room!' and they move shit aside to squeeze in another fucking picture lol. They are definitely a maximalist or something.

The 'bonus room' still feels unfinished, even though I think I did a lot? I'm going to let it rest for now though. One of the clutter-adding habits I'm going to work on is being much more selective about what clearance stuff I get after holidays. It's worth it to get the cheap food things, like holiday cookies or the like, and save til next year-- the boxes don't look so much like clutter. However the bigger and bulkier stuff will be a 'no' for the most part. That will make the room look better, because I've been storing 'new stuff for the next major holiday!' in there on a couple shelves.

What I am excited for is the Barbie movie! Kiddo has no interest in going, so I found time I can go by myself. It's going to be so fun! I have pink shorts and a pink shirt I can wear, too :P If only I had some pink shoes, like converse or something.

Maybe I will feel more satisfied for the day if I push through the anxiety and work more on kiddo's room. The closet looks better. The art supplies still need to be tackled. Plus the boxes of random little toys. I did also have one client today, and have one tomorrow. And would like to play some more Pokemon Arceus.

[j77m]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: VS RARE HTF Small Pink Floral Bra W/ Strappy Back.

[penguin-pebble]

Journal 20/24/09/29

I guess I should probably write down what happened. I honestly don’t remember much. Just stepping off the London underground on my way to Uni, then stepping into a lab. Most of my first few days here were spent in a plain beige observation room, waiting for tests to come back. Was I dangerous? Not imminently. Was I contagious? Not dangerously so. Was I truly from another world? Or simply pulled from somewhere else in this one? Their questions about history and current events, and my blank stares, confirmed it. Eventually, they deemed I was harmless and released me from my beige prison. 

After realizing I had nowhere to go, one of the scientists, Mood, who had originally questioned me, offered me the guest room at her house. I was surprised, even more so when I remembered Mood and her husband had a four-year-old kid at home. But Mood and her coworkers seemed even more aghast at the idea of spending possible months in a hotel so I accepted, at least for a few days. Looking back, it seems like this world is just a little more trusting.

Leaving that stark whiteness of the Lab, or at least the sterile portion of it revealed more differences in our worlds. They could be described as cubicles, but it was nothing like the sea of corporate I was used to. Each sectioned-off workspace (apparently they call them nests) had a few monitors and perhaps some gadgets that had scientific importance unknown to me. The rest was covered in trinkets. Mugs, potted plants, tchotchkes, novelty snowglobes, tiny figurines, and more. The cubical walls, which looked more like the sides of a woven basket scaled up to room size, had even more decoration. Keychains, ribbons, macrame, and bits of elaborate jewelry hung from the woven fibers, and pictures or larger hangings were pinned to larger vertical supports every few feet. It looked like a few people had sectioned off their desks further, with more woven dividers or lengths of tapestry strung from beams on the ceiling.

This theme continued outside into the dry late afternoon heat (yet another reminder I was somewhere entirely different). The parking lot was relatively familiar, but the cars were something else. Similar makes and forms, but the colors. Most manufacturers I know stick to greys, silvers, whites, and blacks. Maybe the occasional red. These shades of brights and pastels are only for classic cars or expensive bodywork. Not here. Each car had a unique combination of colors. It seemed purposefully contrasting paint was used on parts that had been replaced (Mood’s blue-silver van has an iridescent purple bumper and right mirror and evidence of a large dent in the back has been embellished with gold paint).  Not to mention the stickers. about a dozen “Honk if you science” bumper stickers on Mood’s car alone. Some cars had familiar stick-figure families on their rear windows (albeit each figure seemed similarly bedazzled in their own vinyl clothes and accessories). But every car was covered in a myriad of different bumper stickers featuring cheesy slogans, landmarks, and unfamiliar cartoons or mascots.

This maximalist theme only continued as we drove through town and into a small suburb. At first I thought it must be Christmas or some equivalent holiday. As we passed by rows of houses, each door had a wreath. Most had two or more, with many having additional wreaths on the lower half of the door. These weren’t your normal pine sprig and holly Christmas wreath or even the more niche wreaths for other holidays and seasons. They looked like rope, or sometimes a wire, or maybe willow base. Each one covered in more random trinkets. Necklaces and strings of beads were artfully draped across and pins, earrings, and keychains hung from the frames. A few even had small figurines or toys stuck within the tangle of chains and beads.

