The only thing I better see next week is Isaac attempting increasingly sillier and more outlandish ways to let Colin know he supports and loves his best friend only for them to fail in the most lighthearted and slapstick of ways

🥞 and🐝 for the H&H ROs? Thank you!

Thanks anon!

🥞 Pancake: What is your favorite breakfast food?

A: loves sweets in the morning, and preferably hot. If you manage to get it out of them or their childhood nanny, God bless her soul, there's a very cute story about how a six-year-old A scarfed down half a dozen hot cross buns one fine spring morning and proceeded to wreak sugar-high havoc the whole day.

Ailbhe: snacks throughout the day, so they aren't a big breakfast person. Still, they like starting off with dried apricots, with roasted oats and a spot of honey if they're feeling particularly luxurious that day.

Catherine: Catherine's ideal world features coffee and berry parfait every morning, with goat cheese quiche or crumpets to be eaten afterwards.

Imric: is used to eating on the go/in a hurry, so he has a cherished routine of toast at home and then grabbing a packet of freshly roasted chestnuts from a street vendor on his way to the Yard. If he's running late, he'll buy an extra packet as a peace offering to his supervisor.

Mina: steamed buns, fluffy and filled with a peppery mixture of scrambled egg and leek/chives. Those are hard to come by in England, so she makes do with toast and marmalade.

Rosalind: in modern times, she would DEVOUR breakfast sandwiches, the diner kind that leave your hands slightly greasy and smelling like home fries for the rest of the day. Croissant, biscuit, whatever -- she loves them all. And yknow what, H&H London has those in canon now, because I said so. :P

Sam: loves a good creamy oat porridge, with sugar sprinkled on top and left to cool just enough to make a little crust. When he was little, his mom would use a spoon to make little happy faces in each bowl for him and his siblings in the morning, and it's still something he does when he's sick/caring for someone else.

🐝 Bee: What is a video game that you find comforting?

A: would really enjoy the Assassin's Creed games. Being able to explore, plus all the political subterfuge just...not having consequences on their real life? Being able to be brash and ridiculous and jump off ledges for the heck of it? Perfect.

Ailbhe: would be really into puzzle games, especially ones that use spatial visualization mechanics. Somehow I also get the feeling that they'd be Extremely into Beat Saber....

Catherine: loves multiplayer games with battle royale dynamics, like Mario Party or Mario Kart. She's in it to win it, even it that means teaming up with a rival or two.

Imric: also very into Mario Kart, but because he likes to play bumper cars while racing. Would take Rainbow Road as a personal offense (and challenge).

Mina: soundtrack-heavy games like Flower or Sable. She likes the open-world exploration aspects and being able to immerse herself.

Rosalind: Sims! She'd go all out theming and maybe get into modding herself.

Sam: Animal Crossing, but he plays it like a mom who's taking care of her children's tamagotchis. You'll look over and he'll be hunched over looking Stressed, but if you try to get him to take a break he'll wave you away all "nOOO, I need to make it perfect so Dobie will move in!"

Great ice cream parlours around the world

Wherever you are in the world, ice cream is the quintessential summer treat. Whether you’re cycling in Copenhagen or temple-touring in Tokyo, exploring famous streets or keeping off the beaten track, we’ve scooped up a selection of fantastic parlours offering you respite from a sweltering day. All you’ve left to do is answer the all-important question: what’s your flavour?

Ice cream sandwiches at Ruby Violet, London. Image courtesy of Danielle Wood/Ruby Violet

Ruby Violet, London

We love the flavours at this quaint, blue-tiled London hideout, where extraordinary flavours are presented in an array of forms – from milkshakes and affogato to sofa floats and the Meringue Muddle, comprising two scoops with meringue bathed in hot salted caramel or chocolate sauce. If none of these will tide you over, you can also pick from a tantalising selection of cocktails, tea, coffee and hot chocolate, or indulge even further with an ice cream afternoon tea, ice cream cake or elegant bombe. The parlour was brought to life by Julie Fisher – who’s so good at crafting the creamy stuff, she’s even published her own recipe book, Ruby Violet’s Ice Cream Dreams.

