#online native food store

[nativefoodstore]

Native Millets Traditional Rice in Chennai

Simply said, you use millet as you use rice. You can also roast millet into a kind of small popcorn or use it as couscous or bulgur. In India, millet is often cooked in a pressure cooker, not so much to save time, but for an extra fluffy result. Loosen the grains after cooking, a bit like with couscous, to prevent them from clumping together. The different types of millet taste about the same (a little grainy and a little bitter) and can all be prepared in the same way.

[decolonize-the-everything]

link

255/$1000

Hi, I'm Aiy. I'm a disabled queer native parent who needs help getting some emergency essentials. We have one income for the 3 of us and it's considered a poverty wage meaning I literally can't afford this stuff on my own.

more info under the cut

Im hoping y'all can help me get some supplies so Im not completely unprepared in the event of a days long power outage or something like that; flashlights, candles, small power source, radio, first aid kit, wood grill/stove, thermals, etc.

When the world goes left I'm one of the marginalized people that will be systemically left behind so I'd like to be to take care of my family for at least a few days in that event.

These are things I've not had the luxury of prioritizing. The money we have goes to food or bills or the car troubles or insurance payments or meds, etc. We almost Never have money leftover to buy other things so we don't have very many things outside of what's necessary for daily life.

The goal above is based on how much things cost online and is more of a price range than actual goal. I'll of course keep y'all updated.

I can also post receipts of necessary. I'm sure I'll be able to find a lot of the things I need in local stores around here so I didn't make an Amazon list (also cuz idk how to share a list without sharing my address) but I can absolutely post receipts/proof of purchase and such should anyone need me too.

[bonny-kookoo]

Jungkook

𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 [Snippet] 🔞

Jungkook just loves to show you off- because while everyone on his planet might get to look at you, he gets to touch and love you in private.

Tags/Warnings: Alien!Jungkook, Bunny Hybrid!Reader, Extremely flirty Jungkook, suggestive, Major Fluff!, Romance, Established Relationship, JK has tentacles oops, smut

Length: It was supposed to be a drabble but I ended up writing ~2.5k words oops

There is no taglist for this fic

A/N: Boo here you go hybrid alien tentacle porn yay 🥳

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"There you are!" Jungkook sighs in relief, finding you in an isle for fresh produce, staring wide eyed at the round plastic containers filled with cubed fruits. "You want those?" He asks, pointing at one with pinkish and pale yellow cubes. You nod.

"Sweet?" You ask, unsure, and he shrugs, pulling the item down to inspect it, before he nods.

"Yeah, those are sweet- but I gotta…" He mumbles the last part, reading the label a bit further while you begin to wander off again- though this time you're pulled back by his hand reaching out during his task of finding out more about the fruits he's about to buy, to hold onto the hood of your light cotton jacket to keep you close this time and not lose you again in the grocery store. "..safe for human consumption. Hm, there's nothing written about hybrids though.." He mumbles to himself before he pulls out his phone to search online if you can eat those fruits native to his home planet, hand now leaving your hood- one of his extra appendages sneaking out from beneath his shirt to hold onto the belt loops of your shorts to keep you close.

Basilisks- that's what they're called here, which confused you for a good while, until you learned that they actually didn't ever have a true name, but that it was simply an earth-term his kind had adopted to use for them, because it sounded like a similar word which means 'Blood-snake' in his native language. You remember how terrified you were of his uniquely inky-purple colored tentacles everyone of his kind has- mostly though because you met them when he'd used them to defend you both, the images still very vivid in your mind. But these days, you've come to love them as just another piece of him- even though you remember Yoongi, a good friend of his and your doctor currently, explaining to you that they do have their own minds.

'It's actually quite surprising they chose you.' He'd told you. 'I've never seen them so interested in their host's mate.'

Mate. It's still odd to think of yourself as that, though it makes sense with how he cares for and about you.

Jungkook is, nowadays, a bit more careful now with your food for example. He'd hate for you to have another situation like a month prior when you had eaten Nacuri- a vegetable he himself actually likes a lot, but that is apparently not very good for hybrids such as yourself, having caused you some major stomach cramps that pained him to simply watch- and ever since then, he's checking everything twice just to make sure. "-but can be eaten as a snack in small quantities." He reads out loud. "Alright, so only the small box then!" He chirps, putting the big container back to exchange it for a smaller one.

The moment his hands are free again, his inky-purple appendage disappears underneath the back of his shirt again, hiding away as to not get in the way, while he holds your hand as he walks through the different isles at the store.

He notices you yawning a lot more now as you stand on the metal parts of the shopping cart while his chest is warm against your back, and he's learned that's not always just a sign for tiredness in humans and hybrids. "We'll be home soon. I didn't think the line for checkout would be this long.." He tells you, hand running over your hybrid ears, while you suppress another yawn, tears stinging in the corners of your eyes from it. Oxygen levels inside buildings like these are fine for him and his kind- but humans and hybrids like you need a lot more than him to thrive properly. It's why he's got a special air filtering system installed in his home to accommodate for that- to make your life with him as comfortable as he possibly can.

It's the least he can do to show gratefulness for what you've done for him in the past, after all. And also, what kind of partner would he be if he didn't provide the absolute best for you?

He doesn't like how your ears droop after a few moments more- so he searches in your shoulder bag for the familiar pale pink plastic inhaler, setting it up with a few clicks for the proper dosage. "Here. It's almost our turn." He reassures again, offering the inhaler to you which you take with a nod. It'll help you with a bit of extra oxygen until you're out in the open again, levels today high for his kind, but perfect for yours. "Do you wanna eat the fruits in the gardens near the Archives?" He wonders, and you seem to think.

"What about.. those?" You ask, pointing at all the groceries.

"We can eat the icecream there too. I've got a spare blanket we can sit on, in the car." He says, leaning in to rest his chin on your shoulder. "I wanna have some.. cozy time with my baby, what do you say?" He purrs, and you shiver a bit, bunny tail wiggling around.

"Hmhm." You nod. You're not sure what entirely he means by 'cozy time'- because with him, that could honestly mean anything.

Later, outside on the blanket he'd laid out in the park in a more secluded space, you're happily filling your stomach with the fruits he'd bought you. He's watching fondly, because moments like these remind him that the past truly is behind the both of you. You no longer seem scared of anything as long as he's around. You speak freely to him, you're not shy at all, and you've even become a little bit daring these days.

You're no longer the empty, confused and almost soulless hybrid he'd met years back at the facility he'd found himself in. You no longer need to be told exactly what to do or otherwise you'll end up having a panic attack. You've become your own person, independent. You've blossomed, vibrantly.

And he loves it.

He loves you.

Especially now, hours later back at home, groceries still in their bags in the kitchen while you whine pitifully against his lips, with his grin satisfied while he watches you cling onto him. Something you've learned fairly quickly is that his kind is one that treats intimacy a little differently than humans back on earth. There's nothing forbidden or to be shy about for his kind- every type of intimacy or romantic displays of affection are normal even in public- no one stares at a couple kissing or hugging. If anything, people will just instantly believe a relationship is bad if there's no PDA ever between mates.

And sex? That's something sacred, it feels like.

