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nightwolfomega · 4 years

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Painting Fox

Part 2

Dawn was arriving slowly, Cora still in bed enjoying the nice comfortable warmth of the blankets, wait? Were the blankets always this heavy?. Trying to adjust her eyes from opening too quickly and blinking a few times she notices that she wasn’t covered in blankets at all but a large kitsune spooning close to her with his tails curled around them.

Cora felt a tint of pink in her cheeks now that her mind has started to finally process what’s going on, about to move her arm she could hear Aki stir a little letting out a little mumble. She froze and closed her eyes quickly to make herself look like she was still sleeping, which wasn’t that hard at all since she was still tired.

When it came to their living situation they didn’t mind sharing the bed together, sleeping back to back since that’s how it always was but now it was different. Aki was spooning with her.

Aki opened his eyes, glowing their blood orange as he stretched his legs and arms a moment letting out a yawn his tails shiver for a moment then curled them back up to him and Cora. She could feel his big thick arms and legs moving around to hold her again humming happily to move back to spooning position with her back pressing onto his strong chest and torso,

He smiles pressing his lips to the back of her head and gives her a little kiss, Her face felt hot, she couldn’t believe he continued giving her little kisses, maybe he was sleepwalking but doing sleep kisses instead? Wait, how does that make sense?

Soon enough she heard his adorable chirping and squeaking, the sound foxes make when they're really happy. The tips of his tails now tapping onto the bed happily, “This is the most adorable moment I have ever been a part of with Aki.” Cora thought to herself, this was just too cute.

But it would soon be short lived when one of his hands brushed against her waist hitting a tickle spot, she gave it all her willpower to not laugh and squirm. Gripping onto the pillow so tightly her knuckles became white. She suddenly felt Aki’s kisses now start to drift down from the back of her head to her neck and soon enough his tongue licks her.

She jolts from the sudden wet kiss, Aki’s eyes widen in panic now, Cora is slowly getting awake now. At least that’s what he thought and grabs the blankets quickly, then slowly lowers them onto her body so she wouldn’t suspect a thing.

Cora knew though, she knew the whole time and was surprised he was trying so hard to cover his tracks of what he was doing with her. Pretending to slowly wake up she lifts herself up as the blankets droop over her head, turning over to look at Aki she lets out a little yawn and rubs her eyes “Hmm, good morning.” she mumbles sweetly with a smile. “Good morning.” Aki replies softly as his ear’s twitch.

“How’d you sleep?” she asks trying to play it cool, He shrugs “I slept great as usual, but last night I slept really good.” Turning his body to face her as he rests his head onto the palm of his hand. “I hope you slept well too.” his other hand twitching feeling the temptation in his mind to just caress her cheek to feel her soft warm skin.

Cora lets out a big yawn “Yes, It feels so good to be back in this bed again. The blankets felt so warm and huggable.” she spoke as her hand snakes out from under the covers to scratch one of Aki’s ears. “Did it? Heh that’s nice.” he spoke feeling his face get warm. Aki hums softly enjoying the scratches Cora was giving him, he was loving every minute of it.

“I’m gonna make us something special for breakfast okay? You wait here and relax on the bed until I get them done okay?” patting his head.

Aki’s ears droop “Aww c’mon I wanna help.” he spoke sitting up. “Ah ah ah, You’re going to stay here and rest. I’ll come back in and get you when they're finished okay?” getting up from the bed.

Aki lets out a little whimper, his tails curling close to his body. To be honest it almost made Cora want to hug him and let him join her in the kitchen but she had to keep her resolve. “I’ll be back soon okay.” walking through the door and keeping it open a crack.

He takes a deep breath and sighs, grabbing Cora’s pillow and hugging it close to his body, taking in her scent while the tip of his tails tapped on the bed. It felt like torture that he wasn’t with her now. Wanting to hold her close from behind and give her little kisses on her neck, wanting to make her feel like she is the most sublime creature on earth.

His nose captures a delectable scent, a scent he was all too familiar with that made his mouth water and his tails tapping the bed faster “Cinnamon rolls” he squeaks happily rolling around in bed excitedly.

Cora always had a knack for baking, her best and favorite were cinnamon rolls. Getting the recipe from her mother years back she would make them for breakfast if there was a special occasion or just to indulge their sweet tooth. Now he realized why she told him to wait in bed, he would have tried to eat the icing for them, chuckling to himself “She’s so amazing” he spoke softly.

He heard a rapping at the door and gazed at his view to see Cora walking in “They’re all glazed up and ready to be eaten.” she spoke with a grin. The large kitsune grins “I am definitely excited for breakfast now.” grabbing his glasses from the little table beside the bed and hopping out of bed stretching again for a moment and flexing his arms, Cora couldn’t help blush seeing that it was so weird seeing Aki being this size now.

They both walk into the kitchen to see the big succulent cinnamon rolls sitting on the table, with the thick icing glazed over. “It’s been such a long while since we had cinnamon rolls so I thought I could make us a batch.” Cora spoke looking up at Aki “I can't wait to take a bite out of them.” his tongue running over one of his sharp canines.

They enjoyed the cinnamon rolls immensely. Each bite felt like an angel was massaging their taste buds, Aki helps her with cleaning the dishes used to make the succulent sweets and go to the studio “I thought we could just spend the day doing some relaxing painting. So last night before coming to bed I set up a little something for us.” Showing Cora the blank canvases on their easels and chairs. The little table next to them had all the colors of paint they would need and brushes sitting ready to be used to unleash their creativity.

“Aww Aki that’s so sweet of you to do this.” Cora wrapping an arm around his torso in a little hug. His tails swayed smiling happily to himself as he raised a hand to stroke her back “I’m really happy you like it Cora.” adjusting his glasses he turns on some relaxing Jazz from the little stereo.

They both took a seat on their stools and got to work setting up the colors for their paintings and lightly dipping their brushes in the water “What are you going to paint Aki? I bet it’s going to be something amazing as always.” she spoke, beginning to paint the background with a soft orange.

The kitsune pauses lifting his brush staring at the white abyss of the canvas and closes his eyes, fantasising Cora using his body as her canvas and making it into a masterpiece. He’d use his magic to make the paint stay permanently on his flesh feeling her precious mark on him, it would be heaven.

“Aki?” he heard Cora speak out again, snapping him out of his fantasy quickly “Sorry about that, I was concentrating too hard on what to paint.” he lies grinning bashfully. “Oh man I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you lose your train of thought.” Cora replies feeling bad looking back at her own canvas.

“No no don’t say that, I never mind it when you talk with me.” he grins as one of his tails strokes onto her arm gingerly. She felt the soft fluffy warmth touching her and giving her reassurance.

Cora smirks “Thanks Aki,” she replies softly reaching her hand out and gently stroking the tail, his face becomes red instantly feeling her warm delicate touch on the bristles of his tail. Pulling his tail away from her slowly, he starts to paint something that she would like.

It took a while for their paintings, wanting to make sure it was perfect for the other to see “I have mine finished Aki, would you like to see it?” she asks, shifting her head over to him. “Of course I would love to see it, Cora, wanna see mine?” he asks, sitting his brush down.

“We’ll show it to each other at the same time, it’ll be like a quick surprise.” Cora cheerfully spoke carefully grabbing the back of her canvas. Aki hums with a nod doing the same. Now both holding their canvases “Okay, go!” spinning their canvases around to show the other their breathtaking artwork.

Aki froze when he saw her painting, a red fox with nine tails standing within a field of golden grass, the sunset reflecting off the fur and even seeing some of his facial markings on the fox. “I thought that I would make something for you.” Cora spoke bashfully.

Looking at Aki’s work her eyes sparkled as she saw his. It was a surreal painting of a jester in blue and purple dancing in a street at night with rows of warm lit lights. “Aki this is fantastic!” she spoke excitedly leaning close to get a better view of it.

She didn’t notice Aki still staring at the painting, how elegant each brush stroke was on the tails and how the sunset made the fox fur pop. Aki was touched, she painted this for him and only him. His heart was pounding loudly in his chest.

“Cora,” lifting his hand up feeling the strong temptation to stroke his fingers onto the painting, “This is beautiful.” She lifts her head to look at Aki “Aw shucks, thank you. Probably not the best like others but hey I’m still learning.” she chuckles.

Something sparked in Aki when she said that, it made his blood boil. “What are you talking about?” he growls “You’re art is astounding! It’s better than those idiots calling their garbage art!” shooting up from his stool “Don’t you ever say something like that again!” his eye’s now glowing and his sharp canines bare.

Cora backs away from him, “A-Aki? Are you feeling alright?” she asks worriedly using her painting as a semi shield. Aki didn’t realize he was towering over her, his face softens making his ears droop “I-I’m so sorry Cora, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. It’s just that, I hate it when I hear you talk like that. Making it sound like your art isn't good enough when it’s really more than that.”

He carefully grabs the painting from Cora “This painting means so much to me because it was you that made it.” placing it back on her easel. “You have no idea how much of an impact your work gives off, I feel like I could just stare at your work for hours on end” his tails sway softly.

“Do you understand Cora? Your art calms the most savage beast, when people look at your work they enter into an enchanting dreamscape of your vision.” shifting his view to look at her.

Cora’s eyes became glossed with tears, her hands trembling as her fingers fidgeted with each other “Aki...” sniffing using her sleeve to wipe the tears. Aki felt his heart drop when he saw her like that, he reaches his arms out and pulls her in a tight hug. He could feel her arms wrap around him as she buried her face onto his chest sniffling.

“You’re an amazing artist don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.” he coos stroking the back of her head, he remembered people making distasteful comments when Cora would have her work out with Aki’s. It made his anger burn like a wild fire when they would knit-pick each detail on her masterpieces that she spent hours on pouring her heart and soul onto. It made him want to tear them to shreds with his claws and teeth, but Cora would always take the harsh criticism with a smile, Aki would wished he could protect and comfort her from the harsh criticism of the world.

Cora deserved better than that, those idiots should feel lucky she would grace them with her breathtaking artwork. He sighs softly “Hey, since you were so awesome making us breakfast how about I make us lunch okay? I’ll make your favorite.” he spoke sweetly to her.

He knew what her favorite foods were, he would master them to a perfect dish that would make Cora hum with delight with each bite. “That’s so sweet of you Aki, you don’t have to do that.” she spoke wiping her eyes again.

“Nonsense! This day is about us having a fun relaxing time after all so lets make it even better. You relax in the living room while I cook lunch.” he spoke with a grin. She pulls away and nods “Aki you're too good to me, What did I do to deserve you?” she spoke out chuckling.

The kitsune smiles warmly at her and leans down “I could say the same about you.~” he spoke as he was a bit too close. His eyes glowing again as he looked at her, he wanted to kiss her so badly but pulls back clearing his throat. “Ahem well I better get started.” he spoke with a chuckle.

“Okay, I’ll give the brushes a good clean while you cook. Don’t want them to get hard and crust up.” she giggles picking up the brushes they used.

Aki nods “Thank you so much, you're so thoughtful on this kind of stuff.” he spoke sweetly while walking off to the kitchen. Cora paused a moment when Aki left the room, She never saw Aki react like that, he would usually tell her that all she had to do was keep working hard and show them her art can improve and become better over time. But seeing him snap like that made her feel a little uneasy, but it also made her feel her heart warm saying all those kind comments about her work.

“Aki what are you thinking about right now?” she asked herself as she continued gathering the brushes to clean them. She didn’t see Aki however standing at the door looking through the crack as his eyes glow softly “You Cora...I’m always thinking about you and only you…” a wide smile creasing on his face.

