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20dollarlolita · 2 years

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Getting started in lolita fashion: what is a coord and how do we build them?

First of all, and this will become relevant: I am allergic to shellfish. Keep that in the back of your mind.

So you're interested in wearing lolita fashion? That's super cool! It's a really fun fashion to wear, and a really cool community to be a part of.

One of the things that's really cool about lolita fashion is the way that it's structured, and the "rules" of lolita outfits. A lot of mainstream fashion tends to have a sort of general look that you're trying to reach, lolita fashion has some very specific requirements for what should be present in a lolita look. It's a little bit less like how we think of punk fashion, and a bit more about how we think of white tie attire.

Before you bitch about the rules, I just want to say that, once you start following the rules, you'll learn how to effectively break the rules. But you want to start out by using the rules to help you make a look. You can think of it like training wheels on your bicycle when you learned how to ride it. It's also like how the first thing you ever cooked was probably Top Ramen or mac and cheese, and probably wasn't traditional chocolate eclairs or egg yolk ravioli. I want to be nice and welcoming to new people in the fashion, but I also want to be really honest here, because lying to new people doesn't help them. So here is my first piece of tough love: Don't bitch about the rules. Just learn to follow them.

And remember the other rule, and keep this very close to your heart. You're allowed to love looks that you make that aren't lolita. Even if you attempted lolita, and it didn't make the mark, if you love that look, then you love that look. You can be proud of it, and you can wear it, and you can love it. All the love in the world won't make it lolita, but that doesn't mean it can't be loved.

You're allowed to have fashion interests outside of lolita. That's okay.

So let's talk about a lolita outfit. A complete lolita outfit is called a coordinate. It's often shortened "coord" or occasionally "co-ord", though that second phrasing is falling out of fashion.

One of the first things to note is that your first coord will not be perfect. It might even not be good. But it's important that you try to make it a complete coord.

This is not about how to make sure that the elements of your coordinate go together, or how to dress certain ways for certain styles. This is just identifying the components of the lolita coordinate.

This is also a good thing to run past when you're building a coord and think it's almost done. Did you have items 1-7 on it? Can you add them, or at least a thing to indicate that you understand you should have something?

The seven main components of a lolita coord are 1) skirt, 2) petticoat, 3) not shoulders, 4) headgear, 5) socks, 6) wrists, and 7) the rest. In your coordinates, you will want to check all seven of those boxes.

You will want to include all seven of those components, even if you know that what you're putting in that category isn't all that perfect. If you don't have a good headpiece, it will look better to have a less-than-ideal one than it will be to go without one.

Why? Well, let's talk about my shellfish allergy. I can't eat it. At all, period. End of story. My friends and I invite each other over to dinner pretty frequently. One time, I had a friend who had carefully prepared a dinner that she thought was safe for me, but that had scallops in it. She didn't realize that scallops were shellfish, having never seen them not frozen in a bag or prepared on a plate. She was very apologetic, and offered me the other food in her house. Best Ling Ling potstickers and fried Spam I've ever had, btw. I had another friend who cooked shrimp tacos and told me I could just pick out the shrimp (not how food allergies work, btw) because she wanted shrimp tacos. The short version of a long story is that I still eat at friend #1's house, and don't eat at friend #2's house, or really hang out with them anymore. I couldn't eat either meal, but the fact that friend #1 put effort into keeping the food accessible for me means that they earned the right for me to give them a second chance.

Or, if you want a shorter version, putting something IN the checkbox for your coord, even if it's not perfect, tells people who want to help you that you know something should be in that check box. Trying and failing is better than no effort.

So let's talk about what those check boxes are:

disclaimer: these collages are meant to illustrate a point and to make this look pretty. They are not intended to be a representation of the absolute best that lolita could be.

1] Skirt. The main lolita fashion look requires a skirt. Usually this is somewhere in the general area of your knee. You can go a little above or below that point, but knee-length is a good general idea. The skirt has to have enough volume to put your pettioat under, and it needs to start somewhere in the general area of your natural waist. These rules apply both to a standalone skirt, and to the skirt part of a dress.

The skirt is usually one of the parts that is hardest--bordering on impossible--to find in a normal, non-lolita store. If you're buying a premade skirt, it's very likely that you'll need to shop at a place selling skirts specifically for lolita.