Harper and Mood’s house had modest wreathes by comparison. I could still see the wire structure underneath all the brica-brack. Later, I learned this was because they only moved here a few years ago, so they were closer to both Tyler’s school and Mood’s lab. Apparently moving is like a really big deal here. Harper said that most families live in the same house for generations, adding on when they need more room. Usually, one kid stays in the family home while the rest move out join other families or create their own. Haprped says that if I’m still here I’ll be able to tag along for some winter holiday hosted by Mood’s brother.

Even though the house is new construction, it seems like Mood and Harper have already added on. The guest room I was offered turned out to be a separate building entirely. A sort of mother-in-law unit connected to the main house by a small covered patio area. It’s actually making me a lot more comfortable staying here, I’ve got my own bathroom and shower (I am infinitely grateful that area of culture seems to be the same) and even a small kitchen. The bed is weird though. It’s about the size of a double back home, maybe a queen. But it’s sunk into its own alcove, like a fancy window bench pumped up to eleven. And there are so many pillows. I don’t think the bed even has a proper mattress, just a thin pad, like a giant chair cushion, then a sea of pillows. All different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Plush, firm, or just decorative. It took me ages to find a position I could fall asleep in, but it was the best sleep of my life.

Some of the walls here have that same woven texture as the cubical nests at Mood’s lab (apparently the beds are also “nests” along with the small writing desk nook next to it). Sometimes they use little folded dividers of the same material too. That and curtains. Every room is divided into countless nooks and cubbies. It’s still very strange, but I’m starting to see how it could be considered homely.

[vincesuke-cob]

being in game art studies and realizing we are not in a world where the internet and the plzce that raises me is an outcast thing. realizing theres people with bullies behaviours in the nerdy spaces.

struggling to do a single thing in 3d bc you convinced yourself you wanted to do silly vn sprites and on the verge of tears for no reason

being that annoying guy who wants to cry because he has difficulties in an art field he discovered 4 months ago.

being interested in ui/ux design but knowing damn well maximalist design is over and i would have to do crappy looking ass round-edged rectangles as a menu and call it a day.

creativity on the internet is dead, but not when there's money to be made.

and even that, youtube has become the same as television.

creativity as a whole is fucking dead. either you're f-cking toby fox and out nowhere autistic gay kids find your game and everyone loves it or you stay in the shadows, living with state help in a crappy appartment infested with mice and parasited by external noise bc its too expensive to have a decent isolated flat.

being autistic and having to deal with a room full of 35 people every single day

being autistic and even if they dont say a thing knowing damn well people find you "special"

neons making noise.

people talking out loud

being convinced you ask dumb questions and piss off the teacher so you say nothing

to cry when going home because you dont understand a thing

but thats what you wanna do right? art. in video game field.

when the only games you're capable to play are jrpgs and visual novels

in a school where everyone plays aaa games and league of legends.

so your references doesnt make any sense

and you're annoying people with your persona 4 thing

shut up about adachi

i dont want to.

right now i just want to burst out in tears bc i always have too specific expectations

i should maybe just calm down

i want more holidays

i wanna play persona

i wish i could merge with my computer again. and i have this mindset for 10 years

i watched lain last week

and yea now i see why my bro told me to watch

but i dont wanna stop existing

but not as the human being i am today

i hate being trans

i hate it all right now

i hate capitalism

i hate work

i fucking hate it

[bluecrazydriver]

Chapter 2 - Hydes' Family

It was the first day of the school holidays, Snape arrived at his house the same night got on the train. He remembered Anasthasya's goodbye hug at the station, so soft and tender. Snape could smell her friend's sweet perfume still permeating his clothes.

Upon arriving at his home, Severus finds a humble dinner already served. He sits at the table and starts to eat, it was bread and soup.

The smell of Tobias' cigarettes disturbed Snape's nostrils, now it would take weeks for him to get used to that disgusting odor.

"I miss Hogwarts...and Anasthasya" He thought.