Address: 118 Fortess Rd, London NW5 2HL

Le Bac à Glaces, Paris

All journeys to Paris should begin and end with a taste of its sweetest snacks: for the best artisanal ice cream try the chic and sophisticated Bac à Glaces, which makes its own creamy delights using natural produce and fresh fruit. Some stunning French flavours are just a scoop away: choose from chestnut, coffee, nougat, salted caramel, white cheese, speculoos and more, or opt for a selection of refreshing sorbets ranging from pink grapefruit to passionfruit.

Address: 109 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France

Image courtesy of Oddfellows Ice Cream Co.

OddFellows Ice Cream Co., New York City

On your next trip to Brooklyn, New York City, make a stop at OddFellows Ice Cream Co. where the ice cream is pasteurised and made from scratch to guarantee a rich and flavourful snack. A bright vintage-inspired parlour featuring red-and-white striped interiors, it offers a different array of flavours each day – standouts include buttermilk apple, matcha passionfruit, pumpkin cheesecake, roasted pear and caramel walnut, and black olive coffee with blueberry compote.

Address: 175 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

OLUFs, Copenhagen

About as colourful as Copenhagen’s architecture, the ice cream bars over at OLUFs in Osterbro are treats to both the eyes and tongue. Each one is a work of art in its own right: whether chocolate-dipped, pistachio-flecked or coconut-covered, the home-made Italian gelatos and sorbets are smothered and sprinkled to perfection – they’re so pretty, they’re the kind of snack you’ll want to be seen eating as you amble down the city’s stylish streets.

Address: Olufsvej 6, 2100 København, Denmark

Popbar, Jakarta

While we’re on the subject of popsicles, another venue to try is the amazing Popbar, which has made the rounds in the United States and proves a refreshing option to beat the heat with in Jakarta. You can customise a selection of pretty pastel popGelatos and popSorbettos with hundreds of toppings. Some eye-poppingly fruity flavours here include guava, papaya, watermelon, kiwi, mandarin and banana.

Address: Jl. Letjen S. Parman Kav. 28, Central Park Lt. L No. 157, RT.12/RW.6, Tj. Duren Sel., Grogol petamburan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11470, Indonesia

Image courtesy of Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw, Portland

Pear and blue cheese, strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, chocolate gooey brownie, and honey lavender are just some of the unique combinations that can be found at Salt & Straw’s Portland joint, which brings creativity and refinement to the table with frosty flair. Teamed with a rustic interior, where wooden floors and produce-lined furnishings glow in the sun, this little spot is perfect for whiling a post-lunch afternoon away.

Address: 838 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, USA

Glaslyn Ices, Beddgelert

Far removed from bustling big cities, this little Welsh parlour comes as quite a surprise, with award-winning ice cream that’s irresistibly thick and served on a tasty waffle cone. You’ll find it in the picturesque village of Beddgelert, set in the gorgeous Snowdonia area of Gwynedd. Pick up a crème caramel, white chocolate or butterscotch and pecan snack, to savour on a leisurely stroll along the river.

Address: Beddgelert, Caernarfon, Gwynedd County LL55 4YB

Rocambolesc, Barcelona

Located in Barcelona, this little treasure of a gelateria is a dream come true for every kid at heart. Imagined by Jordi Roca of El Celler de Can Roca fame, its cute interior makes for an upscale Roald Dahl-esque experience – think giant candy-striped pipes, bicycle wheels and colourful illustrations straight out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We haven’t even mentioned the best part: uniquely-shaped popsicles and freshly-churned, 100% natural ice cream, popped onto a long waffle cone and decorated with many a great topping. On less sunny days, try the panet – lush ice cream and toppings wedged between two brioche halves.