Enio people just like himself find pleasure by feeding off of other's pleasure. They thrive when their partners thrive, they're happy when their partner's happy, and they're sad or in pain whenever their mates are. They also have relationships between multiple people- rarely ever having just one partner. Jungkook however had told you numerous times already that he's completely fine with just having you.

'Why would I ever need anybody else-' he'd said into your neck, '-when you're making me lose my mind every single time we're together?'

He's long lost his shirt by now, his dark purple tentacles already eagerly touching you. They're clearly just as excited as he is every single time you're together like this- and it's honestly almost cute.

Almost- if it wasn't for one of them very eagerly sliding right through in between your legs, back and forth, making you cling onto his arms as he watches you with an intense gaze. His eyes have always been something unique- like two pitch black voids, but only ever if the light doesn't hit them just right, making you able to see the deep red-ish brown and slanted pupils, similar to a feline. But in times like these, in the barely lit bedroom of his, they're just two nightsky colored marbles, reflecting anything like a galaxy.

His tongue runs over his bottom lip, licking over his silver piercings on one side. His grin is that of a predator, watching his prey struggle. But not for it's life- no, you're struggling for entirely different reasons.

"They're horribly impatient." He chuckles when one of his purple appendages moves to instead play with your pearl, before it prods at your entrance, almost as if to see if Jungkook will allow it.

He doesn't.

And it's clear with the way they retreat from between your legs, instead roaming your hips instead, before two of the four spread your legs open for him. That's how it usually goes- a rule set by him. Only he gets to be inside you- gets to claim you like that.

Your underwear is still hanging from your ankle when he pushes himself inside, hands gripping the soft flesh of your waist. He tends to be impatient like this, can't help himself, as he always tends to say to excuse his eager nature. You're perfectly compatible to him, physically and emotionally as well.

You're his, and he just can't help but want to make sure everyone knows that.

The windows are open, and your sure someone way down can probably hear your faint moans, but you can't bring yourself to care about it. "My baby.." he purrs into your neck, where he kisses and sucks his marks, hands gripping your body wherever he can while his tentacles roam around to offer you their own ways of pleasure.

You don't kind the almost sticky substance they begin to leak onto your skin. You've gotten used to it by now.

You're dizzy with everything going on around you. You're unable to quite move much, but you don't have to- both Jungkook's arms and his extra appendages make sure to keep you in place while his hips snap into yours, skin wet as it stays connected to his with thin strands of both your arousal and the sweet smelling precum of his tentacles.

A year ago, you would've tried to hide in shame of it all- thinking you dont deserve nice feelings like this. You would've never thought you'd be loved like this, touched like this.

But he's made that possible. He makes it happen time and time again, and in every touch he places on your skin you can feel the tenderness he has for you in his very soul. He's not lying when he says he loves you. He's not deceiving you with acts of kindness and care. He means every single affectionate gaze he throws your way.

You love him because of that alone.

"My sweet little bunny baby.." he chuckles out of breath as he rolls his hips in just the way to make you arch your back in pleasure, as he leans over you to kiss your lips bright red.

He likes to bite. Likes to pull a little on your bottom lip and likes to get you into any position he sees fit. Sometimes he'll kiss up your back as he takes you from behind- other times like now, he wants to watch your face as you come undone under his steady pace.

It fuels his ego every single time seeing you all fucked out like this.

Every time it's proof that he's a good lover to you.

The moment you come undone and clench around him in waves of pleasure, he's quick to shoot his shot as well- hips stuttering as he pushes himself inside, one of his tentacles sneaking between you both, running over your pearl just to coax another orgasm out of you, thighs trembling a little. You're somewhat glad his basilisks are keeping your body in place, because at this point you're just absolutely boneless.

He's humming in pleasure as he sighs into your neck, body covering yours now almost protectively. 'Shielding' is what it's called- you've looked up some of his behavior just to figure out things you're too shy to ask him yourself. It's an instinctual thing- a remnant of a time long passed when his kind had to protect their mates whenever they were in a vulnerable state.

And then he moves again, tentacles slick with their own arousal as they wrap around your ankles, adjusting your legs as he moves lower, his hands on your hips cherishing your skin it feels like.

And then his mouth is on you, licking you up, probably tasting both you and him in a sinful mixture- but it's another behavior of his that always repeats. He does this every single time, claims it's nothing special and that for his kind, it's basic care after getting his own fill of you. He's constantly surprised at what things surprise you- but then again, you both grew up on entirely different planets, with entirely different culture surrounding you.

So it's normal that some of the things you do tend to catch him off guard as well.

Such as after you're both done showering and cleaning up- he's always surprised how clingy you get after being so closely together just minutes prior. Normally, with his kind, it's like he's recharged his social batteries- now able to go about his day easily, no need for too much physical affection. But for you it seems to be almost the opposite- you love to cuddle and be close to him afterwards, and maybe that's one of the key points that just make you so endearing to him.

He loves cuddling. He loves being lazy with you, especially like this. "I booked our flight to Doria for the end of this cycle." Jungkook hums into your skin, letting you lay almost on top of him, skin still bare. "It's gonna be a long flight, but I already talked to Yoongi about medication in case you feel sick." he reassures you, and you just nod, way too tired to really comprehend what he's talking about. "You're not even listening at all, are you?" He laughs because he knows as well- though he doesn't mind. He knows your body works a bit differently than his own, and knows by now he can be… quite exhausting.

So he let's you sleep, and decides that maybe a short nap isn't the worst idea either-

especially not if he gets to sleep with you in his arms.

[sargeantposting]

Source / Ibotta

Attention Formula 1 fans: we’re excited to announce we’ve partnered with Florida native, Williams Racing Driver, Logan Sargeant to bring you cash back at top speeds! Logan is the first American F1 driver since 2015 and we can’t wait to cheer him on this season! Keep reading to learn more about Logan’s favorite snacks and ways to earn cash back with Ibotta.

What are your grocery store essentials products?

Kellogg’s, Nature Valley Bars, Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers

What’s your favorite grocery store?

Publix

What do you eat to prepare for a race weekend?

Pasta with tomato sauce and chicken

What do you eat after a race?

Anything I can get!

If you could earn cash back on one thing, what would it be?

Simply Lemonade

What is your guilty pleasure snack?

Ice cream

What US food do you miss the most living in the UK?

Prime Rib

Favorite foods your mom/dad would bring home from the grocery store when you were a kid?

Cheese and Crackers, Apple slices, Jello

What’s your favorite way to earn cash back with Ibotta?

Through online shopping!

Are you more likely to shop from your phone or shop from your laptop?

Phone

Describe how saving money makes you feel in 3 words?