Around 11pm, he was lying on the mattress in his small, grim-faced room. He only had a bed, a dresser worn out over the years, a dusty carpet and a rusty window. Everything is so depressing and empty, like his life.

Staring at the ceiling, he tried to get bored and fall asleep, however, Anasthasya wouldn't leave his head.

"She's just a friend, a good friend. She's just a friend, a good friend. She's a friend, a good friend-"

His repetitive thoughts are abruptly interrupted by a hurried knock on window. He gets up hurriedly and goes towards the noise, noticing a light coming from there.

His expression of surprise is evident. The boy was speechless about what was happening. Severus carefully opens the window.

— Did you miss me? — Anasthasya asks with a mischievous smile, sitting on a floating motorcycle — Come on.

— I can't just go with you! Oh My God! Are you fucking crazy? — Snape tries to lecture the girl.

— Oh, yes I am. Do you want to spend your holidays in that cubicle or are you going to come with me? — she questions him. Severus sighs, looking around with some distress, he takes a bag and puts some clothes, books and items inside - that's a real bad boy!

— I can't believe I'm being kidnapped by you! — he murmurs, putting the backpack on his back, then sitting on the motorcycle seat next to Hydes.

His hands held the girl's waist, Severus could smell her hair, it was that pleasant and familiar scent he always had.

— Hold on.

Minutes later, Hydes' magical motorcycle lands in the backyard of a mansion. Snape was unable to see much of the dwelling due to the poor lighting outside, however, when Anasthasya opened the front door, he was enchanted at a warm and well-decorated place.

During the abduction, Severus marveled at the view from above of the city. It was such a gray and lifeless place that he never thought there could be beauty there.

Removing their shoes and cozying up in that corridor, a woman of medium height approaches the young duo silently from behind, scaring them.

- Mother! Oh, what a scare! — Anasthasya exclaimed, sighing with relief when she saw that she was just her mother — This is Severus Snape. My friend.

— Good evening, Mrs. Hy- — the boy is interrupted with a sudden hug, contained almost the same warmth as Anasthasya's.

- Welcome! Nana speaks so highly of you! — the woman expresses, soon separating, but squeezing Snape's pale cheeks.

Anasthasya laughs at her friend's situation, she knew that Severus wasn't used to so much physical contact and attention. Mrs. Hydes finally quiets down, still with her cheerful smile on face.

—Oh! Forgive me, I get excited when we have visitors. Please, just call me Paola... unless I'm angry... then it's still Mrs. Hydes...

- Mom! Thomas cut his finger! — a young girl voice calls her.

— I'm already going there, Georgina! Nana's friend has arrived! — Paola shouts, completely different from the tone she said with Severus — dinner WAS ALMOST ready, but Georgina BURNED the rice and Thomas forgot the salad...Nana, take your friend to the living room, your father will be home from work soon.

After the woman goes to the kitchen, Snape lets out a low laugh.

—Nana? Is your nickname Nana? — he murmurs, laughing at Anasthasya's face.

— Shut up, Severus — she pulls her friend by the hand, taking him to the living room of the house.

There, the rest of the house was no different. "The maximalist and vibrant decoration should fill the remnants of emptiness and loneliness." Thought the boy, following Hydes to the blue sofa with colorful crochet cushions.

He notices a lady sitting in a yellow armchair in front of the lit fireplace, with a black cat on her lap, the elderly woman caressing the animal with her eyes focused on the embers.

— Grandma, this is my friend, Severus — the girl introduces him to her grandmother, who doesn't respond, in fact, doesn't even look at Anasthasya — Grandma Diana has been on a vow of silence since Grandpa Henry's death. Look.

Anasthasya takes a picture frame of her family from the bedside table next to her and shows it to Snape. The black and white photo of the members moved.

— I must have been 12 years old when we took the photo...this is my mom and my dad, Simon — she points to a hugging and smiling couple. The tall blond man looked passionately at his wife, a beautiful woman with black hair and black eyes who returned the look with the same intensity and passion — These are my older siblings, Georgina and Thomas — they both had wavy blonde hair, but Georgia's eyes were green, like Grandma Diana's, and Thomas had Anasthasya's eyes. Black and sparkling. And they were both pushing each other's shoulders.