Address: La Rambla, 51-59, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Image courtesy of Gelato Messina

Gelato Messina, Sydney

Voted the home of Australia’s best gelato by Good Food Guide, Gelato Messina serves whopping, mouth-wateringly messy portions to more than satisfy your sweet tooth with. Five special flavours are introduced weekly alongside the usual crowd favourites, which include panna cotta with fig jam and amaretti biscuit, macadamia crunch, apple pie, and pear and rhubarb. Gelato cakes are also available – options include the quirky Dr Evil’s Magic Mushroom, the epic hazelnut and caramel affair that is The Golden 8, and the more sophisticated Bombe Alaska.

Address: level g/80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia

Giolitti, Rome

Giolitti is one for all serious foodies to top their ice cream bucket list with: founded in 1890, this popular parlour is the oldest in Rome and constantly buzzes with eager crowds. Try a rainbow of traditional and harmonious flavours, each perfected by years of experience and served in generous portions. Follow a cone up with a delectable ice cream biscuit, cake or truffle, or opt for the most indulgent Mont Blanc dessert.

Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Gelateria Sincerita, Tokyo

Once you’ve finished tackling Tokyo’s savoury treats, head off to find this quiet, dainty and adorable hideout in Suginami. Everything here is coloured in feminine shades of pastel, making for a sophisticated Italian gelato experience in the heart of Japan. Get your hands on a scoop of coconut, maple, fresh milk, white berry or cheese and fig ice cream, all served in a dainty cup, and grab yourself a warming coffee for the road.

Address: 1 Chome-43-7 Asagayakita, Suginami, Tokyo 166-0001, Japan

Written for Secret Escapes’ blog, The Great Escape, published 14 September 2018.

Arplis - News: If rainbows and happiness came in packages, I’m pretty sure they would be in the form of a Christmas basket