Happy, smart, savvy

[ovaruling]

no one asked, but here’s my detailed bird seed update since this blog has become not only a record keeper of my fitness but also my bird friends:

adjusting my budget severely for the elaborate bird feeding i’ve got going on. to recap, i feed about 200+ wild birds per day, mostly doves, grackles, blue jays, cardinals, catbirds, warblers, mockingbirds, and woodpeckers. sometimes i get a rare painted bunting! the number may possibly be more, my counting when they swarm is not reliable.

when i first started feeding, the birds were all terribly thin—the development in my neighborhood has been devastating to the general health of the bird population, as well as the sweltering heat of recent years. growing up, i remember it being a common sight to see birds milling about on the ground, scavenging for food. you almost never see it anymore, bc there IS no more ground. if its not paved, then it’s all tightly mowed grass with no chance for food to even have a chance to be there. based on the cityscape, my guess is that they have had to fly further and further distances in search of somewhere to forage. which, in this climate, must be utterly sapping them. they haven’t moved away, they still nest right here bc there are still thankfully lots of sheltering trees. but they are having to go further and further for food—not good.

the adjustment is worth it. i did find one store online that sells very cheap whole corn kernels by the pound, which the squirrels and jays love.

there is a female squirrel who is very obviously and very definitely nursing some babies. i am trying to keep supporting her bc she unfortunately picked a very bad place to give birth (landscapers and horses and vehicles nearby tear through almost daily on the other side of my hedge).

i don’t want her to have to go far, especially with the heat getting more intense, and so i’ve been making sure she has corn cobs every day at the base of her tree. but those get expensive, so i’m excited to have found whole corn kernels so cheap.

also found one decent price for halved peanuts which all the birds are absolutely obsessed with.

and the rest i’m still reliant on Tractor Supply for. i’d love to stop giving their murderous animal agriculture supporting asses money, but i’d need to find a better priced Fruit and Nut seed than they offer, and i haven’t yet.

as for seed cakes for the woodpeckers—which, the vegetable gelatin ones i buy are the most expensive per unit that i’m spending on rn, bc there is absolutely no way i’m going to conscience animal gelatin—my experiment in making them myself is ongoing. i used too little agar agar powder in my last batch (and also didn’t get it boiling enough) so it just ended up being a sticky crumbly treat that i put on the ground for the scavengers.

i’ll try again this week bc i’d really love to keep supporting my native red-bellies, especially as it gets hotter and hotter into the summer and the birds get more exhausted at a much faster rate.

[matsukaah]

☆°•a.n - This fanfic was my first finished since 2018, so maybe it's not a big deal, but I'm proud of it and I hope you like it If there is any coherence error, it is due to English not being my native language (but it was reviewed by @icecreamonstrawberrypie 🩷 and I am very grateful!!)

☆°•warnings - 3.5k words, some swearing, just a relaxing experience

☆°•context - In this short story, you prepare to spend the next three days at your boyfriend's house. Gyutaro is a man who wants to give you the best days of your life, even if in a clumsy way, he wants to try the things he always wanted to do, Gyutaro wants to show that you are worth everything the world can offer

Gyutaro – Slumberparty

Today is very cold, but you can’t help but take quick steps, your luck is not to be far from the Shabana brothers’ residence, where you intend to spend the night. Your backpack is a “little” heavy, as you ended up filling it with necessary and unnecessary things, just in case. Due to both of their busy schedules, it is difficult to have the opportunity to spend quality time with their boyfriend, but they planned these three days together meticulously.

You can’t imagine how nervous he is, Gyutaro wanted to make sure that his days with him were perfect down to the smallest detail, making a point of tidying up the house from start to finish, almost as if he had committed a crime in that apartment and had to be clean. We also talked to Ume, as she is used to having girls’ nights out with her friends, sometimes with you, so if there’s a master on the subject, it’s her, getting lots of tips on games, games, movies that should be watched and foods that should be purchased. Like a butler he bought everything he thought he might like, even scented lemon-scented candles, but he wasn’t nervous, it was just a precaution (he was).

Hearing the knock on the door caused adrenaline to circulate throughout his entire body, almost crashing his brain, running desperately to the door, like a dog anxiously waiting for its owner. Seeing your face after so long alone made me sure I was about to die if I didn’t see you again, hugging your body with affection, burying my nose in your hair, smelling the fragrance of your shampoo, rolling my eyes in pleasure He pressed a little more, until he heard you complain, you know? Of not being able to breathe.

“I missed you too, sweetie, but shall we go inside? The backpack is heavy” you said modestly, since it was really fat.

“S-Sorry darling, let’s go in..” Gyutaro mentally cursed himself for not having noticed this before, taking your backpack in a gentlemanly manner, guiding you into the apartment.

The atmosphere was pleasant with the light acidic and bittersweet smell of lemon, you knew that Gyutaro had turned this house inside out for your arrival, it makes your cheeks heat up as you can’t help but smile. The sofa had been rearranged to be in front of the television, with some games purchased from the online store open on the screen, and even some DVDs of old games that Gyutaro had a certain passion for, and that he loved to share with you, from classics like castlevania, horror like Resident Evil is his passion, but he really loves games with nice graphics, especially if they are co-op, so he can share them with you. Gyutaro may have spent a lot of money on several consoles, even though he doesn’t use them all, he likes having them, and as they are the small luxuries he allows himself to have, he doesn’t mind spending so much. He recently bought Overcoocked2 for the two of you, he thinks it would be romantic to play a game like that with you, besides, he has seen several reports of people close to him who play together, some funny videos of people freaking out over the game itself, but it can’t be that bad, can it?

On the small table in front of the sofa there were several snacks, sweets and snacks that looked juicy, several sheets, pillows and stuffed animals that you shared as if they were your children. He will never admit it, but he hugs them while sleeping alone, as some of them are permeated with his scent, making him comfortable. But you know the truth, you’ve already come to see him as a surprise seeing him cling to the stuffed animals, it’s a rare and lovely sight.

On the floor you can also see some board games, and even a twister, you feel loved, for all the effort that Gyutaro showed in just a three-day date, it’s not easy to find a guy who is that passionate, or who has already If you’ve done half of what Gyutaro has already done for you, it would be foolish to let him slip through your fingers. He made sure to put your things near the couch, in case you needed to get something, and even though Gyutaro had rehearsed in his mind all kinds of things he wanted to do to you, now that you’re here he feels anxious, doing his thing. Breathing becomes deep and unregulated.

“Where.. I-I mean, do you want to do something darling?” The stumble in his words makes your face heat up, even though they’ve been dating for so long he still acts like a teenager in love.

“how about we play? You already got everything ready anyway, I’m sorry I didn’t arrive sooner, I would have helped you” her sweet words made Gyutaro feel proud, after all, his efforts had been recognized by the most incredible person in the world in his eyes.

“Ah yes.. I bought some new ones.. I also have a gift for you..” he guided you to sit on the couch next to him.

Looking forward to the surprise, his heart was beating fast, Gyutaro signaled with his hands, telling you to close your eyes, which he did without hesitation. He felt a light weight being placed on his thighs.

“you can open it...” he said nervously due to the tone of his voice.

Looking at it, it was a box, which glittered in dark purple wrapping paper, with some bows, undoing them with regret, since they were beautiful, he could appreciate the contents. With a plush pinkish interior, with a video game controller themed on the character Kuromi from Sanrio, with personalized buttons, all made to order and some by hand, you can see through small errors in the painting and deformities that only make it special, feeling a smile form, making your cheeks hurt. You looked at Gyutaro with eyes full of gratitude, until you looked at his hands, which had similar control to yours but the character Badtz-maru, you knew which character it was because it also belongs to Sanrio, but of course, also because it is the romantic couple and Kuromi. His control seemed to have been done more sloppily, making it obvious that his priority was to make his being more pleasant.