Severus notices the image of Anasthasya in the photo, his heart skips a beat when he sees her as a child, he remembers the first time he saw her in the Slytherin common room and every moment after that, warming his heart.

— I imagine the lady in the chair is your grandmother — he says, guessing.

— You got it right. There's also my aunt Carmen in the corner waving — Hydes points his index finger at a tall, red-haired woman — There are four people missing in this photo. The aunt's ex-husband, Tyler, who is holding the camera, her new fiancée, Eliza. My grandfather Henry who died three years before the photo and my little sister, Becca.

— Your family is big — Snape comments in a low tone — and they seem to be happy.

— And we are happy... — the girl returns the photo to its rightful place. She had a longing expression on her face, and Severus noticed — I would do anything to go back to that time... the world has become more dangerous and darker, I miss when everything was colorful like this room.

Severus understood her, even though his world had never been like hers, he too felt that things would get worse.

The front door opens and closes, Hydes gets up heading towards the hallway.

— Dad! — she runs to the man and hugs him tightly, not feeling her feet on the ground.

- My little girl! — Simon Hydes returned the hug with the same intensity and a smile beneath his mustache. Severus approached, not so close, but enough to admire the scene. Now he knew where Anasthasya had gotten her hugs, smile, compassion and beauty.

The young man did not feel envious, however, something inside him wanted to be in that place. Greeting his lovely father, expressing love and longing after months away from home.

The man notices the visitor's presence, and after hugging his daughter, he goes to Snape and squeezes the young man's shoulders as if he were family. That moves the boy as much as the affection he received from Paola earlier and all the serene looks he received from Anasthasya.

— Dinner is on the table! — Thomas announces from the dining room.

- Perfect! Severus, haven't you packed your luggage yet? — with his wand, Simon makes Snape's backpack float and fly to the second floor — Nana, then show your colleague the guest room for him, now let's enjoy your siblings and mom's meal! — he say sto the two, who soon follow you to the dining room.

The florally decorated room had cloud paintings on the walls and potted plants in the corners. Plates and cutlery magically floated to the table as the siblings placed the food on the table.

— We can't trust Georgina's floating spell sometimes — Anasthasya explains to her friend, seeing her sister mumbling something after the criticism.

— It's true, once a plate of jelly fell on my head — Thomas adds — imagine if it was hot!

— There's no way jello is hot, idiot! — Georgina says laughing.

Everyone sat at the table, even Grandma Diana who remained with the cat on her lap.

— Will Aunt Carmen be able to come to my birthday? — Anasthasya asks, as everyone helped themselves to the meal.

—She said yes, but the Ministry of Magic has put so much pressure on employees, they completely changed my schedule and increased the workload — replied Mr. Hydes.

— Do you work at the Ministry of Magic? — Severus asks, genuinely curious, something he normally wasn't.

— Yes, I am Secretary of Defense Against the Dark Arts — the man answers Severus' question — I analyze and prosecute cases of wizards who use or have used the Dark Arts.

— It looks dangerous — the black-eyed boy comments, starting to eat.

— Yes, but maybe next year I'll be teaching at Hogwarts as Defense Professor of the Dark Arts.

- Incredible! Does that mean I'm will get an A in this subject? — Anasthasya asks ironically.

- No, honey. At Hogwarts, you will forget that I am your father. And maybe it will take longer, two or three years.

— How unfair! — she jokes

— So, Severus, you're a Slytherin like Anasthasya, aren't you? asked Georgia, sitting across from the boy. — she is the only Slytherin in this house. Me, Dad, Grandma Diana and Aunt Carmen were in Gryffindor. Mom and Grandpa Henry are Ravenclaws and Thomas, Aunt Carmen's fiancée...ah...

— Eliza Rachert — coughs Paola.

— That's right, Thomas, Eliza and Tyler are Hufflepuffs. And I bet Thomas and Dad 10 Galleons that Becca will go to Gryffindor.

— What did I say about betting in this house!...Simon, you bet with the children?! — Paola directs an angry look at her husband.

— I bet she would go to your house! — the man defends himself, not preventing his wife from kicking him under the table.

— I don't mind! Look at the example you set!