#Painting Fox #Cora #Aki #yandere #kitsune #fox #painting #cinnamon rolls #snuggles #horror #romance #monster #monsterxhuman #monster boyfriend

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itsomgitsgreenblogging · 4 years

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Labor of Love Chapter 4: A Critical Role Fanfic

Let me just say this, this pandemic has really been messing with my productivity. But in weird ways, like, some days I got through 1000 words, the next day I would barely write three sentences. Crazy times. This chapter...we got romantic progression. Which is exciting because that means next chapter will be dedicated to panicking. I love panicking.

As always, thank you everyone for the mountain of support I have received on this fic. Really, reading the comments and the reblog tags and everything is what kept me going.

Enjoy!

Read on Tumblr (CH 1, CH2, and CH 3)

Read on AO3

Preview:

Elves didn’t need to sleep as other species did, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t. Essek actively avoided sleep, mostly because he didn’t enjoy dreaming. He didn’t know how people did it every night, go under and then have your brain spew out images and sequences that didn’t make any rational sense. Essek liked everything organized, separated out, and delineated neatly with understandable criteria. Having a strange dream where he was being crushed under some warm weight definitely was not any of those things, and Essek didn’t appreciate it one bit...

...and then Essek tried to take a breath and he realized he wasn’t dreaming rather immediately. He woke up with a panicked start. Frumpkin, Caleb’s cat who took up residence in the bakery, was laying on his chest and had a paw on Essek’s mouth. He was batting at him like he had expected Essek to be dead, and when Essek awoke the cat blinked at him with wide luminous yellow eyes. He was an adorable mongrel, fluffy and orange...and large. He was at least ten pounds if not heavier and had taken residence on his body like he was the couch Essek was laying on.

“As cute as you are...I cannot allow you to kill me,” Essek informed the cat. “I’m sorry if I took your spot though.”

“Mrrp?” Frumpkin asked cutely, tufted ears flicking to the front.

“I know, I’m confused too,” Essek said as he managed to sit up. The cat offered no resistance and slid into his lap, only meowed plaintively at Essek’s movement and the loss of his comfy spot. Maybe it was because the cat looked so sad, or maybe he really was just losing his edge, but when he stood up he scooped the cat in his arms. He gave the cat a quick bounce, like he had seen mothers do for babies. For a moment, again, Essek swore his eyes flashed blue but it was probably the light. The cat cocked his head at Essek like he didn’t understand what he was doing...and to be fair Essek didn’t either. Essek carefully settled the cat down, earning a final meow before the cat trotted off.

The house itself was quiet and dark, the clock on the kitchen wall read 3:00 AM. He must have fallen asleep on the couch...how utterly embarrassing. Essek had to decide what he could do then...would he sneak out without a word or should he leave a note of some kind. He didn’t want the Mighty Nein to think him unappreciative...but he also wanted nothing more than to go home, bury his head in his own sheets, and let the heat in his cheeks fade until he was his usual cold, icy shell of a person.

A note would do, Essek thought. He would leave them a note, thanking them for their hospitality but saying how he had needed to get home-

His plans were immediately dashed by Caleb appearing in the kitchen. He was dressed in his uniform, the plan shirt and jeans. But his hair was bed-mussed, and he looked half-asleep on his feet.

“You should still be sleeping,” Caleb noted with a frown. “It’s much too early for you to be up.”

“Drow,” Essek said, pointing at himself. “I only need four hours to trance...about the same or less sleep when that happens. And you are certainly one to talk, you are a human. Aren’t humans supposed to sleep eight hours?”

“Baker’s hours,” Caleb explained, rubbing at his face before literally running into the wall. “Sheisse! I gotta be at the bakery for four...didn’t get to sleep until twelve...”

“Please, before you hurt yourself,” Essek motioning towards the stool by the kitchen island. “I’ll make some coffee for you.”

Caleb blinked owlishly at Essek, as if now just truly registering his existence for the first time. To be fair, this did all feel like a dream.

“You don’t have to-”

“I am not good at much in the kitchen, but I do pride myself on making a decent cup of coffee,” Essek promised him. “It at least keeps me alive and functional. Now, if you don’t mind?”

Caleb sat down, following Essek’s request. There was an ancient looking percolator on the backburner of the stove, which Essek was grateful for. It wasn’t the Marquesian Press that Essek had in his own apartment, but Essek was certain it would brew a decent cup. Instant cup coffee machines were a new invention, and certainly were useful. But the coffee itself was just never as good as when you took the time.

Essek filled the percolator with water and set the water to boil. He measured out a solid four tablespoons of ground coffee he found nestled between a sugar bowl and a honey jar, packing it down, placing the lid on the filter before putting it into the boiling water and covered it with the cap itself. As he let that boil and steep away he caught a glimpse at Caleb, who had mostly melted into the island, head in his arms. Frumpkin was curled next to him, tail swishing lazily. It was the tail running against Caleb’s bare arms that made Essek notice the scars there. They were old...pale against his fair freckled skin and red hair, marking up both forearms.

Not your business, Essek told himself firmly, taking the bread on the counter and slicing it for toast and popping it in the toaster. Essek spied some apples, in a bowl and set to cutting them up as he waited. He didn’t know what Caleb even ate in the morning...he just hoped that toast, coffee, and an apple would be enough. As he chopped, Essek felt like he was doing some pale imitation of a housewife from an Empire sitcom. Essek didn’t make breakfast...he didn’t even cook. When he was on his own he made smoothies or rice. He bought breakfast at Caleb’s bakery in the morning when he didn’t. Essek didn’t understand this strange urge to do this, but felt if he didn’t he would be crippled by his own conscience.

The coffee was done, and the toast popped up around the same time. And Essek settled it all in front of Caleb, who was definitely asleep from the way his breaths drew in and out calmly and deeply. Essek looked at Caleb for a long moment, taking in this quiet stolen moment of intimacy. Essek wanted to let him keep sleeping, but as Essek knew so well, Caleb’s job was important to him...and it was important to Essek.

Gently...Essek settled his hands on Caleb’s forearm and hand. Essek could nearly feel the warmth emanating from him where he was sitting, pressed recently out from his sheets, and cringed at the thought of his cold hands pulling him from that. Caleb made a noise, a soft...vulnerable release of breath and Essek felt like his heart was being wringed dry...dragged out from whatever dark musty cobweb covered corner that Essek hid it in because Essek had never wanted to kiss someone so badly before in his life.

“Caleb,” Essek murmured, forcing his voice to be calm and even.

“Hm?” Caleb asked drowsily, attempting to drag his arms closer to his head...a strangely boyish and charming attempt to hide from waking up.

“How do you take your coffee?” Essek asked him quickly removing his hands (even though he could have lingered in that moment forever), and this drew Caleb up...eyes fluttering open and squinting blearily. “And what would you like on your toast?”

“A little milk or cream...whatever we have in the fridge,” Caleb said, rubbing his face and running his fingers through his hair as Essek opened the fridge. When he turned back, his curls were even less tamed then before. “And...just butter, there’s marmalade in the fridge too.”

“There,” Essek said, pouring in a dash of milk into the coffee and setting the butter dish and bright orange fruit preserves on the table next to it besides the cut up apple. “Eat and wake up.”

“You didn’t have to do this,” Caleb said, reaching for the mug as Essek poured his own cup.

“No, I didn’t. But what can I say, I’m a kind and caring person,” Essek said with a sarcastic smile, taking a sip from his own mug. The coffee was smooth and had a nice body to it. “But please...this is just the bare minimum.”

“It’s good,” Caleb said, his voice dipping and his accent drawing out the vowels. He took a second drink before giving Essek a look with humor glinting in his blue eyes. “You wouldn’t be in the market for a job as a barista, would you?”

“Oh please,” Essek said with a roll of his eyes.

“I’m not kidding! You are obviously very talented.”

“That’s my secret. I’m good at everything,” Essek said, raising his mug to hide his smile, basking at the compliment.

“Oh? Really?”

“And I’m terribly competitive. Give me your recipe book and teach me to bake and I’ll put you out of business in three months.”

“That I don’t doubt. I certainly wouldn’t want you as a business competitor,” Caleb chuckled.

“Thankfully for everyone, I am not in business,” Essek said, sitting across from Caleb. “And I also can’t bake so the Xhorhaus Bakery is safe for now.”

“We will all sleep well tonight with that knowledge,” Caleb said, slathering his toast with butter and marmalade and taking a bite. “Why don’t you have some?”

“I’m fine,” Essek said, taking another sip of his coffee. “I won’t be hungry for a few hours yet if at all...I find it difficult to eat in the morning generally. I’m content where I am.”

“Keeping me company?” Caleb asked with a quirk of his lips.

“If you don’t mind it,” Essek said.

“No, I enjoy your company.”

“You are a rare breed,” Essek noted.

“Clearly they are lacking taste,” Caleb hummed.

“Perhaps,” Essek said with a smile.

“It’s too early for you guys to be flirting,” Beau said as she burst into the kitchen. Essek felt his face heat up. “Sweet, is that coffee?”

“I believe it’s time for me to go regardless,” Essek said, moving by Beauregard to settle his mug in the sink, shoving everything down where he couldn’t feel anything because he needed to focus and escape this situation as quickly as possible. Her words were echoing in his head, thrumming like his desperate heartbeat. “Enjoy the coffee.”

“Essek,” Caleb said, sounding hopeful. “This was fun...we...we should do this again sometime.”

“Ah, yes-I mean, sometime, yes,” Essek said, cringing as he grabbed his coat and hastily yanked on his shoes.

He was out the door at a solid half-run, shoving his hands in his coat pocket, dragging out his keys and jabbing them into the ignition. He was halfway down the street, holding back a scream as he did so. Do it again sometime, Caleb wanted to do it again sometime. How? Why? It didn’t make any sense. But Essek couldn’t control the desperate beating of his heart and the heat in his face and the way his stomach was full of a fluttering sensation he couldn’t name.

Flirting. She was right, he had been flirting! Flirting with Caleb. As if that was supposed to help him or this or make anything better? Essek couldn’t think that way, but that was the problem he hadn’t been thinking. What on Exandria had he been doing? Making him breakfast and falling asleep in his damn house with not a care in the world and…! He stopped at a red light and watched a couple cross, pushing their kid in a baby carriage. Then, it smacked Essek in the face like a fireball.

Oh.

Oh no.

...he was in love, wasn’t he? This wasn’t just some vague interest or errant attraction. He was in love, Essek was in love with Caleb.

Someone honked at him and he realized he'd been sitting at a green light. Thankfully moments later he turned into the parking for his own building. He settled his forehead against the steering wheel, letting the waves of emotion wash over him. Essek wanted to scream. What was he supposed to do? What did people do when they were in love? How did people handle it? How was Essek supposed to deal with this situation?

“Alright, Theylss. It’s time to think. What do you want?” Essek demanded of himself, staring at his own reflection as he pulled down the mirror. Essek looked exhausted and vaguely unhinged to his own eyes. “Screw the rest of them, what do you want?”

What does he want? He supposed that was the million platinum question. Did he want this to be a light flirtation? Something hot and heavy and fast? Or did he want something to build his life on? Caleb wanted to do it again sometime...wanted to spend time with him and banter over coffee. And Essek found that he wanted that more than anything he could imagine, wanted it so bad he could almost taste it like coffee and sweets and something warm that he could dwell in forever.

But what if I ruin it? There came the part of Essek that he just couldn’t ignore. You’ll get hasty, you’ll make a mistake, and then the way you are won’t be a choice anymore...it’ll be your fault. It’s not safe. But...could he live with himself if he didn’t try?

“Nothing I do is safe,” Essek told himself sternly, snapping up his mirror and exiting the car.