“If you don’t like it, I can do it again” he said nervously, even if he had tried hard, for you he would do it again until he died.

“Did I like it? I loved Gyu.. you the best I could ever dream of..” your sweet words made Gyutaro’s sleepless nights and a ton of tutorial videos worth it.

Seeing the crooked smile and red cheeks on his face made her heart beat faster, basically grabbing him at this opportunity, giving him little kisses on the cheeks, until she reached his mouth, where she stayed for a while. Gyutaro could spend all day glued to yours, honestly, but there’s still a lot to be done, he hugs your waist as he enjoys the moment. When they separate he can’t resist putting his face in your neck, his face is probably red, it would be shameful for you to look at him in that state, and you can’t hide it, his body is hot and sweaty, that always happens.

“We have to debut them, don’t we? I wanted to test a game that I bought, for both of us... I thought it would be cool, Overcoocked2, what do you think?” he said slyly, sincerely embarrassed, sinking deeper into your neck, squeezing your body in a sweet embrace.

“No matter what we do.. if we do it together I’ll like it” you said in a sweet voice, your smile was remarkable, as you stroked his hair.

—

“I’M GOING TO ASK YOU JUST ONCE, is the oven fucking your fucking brain?” Gyutaro spoke like a madman as thin veins protruded from his forehead, furrowing his eyebrows.

“I’m the one asking you, I say “cut the fucking tomato” and tell me you brainless person, what do you do besides throw them on the floor???” you said back in irritation, pointing at his face, it was the third time they had remade the same level involving pizza, always having different problems.

“HOW IT IS? DON’T COME WITH THIS! I’ve been cleaning up the shit you do since the beginning, and I’m the brainless one here?” he said, placing his finger on your forehead and pressing it.

“my sister has more cooking skills than you” he spat in your face in a rude tone, smiling cynically.

“you? I cleaned the plates, cut the cheese, put it in and took it out of the oven, because SOMEONE HERE doesn’t know how to cook without burning it, you knew you can’t sell charcoal, right? Or do I have to explain this to you too?”

The discussions to see who was to blame didn’t result in much, in the end they knew that both were to blame, especially since the game was in na already difficult phase. In the end, they were slightly sullen with each other, in a trivial way, moving on to another game that was less stressful, in Gyutaro’s words. “Love in dangerous spacetime” super cute and basically made to play with your partner, except that he didn’t notice that the game requires the couple to use their brains, something you two are not in a position to do, causing more fights between the two, seeing whoever was doing most of the work protecting your ship still managed to complete much of the game. Seeing you get easily irritated even over little things made Gyutaro laugh, after all you two were arguing over such a silly thing, to make things better he decided it was time to eat some of the snacks he had bought, inviting you to join in. He, of course, did not deny it.

Gyutaro wanted you to feel amazing, he thought of several romantic things to do together, even if he was embarrassed to say and do it. He really wanted to feed you in his mouth, like in the movies he’s seen, he started eating some of the spicy snacks he bought, they’re really tasty, despite being fiery and even sour, for him it just makes them tastier. He wanted to share the experience with the person in his life so he held one between his fingers shyly guiding it to her face. Initially she didn’t understand, but his shy face made her heart melt, even though she had never tried the snack, to know if it was to her taste, having this first experience with him seemed magical, eating from his hand, that if Gyutaro could, I would jump with happiness.

Of course, until you start coughing and watering from the burn and acidity, wrinkling your forehead, the salt in question was really crumbly, releasing several crumbs into your throat, making your cough worse. Gyutaro felt desperate, getting up quickly, stumbling over his steps to get water, quickly bringing it in a glass. As soon as you managed to take it, you took a deep breath, giving small coughs, your chest hurting a little.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have given that..” he lowered his face in shame, since he wanted to try that idea.

“no, no, my dear.. it was na accident, I liked it, only the crumbs went into my throat” she used her hand to signal him to return to her side.

Gyutaro bent down, approaching you shyly, feeling horrible for having caused this problem “try again darling.. but this time, use some sauce, it will ease it for me”

You didn’t understand why he wanted to practice this type of romantic interactions, since they weren’t that common for him, but if he wanted to do it, you were willing to do what was necessary to make it happen. And also because if you don’t support him now, he may not try new things with you again for fear of your negative reactions. He nervously held out another one, it wasn’t like him to upset you, so if you wanted to try again, he would. He used a light peach-colored sauce, bringing it to his lips and biting it slowly. Finally being able to enjoy the flavor, and it really is delicious, the burning isn’t bad, it’s even good once you get used to it. Gyutaro felt good, having managed, even though it wasn’t the first time, to see your eyes light up from the taste, and literally eating out of his hand is pleasurable. To reciprocate you did the same, you opened a package of snacks with a well-seasoned flavor, with a meat flavor, the smell was enchanting, having your hands approaching him made his face burn, he was almost in a state of hypnosis as he enjoyed you, as if you were a painting, he bit the snack from your hand, lightly biting the tips of your fingers.

Even though Gyutaro isn’t a big fan of sweet things in general, he loved exchanging treats with you, taking advantage of the size of the gummies to pass them between your lips, and feel how soft they were. When you did the same to him, Gyutaro felt like he could eat out of your hand like a pigeon for the rest of his life without getting tired, but of course, at some point you stopped eating to get some rest. He looked at the floor with the intention of continuing to entertain you, in no way did he want you to be bored, he chose a simple, “barrel pirate”, the tension of each of the small swords being implanted into the barrel, he was eager to see the little pirate jumping, seeing his nervous look, and light drops of sweat on his temple, so much so that he didn’t notice that as soon as he stabbed one of the small swords, the little pirate flew violently, scaring Gyutaro, giving na outrageous scream, as his mouth trembled in disbelief, and seeing you laugh at him made him feel embarrassed.

—

“if I feel that foot on my face, I swear I’ll bite” Gyutaro said distorting his body, now with both of them playing twister, he had inhuman flexibility, almost bending his entire body, he looked like a towel being squeezed.

“if you bite me, I’ll kick you, I’ll break what you call a face” you said nervously, moving your foot over a red circle, indicated by the word that comes with the game.

It was kind of difficult to know the position you were in, the two of you looked like two snakes stuck together, moving was challenge enough. Until Gyutaro tried to make a complicated movement, passing his arm directly over his body, he fell over his torso, causing his body to hit the ground violently.

“YOU SON OF A BITCH” you grabbed his stomach tightly, as if he had sunk, Gyutaro’s bones had beaten aggressively against his flesh, you mentally asked yourself, how someone as thin as Gyutaro could be so heavy.

“HONEY I’M SORRY” to say he was desperate was na understatement, heheld your body and placed you on the couch, looking for hot water to ease your pain.