The general gathered rectangle skirt we use in lolita fashion is also pretty easy to make yourself, if you want to get into DIY lolita.

2] Petticoat. The lolita silhouette requires the skirt to have a pretty specific shape, and that shape comes from the skirt being supported by a petticoat. Once you know that you want to wear lolita for more than just one coordinate, you will want to get a good petticoat that's made to be the proper shape for your looks. You'll wear a petticoat with all your lolita looks, so it might be worth it to buy a nice one.

I know that having a good petticoat when I started really helped me get into handmade lolita, because the good petticoat made what I made look all that much better.

However, when you're starting, it's a good idea to try to have SOME kind of petticoat. A small petticoat is going to look better than nothing, and it shows that you know what you need to do. I actually have a petticoat I got from Spirit Halloween at the end-of-season clearance, and I get a lot of use out of it. It's nice for wearing under other petticoats, for just a little bit of extra volume. I also wear it under my hooped petticoat, for just a little bit of extra modesty.

3] Not Shoulders. Blouse, cardigan, bolero, sleeves on your dress SOMETHING. It's really hard to pull off a lolita look with bare shoulders. You'll see coords from really hot locations where people go blouseless, but it's still tough to pull off. I'm in a location where it gets very hot, and I've found that sheer blouses are very nice, and allow me to have more flexibility in other areas of my look.

Am i just lazily using the premade templates instead of actually trying? the answer might surprise you

4] Headgear. Put something on your head. It can be a bow or it can be a hat, or it can be a lot of other things, but you want to put something on your head. If your coord's not yet complete and you're just trying it on to get some feedback, tie some ribbons in your hair or something else to indicate that you understand that this is a necessary part of the look. You want to incorporate your whole body into your coord, instead of having a coord that stops at your neck. Your face is important, and you want it to feel like it's part of the look, so continue the lolita details up into your head.

My favorite fast addition to a coord is to get little ribbon bows from the children's hair accessory sections of outlet stores. They come on clips, and you can easily slide them into your hair. I'll usually add them even if I already have a hair accessory.

5] Socks. Or tights. Basically, you want to cover your ankles somehow. Once again, this is about continuing the detail down to your lower body.

Lolita theming is based a lot on the concept of modesty, and in the past that meant covering your entire legs. We've gotten more open about shorter socks in recent times, but you still want to have something to show that you recognize that element of your look.

6] Wrists. This is again about incorporating your entire body into your look. Having something that ties your hands back into your coord is important. We use our hands to communicate our feelings and interact with the world, so we want to incorporate them into our coordinate.

I used to be really bad about leaving wrists uncovered, because I have issues with jingling things or scratchy things on my hands. I recently found that I handle stretchy bracelets pretty well, so it only took me 11 years to figure out the best way to incorporate my wrists into my look. These are nice and really quite cheap, and the background image up there is my collection of non-jangly stretchy bracelets.

7] The rest. So, one of the most important things that builds the lolita look is that it's so much beyond what mainstream fashion is. Every detail in lolita has details in the details, so you don't want to just stop with checking the main 6 boxes. You want to find things to bring your look to be a little bit extra beyond the base expectations. Can you add some jewelry? Can you add some extravagant (but coordinating) makeup? What can you do to dress up your hair? What can you do to dress up your hands? What can you add to make this just a little bit more? Do you have a bag that matches? Do you want to do your nails to match? You don't always need to go 100% extra, but adding just a little additional thing every time you can is nice. Remember, it's a lot harder for a coord to have too many details, versus too few.

Okay but what about shoes? I'm assuming that, if you're going out, you're going to be wearing some shoes. Despite what Madison says, you shouldn't wear stiletto heels with lolita. You also shouldn't wear flip flops. But I assume you own shoes and this is a beginner guide, so just use your best judgement.

Something that I've been having fun with recently is building fake coords. I take an online photo collage generator (I've been using this one because it doesn't make you pay), take a theme, and then try to build a coord collage using that theme. I had my non-lolita friends suggest themes:

Really expensive pedal harp.

the Jungle Cruise

SPACE!

And, possibly why you shouldn't ask your normie friends for lolita prompts:

Coal Miner.