---------

So now that Essek had realized that he was in love with Caleb and wanted something to happen with that love, what was he to do with that information was on his mind? Well, he knew what the next logical step was. Most people that desired a romantic relationship with someone else asked that other person on a date.

“A date,” Essek muttered, splashing his own face with water and then getting to work on his cleanser.

What would Caleb want? Essek didn’t really know enough about him to know. He wanted to learn so badly though, so the date itself should be conducive to learning. Essek, also, found most of the trendy dates they covered in the publication to be outright cringe worthy. As if the stress of trying to escape from an escape room would be good to test out a spark? Dinner perhaps? Everyone ate dinner. He could ask Caleb out for dinner. If he got the feeling it was going well...then maybe it could be a date. If not, he could just commit to enjoying Caleb’s presence and friendship and pine like a lovesick fool.

“Don’t rush into things,” Essek warned his reflection, smoothing on moisturizer and looking at himself critically. As usual his skin looked unmarked and unblemished...but...he could always go for a facial. His hair too could be done to be the tiniest fraction neater. It might be worth going to the bath house...but no, he was overthinking it...like always. He just needed to do it, find the right moment and ask Caleb out.

Essek went to the bakery that morning as usual, though nothing else about the situation felt like normal. The line was full of the usual customers, the regulars that Essek could almost consider them acquaintances at this point even if they had never spoken a word to each other. The orc secretary from the building across from Essek’s, the drow woman who was always bouncing a baby or pushing a carriage, the dwarf running over for his coworkers from the auto shop two doors down.

Essek got to the front of the line, and saw Caleb there. He looked tired, but smiled as soon as he saw Essek. There was flour splashed against the front of his apron, and the dusting of something pink on his cheek, and Essek swore he had never seen a man so beautiful before in his whole damn life. Who knew that knowing someone and loving them could make them more beautiful? It all had to be brain chemistry, it couldn’t be really true, but it felt true.

“Guten Morgen,” Caleb said. “The usual?”

“Ah, yes, and what do you have for breakfast today?” Essek asked, his voice normal to his own ears (thankfully).

“Jester was in the mood for some doughnuts, so I’ll be happy to put together a dozen for you,” Caleb said with a little smile. Jester. She was dancing behind the counter on the other side, chatting with usuals. She spotted him and waved, and Essek waved back numbly. She was beautiful, that was just plain to see. Essek wasn’t attracted to women like that but he knew it to be true. Caleb had smiled about Jester...what if? No. Essek scolded himself. It didn’t hurt to ask.

“Yes, I’ll do that,” Essek said, not really thinking about the logistics of twelve doughnuts. Someone would have to eat them...he couldn’t horde them to himself, after all. (Even though each individual doughnut was probably delicious enough to warrant such behavior.)

“I believe you’ll especially enjoy the black moss one,” Caleb said motioning to that specific doughnut in the case, punching in his order.

“Receipt today please,” Essek said, the thought suddenly springing into his head… a plan sprouting quickly. Caleb printed out the receipt for him and turned to gather up his doughnuts. As he did so, Essek scrawled his number with his name on the back and slipped it into the tip container before Caleb turned back with his box.

"Have a good day," Caleb said with a smile.

"Yes, you too," Essek said, stomach twisted in his anxiety as he rushed out the door.

Ball was in his court now. Caleb could text Essek, or he wouldn’t. And then if Caleb did decide to text Essek, Essek would ask Caleb out to dinner. Really, it was a perfect solution to the problem he was facing (which was, of course, the issue of the fear of being known).

Essek arrived at work carrying both the drinks and the box of doughnuts. He handed Quana’s and Leylas’ regular orders to their secretary and then settled down at his desk as he waited for the first meeting of the day that would begin in approximately fifteen minutes. Leylas was meeting with some TV producer and a creative director to hash out exactly what she did and did not want aired on TV. He eyed the box of doughnuts, before flipping the lid just to satisfy his curiosity.

Each doughnut was frosted with different decorations. There were two plain glazed, two chocolate glazed, and one plain and one cinnamon sugar it looked like. The rest were filled doughnuts, dusted with confectioners sugar or frosted with flowers or fruits decorating the sides. He picked up a doughnut, unable to resist it. It was quite beautiful, golden brown with a white frosting a single beautifully piped flower. Essek took a bite, if only to sate his grumbling stomach and wasn’t disappointed. It melted in his mouth. Black moss was a recent phenomenon, and the taste was much like a high quality green tea, subtly sweet and with deep earthy notes. But of course...the frosting was vanilla and almond and just the hint of lemon...sweet and deliciously sour and pairing perfectly with the filling.

Lemon again...that fool, Essek thought feeling oddly emotional because Caleb knew what his favorite flavor was. Not that he had ever had a favorite flavor before, but he didn't think anyone had ever cared enough about him to learn.

Essek looked at the top of the doughnut and realized that though there hadn’t been something written before, there was something written now. It’ll be a sweet day! The handwriting was feminine and looping and had hearts in place of periods, most likely Jester’s doing. Essek smiled at the doughnut in his hand. It was a very cute, and as always inventive use for the spell Illusory Script. He wondered how they had worked out that trigger. It was almost a shame to eat it, though, he finished the whole doughnut quickly. When you were eating something that disappeared like that, it almost felt like you were eating air. It was too good to feel bad about, though he made sure to close the box and push it as far away from his hands as he could. He definitely didn’t want to push his luck on a second doughnut.

Essek was in the middle of these thoughts when his phone vibrated, startling him out of his own brain. Essek nearly slammed his phone down onto the desk, screen down so he didn’t have to look at the message at first and then felt stupid for doing so. What if it was just a business text? What if it was his boss? He couldn’t just flinch and dither around all day like he was some lovestruck bachelor waiting by the door for word of an accepted engagement offer. He had a job to do, he couldn’t forget that. After all, his job was one of the one things that he was actually good at.

He turned his phone over, and saw it was definitely not his boss. It was an unknown number...and under it a message for him.

Hello this is Caleb. Is this Essek?

Oh Luxon, it was happening. He had really texted him. What did people normally do in situations like this? How long should he wait before texting back? It had already been two minutes since he had received the text, that should be an appropriate amount of time. After all, for work, under five minutes tended to be the sweet spot for communication. But what should he say? That was a whole other can of wyrms.

Hello, yes, this is Essek. Essek sent as he mushed ahead without a second thought, and then was immediately washed with a sense of existential dread so strong he wanted to bash his head into the desk. He reread his own response, wishing that he had majored in the dunamantic study of reversing time. He was being so formal and stilted. How was he supposed to bring up the idea of a date naturally in this state? Obviously someone was punishing him for his avarice and naturally impossible good looks. Really this was what he deserved. Maybe he shouldn’t have bad talked the Luxon so much as an angsty teenager.

His phone buzzed in his hand, making him nearly drop it. He scrambled to right it in his fingers and read what Caleb had written.

I’m glad, I had totally forgotten to ask you for your number the other day, was Caleb’s response. And then the second message came through before Essek could truly emotionally process what was going on, I meant what I said, I would like to spend more time with you if you would like?

“Oh fuck it,” Essek muttered to himself, throwing caution to the wind.

I was wondering if you would be interested in dinner? Essek sent, feeling his heart pounding in his ears as he did so. He waited for what seemed like an eternity, of agonizing over a single message because what if Essek had read this all wrong? What if Caleb didn’t feel the things that Essek did during those stolen moments during the day?

His phone pinged, and Essek scrambled to open it up.

Yes, I am.

Just that was enough to relieve the pressure he had found on his lungs, allowing him to draw in a deep breath. Caleb was interested. He was interested in dinner. Then to his surprise another text came through immediately after.

Tonight?

Tonight? Essek thought, mind reeling. He didn't have anything going on tonight. He could do it tonight. Could he get a table anywhere decent though was the question. He pulled up a certain restaurant and looked at the number. He may need to name drop. But, he could probably get it done...after all he was Essek Theylss. Getting things done how he wanted them was what he did for a career. He quickly managed to secure a table, and within five minutes he was typing back to Caleb.

Tonight it is. I’ll send you the address.

I’ll see you then.

Essek settled down his phone, attempting to control his urge to smile as he spun in his chair. Tonight, a date with Caleb tonight. Even if Caleb hadn’t read it as such, he could make this work to his favor regardless. Something to look forward to...that was another thing that Caleb had given him that had broken the monotony of Essek’s routine. It took so little to make him happy recently...another new development that was all Caleb’s fault. Just this...the promise of seeing Caleb again was enough.

“Essek, meeting’s starting,” Quana said as she walked by his desk. Essek stood up, pocketing his phone as he did so and grabbing his tablet.

“Thank you,” Essek told her as he walked beside her.

“Did something good happen?” Quana asked suspiciously.

“Perhaps,” Essek answered, his smile rehearsed...and yet, feeling more genuine than it ever had before.

------

Essek looked at himself in the mirror again. As always, he looked attractive. The trip after work to the barber had been worth the trouble he thought as he inspected the neat lines and cut of his hair. He still didn’t know if Caleb was attracted to men...or drow. He had heard that some people were particular about species, though he had never understood attraction to begin with so he certainly wasn’t an expert. But...he hadn’t pulled away when Essek had touched his arm...so that was a good sign that maybe he was in luck. Regardless, Essek found it hard to believe that many could resist his good looks. It happened of course, but, his pretty face could only serve as a boon tonight.

He had dressed in a charcoal grey suit, and was finishing tying his tie as his phone rang. Thinking it might be Caleb he excitedly picked it up, only to feel his face twist. Ugh. This was the last thing he wanted right now. Looking seriously at the caller ID on his phone, and knowing that if he didn’t answer he would be in a whole world of trouble, he sighed as he answered the call and opened his closet. He scanned the rack he kept of his shoes, looking for something formal but comfortable.

“Yes mother?” Essek asked her, voice clipped and short even to his own ears.

“Is that any way to greet your mother?” Dierta asked with a sigh, though she didn’t sound too annoyed with Essek. She had to be used to his attitude at this point in their relationship after all.

“I’m just a little busy at the moment,” Essek said, picking out a pair of black shoes and setting them down on the floor. “What did you need?”

“Essek, we’re going to have a dinner tonight with Den VeSunn, and we’ll-”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not available tonight,” Essek said with a sigh, managing to get his first shoe on by shoving it on his foot, but he almost lost his balance. He settled down on the couch, hoping to not repeat that performance. He found the second shoe was much easier to pull on sitting.

“You aren’t available?” Dierta asked incredulously. “What? Is Leylas having a party or something? I certainly wasn’t invited to one.”

“No, Mother, I have plans tonight so I will be unavailable,” Essek repeated as he walked over to his dresser and picked out some earrings that capped the end of his ear and dangled attractively without being too ostentatious. He put his mother on speaker so he could use both hands and not stab himself. He doubted that Caleb would find bleeding or bruised ears attractive.

“You have plans?”

“Is that so hard to believe?” Essek asked sarcastically, and considering the noise his mother gave him on the other side of the line apparently it was.

“What could be more important than this?” Dierta demanded incredulously, sounding more annoyed than anything.

“If you must know, I have a date tonight,” Essek said with a snap at his phone, finally losing his well worn sense of patience. “Does that satisfy your need to know?”

There was silence on the other side of the line. It was long enough that he stopped what he was doing and confirmed that his mother hadn’t hung up on him. For a dark moment Essek was sure he had given his mother a heart attack and would now only be known as that poor son of a bitch who had killed his mother by having a social life. He realized then that he didn’t think he had ever told his mother about any of his dates before...not that he had gone on more than a handful, and he certainly hadn’t gone on any within the past five years. Oh Gods...what have a I done? Essek thought hopelessly. Why did I feel the need to tell her?