They’re a great way to spread joy and one of the best ways to let someone know you care! Whether it’s for your better half, your boss or the old lady at the supermarket who always greets you with a smile on her face, this basket is like giving a compassionate part of yourself to the other person. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Spreading joy, making memories, showing your loving personality with others…..being a good Samaritan! Use these awesome ideas to make some really memorable, fun, and decorative Christmas baskets. Who said Christmas was only decorations and stuffing yourself with food? These baskets are easy to create, and will definitely make that special person’s day! Read on to find out how to gift people physical bundles of joy. 1. You Scream, We Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream! Credit: Onegoodthingbyjillee Who said ice cream was just for the summer holidays? In my opinion, ice cream can be eaten at any time of the day. It’s the perfect treat on any day, whether you’re going through a breakup, casually rummaging through the fridge, or want to gift someone a delicious flavor! Plus it covers the three most important food groups: sugar, dairy, and happiness. This DIY basket includes cones, chocolate syrup, sprinkles and other fun toppings like marsh mellows and nuts.  What’s not to love about a basket with all the makings of ice cream? Plus it’s a great way to propose, so if you fellas out there are running out of ideas, ice cream, without a doubt is the way to a woman’s heart. 2. The Cooker Basket Credit: Theglitterguide Want to gift somebody a cute and functional basket? This thoughtful cooker basket will give your special someone an advantage over the Christmas feast! Complete the gift with a cookbook, some rare wine, and some custom napkins. It adds a bit of elegance to this already thoughtful gift. You’ll have moms eating out of your hand for a year after gifting them this unique basket. Until next Christmas when you have to top your own gift! 3. C-O-F-F-E-E Basket Credit: Thetomkatstudio Can I get an Amen for my coffee lovers out there? Do I have your attention? There’s no doubt coffee is pretty much as addictive as Marvel movies. This coffee basket will definitely entertain a crowd, and is perfect for the holiday season festivities. Fill it with your favorite apple cinnamon, blueberry or warm banana nut muffins, as well as your favorite coffee beans, and mugs. This will warm your guests’ hearts in no time, making the holidays a lot more fun and filled with the taste of coffee of course. What’s Christmas without family time on the couch, a Christmas movie playing on TV, and a hot drink on hand? 4. Sweet and Savory Basket Credit: CountryLiving There’s no doubt that the contents of this basket will be gobbled up in about 5 minutes. The cause of this wonderful catastrophe? The rustic and visually pleasing cast-iron skillet that literally every woman wants in her household. It’s rustic, multi-functional and makes everything taste good. Basically, the Iron Man of kitchen tools. Cook up a sweet and savory breakfast, with cute things like pie in the skillet, a jar of peach jam, and of course, some butter! No rustic meal is complete without butter! Calories be damned. 5. Easy Paper Plate Basket For Muffins Credit: its always autumn This really cute DIY muffin paper plate basket replaces the need for huge wooden baskets. Plus, you don’t have to run out to your local craft store. Use paper plates to make the basket, wrap a ribbon around it and call it a day. It’s the thought that counts! 6. Banana Bread, Honey Butter Credit: JennySteffens Did the title banana bread catch your eye? You’re not the only one! I’m a huge sucker for Banana nut bread. It’s a snack that gives you a warm feeling down to your toes, and can turn any rotten day much better. Banana bread and honey butter? Forget it, I’m set for life. I’m not leaving the couch anytime soon. 7. Sweet Tooth Basket Credit: Prettyhandygirl If you’re the type of person who adds sugar to normal food, because the level of sweetness ain’t cutting it, this basket is perfect! Gift someone with a sweet tooth this basket, as a gesture of appreciation for the sweeter things in life. OK, that pun was kind of intended.  Fill it with caramel popcorn, chocolate kisses, filled truffles, and peppermints! Just in time for the holidays as well! 8. Elegant Popcorn Basket Credit: CountryLiving Can you hear the sleigh bells of Santa’s sleigh? No? Sorry guys, that’s just the popcorn popping! For popcorn maniacs like me where the butter has to be layered, and eating popcorn is an experience and not just a snack, this basket is delightful! It’s a crunchy surprise for the receiver, so go all out with the whole shebang. Include your favorite kernels, along with some cute Christmas greeting cards to really bring the festive mood. 9. Pop and Lock Credit: Lilluna Don’t recycle those soda pop bottles or old beer bottles! Wash them out, take out the labels and replace them with cute Christmas stickers, or personalized messages that can be stuck as labels on the bottles. Fill the bottles with types of candy, peppermints or whatever floats your boat. It’s a wonderful gift, and is perfect for families that are traveling or constantly on the go! 10. Spa Day at Home Credit: Thediymommy Perfect gift basket for any mom you know. There’s no such thing as a “deserving mom”. They’re all beyond comparison! Fill this basket up with spa goodies like soft hand towels, aromatic bath salts, refreshing face masks, and of course, a bunch of candles. Plus a few chocolates or goodies. Because why not? 11. The Ultimate Basket for Fathers Credit: Forcreativejuice Is your dad one of those people who can’t resist showing off on the grill? And insists grilling everything to show off his superior skills before realizing not every food item can be grilled? Like eggs. This gift is excellent for over-enthusiastic grilling fathers. This basket includes barbecue sauce, seasonings, and other items to fix up a grill! 