Anyway, these are really fun, because you can select photo collage templates that have more than seven slots. This means that, once you've selected your dress, blouse, socks, headdress, etc, you still have spaces you need to fill in with extra ideas. This requires you to build a coordinate that's beyond the bare basics. It requires you to think of what additional things you can add, and forces you to articulate what you think lolita fashion should look like.

Making your own collage coords is also free, and allows you to more easily talk to people about what your ideas in lolita are. If you show people what you're thinking, prior to committing to purchasing it, it can save you a lot of money. Also, it's a free exercise, and you can just make a thousand of them. Practice is fun! It lets you be able to talk to people who wear lolita. Make some coords!

#20dollarlolta #beginner lolita #lolita coordinate #long post #lolita fashion #handmade lolita #beginner guide #egl fashion #this post took me three hours and this is the 5th attempt to make it

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southernmermaidsgrotto · 1 year

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A beginner guide to tea blending 🌿

⚠️This is meant to be a simple guide based on my own research and experience, by all means, educate yourself further and double check everything before proceeding!⚠️

First, define your intention or goal for this blend: what medicinal properties do you want to extract from these plants? You should know the medicinal value and effects of each plant separately before trying them out together and finding out how they interact with each other. Similarly, taste all the herbs separately before putting them together to get a better tasting blend. You’ll have to find a good balance between:

the right dosage of each herb to get their medicinal value,

the taste of said herbs to your liking,

the right dosage to avoid any possible side effects.

The herbs that cause the main desired effect should take up to 70% of the blend.

One type of effect can be based on which system you want to work in (if the herbs all have similar positive effects on immune, circulatory, digestive, or other systems, like for example calming nerves or easing digestion). The other would be a nourishing effect (if the effects on each system cancel each other and thus you’re only taking in the nutrients, like minerals and vitamins, of the herb). The first kind would all have herbs that work together towards a common goal, the second would have effects that counteract each other so you only absorb their nutrients.

Then you’ll have supporting herbs, up to your 20%, that either boost the good medicine, and/or relief possible side effects of the main herbs.

Depending on the effects each plant has on your body, you’ll want them to boost each other or counteract each other. Also take into account if it’s an overall cooling or warming effect, boosting or slowing down metabolism, if it dries or moistens the tissues with minerals and fluids, and whether it’s relaxing or constricting/toning in tissues aswell.

Last should be possible catalysts. These are optional, but recommended. That would be up to 10% of stimulant herbs that boost metabolism or enhance the overall effects of the others, to really get all the good stuff into your body.

Some good examples of catalysts are ginger root, cayenne or licorice root, but be careful with licorice as it can be toxic in high amounts!

To give you an example of how I’d put everything into practice: if my goal is to make a tea blend that’s toning, rich in minerals and vitamins and strengthens the immune system, I’d use 5 parts stinging nettle, 2 parts lemon balm (for the main effects), 2 parts thyme (supporting), and 1 part ginger root (catalyst), then sweeten to taste. Parts can be grams, teaspoons, or smaller measures, depending on how much blend you want to prepare. If you’re going to try this blend, do this exercise: research each plant, it’s medicinal value and side effects, and you’ll find out why I put them together!

Also, I personally love the taste of stinging nettle, yet someone else may prefer to use 5 parts of lemon balm and 2 parts of stinging nettle instead and get a slightly different result, more soothing to the nervous system, try it for yourself and always check for the effects and right dosages. I normally measure each part as grams, and this formula gives me around 2-3 liters of infusion, depending on how strong you make it. That is, using dry herbs, if you’re using fresh plant material you’ll need more grams. Normally 1 teaspoon of dry herb equals 1 tablespoon of fresh herb, or 1 part dried equals 3 parts fresh, but there may be slight differences between each plant depending on how much water it contains.

Finally, write everything down! The formula, how it worked for you and what it tastes like.

Thanks for reading ♡

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lauramkaye · 1 year

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Disco Elysium For Beginners

So apparently my cunning plan is working and some of my mutuals are interested in learning more about my recent obsession by playing the game Disco Elysium. Great!!! In your honor, and so that I will have more people to talk about the game with, I present to you Laura's Beginner's Guide to Playing Disco Elysium.

What Is It Even About?