“Really?” Dierta asked, sounding shocked and delighted and stopping Essek from texting his brother to go check on her. Essek could feel a headache coming on. “What’s her den? Her name? Her profession-”

“Goodbye mother,” Essek said forcefully before hanging up the phone.

Essek shook his head and fixed his tie, looking in the mirror one last time before grabbing his keys. The drive itself felt like the longest ten minutes of his life, but thankfully he wasn’t inundated with calls from his mother or the den demanding answers. When he got to the restaurant he was about five minutes early, just as he had planned. He confirmed with the host about his seat, and he was brought over to a table in a more private section of the restaurant.

“Would you like to start with a drink, sir?” a waiter asked him.

“Just water to start, I’ll wait for my companion before ordering anything,” Essek told him, and as the waiter smiled and went to do as Essek asked. He took a moment to put his phone on silent and tuck it away in his jacket pocket. He didn’t even want to think about seeing any of his mother’s texts or emails from work. For once, Essek was truly on his own time.

It was a moment later that Caleb appeared, looking winded. He was dressed in a white cable knit sweater and tan slacks, his hair was half pulled back in a bun with red curls lapping at his neck. When he saw Essek he smiled, looking relieved.

“I’m sorry, I got a bit caught up with the bakery,” Caleb said breathlessly. “Guten abend, Essek.”

“No, no, it’s fine,” Essek said, motioning to the other seat in front of him. Caleb took it. “Thank you for joining me tonight.”

“Please don’t thank me,” Caleb said with a warm...hopeful smile. “I’ve been looking forward to this since you asked me.”

“I...same,” Essek said, unable to come up with anything else to say really. What could he say? I’m sorry if this is an inconvenience but I’m in love with you and if you don’t love me back I’ll respect that but pine after you for the rest of my life like some sort of tragic widower waiting for her long lost husband who had been taken by the sea? Granted, that was all true, but it sounded pathetic when he laid it out like that.

“I’ve never been here before,” Caleb said as he looked around. “I don’t think I’ve eaten traditional Xhorhassian food before either.”

“You haven’t?” Essek asked, surprised.

“I have to admit...it’s a bit intimidating,” Caleb chuckled. “I grew up with a selection of eating potatoes, bread, and maybe a turnip or an apple for some variety.”

“There’s a lot of fermenting...vegetables especially. Use of mushrooms, and of course, whatever animals that are natural to the region. Also, of course, rice. Tell me, how are you with spice?”

“I’m fairly alright with spice,” Caleb said.

“I have a few favorites here and I’d be happy to point them out to you, but, when the waiter comes back we can order drinks first. No need to rush,” Essek said, spying the waiter returning with water. “Order anything you’d like.”

“This has to be one of the most expensive restaurants in the city,” Caleb said, sounding incredulous as he looked at the menu and did a double take.

“And I’m paying for it,” Essek told him, crossing his legs. “Whatever you want, I’m completely serious.”

“You shouldn’t-”

“Don’t argue with me, just enjoy this.”

“Alright then...there’s a saying about a gift and a horse but I don’t remember how it goes. Ach, I don’t know enough about Xhorhassian liquor to make an educated decision,” Caleb said, mouth quirking in a teasing smile. “And I don’t know what would go best with any food.”

“Well, for once I believe I have an idea. My personal favorite appetizer here is the Turtle Bone Soup, though, the spicy fried spider legs are quite good too. I’ve heard that...for your reference, turtles taste a bit like beef and spiders are like crab.”

“Turtle?” Caleb asked with a surprised laugh. “I haven’t had a turtle before in that way...I’ll have to give it a try.”

And so Essek ordered the two bowls of soup and a platter of the fried spider legs to share. As they waited they began to talk, first about the Mighty Nein itself. Essek couldn’t help but indulge his curiosity about what pit fighting must have been like. The answer was terrifying but very profitable. Caleb also recounted his first meeting with the other members of his friend group, laughing about how Jester had nearly broken all the windows in the bar with her demonstration of her magic.

“So she is a cleric?” Essek asked, taking a spoonful of his soup. The food itself was delicious, the meaty savory broth a perfect pairing with the spicey sauce and sweet meat of the spider legs and the cold root vegetable slaw that they served on the side. It was strange...he had eaten this exact order before...but he could have sworn it hadn’t tasted as delicious. He wondered if there was a new chef. “I was wondering, though, I hadn’t recognized the symbol on her bracelet.”

“I’m surprised she hasn’t mentioned the Traveler to you yet,” Caleb noted. “She’s quite...taken with him, would be the best way to put it.”

“My mother is the same way,” Essek commented with a sip of his wine. “She had always been a religious woman, so I’m used to spontaneous religious lectures.”

“If it isn't rude to ask...what deity does your family worship?”

“The Luxon,” Essek said, “though I’m not religious...don’t tell my mother that though.”

“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. Is the rest of your family religious then?”

“It’s hard to say,” Essek sighed, swirling the wine in his glass. “My mother has had a few relationships in her life, she is long lived. I’m not particularly close to my half siblings as a result of them being...oh, about a hundred years older than me. My brother...well, I wouldn’t say he’s too religious but he’s more religious than me.”

“You have a big family?”

“Technically. We are drow, blessed with long natural lives and large dens. It leads to relatively complex family trees and strange family get-togethers,” Essek explained. “What about you?”

“I...ah…” Caleb said, a shadow quickly falling across Caleb’s features. Phantom pain twisted there, like Essek was rubbing salt into open wounds. “I lost my parents a while ago. The Mighty Nein is my family now.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” Essek said, feeling like the biggest idiot on the planet. Unsure of how best to comfort him, Essek squirmed in his seat for a moment trying to think of a response. But Caleb did it for him, as he reached out and settled his fingers over Essek’s hand. Essek stared incredulously at Caleb for a moment, but didn’t move his hand. He couldn’t believe that Caleb was touching him, in a way that could only be read as romantic. He couldn’t believe this was happening.

“It was a long time ago,” Caleb said, though he looked as haunted as a man who had just suffered the loss the day before. Essek wondered what it must be like to love someone else in such a way. He wondered if that was what he was feeling now for Caleb. Just feeling it for Caleb was overwhelming...he couldn’t imagine having felt like this so many times before in his life and then losing those he had come to adore. How did one bear it? Just the thought was enough to twist his stomach...to make him want to make ridiculous promises to Caleb like the hero in a romantic drama. But Essek couldn’t do that...he was just Essek. All he could do was this.

“Tell me about something else then, Caleb, how did you come about spellcasting?” Essek asked, ruefully extricating his hand from Caleb’s as the waiter came back to fill up their glasses of water.

“Well, at first it wasn’t a hobby,” Caleb said. “Well, as a child I managed a few things with an old spell book my mother bartered from a passing merchant. But I did my compulsory years in the military, as do all men in the Empire. It was there that it was determined rather quickly that I had no talent as a soldier...but I could make a decent mage.”

“I see,” Essek said. “In Xhorhassian schools you are given introductory courses to most known and legal methods of magic but most don’t stick with it nowadays. Wizardry is a relatively niche subject to pursue.”

“But you did, didn’t you?”

“I did, I was top in my class at the Marble Tomes Conservatory,” Essek said with a proud smile. “I...I have to admit...it’s been a long time since I’ve thought so frequently about magic. But I find myself thinking of it often when I’m with you...it makes me happy.”

“Magic is what you love, ja? Have you ever just thought...fuck it? I’ll go back into it?” Caleb’s tone was light with humor.

“The thought has crossed my mind before,” Essek admitted. “But I’m good at my job...I find it hard to justify leaving it to chase a dream.”

“Forget your job for a moment,” Caleb said pointing at Essek with his spoon. “Imagine that money isn’t an issue. What is it that you are most interested in right now?”

Right now? He thought about it. He was most interested in taking Caleb’s face in his hands and kissing him honestly, but Essek didn’t think that was the answer that Caleb was looking for. But if he was thinking of a socially acceptable answer to the question?

“I’ve been thinking about the marzipan,” Essek admitted.

“...the marzipan? I don’t follow.”

“On the cake...for my bosses,” Essek said before sucking in a suddenly self-conscious breath. “Never mind, it’s foolish.”

“Nein, I want to hear it,” Caleb promised.

“Well… you know how it was discussed that you were going to be using sculpted marzipan to shape into birds...and then utilize animate object?” Essek asked and Caleb nodded, following his thought. “I was thinking about using the spell adjust density to compliment it...give the appearance that the birds fly and then return to the cake.”

“I’ve never heard of that spell,” Caleb said, sounding utterly enthralled. His food was forgotten in front of him as he leaned in closer to Essek, wide blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “Is that from the school of dumaturgy?”

“Yes, it’s a second level graviturgist spell.”

“How fascinating,” Caleb said. “Tell me, how exactly does this spell work?”

Thankfully this carried the conversation away from Essek and his career to magic, which Essek was far more comfortable discussing. Caleb was excited about the idea, but also seemed genuinely interested in the mechanics and the minutiae of such a low level spell. It was one of the first spells a graviturgist learned in school, and yet Caleb seemed content to discuss how the spell could work in congruity with a spell like flight to both lengthen and strengthen the effect. Essek wished, strangely, that he had brought his spellbook. Not that it would have been appropriate on any other first date, but now he felt foolish for not thinking of it. His wrist pocket nowadays was home to things like his car keys and his portable phone charger...not his spellbook.

By the time dinner completed, they had managed to work through a few possible ideas on how Caleb could incorporate those spells into an already spell-heavy cake. Essek snapped the check out from Caleb grasp as the waiter set it down, sliding in his credit card before Caleb could even look at the bill.

“Now that was conniving,” Caleb said.

“I told you, I am happy to take care of it,” Essek said as the waiter returned and Essek signed the check.

“Then let me treat you to something,” Caleb said. “Veth’s husband Yeza owns the Apothecary. Have you ever heard of it?”

“No,” Essek admitted, frowning.

“It is an old fashioned apothecary in the day, but a nice cocktail bar at night. It’s only a few blocks from here...let me get you a drink, only if you would like of course.”

Caleb didn’t want this night to end either, Essek realized, hoping his excitement wasn’t plain to see on his face. He was, hopefully...as always...the picture of calm cool and collected. But beyond excited...it relieved Essek. Now it was so much easier to believe that perhaps...maybe...just maybe Caleb felt the same way that Essek did.

“I cannot abide by the idea that there is a bar that I am not acquainted with in this city so I’ll take you up on your offer,” Essek said as he put on his jacket and looped his scarf. When he finished he looked to see Caleb opening the door for him, allowing Essek to duck out first. Essek looked at Caleb, noting his scarf was in complete disarray and motioned for Caleb to come closer. Essek reached up and relooped the strands until Caleb looked presentable. “There. Now you won’t freeze to death.”

“I’m a little heartier than you might think,” Caleb laughed, cheeks and nose reddening in the cold. It made the dusting of freckles across his nose and his cheek more vivid, as did the shadow of his beard. He wondered what it was like to kiss a man with a beard. Essek had never done that before...

“Perhaps, but I’ve always been paranoid,” Essek admitted, trying to shake his mind from his desires for two minutes.

Caleb walked them down three blocks exactly and turned them left once. Essek found that the night air...though cold, was thankfully grounding in these strange dreamlike times. It was nearly impossible to argue that this whole date...it had to be considered a date at this point... so far was just a figment of his imagination when the winter air was biting at his ears and making his earring jingle. They arrived at the Apothecary, as it was advertised on the street.