12. Pedicure Gift Basket Credit: Laura’scraftylife This is honestly so cute, I’m pretty sure any woman on the planet in her right mind would love it! Not sure what to get your mom for Christmas, and want something sentimental but inexpensive? This will work in your favor. Especially if your mom just yelled at you for the 5th time for not cleaning your room, and you’re trying to get on her good side. Trust me, this pedicure “gift basket” will definitely let you off the hook for a week. No chores for a week? Yes please! 13. Peppermint Soap Basket Credit: apumpkinandaprincess If this doesn’t scream Christmas themed, nothing else will! Peppermint is pretty much the epitome of Christmas spirit. I mean, if there isn’t at least one candy cane or some peppermint candy somewhere in the house, it’s a crime against Christmas. Scrooge would be proud. This peppermint soap basket encompasses the spirit of Christmas. And peppermint. 14. Cupcakes anyone? Credit: Notoygifts I say cupcake, you say hell yes! Which kid doesn’t love cupcakes? Create this cupcake kit basket for those crazy kids running around the house. Because the sugar will definitely make them infinitely more energetic, so they won’t resemble children anymore. Just sugar hyped bouncing balls. This baking kit is affordable, comes with a few cupcake wrappers and one or two tools to help whip up some fluffy cupcakes. How cute is that? 15. Calling all Potter Heads Credit: kookinwithkimberly Know somebody who’s obsessed with Harry Potter? Are they also suffering from Harry Potter withdrawal since there aren’t any more books to read? We’re in the same boat. This gift will lift their spirits and stop the withdrawal symptoms. You know, like when they say Alohomora before realizing they require physical keys to open a door? Been there, done that. 16. The Sweetheart Box Credit: Momsandmunchkins This type of “basket” is great to give another couple, or your other half to relive all those nostalgic, memorable moments. Fill it to the brim with sweet treats like candy, chocolate, popcorn and of course a F.R.I.E.N.D.S. box set. If you’re really feeling fancy, add in a set of PJ’s to top off the sleepover vibe. If you’re giving it to your better half, add in a few cute love notes, because why not? You’re never too old for showing off how cheesy you are. 17. Candy Fever Credit: Hometalk Candy, quite honestly, is like a fever you can’t shake. Tootsie pops, starburst, skittles, oh the candy I could name and salivate over. Gift this unique and visually appealing basket to a fellow candy lover and watch their eyes literally light up.  I would probably grab this basket from them before they even handed it to me! Because, hello! Candy!! 18. Fancy a cuppa? Credit: DIYnetwork Of course, no one can do tea like the British. I mean, American tea is kind of the knockoff version of the traditional tea if I do say so myself. Gift this elegant tea basket to a fellow tea lover. Fill it with items like biscuits, butter, jam, a kettle, and of course tea powder. Add a tea towel for a simple, yet decorative touch. Nothing says Merry Christmas more than a red and white towel! 19. Bend It Like Beckham Credit: Giftbaskets4kids Honestly, it’s times like this where I really appreciate how much though moms put into gift baskets like this. Include a tiny soccer ball, a whistle, a soccer-themed watch, and other cute soccer themed toys to really get your kid in the mood. This is also perfect to give out in batches, especially during the holidays for your kid’s soccer team! #Soccer Moms are the most creative 20. An Overload of Chocolate Credit: Allthingstarget I’m pretty sure you started paying attention after I said chocolate. I know I can’t outdo Joey Tribbiani in terms of how much I can eat, but I can certainly try to outdo him in how much chocolate I stuff into my mouth! Why go for a bar of chocolate when you can curl up on the sofa with a nice cup of hot chocolate? Gift this to a friend or loved one, and have no qualms about them liking it or not. There’s nobody on the planet who doesn’t like hot chocolate. Yes, I’m also including the coffee lovers here! 21. Italian Dinner for Two Credit: DIYnetwork When I was little, I always wanted to take a bath in spaghetti. Then again, I wasn’t the brightest. Because I also wanted to go round and round in the washing machine. Was anyone else as weird as me? No? Wonderful. After a long day of holiday shopping, making dinner seems like a monumental task. This is one basket you can gift yourself and your neighbor, especially before the Christmas Eve/Day hustle involving long hours in the kitchen to prepare a feast. Include some rich marinara sauce, your favorite type of pasta, some classic Mozzarella, and of course….wine! 22. Christmas Morning Gift Credit: Anightowlblog I mean sure, it’s great to get presents from under the tree. But when someone delivers a basket full of goodies to your doorstep on Christmas morning, you’re basically guaranteed to have a good day. To quote Forrest Gump “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” 23. Shades of Candles Credit: Insidethefoxden Candles are my second favorite thing to smell, the first thing being my mom’s fabulous incomparable cooking. Include warm flavors like pumpkin spice and cinnamon apple. Pair these with refreshing scents of Christmas like peppermint bark and holly. 