Hope, despair, poverty, the human condition, politics, pinball, art, love, loss, communism, experiencing a bisexual awakening in your forties, colonization, dancing, substance use disorders, unions, mental illness, truth, trying to be a good person in a completely broken society, beauty, the end of the world, joy, complicated relationships, kindness, intersectionality, the complex and problematic nature of the profession of police detective, cryptids, juvenile delinquents, PTSD, and falling helplessly in love with Kim Kitsuragi.

Oh wait, did you mean the plot?

You play as an amnesiac detective who wakes up after an apocalyptic bender that obliterated his memories. There is a dead body hanging in a tree behind your hotel, and you are there to find out who killed him with the help of Kim Kitsuragi, a detective from another precinct who has also been put on the case and who will be your partner while you are in town. You can, as the official site puts it, "become a hero, or an absolute disaster of a human being."

Where to Get It

Disco Elysium is available for Mac and PC via Steam and for XBox and Playstation (both current and previous generation) and Nintendo Switch. The current version is "The Final Cut" which includes full voice acting. The Steam version goes on sale pretty frequently - I'd keep an eye on Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales if you're interested in picking it up. The MSRP is $40 but you can often find it for around $20 if you look for a sale - the PS4 version is $17 on Amazon right now (11/15/2022).

I'm Not Really A Gamer, Can I Still Play?

Absolutely! DE does not require any "twitchy" gameplay - you interact with the game by reading/listening to text, selecting dialogue options to talk to people, and clicking things/people to interact with them in some way. It runs very much like a tabletop RPG, where all the uncertain things are decided by skill checks and dice rolls.

Notably, DE is quite replayable even though the solution to the mystery doesn't change, because different character builds will have very different experiences and may even see completely different sidequests and dialogue. Unlike most RPGs, DE makes many checks silently, in the background, and if you don't pass the check you just don't see the relevant content and never know you missed anything. I'm on my third full and sixth partial playthrough and I still find new things.

Mechanically, playing Disco Elysium goes something like this:

Go into a new area.

Look around. You will see little colored circles appearing, either on top of items/people in the environment, or sometimes around your player character's head.

Click on the colored circles to interact with them. You will learn something, do something, or start a conversation.

Doing stuff and talking to people gives you XP! Every time you get 100 XP, you get one Skill Point. You can either use it to increase one of your skills, unlock a slot in your Thought Cabinet, or forget a Thought from your Thought Cabinet. You don't have to spend them right away; you can save them up if you want to.

Once you have clicked everything you want to click and talked to everyone you want to talk to for now, go somewhere else.

Repeat.

What the Hell is a Thought Cabinet?

As you go through the game, you will unlock "thoughts" that you can ponder. You have a certain number of slots in your "thought cabinet" where you can be mulling over an idea; you start with three slots and can unlock more up to a max of 12. Thoughts will have certain effects while you are thinking about them, which might be positive or negative. While you are still thinking them over, you can equip or unequip them at will. Each "thought project" takes a specific amount of time.

Once you have spent the designated time on a thought project, you will see the message "Breakthrough Imminent" and then you will "internalize" the thought. The thought will have effects on the gameplay, which can include skill buffs and debuffs or other effects. Once the thought is internalized, you can no longer unequip it. It will take up that slot permanently unless you spend another skill point to forget it.

So what thoughts should I internalize?

A lot of them are mainly for flavor or role-playing but a few notable ones:

Actual Art Degree gives you bonus XP when you pass a passive Conceptualization check. This is the most common passive check in the game, so AAD is the thought to take if you want to get as many skill points as possible. You unlock the thought by talking about art as much as you can.

Get Jamais Vu as early as you can on Day 1 by talking with Joyce Messier at the dock. It opens up some key dialogue options and skill checks as well as giving you bonus XP whenever you click an orb.

Ace's High or Ace's Low gives you extra Empathy bonuses towards Kim. Which you will want, because Kim is the Best.

Wompty-Dompty-Dom Centre is available starting on Day 3 and will give you $2 and some XP when you pass an Encyclopedia check.

Homo-Sexual Underground. Its only effect is to allow you to talk about sexuality with Kim. Therefore it is the most important thought in the game, because approximately 90% of players will be in love with Kim by the second in-game day.

Okay, What About Skills?

Your character "build" (strengths, weaknesses, abilities, etc.) is primarily determined by two things that you can adjust as the game progresses by spending Skill Points: Skills and Thoughts.