He felt bad, but at the same time, he liked that you were so needy, after calming you down, Gyutaro did what he could to make your moment comfortable, even though he had his ups and downs, and lowest, he loved every second, and if he could he would live them again, but it’s already two in the morning, if they don’t rest they won’t be able to enjoy the next few days. He scratched his own neck, trying to remember something he felt he had forgotten. He gets up hurriedly, going to the bathroom without giving much explanation, leaving you watching television, which doesn’t have anything very interesting to watch, that is, a documentary about praying mantises, they are graceful and with their unique way of living, strangely reminiscent Gyutaro.

Gyutaro returned to the room, his body surrounded by a towel, but still dry, he signaled for you to follow him, you in turn opened your backpack, taking yours and following him, as soon as you entered the bathroom you saw the bathtub full, with lots of water. Foam, and some rubber things, and candles. Your boyfriend looked at your face looking for your approval, even though he told himself that you would like it, he needs you to confirm it, his eyes sparkled with appreciation.

“When did you have time to do this? You’re amazing Gyu..” you couldn’t stop smiling, you could almost feel your eyelashes getting wet.

“so... I had left the bathtub filling before you arrived... I wanted it to be perfect so, I came to finish arranging things here..” he was really looking forward to that day, Gyutaro just won’t admit that he had forgotten the tap running for too long, so the floor is wet.

“Don’t you get tired of being amazing? So strong, affectionate.. handsome..” it was really difficult to praise Gyutaro without him disdaining himself, or silently denying it. But you made a point of showing him that he deserved the praise, the good things he has are his own merit.

“don’t say that.. for you this is just the basics that I can offer..” he loved it when you said sweet things to him, it makes his heart beat like crazy.

“you’ve done much more than any man I’ve ever seen in my life... if you want to know what I think... you’re perfect” showing that he is everything to you is the least you can do.

To make sure Gyutaro wouldn’t start his anxious daydreams and intrusive thoughts, you corner him near the bathtub, signaling him to get in while you undress. Instantly he does so, and turns his face so that you feel more comfortable taking off your clothes, even though you’re going to take a shower anyway, he feels unworthy of looking at your body, just by wishing he imagines you I would feel sick.

He stares at his own reflection in the water between the bubbles, even with the banner with quality products, aromatic candles, he feels dirty, as if he were covered in dirt, and that his presence contaminates the water like a toxin. His heavy sighs make it clear to you the kind of things he already has in mind, knowing him well enough for that was difficult, since he closed himself off from the world.

Without warning him, you enter the water, approaching him immediately, placing yourself between his legs, allowing him the view of your face lying on his chest. The water feels so good surrounding your bodies, relaxing you both, you take the opportunity to show the love your boy deserves. Investing your lips against his collarbone and neck, his mouth, you love how his lips tremble when you get closer, you almost feel like you’re going to devour him, and if you could, you would, a smile forms on your face, the which makes Gyutaro feel nervous, in a good way.

“If we were praying mantises, would you let me eat your head?” You said mischievously.

“I would beg you so” he wasn’t lying.

—

To end your first night, the surprise was now on your part, you had some orders in your backpack, it was great that they arrived at the promised time. You showed Gyutaro two pajamas, a big one with a shark for him, and a seal one for you, you know very well that he is passionate about marine life, he especially loves sharks, especially when you compared him to one. To say he liked it is na understatement, he loved it, it almost flew into his hands when he had it, it’s soft inside, as if it were surrounded by a warm, fuzzy throw.

“What would a slumber party be without pajamas? I have one for Ume too, it’s also a shark, when we make the three of us she will have one too” Gyutaro felt warm inside, and it wasn’t just because of the clothes, you had thought about his sister too, that was more than enough. Enough to make sure he keeps you by his side.

“Thank you.. I know she will like it.. I love you” he said nervously, it was obvious that he loved you, but saying it was difficult, a sudden fear of being rejected stuck in his throat, but now it seemed ideal.

“I love you too... someone perfect like that deserves the whole world” decided to share the sofa to sleep together, you push him slightly so that you can lie down on top of him.

“I would give you the world” he whispers, feeling his eyes getting heavy with each blink, he doesn’t want to sleep, he still wants to have more fun.

“I know so... I will only accept this world if you are with me” your sweet words made him cling to your body, getting drunk on your scent, while caressing your back, watching your breathing gradually become quieter, as the few falling into their deep sleep.

[headspace-hotel]

The disconnect between people and nature is huge enough that people simply do not consider themselves a part of nature. Modern society has improved our lives in different ways but it's disconnected people so quickly from having any understanding of their own environment by creating little pockets where most native plant/animal life has been sanitized and stamped out and you can get any food from anywhere in the world in any season and there's no use to them in learning what their own seasons mean for them. Among other examples

The thing is, I can't figure out if people are trolling me, if my original post actually was that confusing, or if I have to explain where fruit in the grocery store comes from to a bunch of people grown and sentient enough to argue online

Is it not common knowledge that conservation isn't just about, like, birds being pretty and hiking being neat or whatever? Every adult knows that we have to preserve Earth's ecosystems to survive the next century, right? Right?

[anipgarden]

The Secret Other Thing: KILL

This is my eighth post in a series I’ll be making on how to increase biodiversity on a budget! I’m not an expert--just an enthusiast--but I hope something you find here helps! 

KILL, TEAR, RIP, MAIM. 

You may have seen this sentiment a few times on gardening and wildlife blogs and been incredibly confused. Isn’t killing things the opposite of what you should be doing to protect habitats? In some cases, it really is necessary!

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants can do more harm than good, taking up space and nutrients and providing little in return to local wildlife--while spreading and choking out the native plants that would provide the most to our native fauna. Learn how to identify invasive species in your area and how to properly dispose of them, and do so whenever you have the opportunity! You may even be able to find volunteer groups/events where you can join up with like-minded people to remove a specific plant from an area.

(This image refers to the United States specifically--these plants aren't invasive or native everywhere!)

Pro tip, though; if you take out an invasive species and leave empty soil where it was, it’s likely another quick-growing invasive species will just move in. We don’t want that! Try to plant something in its place! If you’re going out on a mission to take out invasive plants, try to keep some native flower seeds or seedlings on your person while you do this work.

Different plants are invasive in different places, so be sure that the plant you're targeting is actually invasive to where you are. You don’t want to rip out a beneficial plant because it’s invasive somewhere else! Social media sites like Instagram and Tumblr are great for spreading information about invasive plants, but they can often be a bit… US-centric. Even I'm guilty of this, plenty of times! Plants like garlic mustard, kudzu, butterfly bush, Amur honeysuckle, wild radish, and Japanese knotweed are high-profile invasive plants that I hear about all the time here in America--but they came from somewhere, and are a part of the environment in these places! Likewise, many plants that are branded as pollinator-friendly and biodiversity boosters here in the states can be awful invasive species elsewhere. Even plants and animals that aren’t invasive in one part of a country or continent can be detrimental in another--Canadian waterweed is native to North America, but it’s actually invasive in Alaska.

(Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) vs Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) vs the yellow variety of Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens))

Be sure you’re taking out the right plant--be very confident in your ID before you take any action! Amur honeysuckle and Japanese honeysuckle, for example, may be invasive in the US--but coral and northern bush honeysuckles are native and key species in their environments. You don’t want to do harm while trying to do good--double check your IDs. Being certain with your IDs can also prevent you from doing harm to yourself and others--some plants produce toxic smoke when burned. Stay well-read on how to dispose of the invasive plants you’re targeting. 