24. Cookie Basket Credit: Thetomkatstudio Whenever I watched Sesame Street, Cookie Monster was my idol. Seriously! Cure your friend’s winter blues with some freshly baked cookies and some cute, thought felt notes. 25. Winter Survival Kit Credit: Onegoodthingbyjillee Are you worrying about your kid at college, or your best friend who often forgets to take care of herself during the wintertime? Send her a mason jar of lip balm, moisturizer, tissues, coffee packets and notes telling her how much you care and how proud you are! 26. Natural Beauty Basket Credit: Helloglow Pamper that special someone with products that will enhance their natural beauty like moisturizer, towels, and face cream. A perfect gift basket! 27. The “Guy” Basket Credit: Onegoodthingbyjillee The perfect gift for your foodie friend! Stuff some of their favorite junk into a mason jar, and watch them eat everything except the jar. 28. The Burger Romance Credit: Ithinkwecouldbefriends Who said romance only had to involve cuddling, chocolate, cheesy movies, and wine? Gift your man with all the makings of a burger, and have the most memorable date night ever! Include all the condiments of course. This really gives meaning to “the way to his heart is through his stomach!” 29. Calling All The Marvel Fans Credit: Storenvy After Endgame, I can sincerely say that I’m suffering from a serious Marvel withdrawal. I mean, there’s only so much emotion one human can take. First Iron Man, then Black Widow? Gift your fellow Marvel crazed friend this basket to cure them of the Marvel bug. 30. Movie Night With a Kick Credit: Ithinkwecouldbefriends Uninterrupted. What an amazing word. When I have movie nights, I want everything around me, including food and drinks and company so I don’t have to get up at all! Perfect for date night, include a box set, your favorite snacks and some wine to top it off. 31. Orange You Glad That Christmas Exists? Credit: Onegoodthingbyjillee Forgive the pun, I was having an annoying orange moment. Fill up a mason jar with orange chewing gum, candies and soda, and gift this unique basket to someone special. Especially if they love orange. The sky is the limit! 32. Classic Wine and Cheese Credit: Ithinkwecouldbefriends Trying to impress a fellow colleague or teacher? Show off your wine and cheese expertise with a collection of goodies in one basket. Throw in some fresh loaves of bread to really show you care. And to show off your bread expertise too. 33. Taco Kit Credit: darlingdoodlesdesign There are days you wake up and want tacos. Then there are other days where you wake up and realize you don’t just want one, you’ll die for one. Cure those Taco Tuesday cravings with a friend, by making a basket with all the makings of a taco. With a cute label on the basket-like  “Inhale tacos. Exhale negativity.” 34. Baby Basket Credit: Fantabulosity This basket is filled with awesome baby essentials to get you through those long long nights. Perfect gift for someone who just had a new baby. 35. Happy Housewarming! Credit: Tastysouthernchic As if you don’t already have something to celebrate, gifting someone this basket will make the house more….warm. OK, bad pun. But still, welcome your neighbors with a cute basket of towels, wine, and a small plant to welcome them. 36. The Frozen Basket Credit: Makelifelovely Include Elsa themed toys, some mints, and of course the Frozen DVD. This will make your kids excited to the point where they’ll start naming every snowball Olaf. If they don’t already. 37. The Book Lover Basket Credit: Woodsofbelltrees As a fellow book nerd and lover, this basket is seriously my dream basket as is the case with many other book lovers! Make a gift basket for your fellow book lover with a few novels, a blanket and of course some chocolate. 38. The Guest Basket Credit: Happygoluckyblog Although it’s always wonderful to have guests over during Christmas, it’s a little difficult to find personalized, meaningful gifts for them. Make this basket epic by including some cute water bottles, toothbrushes and of course some extra goodies like cookies and chocolate! 39. It’s Snowing Way Too Much! Credit: Thediymommy Make these baskets for those “snow day survival” days. Like when it’s so cold outside you wonder if you’ve suddenly moved to Antarctica. If you look out the window, you might see a penguin or two. This basket will help whomever you gift it too, with thoughtful items like cookies, hot chocolate packets, a blanket and lots of other goodies. The sky is the limit until the basket gets full! All in all, Christmas baskets aren’t that difficult to create. Whether it’s for your other half, a friend or a neighbor, spread a little joy with baskets made of thoughtful simple items. Watch the Christmas spirit really manifest! If you found the post helpful, then do share the post! The post 39 Fabulous DIY Christmas Gift Baskets appeared first on OffbeatBros. #Christmas

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