The bar itself was pleasantly full, the building was a lot of warm exposed wood and lantern and candle lighting, with herbs hanging to dry and jars filled with various liquids in shelves on the walls. Couples and groups were seated at small circular tables and at the counter-bar. When they walked in, the halfling behind the bar perked up. Essek wasn't familiar with many halflings as they were still a new sight in Rosohna. The halfling man was balanced on a rolling stool. He wasn't traditionally handsome, but there was something immediately comforting about his appearance. He had an open friendly face, accompanied with a riot of untamed brown curls and sideburns, and round glasses that were precariously perched on his face. He grinned as Caleb walked up to the bad, and looked at Essek knowingly in a way that made his skin tingle. He wasn't sure what that meant but it wasn't a good sign.

"Good evening, Yeza. I don't think you've met Essek. Essek, this is Yeza Bernatto, Veth's husband," Caleb introduced.

"A pleasure," Essek said with a prim nod, before seeing the halfling's stocky hand pop out from behind the bar.

"So this is the mysterious Essek! It's wonderful to meet you, my wife's spoke about you many times! Thank you for coming to the Apothecary," Yeza greeted, and Essek took the offered hand as gracefully as he could and quickly dropped it. "Veth will be back out in a minute, but in the meantime Caleb do you want your usual?"

“Flight of Trost, ja,” Caleb said, his accent delicious on the word trost. Now that was something Essek wanted to drink down greedily.

“Trost?” Essek repeated as Yeza slid the drink menu to him.

“The word means comfort in Zemnian, but it’s a kind of beer,” Caleb said and Essek watched the halfling pour the four smaller glasses of beer and arrange them on the tray. “From a region famous in the Empire for it. Do you drink beer?”

“Not really,” Essek admitted, trying to refocus away from Caleb’s voice and back to reality. Beer in Xhorhas was a newer fad, and considering their abysmal track record of growing wheat, anything he had drank from Xhorhas had tasted watered down and stale. He had beers from the Empire before, at the luxurious parties put on by nouveau riche dens, but found it far less pleasant than other spirits. “I prefer wines and liquors.”

“How about a Health Potion?” Yeza offered, having obviously been listening in to the conversation.

“A health potion?” Essek asked incredulously.

“I’m very clever with titles,” Veth said, appearing from the back carrying snacks for the couple on the other side of the bar. She settled her hands on her hips and presented herself like a queen in her own castle. “It’s mulled wine, perfect for this weather. We keep it on simmer in the back.”

“Sure, I’ll have that then,” Essek said for lack of any other idea and because Veth was Caleb’s friend and Essek wanted them to like him for some reason he hadn’t quite figured out yet. He watched as Veth disappeared and then reappeared once more with a glass mug that she settled in front of him and then garnished with a cinnamon stick and a twist of orange rind. Mulled wine had to be a Empire thing...he hadn’t ever heard of heating wine. In fact, in Xhorhas they traditionally served wine at frigid temperatures and over ice. The liquid was a deep burgundy, and he prepared himself as he took a sip with all of the enthusiasm of a child taking a spoonful of cough syrup or an actual health potion.

Instead, the drink was delicious. There were the fruity notes of apple cider and the brightness of oranges, the deep flavor of a red wine Essek had yet made the acquaintance of as well as the softer feel of perhaps a merlot and the caramel finish of a port, and had the kick of cinnamon and cloves and cardamom. It immediately transported him somewhere with a roaring fire and a fur rug and a good book tucked next to him by his favorite armchair.

“What type of wine is this?” Essek asked.

“It’s from Kamordah, not one the more expensive vineyards...those can cost you an arm and a leg. But even the affordable booze from there is delicious,” Veth said.

“Veth’s the expert,” Caleb noted.

“Oh come off it,” Veth said with a dismissive wave before leaning against the counter, her long braids sweeping against the wood. “Or, you can continue to compliment me, I don’t mind.”

“We all know you are fabulous, my little friend,” Caleb said with a fond look in his eyes. “I knew it from the first time I met you.”

“Out of everyone in that holding cell, I can assure you, I was the best pick.”

“Holding cell?” Essek repeated, only because he thought he must have heard her wrong. But instead, Veth planted herself proudly in his view as if she could make herself three feet taller by just her confidence.

“We met in jail,” Veth said cheerily for someone who had been to jail, and Caleb hung his head in exaggerated despair. Then, immediately she looked suspiciously at him. “You aren’t going to report me right?”

“I don’t care about that sort of thing,” Essek said.

“Don’t tell him about my sordid past!” Caleb bemoaned.

“What were you in jail for?” Essek asked, faking suspicion.

“Public intoxication,” Veth said.

“Loitering,” Caleb admitted.

“Loitering?” Essek repeated.

“Sleeping while poor,” Caleb corrected. “I was roughing it most nights back then, ja?”

“We both were. But regardless, I’ll leave you two to it,” Veth said with a long knowing look at Caleb, which had Caleb blushing and hiding his face in his beer. Yeza had already drifted off to welcome more regulars to the bar.

“I didn’t know I was out with a criminal tonight,” Essek said with a sidelong glance at Caleb.

“Don’t look so damned pleased with yourself,” Caleb grumbled.

“Oh, I’m not smiling about your crimes...which are, I promise, nothing worse than I did in University. But, I’m more pleased at the thought of what my mother would say if she knew I was spending my evening with someone with an actual record of law breaking. I derive great pleasure from her pearl clutching,” Essek admitted with a grin that felt too sharp to be his usual placeholder.

“Oh? What sort of crimes did a young Essek Theylss get up to in university?” Caleb asked curiously, finishing his first glass.

“I made sure that everyone had what they needed at any given time,” Essek said with a smirk and a sip of his drink. “I have always been very good at cultivating relationships that benefit me. That’s what breaking the law while rich allows you to do.”

“...if you weren’t being so hilarious I might be offended,” Caleb said with a laugh that resonated from his belly and filled Essek with warmth, like the simmering mulled wine in his cup. He felt pleasantly buzzed, like he was drunk from just a few sips. But it was Caleb’s presence that was so addicting...so effecting. He couldn’t even remember a time where he had smiled the way he was smiling now...when he hadn’t been with Caleb or the Mighty Nein. He didn’t think anyone had ever called him hilarious. He was sure that if his coworkers or his family heard Caleb say that they would have had Caleb checked in for psychiatric help, and the Essek before wouldn’t have blamed them. But Essek was slowly becoming acquainted with the person he could be around Caleb and perhaps it was the person Essek actually was but not buried under the mounds of baggage he carried from place to place like it was the gravity pulling him straight to the center of the earth. And the more Essek was becoming acquainted with Caleb and acquainted with himself the more Essek didn’t ever want to go back.

“Perhaps you should be,” Essek dared because apparently Essek was daring now, another recent development that surprised him. Caleb’s eyes had a little heat in them as Essek caught his gaze, and Essek was thrilled because they were flirting and it was going well and it didn’t make Essek feel like he wanted to find the closest window to jump out of. Essek settled his hand on Caleb’s where it was resting on his chair. Caleb didn’t move it, instead he took another sip of his drink and intertwined his fingers with Essek’s. Essek blushed into his cup with his words stuck in his throat, but felt that this could certainly be enough.

And so Essek soaked up the next hour or so of Caleb’s company. They talked about a wide berth of topics, from philosophy to mathematics to even theoretical spellcrafting. That was the gift of Caleb, he was always able to meet him where his mind was going and find something interesting to say. He was quite unlike anyone else that Essek had ever known. What a gift it was to be able to just be with someone who understood you. It was something that Essek was learning to cherish. But at some point he noticed Caleb’s eyes drooping, and took note of the time.

“I should be heading home now,” Essek said, and before Essek could attempt to pay for this as well Veth waved at Caleb.

“It’s on Caleb’s tab,” Veth said, and Essek gave Caleb a look which he met with feigned cluelessness.

“Let me walk you back to your car,” Caleb said as he stood.

“There’s no need for that, you are going in the opposite direction,” Essek pointed out to him as they left the bar and stood on the street. Snowflakes drifted into streetlights, casting pale light that made Caleb’s eyes a vivid dark shade. “Thank you...for tonight. I had a wonderful time.”

“I would be happy to do it again any time,” Caleb promised him, standing close to him now...far more close then Essek could ever have imagined him being. “Your company is truly a great pleasure...there are very few people that I can talk to the way I do with you. I...I hope you feel the same way.”

“I do,” Essek is what he said. I love you, is what he meant.

For a moment that Essek swore was suspended in the air, they shared something heavier than a breath...a kiss that was almost softer than a kiss. It set his heart fluttering so he couldn’t have imagined it...the sensation of Caleb’s scruff and the warmth of his hand was too vivid for him to have made it up. It was inquisitive and gentle and all Essek’s and he wouldn’t ever trade it for anything.

I love you, Essek’s heart said as it finally found its rhythm between Caleb’s kisses. I love you.

#critical role fanfic #shadowgast #essek theylss #caleb widogast

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louieeatworld · 4 years

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How To Make The Best Homemade Lugaw

Lugaw is a traditional Filipino dish that's very similar to rice porridge. It's nice to eat during the cold and rainy months in the morning, and also feels good to eat after a night out with friends drinking. Recently I've been trying out how to make lugaw on my own, and I think I figured out a way to make this great dish even better.

Most Filipinos know lugaw normally peddled on bikes along streets by the neighborhood food vendor or carinderias. A bowl of lugaw would usually be around 10-15 pesos for the regular ones, while those with add-ons like ox tripe (AKA twalya), pig intestines (isaw), or pig heart (puso) cost a bit more but make eating the plain dish feel a little bit more special. Most would also serve their lugaw with condiments and here is how each person could personaliaze their lugaw to their own liking. Most vendors would also offer calamansi, fried garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, chili oil and spring onions for free and people can just mix it with their lugaw and be happy campers.

There's also some variations of the local rice porridge. I consider them to just variations of one dish. In general, yellow 'lugaw' is contains pork and pig organs, 'arroz caldo' has pieces of pulled chicken meat, while the white 'goto' comes with beef.

Today my recipe will be focusing on lugaw. I choose lugaw over the other two since pork is very fatty and will produce the tastiest rice porridge.

The first step would be to prepare ingredients and tools that we will need:

Deep cooking pot or casserole

Blender

Glutinous/sticky rice, 250g

2.5L water

One medium white onion, chopped

One medium carrot, diced

One stalk of celery or celery powder, 1 tsp

4 cloves of garlic, crushed and roughly chopped

Small nub of peeled ginger, sliced

Pork lomo/kasim, skin removed

2 chicken buillons

Fish sauce, 2tbsp

Okay, so you might be wondering why there's carrots, celery and onions in my recipe. It's definitely not traditional. Some would just use turmeric or atsuete seeds for coloring. We would be using the vegetables in this case to provide both color and flavor to our final dish. Trust me that this will be the best lugaw you've ever made yourself.

First off, put a little bit of oil in the bottom of a cooking pot, put it on medium heat, and add the pork. We want the pork to brown on all sides and sweat, releasing its own fat to become flavor for the rest of the ingredients. It should take around 4-5 minutes. Remove the pork once it's browned and the fat is slightly translucent, meaning its already cooked to the inside.

(NOTE: Although most street vendors would cook their organs with the lugaw, I would not do that if I would be claiming to make the best homemade lugaw. If not cleaned properly, the earthiness of the organs will make its way into the dish and may make some people think they're eating unclean food. I don't like that, that's why we're cooking our meat separately. Also, if you would instead prefer to have the skin on the pork, that would be fine. It's just that it usually takes a lot more time and oil to cook it, and if there's too much oil in the pot we would need to remove the excess, which would also mean removing the rendered pork fat. Not ideal.)