A wave of laughter is released, as the older Hydes calmly pet the cat.

That was perhaps the most cozy and laughing night Severus had ever had in his entire life. While the dishes cleaned themselves with magic, the whole family played board games until two in the morning, celebrating Anasthasya's return home.

Hydes goes up with Severus to the second floor, accompanying him to the guest room. Upon opening the door, the boy enters the place with slow steps, perplexed (internally) by the beauty of the room, however hiding it with his stoic face.

— It's a beautiful room... — he says, smelling the lavender, calming his soul.

— It has a view of a lake, a bookcase, a record player and wine hidden in the dresser, but don't you dare open it without me — she warns him, leaning her shoulder against the door frame.

— Thank you... for everything — Severus turns to her.

— Don't thank me, you're...my best friend, it's the least I can do for you. Well, now sleep and dream, because tomorrow we will have a long day. You and I, enemy of the sun, are going to stay outside all afternoon, riding our bikes.

— I don't know how to ride a bike — he confesses, with a sideways smile.

— It's as easy as riding a broom, don't worry, you'll have a great teacher. Goodnight. — she jokes, soon closing the door to his room.

— Goodnight.

____________________________________

AN: Ufa! One more chapter written, see you next time.

[laidee-flegman]

Eighth Day of Christmas journal prompts - Festive decorating!

Decorating Delight: Reflect on the emotions that arise when you start decorating for Christmas. Is it a burst of joy, a touch of nostalgia, or something else? Describe the feeling in detail.

The Ornament Odyssey: Choose your favorite Christmas ornament. What's the story behind it, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

DIY Magic: If you could create a DIY Christmas decoration from scratch, what would it be, and how would you personalize it to make it uniquely yours?

The Tree Transformation: Dive into the process of decorating the Christmas tree. What's your strategy for placement, and do you have any quirky traditions associated with it?

Decorative Traditions: Explore the specific decorations that have become traditions in your home. Is there a cherished nativity set, a special wreath, or an ornament with sentimental value?

The Great Garland Gathering: Share the story of a memorable moment while putting up garlands. Did you get tangled in the tinsel or have a festive "aha" moment while hanging them?

Festive Feng Shui: If your Christmas decorations could influence the energy in your home, how would you arrange them to create the ultimate festive feng shui?

The Twinkle Test: Reflect on the significance of twinkling lights. What do they represent to you, and do you have a favorite memory associated with their warm glow?

Window Wonderland: If your window could tell a story through your Christmas decorations, what tale would it share? Describe the scene it paints for those passing by.

Decoration Discovery: Share a story of finding the perfect Christmas decoration. Was it a hidden gem at a thrift store, a handmade treasure, or something unexpected that stole your heart?

The Sentimental Scent: Explore the scents associated with your Christmas decorations. Is it the smell of fresh pine, cinnamon candles, or the lingering aroma of holiday baking?

Decoration Duality: If you had to choose between a minimalist or maximalist Christmas decoration style, which would you go for, and how would you rock it with style?

Holiday Hues: Dive into the color palette of your Christmas decorations. Is there a specific color that dominates, and what emotions does it evoke?

The Inherited Decor: Share the story of a Christmas decoration that has been passed down through generations. How does it connect you to your family's history and traditions?

Decorative Dreamscape: Imagine your ideal Christmas decorationscape. What would it look like, and how would it reflect your personality and festive spirit?

[antonio-velardo]

Antonio Velardo shares: How Do the Pros Create Holiday Magic? (Yes, You Can Try This at Home.) by Tim McKeough

By Tim McKeough Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist or agnostic about holiday decorating, these designers have some suggestions for you. Published: December 1, 2023 at 05:05AM from NYT Real Estate https://ift.tt/VBugXA2 via IFTTT

[crazyblondelife]

A Fall Tablescape and My New Thanksgiving Ebook (Survive the holiday with ease)

It’s very satisfying to start with an idea and create something beautiful!