Skills in DE are similar to skills in other RPGs in that they determine how good you are at various things. The main difference is that instead of the more traditional skills like strength, dexterity, or charisma, DE has skills like Savoir Faire, Rhetoric, and Empathy. As befits a game that emphasizes the story and characters over combat, the skills are a lot less about how good you are at punching monsters and a lot more about the state of your character's head. The skills are broken down into four categories:

Blue or Intellect skills - brainy stuff like Logic, Rhetoric, and Encyclopedia.

Purple or Psyche skills - emotional stuff like Empathy, Volition, and Authority.

Red or Physical skills - the condition of your physical body. Endurance, Electrochemistry, and Pain Threshold live here.

Yellow or Motorics skills - how well you use your physical body. Things like Hand Eye Coordination, Perception, and Composure.

There are good descriptions of each skill in the game. At the beginning, you can choose from three predefined archetypes (Thinker, Sensitive, or Physical) or create your own by allocating 12 points between the four skill categories and picking one skill as your "signature."

What Is The Best Skill Build?

There isn't an "best" one! You can play the game equally successfully with any build, but different builds will feel very different to play, especially early in the game.

That said, I would recommend against doing a 3-3-3-3 build because it just won't be as fun. Most skills generally start to really show effects at around a 4, and failing skill checks is often funny and shouldn't lock you out of completing any checks except if you've done something really unusual.

Basically the "best" build for you is whatever is the most fun - pick something that speaks to you and go for it.

In general, Intellect builds will get a lot of worldbuilding and lore and be really good at detecting. Psyche builds will have a better sense of other people and the world and strong intuition. Physical builds tend to be able to punch their way through obstacles but aren't very smart or empathetic and struggle with following their gut instincts/cravings without thinking about it. Motorics builds will find several early-game skill checks a lot easier for them and will be good at skills like shooting, picking locks, noticing stuff, keeping cool under pressure, and talking about cars.

Some key things to consider when deciding on your character build:

Encyclopedia is the skill that gives you lore and worldbuilding information.

If you want to min-max your build to get as many skill points as possible, make sure you have good Conceptualization so you can unlock the thought Actual Art Degree.

Esprit de Corps is similar to Empathy, but it works specifically on other cops. Doing a run with high EDC helps unlock a ton of lore about many of the other key characters in the game.

Electrochemistry will try to get you to drink, smoke, have sex, and take drugs. It will also give you insights into the drinking/smoking/drugging/sex habits of others. VERY high EC will allow you to unlock a leopard-print unitard underwear option for your player character.

You have two health pools, Health and Morale. Health is affected by the Endurance skill and Morale is affected by the Volition skill. If you start a game with only 1 point in either purple or red skills, that can mean you die very easily early in the game. My first playthrough I did a high INT build and I died in the first room of the game from turning on the lights even though I had a terrible hangover. So just be aware.

Shivers is my favorite skill in the game and I'm not alone there. Shivers allows you to have a connection to your city. A lot of the best moments in the game come during Shivers checks and the writing is generally really evocative. Great for atmosphere.

My favorite skills are Esprit de Corps for character knowledge, Shivers for cool atmosphere, and Drama because Drama is just really funny.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

If you seem stuck, go somewhere else and talk to more people OR spend a skill point to level up a skill.

You can zoom in and out. My first playthrough I didn't realize this for a while and kept missing certain characters who were standing somewhere I needed to be zoomed out to see.

A lot of things that are usually part of game menus have to be unlocked. You get a map by buying it at the bookstore. You get your stats and to-do list by finding your police ledger.

Cuno seems horrible but if you gain his trust there's a lot of depth to his character. There is also a potential ending where Cuno acts as your partner during the endgame.

Do the sidequests. They are often the best stories in the game.

Don't be TOO afraid of disappointing Kim. If you avoid being racist/sexist/hurting people, he will usually come around.

That said, if you play as a terrible person he won't be your friend anymore. I don't know how people can take the emotional trauma of that, but some people do!

Save frequently, Just In Case.

Don't be too hasty to reset. Let things play out. Most of the deaths are pretty funny and sometimes you might think you died but really you didn't.

That said, it's fine to reload a save if you messed something up. It's a single player game, it isn't "cheating" to do this if you want to.