(Garlic mustard pesto! Can't say I've ever had it, but I've heard good things about it online!)

With that being said! Some invasive species can be eaten. It’s free food! And you’re helping the environment? Win-win! Try looking up recipes that use these plants, or see how you can substitute something else for them! Foraging guides and blogs would likely be extremely helpful for this.

A super easy way to help curb the spread of invasive plants is to not grow them yourself! Double check any plant you’re considering buying or growing from seed--some sold in stores like butterfly bush are often touted as great plants to add to a pollinator garden, but in reality are an invasive species that eagerly displaces native shrubs here in the states.

POV: you're working the garden center at the Blue Big Box Store, you care about the environment, and every day you watch people buy Butterfly Bush and can do jack shit about it asides from try to gently steer them towards something else (but the other next best option was also Invasive Tropical Milkweed because its easier for Big Box Store to sell) I have a personal vendetta against people who grow Butterfly Bush (I live in The States) (If you didn't know Butterfly Bush was invasive in the US before now you're valid but also please god consider replacing it with an alternative ASAP)

Invasive Animals

POV 30 to 50 feral hogs are running into your yard within 3-5 minutes while your small children play

Invasive animals and insects compete for resources, take over habitat, and can even spread disease--all while pushing native species out or dwindling their numbers. Keep track of invasive animals you see and report them. Depending on the severity of the situation, killing them can be necessary and even encouraged. Do be sure it’s an invasive species and not a look-alike. If you’re unsure, take pictures, do research, and take action the next time.

Some high-profile invasive species in the US are spotted lanternflies, cuban tree frogs, hammerhead worms, feral swine, zebra mussels, lionfish, asian carp, burmese python, and others. Again, do make sure you’re targeting species that are invasive in your area; I doubt Asian carp are considered invasive in Asia, for example. Similarly, the American bullfrog is native to the eastern US and Canada, but is quickly becoming an invasive species around the rest of the world. Not to mention, the racoon problem in Japan… 

Some invasive species can be eaten as well! Some of them taste awful, and some can even be dangerous to eat or handle without caution. I would do a good amount of research online before trying to cook up just anything.

Doing it Right

If you’re trying to handle invasive species, you do have to ensure you’re doing it properly. As you do your research, you’ll likely see if the species should be photographed and reported and to what channels. Also in some cases, going about destroying them incorrectly could unintentionally help them spread--some plants spread quickly through rhizomes into disturbed soil, and hammerhead worms can actually regenerate from pieces into fully-developed new worms when you try to cut them up. Some invasive species are even actively harmful to humans, so I cannot emphasize enough that you need to be sure about what you’re dealing with and be careful about it. Giant Hogweed, for example, has toxic sap that’ll cause severe skin inflammation and painful blisters if it contacts skin and is exposed to sunlight. The blisters last for months, and the skin may develop long-term sensitivity for sunlight. 

If you’re unsure about how to handle an invasive plant, or are unsure of it’s identity, try contacting your local university co-op extension service if you’re in the states. They can tell you how to remove it safely and effectively. I can't say for sure what other channels would be the best option for someone living outside the states, so if anyone knows, feel free to chime in!

Pets

POV: ur little outdoor kitty Firestar is destroying the balance of your local ecosystem plz keep him INSIDE

Please keep your pets inside, or at least on a leash. An outdoor cat can do a lot more damage than one might imagine, as well as unrestrained dogs.

That’s the end of this post! And... technically, the last post in the series! My next and final final post is gonna be basically a giant list of all my sources that I used to make this post! I hope this post series was informative, helpful, interesting--anything of value, really! Feel free to reply with any questions, your success stories, or anything you think I may have forgotten to add in!

[sexydreamgirl]

Here are some manifestation ideas for those wanting to test the law or who's struggling to figure out what to manifest (I've put my personal favorites in bold)

- a different eye/hair color

- seeing a red balloon

- a food you've been craving

- the ability to change anything about your look at a moments notice (doesn't have to be limited to clothes. Can also be things like your hair length/color, your size, etc)

- have any super power that can be (and the ability to control them)

- your drink never goes flat, gets cold, gets hot, ice never waters down the drink, etc

- getting that job you want

- being that character you've always wanted to be like (not necessarily just looking like them)

- no pain when you get a tattoo or piercing

- tattoos and piercings heal immediately and never get infected

- time travel (go to a different decade just to see what it's like, or to go to a concert you missed, or meet someone who isn't alive in this timeline)

- moving to your dream home

- that thing you were eyeing in the store but didn't get

- being in a movie/tv show or have worked on said film

- being friends with a famous person (counting internet celebs like YouTubers/streamers)

- things you order online are shipped within a day no matter when it was ordered or what shipping option you chose

- your card is never declined no matter how much money was on it in the first place

- that show you love never got canceled

- you always win in card/board/dice games

- getting into the college you want

- graduating early

- the lip color of your favorite lipstick

- having no hair grow in places you usually shave

- bigger/smaller body parts if you catch my drift

- a bigger tv/monitor

- the ability to freeze time

- you always bring exactly how much money you'll need to the store

- youre a perfect cook/baker

- you have no allergies

- however you act in the past when time traveling does not effect your future

- you don't need glasses

- you fall asleep easily

- you always wake up on time

- you don't need extra hair products for the perfect hair you want (more defined curls, less frizz, etc)

- you always smell good

- any breakup ends as a mutual agreement and never is messy/leaves anyone on bad terms

- no one hits on your partner

- this one is nsfw but you're amazing at anything sexual/whoever you're sleeping with knows exactly how to please you

- you're a part of a royal family

- you're in some cliche chosen one story (just without the trauma that usually comes with it obv)

- you're immortal

- your pet never gets sick

- you understand and speak any (or all) language(s) as if they're your native language

Remember to not think logically about any of this! It'll all work out in the end

Oh these are absolutely wonderful, thank you!

[hope-lesslyhope-ful]

I love plant shops. I love crystal shops. I love shops that are all about the mystical, such as witch shops. And I love shops that have handmade items like soaps, lotions, candles and so on.

What I hate is that constantly I find that I'll be looking at a shop (online or in person), and it's great. Until I find them selling palo santo. Until I find them selling white sage. Until I find them selling said white sage as a smudge stick.

Please, and I cannot emphasize this enough: Stop throwing around the term smudging. It is a sacred ritual. You are not smudging. You are smoke cleansing. Learn more about both. Smoke cleansing isn't appropriation, but smudging is.

It is disrespectful to indigenous people who have smudging as part of sacred rituals. But especially disrespectful, actually, beyond disrespectful and downright awful, is the use of Palo Santo and White Sage.

Palo Santo comes from two trees, and the process of harvesting it is in itself a sacred process to harvest the trees that involves only fallen ones, after letting them rest for years. When buying Palo Santo, almost every time it will not be in support of indigenous peoples whose culture is being exploited. Culture and environment, land. Because the over harvesting of these trees (one type is in the red zone for endangered, the other is nearing it), is harmful to the trees, and it damages and makes dryer the land that Palo Santo grows on in Latin America. It hurts people and the earth, both through culture and through environmental impacts.