After properly browning the meat, add in our carrots, celery and white onion. There should be brown bits from the meat that's sticking to the bottom of your pan. This is called fond, and fond is flavor! Don't remove the fond and oil we've extracted from the pork because we will cook the vegetables in these. They should come off easily as these vegetables cook because they will release a bit of water as they sweat. The vegetables should be done by 5 minutes. We wont add in the garlic until the carrots have turned a bit soft and the onions translucent. Garlic burns easily and would turn bitter if we added them too early. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the room is fragrant. And I mean FRAGRANT. The carrots, celery and onion is called mirepoix in classic french cuisine and serves as the base for many sauces and soups.

(NOTE: Celery is a bit hard to find in the Philippines and is usually expensive. Just use celery powder if you want, a little goes a long way.)

Once our vegetables are cooked, we add 500mL of our water to the vegetables. This step is called deglazing. We actually deglazed the fond from the pork using our vegetables, and we will once again be deglazing fond produced by our vegetables using our water. White onions and carrots have a lot of sugar in them and cooking then until tender is a great way to release those flavors and incorporate them to our final dish. After we've added the water, we will then scratch off the bottom of our pan until we've removed all of the fond.

We then put everything inside our blender. Blend everything until really smooth. You shouldnt see any chunks big or small of our vegetables because it might be offputting for some since they're not used to seeing vegetables with their lugaw. You will see that once the carrot is finely blended that it our mixture will become yellowish orange, and that is exactly what we want. Most street vendors just add food coloring to their lugaw and we won't be doing that because that method doesnt add any flavor to our dish. All that aroma and fragrance we got from cooking the vegetables over the stove? That's what separates THE BEST LUGAW FROM ALL THE REST.

Once blended, return everything to our cooking pot. Add in our glutinous rice and the rest of our water together with our 2 chicken buillons and fish sauce. Add in the amount ginger to your liking, as some people do not like the taste of ginger especially when you accidentally bite down in it.

(NOTE: Sometimes what I would do is cook the ginger together with the vegetables and then remove it. It's also optional to just crush the ginger and add in the ginger juice.)

My recipe uses a 1:10 ratio between our rice and liquid, 250 grams of rice to 2.5L of water. The glutinous rice actually expands and gobbles up most of our liquid, and thickens our lugaw as if we're reducing our broth through simmering. As the starch from our sticky rice mixes with the pork fat we cooked earlier, it's going to thicken up our lugaw even more through emulsification. Who doesn't like thick lugaw? Bring to a boil then simmer for around 25-30 minutes or until the rice grains are translucent and continue leaving it on very low heat so that it stays warm and continuously stirring so that the rice doesnt end up sticking to the bottom and burning.

(NOTE: You might also be thinking, why not use chicken stock? Well, chicken stock is a bit expensive in the Philippines, and buillons/broth cubes are much more accessible. Also, chicken stock, I believe, will be a bit too overpowering for our dish since we already added mirepoix. We want the dish to not taste too hearty because we still want to be able to add other flavors to our bowl of lugaw later on.)

Once you have the consistency you want of your lugaw, grab a bowl and scoop some. I believe it's best practice to taste the lugaw first on its own to know it's own flavor so take a spoonful first and only then add condiments to your liking. Personally though, I will only add my own chili oil (more on this on a later post), freshly ground black pepper, freshly squeezed calamansi, a little bit of garlic-infused red cane vinegar (a different kind of sour from calamansi and from the regular white vinegar) and that is all.

Cut up some of the pork we've fried earlier and place it in top of your lugaw. The crunchy pieces of fatty pork goes well with the thick, soupy consistency of the lugaw.

(Note: You can use any piece of meat or organ that you like. I simply do not like the laziness of not cleaning internal organs enough most street vendors and carinderias practice. That is understandable that they need to work fast to earn money, but they should boil their innards with some ginger to get rid of the foul taste and smell. If you're using organs, you can still use the same method I did with the meat so you'll still have fond. The common internal organs used for lugaw are usually fatty and will lend a lot of flavor to your lugaw except for the heart which is really muscular. The only exception would probably be ox tripe. Ox tripe is very gummy and chewy and should not be fried. You can boil it separately with some ginger and add it together to your lugaw as you're cooking it. You can even use chicken neck, as chicken skin releases a lot of fat and it crisps up really good which goes well with lugaw. You can also grill your meats and organs instead which will still go well with lugaw.)

I've put a lot of heart into making this recipe. I made a conscious decision to use the cheapest ingredients that make the most impact because I believe that good food doesnt have to be expensive. If you've tried out my recipe or have any other variations you think I missed and would like to share it here as well, I'd like to hear from you!

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thecosmetickitchen-blog · 4 years

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Whipped Body Butter

This recipe is great, and what you end up with is a whipped ‘butter’ that can be used all over your body, including your face, if you wish. You can also tailor this recipe to your own needs, depending on what you want to use it for. For instance, do you want to make your own version of Lush’s ‘Sleepy’ lotion? No problem! You can do that with a few adjustments to the recipe. Do you want to make a version of this that helps with stretch-marks? No problem! You can do that too. I’ve posted alternate versions of this recipe towards the end of the post, if you’re interested.

I would recommend reading this entire post first before attempting this, just so you don’t get lost on the way.

For this recipe, you’re going to need some equipment to help you:

A microwave safe jug

A large bowl

An electric whisk

A teaspoon measure

Jar or container for the finished product

Equipment Tip: If you don’t have an electric whisk, I’d recommend investing in one. It doesn’t have to be fancy; something like this Morphy Richard’s whisk will do perfectly and it’s at a price that doesn’t break the bank! You can also use a food mixer with a whisk attachment as if you were making meringue - which is what I am doing. If you can’t find/afford an electric whisk, you can do this by hand, but unless you have strong arms and a lot of stamina, you might find yourself wanting to give up before you get it whipped!

Ingredients

You might already have some of these ingredients at home, but if you don’t, you can readily find them on eBay or Amazon. Now, let’s talk about ingredients. For the version I am making, I am going to be using the following ingredients:

90g Mango Butter

90g Shea Butter

80g Cocoa Butter

3 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil

2 tablespoons Vitamin E Oil

2 tablespoons Fractioned Coconut Oil

3 teaspoons of Arrowroot powder (or Cornflour)

Essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Colour (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure out 90 grams of Mango Butter and 90 grams of Shea Butter, and put them into a microwave safe jug.

2. Microwave them for a minute or so at a time until they melt into liquid form - you don’t want to bring them to the boil, just melt them. Into the melted liquid, add the cocoa butter, and stir in until this has dissolved. If it’s taking too long or it isn’t melting, then nuke it in the microwave again for a minute and stir until it’s dissolved.

3. Once the butters are all melted, leave them to cool until they have started to solidify again. You don’t want them to set solid, they should be malleable, but the viscosity needs to have made the mixture reasonably stiff again. If you want to expedite this process, you can put the mix in to the fridge to help it set. Don’t forget to check on it every now and then, lest it set fully. You’ll know it’s starting to set when it begins to look opaque and cloudy again.

4. Before whisking the butters, you need to wait for them to become ‘spreadable’, as it they were a soft butter or margarine.

5. Once the butters are spreadable, you can begin to whisk them. You need to keep this going until it becomes fluffy and light as the air mixes in. Using my food mixer on the high setting, it only took about 30 seconds - a minute to bring it to this stage. Be mindful that, like cream, you can over-whip this and cause it to deflate. So once it’s at this stage - stop whipping.

6. Now is the time to add your oils, scent and your colouring, should you want to use it.

Tip #1: If you decide to use colouring, use it sparingly to avoid any staining of your skin or your clothing / bed sheets etc. At most, you’ll want it to look like a pale pastel colour. I myself chose not to use any at all, personally, I like it that way.

Tip #2: You can use whatever scent you want, but because this uses cocoa butter, it will have a mild chocolatey scent anyway; I like to choose a scent that compliments that, such as orange or vanilla. In this instance, I used vanilla. You can use as much scent as you want - but I would suggest not making it overpowering like a perfume.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and give this another whipping for 10 - 15 seconds until it’s all mixed in.

7. Now, add in your Arrowroot powder or Cornflour, and give it a whisk so it’s all blended in. If you’re wondering what Arrowroot or Cornflour (you could also use Tapioca starch) have to do with this, then the gist is basically this: it acts as a stabiliser for the mix (helping to prevent it from reverting to oils) and it also helps the mix from being too greasy when you apply it to your skin.

Once that’s done, you’re ready to get this into a container. Whatever container you use should be clean and sterile, to help preserve the cream for as long as possible. Because this recipe isn’t made with water, you should find the mixture lasts a relatively long time. If you want to add a preservative, such as Phenoxyethanol, you can do; use this at .5% of the total volume of this recipe. If you use a preservative, then you should be able to keep this for a couple of months.

Now is the fun bit: decanting it into a container. I used a small Kilner jar, so I was able to pour/spoon this in, as it had quite a wide rim; however, a lot of people choose to use a piping bag to funnel these into smaller lotion bottles of containers.

Once it’s in the container, you’re all done, and it’s ready to go! Enjoy!

Alternative Versions

Bedtime Body Butter

This recipe is based on the Lush ‘Sleepy’ lotion which is very popular right now. The method is exactly the same as the above, but you use a different variation of the ingredients:

90g Mango Butter

90g Shea Butter

80g Cocoa Butter

1 tablespoon Lavender Oil

4 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil

1 tablespoon Chamomile Oil

1 tablespoon Ylang Ylang Oil

2 tablespoons of powdered milk

2 - 3 drops of purple/lavender colouring

Stretch-mark Body Butter

Again, follow the instructions for the main recipe, we’re just switching around some ingredients

135g Shea Butter

125g Cocoa Butter

3 tablespoons Pomegranate Oil

1 teaspoon Dragon’s Blood Oil*

2 tablespoons Argan Oil (or Bitter Almond Oil)

2 tablespoons Rosehip Oil

3 teaspoons of Arrowroot powder or Cornflour

*Yes, this is a real thing; it generally comes as a resin, but you can find oils online. They’re often sold as ‘magickal’ ointments for use in spells etc., but you’re just using it for its skin-healing properties, so don’t worry too much about accidentally summoning demons or turning yourself into a frog. It’s made from a bright red resin that comes from the unripe fruit of the Daemonorops Draco tree. That’s a type of Asian palm tree to you and me. It also has a natural scent which you may or may not like - so maybe give it a whiff before using. Leave it out if you don’t like the scent, and add a teaspoon of one of the other oils in its place! It should also be noted that using this oil will colour your body butter with a red/pinkish hue.

#bodybutter #homemade #crafts #cosmetics #whippedbodybutter

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katedangworld-blog · 5 years

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ATKINS DIET - LADY’s CHOICE for a SLENDER SHAPE

As a woman, I always want to keep my body in good shape. Unfortunately, these days I was so busy with studying and working so my dining times were unstable and dinners often had lately at night (9:00 -10:00pm). As a result, I gained weight slightly, especially my belly had accumulated rather thick fat. Therefore, I decided to try Atkins Diet aim to control my weight within 7 days. The Atkins Diet is a well-known low-carbohydrate eating plan was designed by the cardiologist Robert C. Atkins in the years 1960s. This diet limits carbohydrate and encourage protein and fat.

A standard Atkins includes four phases of diet:

· Phase 1 (induction): daily carbohydrate consumption limited under 20g within 2 weeks. High-fat, high protein and low-carb vegetable should be eaten in meals.