If you fail the red check at the church it is extra double okay to reload a save and make that not have happened. (This is probably one of the two highest-stakes skill checks in the game because if you succeed you get one of the best scenes in the game and if you fail you get one of the worst.)

Look at everything and talk to everyone.

I like to keep at least one unused skill point at all times in case I need to unlock a skill check I've failed once.

If you arrest someone or send the body to Processing, Kim will be gone for the rest of the day. There are some things you can only do with him and some you can only do without him, so plan accordingly.

Hope this helps and always feel free to ask if you want more help/get stuck/need hints/just want to scream about the game with me!!

#disco elysium #beginner guide

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daily-coral-reblogging · 5 months

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youtube

Here's a 17 minute video from someone with hundreds of hours into the game. Great resource for beginners.

#coral island #video #beginner guide #beginner resource #beginner tips #sarah sunstone #Youtube #not a reblog

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wildin2d · 1 year

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📚⚡️🦇WILDIN'S GUIDE TO READING COMICS🦇⚡️📚

I've been seeing a lot of people all over the internet saying that they'd like to start reading comics, but find obstacles that all seems to fall under the same general statement: I don't know where to start, so I thought I'd make this looong post to address this and show you that this is a really easy and fun hobby to get into! (monetary aspect aside)

MARVEL/DC

Whilst not all comics are about superheroes, and I'll get into that later, these are gonna be the main two logos you'll see all over your local comic shop, they're a good starting point since you'll likely already have some knowledge of the characters that are involved, however the real hurdle comes along when we get to continuity.

THE CONTINUITY DILEMMA

With all the universes, crisis events, resets, retcons, plotholes and plot twists, it can be really difficult to find a good starting point with any given character, I can provide one very easy solution to all of these, you don't have to read up on any backstory, at all, obviously if it interests you that's a different matter, but if you just want to read batman, I promise you, you don't have to start reading from issue 1 of detective comics from 1937, you'd be reading for months, and half of it isn't even that good.

There are two great starting points with an existing popular character:

ISSUE #1

Below is an example of a 'soft' reset for a character, marvel does these often and will put that they are 'issue 1' at the top to attract new readers, these will come with new writers, new artists, and a new direction for the character, these are the best places to start, DC does similar but they are more likely to stick more to longer issue numbers

ARCS

If a series is more longstanding with the same writer and same characters, the studios are less likely to reset the character or give them a new writer, this is where you rely on separate story arcs, the characters and storylines that have come before will be more prevalent, and you won't be starting from issue 1, but you'll still be given a new storyline to follow, they'll often write where these arcs start so you know which ones to pick up:

These arcs are compiled into graphic novels quite often, this will make it easier to separate the continuity into each arc if you're wanting to read up on the previous stories of the character.

Alternate series

Often with a popular character like batman or spiderman the studios will create tons of alternate series for the character, this can be an opportunity for the creators to explore a fun, different direction from the character that doesn't detract from the main series, these should be treated as completely separate from the main continuity (unless it is stated that they are directly connected), I'll put some examples of these below:

now for the best part...

INDEPENDENT (IMAGE) COMICS

I cannot overstate how much these companies solve the issues of the comic giants of Marvel and DC, these are the best series to look for in your comic shop, they're stylised, self-contained, original, and can wrap up the entire story in only six issues, the creators range from new and upcoming artists and writers to established names, they're fantastic, and I urge everyone to pick them up.

The longstanding producer of these is Image comics, look out for their logo on any issues:

They're constantly putting out new series and providing unique opportunities to new artists, I'll put some examples below of my favourites, but each series from them is worth a try, just look for any first issues:

Again if you missed the first few arcs of an ongoing series that you're wanting to read, you can get the graphic novels to fill you in.

And that's it! I'm likely gonna add more to this post as i I think of it, and I'll leave it pinned to the top of the blog, but this should be a great starting point for any wannabe reader, have fun!