~ Yours Truly

I’m a collector…I collect dishes, silver, vases, beautiful objects. There are times when I think I need to let go of my stuff and clear out the clutter and there are times when I’m so thankful I have these collections to pull from when I’m feeling creative. I go back and forth between wanting to be a minimalist and trying to come to terms with the fact that I’m a maximalist who loves to be organized. I’m not sure the two go together, especially given the busy life that I’m currently living. There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t dream about having “a place for everything”, but then my busy brain thinks of a project or table setting or blog post and I’m running around gathering things and putting them in piles for when I have time to create the table or the post or whatever else I’m imagining. Then I look around at the piles and get stressed because everything is a mess! I think that’s a creative brain at work and I probably just need to embrace it!

There is a point to this ramble…

Recently, I attended an event in Chapel Hill, NC called Design Matters. It was an event to raise money for the UNC Children’s Hospital which is such a great cause. This was a two day event and the focus was about why design matters in our lives! James Farmer, the famous interior designer and gardener, was the keynote speaker on the first day and I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed hearing him speak. He is a Southern gentleman at heart and such an endearing person. If you don’t know James Farmer, I highly recommend all of his books…you’ll definitely be inspired.

Day two of the Design Matters event featured Caroline Gidiere who is an interior designer from Birmingham, Alabama. Caroline was also such a great and inspiring speaker! We ate lunch while we listened to her speak and enjoyed pictures of her beautiful home and projects that she had worked on. I left with many ideas to implement in our home.

The speakers at the Design Matters event were fabulous, but I’ll have to say that the highlight for me was viewing the many tablescapes that were created by designers and shop owners in the area. From Christmas tables to Thanksgiving tables and everything in between…my mind was spinning when I left. I took mostly videos on my phone because I wanted to be able to recreate some of the tables and put my spin on them. I’m sharing a couple of pictures below…kicking myself for not taking more!

One thing that I learned…

Almost every table had a beautiful arrangement of flowers in the center, but what really made the tables look so beautiful was what had been placed on the table around the flowers. It was like the flowers were the center of the arrangement but there was also an arrangement around the flowers. Look at my table below and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Around the flower vase, I added apples, votive candles, more hydrangeas, ivy, pumpkins, etc. This made the table so interesting, visually appealing and full!

One of my favorite purchases this year has been this little round bistro table with 4 chairs. I’ve used it for so many photo shoots and it fits perfectly in our gazebo. I decided to create a fall tablescape while I was still full of inspiration from the Design Matters event and i was so pleased with how it turned out.

For the center of the table, I used an arrangement that I purchased at the Design Matters event (these were on the lunch tables and were sold afterward). After placing the flowers in the center of the table, I added hydrangeas from my yard, ivy, small pumpkins, votive candles and then I began to set the table.

I love to mix styles of plates and glasswear…I don’t think it matters as long as there is a common color and each piece is beautiful. I used square placemats, pink and white dishes from Haand Ceramics (don’t forget to use code CRAZYBLONDELIFE for 15% off), antique linen napkins, amber glass champagne glasses, small vintage juice glasses and ivory pearl flatware. I added small vintage bowls filled with crackers around each plate along with small bowls (also from Haand filled with ). The mixture of the more contemporary plates with the vintage items along with the fullness of the center of the table, really was beautiful!

The combination of the white plates along with the pink and brown made for the perfect outdoor table setting and matched the flowers perfectly! As I said above, I love mixing contemporary with vintage and these little pink bowls looked amazing on the vintage, gold rimmed glass tray! If you’re unsure of what will look good together, just get it all out and play around until it makes you happy! It’s very satisfying to start with an idea and create something beautiful!

I’m so glad you’ve scrolled this far because I’m sharing a link for my Thanksgiving E-Book! My daughter Rebecca helped put this together and it’s something you’re going to love! Just click the link to get tips for organization, recipes, outfit ideas and more to make this Thanksgiving the BEST EVER!

Below are a few pictures of my favorite table setting. you can easily see what I’m talking about with the fabulous velvet pumpkins piled up around the base of the flower vase and the taper candles. This arrangement was huge and so beautiful! The picture…bottom right was another of my favorites!

I’ve made a small boutique below that contains a few of the items I’ve mentioned! I’m planning on doing a little more research on vintage items that I’ll add! Thanks so much for reading today! I hope you’re inspired to create a beautiful table of your own and I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving Survival Guide!!