· Phase 2 (balancing): gradually supplement nuts, low-carb vegetable and some fruits in meals.

· Phase 3 (fine-tuning): once dieters are close to their desired weight, more carb can be add into meals to slow down weight loss.

· Phase 4 (maintenance): at this period, eaters can enjoy more beneficial carbohydrates with toleration of body without weight regaining.

Nevertheless, it is impossible for me to follow these complex procedures, therefore I have obeyed basic requirements of this diet: Foods to avoid vs. Foods to eat as well as some of acceptable beverages as below guideline:

*Food to avoid:

1. Sugar: Soft drinks, fruit juices, cakes, candy, ice cream, etc.

2. Grains: Wheat, spelt, rye, barley, rice.

3. Vegetable oils: Soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, canola oil and a few others.

4. Trans fats: Usually found in processed foods with the word "hydrogenated" on the ingredients list.

5. "Diet" and "low-fat" foods: These are usually very high in sugar.

6. High-carb vegetables: Carrots, turnips, etc (induction only).

7. High-carb fruits: Bananas, apples, oranges, pears, grapes (induction only).

8. Starches: Potatoes, sweet potatoes (induction only).

9. Legumes: Lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc. (induction only).

*Food to eat:

1. Meats: Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, bacon and others.

Fatty fish and seafood: Salmon, trout, sardines, etc.

Eggs: The healthiest eggs are omega-3 enriched or pastured.

Low-carb vegetables: Kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and others.

Full-fat dairy: Butter, cheese, cream, full-fat yogurt.

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc.

Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocados and avocado oil.

*Beverages

1. Water: As always, water should be your go-to beverage.

Coffee: Many studies show that coffee is high in antioxidants and quite healthy.

Green tea: A very healthy beverage.

(Healthline, Kris Gunnars, 2018)

As the guideline, primarily grains (like wheat, rice) and high-sugar content vegetables/ fruits are prohibited in Atkins meals. This is definitely a huge challenge to me because rice is consumed every day in Asian cuisine, I must say it is vital ingredient account 60% in our meals portion as it provides half of energy source for one shot of dining. If we do not have rice, bread can be replaced sometimes but here bread is not allowed, too. To tackle this problem, I increase the amount of protein (fish, meat), fiber (vegetable, low-sugar content fruit) and drink more than 2L of water every day to fill up my stomach and reduce the feeling of hunger.

My typical daily menu in general:

- Breakfast: A glass of milk, nuts.

- Lunch: I eat much more than breakfast. One main course of meat and some vegetable added

- Dinner: Same dish as lunch but smaller portion, some fruits are added. I have less demand for dinner because at night from 7:00pm, the body will slow down its metabolic process and surplus energy will be accumulated as fat layers.

My menu during a week as following:

*Friday 21 Jun:

Main courses: Lyonnaise Salad + Pan Broiled Garlic - Sweet Fish Sauce Chicken Wing.

Dessert: Peach, almond, walnut

Supplement: 2% skimmed milk

In first day, I still use some slices of bread to substitute rice aim to let my body get along slowly well with this diet and milk is drunk to supplement nutrients and make me full.

*Saturday 22 Jun:

Main courses: Grilled Toro Beef + House Dressing Salad + Miso soup

Dessert: grapefruit, apricot, sunflower seeds

Supplement: 2% skimmed milk

*Sunday 23 Jun:

Main courses: Sauce marinated pork jowl + Avocado Salad + Miso soup

Dessert: strawberry, apricot, pitascho

Supplement: 2% skimmed milk

At weekend Sat-Sun, I treated myself by Japanese BBQ styles dishes. Grilled Toro beef and pork jowl are often combined to rice but I remove it out of meal and add a bowl of salad. Along with them are miso soup including tofu (plant-based protein) and seaweed (minerals and vitamins, fiber – supporting loosing weight by postponing hunger)

*Monday 24 Jun:

Main courses: Chick Breast Rice Soup

Dessert: strawberry, mandarin, sunflower seeds

Supplement: 2% skimmed milk

Dilute rice soup can calm down my body’s desire of rice. The chicken breast is less fat than other parts so used to add rice soup.

*Tuesday 25 Jun:

Main courses: Chicken Salad

Dessert: strawberry, almond, walnut

Supplement: 2% skimmed milk

I stayed home so energy is not required too much, I enjoyed my favorite chicken salad. You can see some brown saute’ shallot on top of salad, which aim to replace roasted peanut. Oil from shallot can balance the sour of salad as well as make body feel full longer.

*Wednesday 26 Jun:

Main courses: BBQ Pork Rib

Dessert: strawberry, peach, mandarin

Supplement: 2% skimmed milk

At this time, my body survived better without rice, a piece BBQ sauce pork rib could satisfy my hunger. Then I refreshed with some cool fruits.

*Thursday 27 Jun:

Main courses: Poached eggs, Grilled garlic butter sauce salmon & blanched bok choy

Dessert: apricot, peach, mandarin, pistachio

Supplement: 2% skimmed milk

The last day of diet, my body has less demand of energy which most generated from carbohydrate and it does not desire for rice like first days. So brunch was simply poached egg & blanched bok choy. Then I grilled salmon with garlic butter sauce cover on top, really tasty and yummy! Salmon is rich of nutrients and omega 3 which are useful for female’s skin.

I admits that I was crazily hungry as the amount of bread and rice got in the stomach too little, it seemed to shout every second that “Rice, please!” and I was almost exhausted when I worked at my restaurant, I ought to drink water constantly to overflow my stomach. If I could drink coke, my hunger would be satisfied (when the restaurant so busy and I have no time for break) but in this diet, soft drinks are not permitted.

One week probably is not enough to conclude this diet is suitable to me or not but generally I think this diet solution is good and healthy. It is not too strict about volume of foods and nutrients input therefore dieters might reduce weight gradually with less health troublesome. Lastly, I just lose weight slightly of 600g and my belly seems to be unchanged (I wish I could know why). Anyway, not bad for one week!

Among my dishes in my weekly menu, I would like to recommend you try to make Chicken Salad. It is easy to prepare and can be stored in fridge 3 days. The recipe as below:

- Chicken breasts: 2 pcs

- Cabbage: ½ pc

- Pickled carrot and daikon: 1 cup

- Garlic: 3 cloves

- Lime juice: 1 tbs

- Vietnamese coriander: ½ bunch

- Carrot: 1 pc

- Thai chilies: 2 pcs

- Shallot: 1 pc (saute’ until brown)

- Green mango: ½ pc

- Sugar: 2 tbs

- Fish sauce: 2 tbs

- Warm water: ½ cup

Step 1: boiled or steamed chicken breasts until tender.

Step 2: Slice cabbage, carrot and mango in stripes (1cm of width), collect coriander leaves and wash all vegetable. Strain them and put 2 pinches of salt to dehydrate water/moisture from vegetables and make them be crunchy

Step 3: chop and mince chilies and garlic -> put in a small bowl to make sweet fish sauce. Add sugar and pound hardly to mix well with chilies and garlic -> lime juice -> warm water -> fish sauce -> stir well.

Step 4: tear chicken meat in lardon -> mix with strained vegetable + pickle + sweet fish sauce + chopped coriander + saute’ shallot -> mix well and enjoy!

In my hometown, my sister often put roasted peanut into the salad instead of shallot. Peanut’s nutty taste helps to balance the sour of salad and encourage aroma and palate. Regretfully, when I arrived Canada, I had slight allergic symptom when I ate peanut while this had not happened in Vietnam. Therefore, I got rid peanut of my dish and change to shallot without changing the characteristic of the salad.

The Atkins diet is popular thanks to its weight-lost effectiveness and health benefits such as prevent or limit dangerous health conditions like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, improve heart health. Nevertheless, every coin has two sides, some experts concerns Atkins has some negative impacts to eater’s body like headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, constipation. Low card input result in nutritional shortage or inadequate fiber – cause constipation, diarrhea and nausea.

Eating and tasting foods are the happiness of a cook or chef, therefore I would not follow any Diet solution. Just try to balance daily foods intake to body not exceed my body needs also do daily simple exercise like walking and stepping stairs (TTC subway is a good choice as we use it every day).

In point of view of a service provider – a potential cook, of course, I will study more about various Diet solutions and give advice to my customers. Also, adjust the formula to match well with their digestive demands is necessary.

References of data & sources:

Mayo Clinic. (nil). Atkins Diet: What’s behind the claims?. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/atkins-diet/art-20048485

Healthline. (2018). The Atkins Diet: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/atkins-diet-101

Healthline. (2018). 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Seaweed. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-seaweed

Right Shape. (nil). Atkins Diet. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.rightshape.com/atkins-diet/

Smile Delivery Online. (nil). 4 Foods that you should not eat while losing weight. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from http://smiledeliveryonline.com/food/4-foods-that-you-should-not-eat-while-losing-weight/

Health Fitness Revolution. (nil). 10 Good Reasons to Drink Green Tea. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-good-reasons-to-drink-green-tea/

Manor Surgery. (nil). Healthy Lifestyle. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.manorsurgery.co.uk/healthy-lifestyle

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captainswanluver · 7 years

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CS FF: Why Can’t We Have Pancakes, Too?- Part 1/1

Summary: Emma and Killian’s children have no idea why their parents laugh every time they request pancakes for breakfast. (Smutty future pancakes.)

Rating: Explicit

Note: So I’ve been loving all of the smutty fics that have come from that pancake scene. This just came from thinking about how this pancake euphemism for sex might live on for years and what would happen when Emma and Killian had children of their own who want pancakes. I originally didn’t intend to make it smutty, but I just couldn’t help myself. Hope you enjoy it! ~Steph

...Why Can’t We Have Pancakes, Too?- Part 1/1…

Killian wrapped his arms around his wife’s waist as she poured a cup of coffee. His lips moved to her ear.

“Last night was amazing, love,” he whispered.

Emma giggled as his lips trailed down to her neck.

“It sure was,” she breathed, as she threw her head back onto his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Killian’s hand moved to the belt on Emma’s robe. He quickly undid it and slipped his hand underneath. His fingers trailed under her camisole until he was stroking the soft skin of her stomach. Emma let out a contented sigh as his hand began to trail down to the lace of her panties and his hook slid up to circle her nipple.

“I don’t know about you,” he muttered, as he used his teeth to pull back the robe to reveal her bare shoulder and move his mouth to it. “But I’m really craving pancakes this morning.”

“We can’t,” she managed weakly, as he kissed her shoulder. “The kids will be up any minute.”

Killian sighed against his wife’s skin, as he heard the pitter patter of little feet coming down the stairs. Emma jerked her head up and elbowed him in the ribs so he would remove himself from her. She quickly tied her robe. Killian bit down hard on his lip and ran his hand down the front of his jeans, just as the kids made their way into the kitchen.

“Good morning,” Emma said, dropping a kiss on their heads.

“Morning, loves,” Killian said.

The two stepped back to admire the products of their true love, as they commonly did. It still amazed them sometimes that their love had created them. They were like looking at miniature versions of themselves. Ruthie blonde and fair skinned and Liam dark haired and blue eyed.

“What’s for breakfast?” eight year old Ruthie asked, as she sat down at the table.

“I want pancakes!” six year old Liam said.

“Me too!” Ruthie agreed.

Emma and Killian stared at their children. They turned to look at each other and then burst out laughing.

Ruthie crossed her arms over her chest. “Why are you laughing?”

“Why do you laugh every time we ask for pancakes?” Liam asked.

Emma stifled another laugh. “Sorry. No time for pancakes today. You’ll be late for school.”

“We never get to have pancakes!” Ruthie pouted.

“Yeah, you two get to have pancakes all the time without us. It’s not fair!” Liam shouted.