#comics #batman #saga #monkey meat #vanish #spiderman #beginner guide

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lnk-and-lnspiration · 1 year

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An Introduction to Digital Art: A Guide for Beginners

Digital art has become an increasingly popular form of expression in recent years, thanks to the advancements in technology and the widespread availability of digital tools. From photorealistic paintings to abstract designs, digital art offers endless possibilities for creativity. Whether you are a complete beginner or just looking to expand your artistic skills, this guide provides a…

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#Art Education #Artistic Development #Artistic Expression #Beginner Guide #Computer Graphics #Design #Digital Art #Digital Creation #Diverse Art Form #Illustration #Inspiration #Introduction #Learning Resources #Painting #technology #Tools

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softlist · 24 days

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#3d printing #digital printing #beginner guide #tutorial #digital fabrication

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oven-magazine · 27 days

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Easy Tips for Removing Stubborn Stains from Oven Trays

Are stubborn stains tarnishing the shine of your oven trays? Don't fret! With the right techniques, you can restore them to their former glory in no time. Here are some easy tips to help you banish those pesky stains for good.

When exploring ways to clean oven trays, you'll find several effective methods for tackling stubborn stains. However, certain stains may require a bit more effort to remove completely. But fear not, as we've compiled a list of tried-and-tested techniques to help you achieve sparkling clean oven trays.

Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste using baking soda and water, and apply it directly to the stained areas on your oven trays. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to loosen the stains. Then, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or brush to lift the residue. This gentle yet effective method works wonders on stubborn stains without damaging the surface of your trays.

Vinegar Soak: Fill your sink or a large basin with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Submerge the stained oven trays in the solution and let them soak for a few hours or overnight. The acidity of the vinegar helps to break down tough stains, making them easier to remove. After soaking, scrub the trays with a sponge or brush to reveal sparkling clean surfaces.

Lemon and Salt Scrub: Cut a lemon in half and dip the exposed side into salt. Then, use the lemon as a scrubber to tackle stubborn stains on your oven trays. The acidic properties of the lemon combined with the abrasive texture of the salt work together to dissolve and lift away grime. Rinse the trays thoroughly with water after scrubbing to remove any remaining residue.

Commercial Oven Cleaner: If the stains on your oven trays are particularly stubborn, consider using a commercial oven cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and apply the cleaner to the stained areas. Allow it to penetrate for the recommended amount of time, then wipe or rinse away the cleaner along with the stains. Be sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using chemical cleaners.

Boiling Water and Dish Soap: For baked-on grease and food residue, try soaking your oven trays in a mixture of boiling water and dish soap. Place the trays in a sink or basin and cover them with boiling water. Add a generous amount of dish soap and let the trays soak for at least 30 minutes. The heat and soap will help to loosen the stains, making them easier to scrub away.

Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your oven trays looking their best. Incorporate these tips into your cleaning routine to prevent stubborn stains from building up in the future. By following these simple yet effective methods, you'll have your oven trays shining like new in no time.

#oven #oven cleaning #beginner guide #how to guide #clean oven #toaster oven #tips and tricks

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profresh16 · 28 days

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youtube

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dailypubgdosefam · 2 months

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#cosplay #beginner guide

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thegardenenthusiast · 3 months

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Cultivating Crunchiness: A Beginner's Guide To Growing Cucumbers at Home

Welcome to the world of home gardening, where the thrill of growing your own fresh produce awaits you! If you're a beginner eager to dive into the rewarding journey of cultivating cucumbers, you're in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, you will have a chance to learn some the basics of cucumber cultivation, to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Let's get started on your path to homegrown cucumbers!

Choosing the Right Location

Before you start digging, make sure you pick the right location first! Here's how.

Choosing the Right Cucumber Variety

It is crucial to select the right cucumber variety for your garden. There are two main types: slicing cucumbers, best for fresh consumption, and pickling cucumbers, ideal for those delicious homemade pickles. Popular varieties include Marketmore, Straight Eight, and Lemon cucumber. Consider your preferences and space available to make the best choice for your gardening adventure.

Preparing the Soil

Cucumbers thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Start by testing your soil's pH levels; cucumbers prefer a slightly acidic to neutral environment. Amend the soil with organic matter like compost to enhance its fertility and structure. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Planting Seeds or Seedlings

Whether you choose to start from seeds or opt for seedlings, timing is crucial. Cucumbers are sensitive to frost, so wait until the danger has passed before planting. Sow seeds directly into the soil or transplant seedlings, ensuring a spacing of 12-24 inches between plants. Planting in hills or rows is a matter of personal preference, but be sure to provide adequate support for sprawling varieties.