In Peru and Ecuador it's illegal to cut down Palo Santo trees. However, because of the profit that corporations seek to gain because of people turning a blind eye, not doing their research, and being 'trendy' within wellness - and witch - communities, the trees are still being illegally cut down. It's likely most of what anyone encounters in store isn't of a matured tree, because the young trees often are chopped down. Another insult to the people being exploited is that the workers and the indigenous communities are also being specifically exploited with unfair wages.

There is such a thing as appreciating cultures, but just using Palo Santo generally is not the way to do it. Appreciation of a culture means knowing the history, the cultural meanings and traditions related to the plant (or anything else). It's also knowing the impact on the people's whose culture you want to appreciate. When that impact is negative, find other ways to appreciate the culture. Or find ways to ethically source something. For example, finding ethically sourced Palo Santo. Luna Sundara is an example of this. The shop works with the government's of Peru and Ecuador to legally import Palo Santo, they follow both government and sacred laws in only using wood that's been matured, and they make sure the indigenous communities and workers are receiving good care and fair wages.

I got really intensely focused on Palo Santo, but I still need to emphasize the problem with using White Sage. While it isn't currently on an endangered list, it is leading there quickly. White Sage is used in food, medicine and ritual ceremonies for some Native American tribes. White Sage is not the same as some more common sages, and it doesn't grow as much or in as many areas. The overharvesting of this sage threatens the plant and the ecosystem of the area, as well as effecting the traditions of tribes in areas around Southern California and Northwestern Mexico. I highly recommend this article. But to summarize, people use White Sage as a way to cleanse their space, but do so while disrespecting the rituals that they claim to be doing (I'm looking at you 'smudge sticks'). Native people gather from the earth in very specific ways, caring for the plants that are being harvested from and taking only small bits at a time. However, harvesters looking only at profit take from the plant with no regard for it, ripping roots out of the ground, just taking and taking. Not only is that horrific, but it isn't sustainable. White Sage, among other plants, risk endangerment and possibly extinction by the misuse and over harvesting currently happening. The burning of white sage that is popularly done today isn't done in the way Native people of California do it, either. Whole bundles are burned for the smoke because it's pretty, but Native people would burn the same bundle much, much slower. Carelessness is a good word for it.

And again, when looking at ways you might use white sage ethically, there are exceptions. Here's a site that goes into that. I will be honest, because of the level of cultural appropriation that is associated with the misuse of white sage, that mostly looks like not using it. However, when more ethically acquired (see: from Native people of Southern California + farmed not wild-sourced) and used sparingly (and not by 'smudging') there is possibilities. The best thing to do, though, is use something else.

Both Palo Santo and White Sage are (mis)used in wellness communities, meditation communities, and by witches. The idea behind the use of both of these is for cleansing, purification, and to drive away bad energy. However, using plants that are endangered or at risk of endangerment, using these plants while indigenous people beg you not to - and on top of it appropriating ceremonies that are clearly not being understood or respected - will only being bad energy into your life. Burn bundles made of lavender, or cedar, or rosemary. Make an at home essential oil spray (be mindful of the ingredients) with plants that cleanse and purify. Incense, candles. Bake, learn a new craft. Do things with good intentions. Things like these can bring you good energy, but exploiting Indigenous people and exploiting ecosystems, will not.

[nativefoodstore]

Healthy Native Traditional Food Products in Chennai

Multi Millet noodles is a power-packed and easy-to-make meal. That combines the goodness of five nutritious millets and whole wheat atta. Native Food Store Millet Noodles are very healthy and tasty noodles. Its taste is excellent and has a lot of beneficial nutrients.

[haootia]

The Truth About Activated Charcoal

You may have seen a post going around warning people to avoid foods colored with activated charcoal because it can interfere with certain medications. This is well-meaning advice, but the facts about what activated charcoal actually does have been muddled. FIRST: Activated charcoal only affects the gastrointestinal tract. That means:

If you take long-acting birth control via injection, or have a birth control implant, activated charcoal will not interfere with that medication. AC can only interfere with birth control that is taken orally, i.e., the pill.

If you take hormones via injection, or by applying it to your skin (as a gel, dermal patch, et cetera), activated charcoal will not interfere with that medication. 

If you take insulin via injection or a subcutaneous pump, activated charcoal will not interfere with that medication. 

Activated charcoal works exclusively within the gastrointestinal tract. It adsorbs (different from absorbs) chemicals that are dissolved into liquid form and which the AC makes direct, physical contact with. It cannot affect anything that doesn't go through the gastrointestinal tract! Medications (or drugs, or poisons) that you take as injections, inhalants, vaginal suppositories, and/or topical treatments cannot be affected by activated charcoal.

SECOND: Even if you take your medication orally (or through a tube that enters the stomach or intestines, or as a rectal suppository) it may not be chemically able to be adsorbed by AC. Activated charcoal does not significantly affect:

Metals (incl. lithium; iron, calcium, or zinc supplements)

Electrolytes (incl. magnesium, sodium, or potassium supplements)

Alcohol

Furthermore, AC loses effectiveness if taken more than one hour after a substance is ingested, and even with very high doses or delayed-release drugs, four hours is the limit for it to be considered to have any clinical effect at all. If you take medication (or drugs) more than four hours prior to ingesting AC, the vast majority of the chemical will have already been absorbed through the stomach/intestinal lining and into the bloodstream before the AC has a chance to reach it.

Also, this is considering activated charcoal at maximum pharmacological efficacy -- at the strength it is used in emergency rooms. Charcoal purchased at craft or food supply stores, or online, may not be nearly as potent as the medical-grade stuff hospitals use to treat poisoning. It may not be "activated" at all! Activated charcoal is made through a special process of heating charcoal in high-temperature, low-oxygen environments and then mixing it with other chemicals to eliminate any remaining contaminants. It's very likely that the "activated charcoal" on store shelves is just normal charcoal, aka "burnt plant material." 

There are other reasons not to use AC as a food additive (constipation, teeth staining, dehydration) but it will not magically render all your medications null and void, and it certainly won't "flush out" hormone replacement therapy -- even if it inhibits your body's absorption of oral HRT medications like estradiol, it absolutely will not affect any hormones that have already entered your bloodstream. Consider that people have never worried about AC interfering with natively-produced hormones. There is no mechanism by which activated charcoal, or any substance, can differentiate between which hormones your body made on its own and which ones were taken as HRT. Again: activated charcoal does not have any effect on hormone levels in the blood. It is entirely limited to the gastrointestinal tract.

Please try and take a moment to fact-check any post you see that makes any claim about medication interactions, contraindications, overdoses, or side effects. Even if the post seems to be offering well-meaning "better safe than sorry" advice, this is a serious, delicate subject, and misinformation about medicine can have disastrous consequences (I'm looking at you, horse dewormer)

The main source of this information is this article from StatPearls. Information about potential side effects of activated charcoal consumption comes from this article by INTEGRIS.