Sunlight and Watering

Cucumbers are sun worshippers, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a sunny spot in your garden to ensure optimal growth. When it comes to watering, cucumbers need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and prevent diseases. Consider mulching to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Trellising Your Plants

To maximize space and encourage proper air circulation, consider trellising your cucumber plants. This not only prevents the fruits from rotting on the ground but also makes harvesting easier. Install sturdy trellises or cages, and gently train the vines as they grow. Vertical gardening not only saves space but also adds an aesthetically pleasing element to your garden.

Fertilizing the Crop

Cucumbers are heavy feeders, and providing them with the right nutrients is essential for a thriving harvest. Use a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium, particularly when the plants start flowering. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit development.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Keep a vigilant eye on your cucumber plants for signs of pests and diseases. Common cucumber pests include aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. Consider natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can be prevented by providing adequate air circulation and spacing between plants.

Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

The moment you've been waiting for – harvesting your homegrown cucumbers! Harvest when the fruits are firm, well-colored, and have a glossy appearance. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the cucumbers from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting promotes continuous fruit production and prevents the plant from becoming overburdened.

If you've made it this far, congratulations, you've successfully navigated the basics of growing cucumbers at home! From choosing the right variety to harvesting your first batch, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge needed for a fruitful cucumber garden. Remember, gardening is a journey, and each season offers new opportunities to refine your skills. Embrace the joy of homegrown produce and savor the crisp, refreshing taste of your very own cucumbers. Happy gardening!

#botany #garden #how to #gardening #horticulture #planting #plants #tips and tricks #beginner gardening #beginner guide #cucumbers #grow cucumbers at home

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goldhartzjewelry · 4 months

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🎉✨ Exciting News Alert! ✨🎉

January's newsletter is here, and it's all about the dazzling birthstone, Garnet! Dive into the brilliance of January with our latest newsletter, shining the spotlight on the fiery beauty of Garnet! Discover the astrological insights, symbolism, and timeless allure of this captivating gem. 💖✨ Have a Garnet story or a favorite piece? Share it with us and let's spark a conversation! Let the Garnet glow light up your January. Read, share, and spread the brilliance! ✨🌟

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alvisanders · 5 months

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A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Medigap Plans

Medigap plans in PA play a crucial role in helping seniors cover healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't fully pay for. Here's a beginner's guide to understanding Medigap plans:-:

What is Medigap?

Medigap is private health insurance designed to supplement Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It helps pay for the "gaps" in healthcare costs, such as deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance that beneficiaries would otherwise be responsible for.

When Can You Enroll?

The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your open enrollment period. This six-month window starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions.

Standardized Plans: Medigap plans are standardized, meaning they offer the same coverage, regardless of the insurance company you choose. There are ten different plans, labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan provides a different combination of benefits, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Benefits Covered: Medigap plans cover various costs, such as:

Part A coinsurance and hospital costs: Helps cover hospital stays beyond what Original Medicare covers.

Part B coinsurance or copayments: Covers outpatient care expenses.

Blood: Pays for the first three pints of blood each year.

Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment: Helps with costs related to hospice care.

Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: Covers costs incurred in a skilled nursing facility.

Part A deductible: Assists with the deductible for inpatient hospital stays.

Part B deductible: Helps with the deductible for outpatient services.

Part B excess charges: Covers charges beyond what Medicare approves for a service.

What Medigap Doesn't Cover: It's important to note that Medigap plans do not cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing. If you need these services, you may need to explore other insurance options.

Monthly Premiums: While Medigap plans offer comprehensive coverage, beneficiaries must pay a monthly premium in addition to their Original Medicare premiums. The premium cost varies depending on the plan, location, and insurance company.

Choosing a Plan: When choosing a Medigap plan, consider your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. Some may prioritize lower monthly premiums, while others might opt for more comprehensive coverage. Compare plans and prices to find the one that aligns with your requirements.

Portability: Medigap plans are portable, meaning you can use them with any healthcare provider or facility that accepts Medicare. This provides flexibility in choosing your healthcare providers without network restrictions.

Guaranteed Renewability: As long as you pay your premiums, your Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. Insurance companies cannot cancel your coverage due to health conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, Medigap plans are a valuable tool for securing additional coverage and financial protection against the gaps in Original Medicare. Understanding the basics of Medigap can empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage during retirement.

#Medigap #Medigap plans #Understanding #Beginner guide #Health Insurance

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