[nfumbewalk]

Crystals, Herbs, Rants

I've always loved crystals. The fascination started as a kid when we visited the coast a few times a year. The old seashore shop was full of glass fishing floats, life saving appartuses, storm worn wood, jewelry (mood rings!!) & lots of toys but mainly LOTS of crystals! Geodes of amethyst & quartz, huge slabs of Obsidian - green & black, like what I have, but much smaller. It is Seaside, Ore. Greatest place on the North coast (Astoria too!).

The Ore. coast should be more known for crystal shops. There's a great one closer to me now in Yachats, Ore. (Said: Yah-hawts) Obvious Native Americans did own this place. 😉Like our Willamette, said Will-am-met, which translates to "valley of sickness." Lovely! Sorry, ADD brain is jumbled.

Back to crystals n shit! They are essential to my work. I don't wave them and get a magic breeze with a "Aahhhh." Nope, get to know me, I'm extremely practical. My crystals are clean, but never, ever saged - because I despise sage & I think that it's an anathema to everything, every energy out there. I would rather go find dry pine needles in the desert and use those. And what's the deal with Dragon's Blood atop of sage? Nightmare of odor! Smoke & mess, no thanks.

I've written books on herbalism (long out of print) and I'm very knowledgeable about plants, resins, oils, tinctures, even marijuana & making hemp oil (known commercially as RSO) for medicine. I did not get ANY of my knowledge from the internet & I find some seriously messed up herbal correspondences online. I got my information from books, but old ones, like Culpeper, Grieve, Agrippa as well as a couple good Witchcraft sources like Sybil Leek & L. Huebner, neither of them being "white" light. Paul Huson is much known & borrowed from for ppl online. Trust me, his stuff does not compare. I also have other Witchcraft books predating 1960 that help me tremendously. Where did I get these?

Hunting old book stores & thrift stores because my town is a freaking *haven* for witchcraft, but not quite my style, so I've always been solitary. I'm much too misanthropic to have any relationship with anyone in person. Online? Sure, just beware of my barbs, though I'm not even close to being a Scorpio. 😅

I'm not claiming to know much, just a lot of little details about certain things & I'm shady on other things. I know what I paid attention to. All goety - good. High magic - mostly, a lot I fudge because I hate Crowley's, Mathers, Regardie's....etc, mumbo jumbo. I won't make an effort and I won't even remember the LBRP! Why? Hated the ritual & all the goddamn vibration. I don't vibrate in my practice, except when I have to - really loud banishment rituals, usually of lesser known demons and amped up strong spirits. Ppl who've known me a long time can attest to my hatred of "ceremonial" magic. Just because ppl call it 'high magic' doesn't make it superior to 'low' magic, or goety.

Some are suited to certain types of magic, everyone has a niche somewhere. The niche can be found quickly, or in my case, it can take 20 years. Never knew that working with muertos would be the my path. Yes, Orisa, and they are equal. Equal I say? Well - I'm NOT in a Orisa religion. I agree with some, but not a lot. I completely disagree with initiations being forced. And they ARE forced. Sorry.

Yeah, pay for this, pay for that. Bollocks. No cash for enlightenment!! I know exactly where the money goes & it's not needed. People raise & board animals for sacrifice. Non-initiates can cook food. Setting up ceremony is not that hard. They want money for fancier soperas & temple goodies. I can understand paying for time, but it doesn't need to cost thousands of dollars.

I told my dad (R.I.P.) about Palo & the prices. His head spun. He said no matter what, religion has nothing to do with money. Man does. Man wants money, he wants the sucker to be culled. - Welcome to one of my lessons of The Con: In's & Out's. Taught by Frank Thorp, best dad ever! I don't con often, but if I ever do, I was taught by the best. That's one thing my brother never got from him. My older brother is kinda dead-to-me because of his "Fake Antifa/Communist" ways. Dude, he's 53 years old. Grow the fuck up. I live with this crap. I'm in a college town. Sucks!

More rants? I just sound old cos I am. Middle-aged & strange. And I have a very interesting present & past full of happy, sad, spooky, synchronicity-laden stories. Hope to blog here. Let's hope for more follows!

[mariacallous]

When it comes to Passover cooking and baking, my favorite flour is not the dreaded matzah cake meal, which can make baked goods dense and heavy. It’s teff flour. An ancient grain native to eastern Africa, teff is most familiar to Americans as the basis for injera, the spongy, fermented flatbread served at Ethiopian restaurants. But most of us know very little about teff beyond that.

Teff is a tiny seed native to East Africa that functions much like a whole grain in cooking. It is incredibly nutritious, with calcium, protein, vitamin C, fiber, iron, and no gluten. Teff is not hametz, or one of the five grains prohibited during Passover, but some do consider it to be kitniyot. If avoiding kitniyot is not part of your Passover observance, then the eight-day festival is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with this ancient food.

Whole grain teff can be made into a hearty porridge, but it is the flour ground from the seed that I love. Teff flour has a fine texture and a nutty flavor that tastes absolutely delicious with the one thing that helps me through the eight days of Passover: chocolate. Look for teff flour, such as that made by Bob’s Red Mill, at grocery stores with a wide selection of gluten-free products or online.

I have used teff flour to make Passover-friendly chocolate cake and brownies, but one of my favorite teff flour recipes are these crepes. Breakfast during Passover can be challenging, especially if, like me, you love a sweet start to the day. No pancakes! No waffles! But these teff flour crepes go a long way toward satisfying my sweet breakfast cravings.

You can fill these chocolate-flavored crepes with anything you like, from Nutella to jam to whipped cream. I like to spread the still-warm crepe with butter and then add a sprinkle of sugar for a simple, not-too-sweet-but-still-super-satisfying breakfast or snack.

Note: The batter need to rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours and up to overnight, if you want to prepare it a day ahead.

[gold-onthe-inside]

What’s the first thing Piper does when she moves to a new city? Find the local library? Read up on local politics? Go on a walking tour? Find a farmers’ market?

She moves around so much I imagine she probably has a routine lol

omigod i love this question asjkdfhjfgh. okay, yes, piper's got so much on her to-do list that furniture is the least of her concerns. first, find a local therapist and support group cause mental health. make some kind of affiliation with a local institute/university (and if they aren't connected to asclepius, bring that up in any way shape or form possible).

rather than a walking tour, she'll try to find a local history nerd to be friends with and/or a native to the city. she also blends in very well with the student populace so she'll go to those hangouts -- dive bars and trivia nights.

that said, she's not dependent on people, she's fine wandering the city alone and discovering places and foods. she'll go to book readings and poetry slams and participate in community drives etc.

farmer's markets take a while for piper to find, it's very trial and error. she'll try a different market each week, figure out which one she likes best. as for politics, piper has a general overview of what's going on in most states, but yes, she'll try and zero in on what the communities that she has access to need.

you're absolutely right, piper does move around a LOT in her 20s. she's usually never in one city for more than 4 months so she tends to stay light -- not much furniture, sticks to library books and online journals, mostly renting apartments or student accommodation if that applies. that massive collection of books and music she's got when she moves to DC permanently -- all accumulated in the year she spent in texas, either bought online or in local stores.

[lavishy]

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