Killian’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean we get to have pancakes all the time without you?”

Ruthie shrugged. “We hear you guys talking, you know. You don’t think we’re listening but we are. Just last night when we walked by your bedroom, we heard you say you were having pancakes for dessert.”

“Yeah, we like pancakes and we like dessert,” Liam said. “But you didn’t ask us if we wanted any. And you guys always tell us we should share.”

Emma and Killian shot each other a glance. Pancakes as a euphemism for sex had become a frequent inside joke between them. They didn’t think their children had noticed, but apparently they had.

“Oh, well, uh, sometimes adults have pancakes without kids,” Emma said.

“Why?” Ruthie asked.

“Because it’s bloody amazing,” Killian replied.

Emma jabbed him in the side with her elbow. “You’re not helping,” she said through clenched teeth.

“I don’t get it,” Liam said with a shake of his head.

Emma sighed. “You know how sometimes you like to do things with just your friends, no grown-ups?”

They both nodded.

Killian bobbed his head. “Aye. It’s like that. Sometimes grown-ups like to do things without kids.” He paused and grinned, waggling his eyebrows. “Like have pancakes.”

“I still don’t get it,” Ruthie said.

Just then, the horn for their bus honked. Saved by the bus, Emma and Killian thought, as they breathed a sigh of relief. Emma tossed them each a Pop Tart.

“Here, eat that on your way,” she said.

They wrinkled their noses.

“Pancakes are way better,” Liam mumbled.

“I hate Pop Tarts,” Ruthie muttered.

“I’ll make you grapefruit and boiled mackerel next time then,” Killian said.

“Yuck!” they both said, as they grabbed their backpacks and headed to the door.

“Remember, Grandma and Grandpa are picking you up from school so you can sleep over there the whole weekend,” Emma yelled, as they scrambled down the porch stairs.

Once the bus had pulled away, she closed the door and turned around, only to find her husband standing right behind her.

“I’m looking forward to a sleepover of my own tonight,” Killian said, as he pressed a kiss to her lips.

Emma giggled and ran her hands down his chest. “We need to be more careful when we talk around them.”

“Aye, I have no interest in paying Archie for therapy bills for the foreseeable future.”

“Me neither,” she agreed.

“Now where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?” he asked, as he wrapped his arms around his wife’s waist and pulled her up against him.

Killian's mouth was on Emma’s before she had a chance to answer. He backed her up against the door.

"We have the entire house to ourselves this weekend," he said, before shoving his tongue into her mouth.

"What should we do with all of this time and privacy?" Emma asked, as her hands moved to undo his belt buckle.

Killian was already pushing her robe off. He dropped to his knees, as he pushed her camisole up her stomach and kissed her just above her panties.

"I can think of a few things," he muttered against her skin.

His hand and hook moved under the camisole, as he found her breasts He cupped the soft mounds, his thumb tweaking a nipple and his hook circling the other. He then lifted himself up and placed his mouth over the silky fabric, sucking her nipple into his mouth until it was straining against the material.

Emma let out a moan, as she cupped the back of his head. He pulled the strap down her shoulder with his teeth and freed one breast. His mouth was on her again, sucking on her peak until it was hard. He moved to the other strap and pulled it down with his hook. He brought his mouth to the other nipple.

They had been married ten years and still craved each other like horny teenagers. They could never get enough. Anytime, any place. Of course, having children had made things a little more difficult, but they still had a very active and adventurous sex life. They hoped it would always be like this.

Emma felt her panties flood at his expert ministrations. Killian's hand crawled down her stomach to the lace of her panties. He cupped her through the material, feeling the wetness. His finger poked at her clit through the fabric and Emma bit at her lip. He pressed his thumb against her clit as he pushed the lace between the lips of her sex. He slowly lowered himself back to his knees. His hook and hand moved to the sides of her panties, ready to strip her bare, but Emma's hand on his stopped him.

"Leave them on," she breathed. "Make me come with them on."

Killian smiled devilishly. "As you wish, love."

His nose nuzzled her mound, inhaling her heady scent. He then flicked his tongue out and he felt her buck her hips. His tongue made contact with her clit and he pushed the fabric against it. Emma loved the friction and she rotated her hips to press down harder on his tongue. Killian stiffened his tongue and pushed it against the fabric. The fabric slipped between the lips of her core and he began to fuck her with his tongue.

"Fuck!" Emma screamed, as she threw her head back against the door.

Killian pulled her legs up and over his shoulders, as he pushed his tongue as far into her as he could with the lace barrier still between them.

Emma tugged on his hair, as she felt her release approach. He hit her clit a few more times and sent her tumbling over the edge.

"Killian!" she yelled, fearing the neighbors would hear her.

He licked her slowly now, bringing her down. Killian unhooked her legs from his shoulders and stood. He kissed her and Emma smiled at tasting herself on his lips.

"It's going to be a bloody amazing weekend," he said.

Emma unbuttoned his jeans and slipped her hand into them, stroking his arousal.

"It sure is," she replied with a grin.

....

The following morning, Ruthie and Liam sat at the kitchen table in the loft.

“Grandpa, can we have pancakes for breakfast?” Ruthie asked hopefully.

David nodded. “Sure. I’ll whip up some of my famous recipe.”

“Yay!” Liam cheered. “Mom and Dad never let us have pancakes.”

Snow eyed them for a long moment, pausing as she poured them glasses of orange juice.

“What?” she asked.

Ruthie shrugged. “Every time we ask for pancakes they just laugh and never make them for us.”

David’s brow furrowed. “That’s a weird request to refuse.”

“And they have pancakes all of the time,” Liam added.

Snow chewed on her lip thoughtfully, recalling that awkward moment all of those years ago when she had interrupted an intimate moment between Emma and Killian in their kitchen.

David snapped his fingers. “I bet I know what it is. Emma probably lost my recipe and forgot my secret ingredient. She’s probably too embarrassed to serve you substandard pancakes from a box. You know what? I’m going to text her the recipe right now.”

Snow cleared her throat. “David, I don’t really think that’s necessary.”

“Why not?” he asked.

“Because that’s not why she doesn’t make them pancakes,” she said.

David’s brow furrowed. “Then what’s the reason?”

Snow glanced at her husband and then her grandchildren. She walked over to him and whispered in his ear. David’s brow furrowed and his mouth dropped open.

“Can we have pancakes now?” Ruthie asked.

David shook his head. “No! Waffles it is.”

“Oh, come on!” Liam screamed, slamming his fists on the table.

…

Emma's eyes slowly fluttered open, landing on her husbands. A smile spread across her lips.

"Good morning," she said.

"Good morning, love."

"You know what?" she asked, as her thumb traced his lower lip. "I could really go for some pancakes right now."

Killian's eyebrows darted upward. "Is that so? Seems our lengthy activities last night left you wanting more. You are insatiable, Swan!"

Emma giggled as he wrapped his arm around her waist and hauled her against his chest, his mouth finding hers. His hand was quickly moving southward, but Emma placed her hands on his chest and gently pushed him away.

"I was talking about actual pancakes," she said.

Killian's tongue lashed at his lips, tasting her on them.

"You mean the real breakfast food? That's what you desire?"

Emma nodded. "Yup."

Killian let out a disappointed sigh. "Very well then. I shall wait here while you prepare the pancakes."

"Actually, I was thinking I would wait here while you prepare the pancakes."

Killian's eyes widened. "Swan, I haven't a bloody clue how to make pancakes."

"It's easy. Just follow the directions on the box."

She patted his cheek as he sighed heavily. In a matter of minutes he had gone from the possibility of morning sex to having to make actual pancakes.

He begrudgingly got out of bed, pulled his boxer briefs on, and headed downstairs.

....

An hour later, after much banging and creating a rather large mess downstairs, Killian finally arrived in their bedroom carrying a tray.

His mouth dropped open (and he nearly dropped the tray) at what he saw. His wife was lying on their bed facing the door, completely nude.

"Swan, what are you trying to do to me?" he said.

She smiled wickedly, as she bent her leg at the knee, displaying her core for him.

"Well, I was thinking since we have the house to ourselves we might as well take advantage of it and have pancakes in more ways than one."

Emma couldn't remember the last time she had seen him move so fast. He placed the tray on the nightstand and quickly shed his boxer briefs. He was already half hard at just the sight of her.

"Lay back, love," he said.

Emma lay back on the bed, her knees bent and her legs spread. Killian gestured to the can of whipped cream and bowl of strawberries.

"I was hoping you'd say just that, so I brought some toppings to assist us," he said.

"Great minds," Emma said, as he moved to hover over.

His mouth started on her pulse point, sucking there until she was moaning. His lips trailed down her neck as she clawed at his bare back. She reached down between them and stroked him, feeling him grow harder beneath her palm.

"God, Emma," he breathed against her skin.

His mouth moved to her chest, as he kissed down the valley of her breasts. Emma waited for him to put his mouth on her breasts. He loved to worship them and she loved having him do it. He could almost make her come from that alone.

But suddenly he pulled back and she let out a groan of disappointment.

"Patience, love," he said, swooping down to kiss her once more, before pulling away.

He sat back on his haunches, his arousal sticking up proudly. He reached over to the tray and removed two silver dollar sized pancakes.

"Not bad," Emma said, noting the only slightly burnt edges.

"There's no way they could be as delicious as you, Swan," he said. "But I do believe I will enjoy the combination."

He placed one small pancake on each breast, as Emma let out a giggle. He then reached for the can of whipped cream. He covered the entire pancake with the whipped cream. Finally, he reached for the bowl of strawberries. He topped each pancake with a few sliced strawberries.

He then sat back and admired his handiwork.

"Absolutely delectable," he said.

Emma could feel herself growing wetter just by the way he was looking at her.

"Killian Jones, if you don't put your mouth on me right now, I'm going to-..."

He cut her off by diving down and licking the underside of her breast where some of the whipped cream had dripped down.

Emma gasped as he began his slow assault. He nibbled at the pancake on her left breast, getting whipped cream on his scruff, as his hand trailed down her stomach. It finally came to her mound and he cupped her for a moment, before slipping a finger inside her.

Emma moaned and he added another, as he continued to eat the pancake. Finally, all that remained was a little whipped cream and a strawberry that had fallen atop her nipple. Killian opened his mouth wide, taking in as much of her breast as he could.

Emma keened, her back arching up off the bed, as his finger curled inside her and his thumb stroked her clit. He licked around her rosy bud, drawing it into his mouth over and over again. His teeth scraped at it, as he felt it grow hard.

"Killian," she moaned. "So good."

His mouth moved to her other breast, as his hook came up to toy with the abandoned one. He made quick work of the pancake this time, as he couldn't wait to taste her. He sucked a strawberry and then her nipple into his mouth as Emma threaded her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer to her.

His fingers continued to thrust into her as Emma trailed her hands down his back and moved to stroke his cock that lay heavy between them. Killian sucked in a breath as he moved his lips down her belly. He reached her bare mound and removed his fingers. He sat back for a moment, meeting her eyes.

"I need to taste more of you, love," he said.

Emma could feel the evidence of her arousal dripping down her. He reached into the bowl and pulled out a whole strawberry and then grabbed the can of whipped cream. Emma spread her legs wider as his head moved to eye level with her core. Killian gently used his hook to spread the lips of her sex. He then placed the whipped cream on her clit, causing her to squirm and giggle. He looked up at her with eyes hooded with desire as he placed the strawberry between his lips. And then he was diving down between her thighs. He pushed the strawberry against her clit, dipping into the whipped cream. Emma gasped, her hips bucking up off the bed.

He used the strawberry to stroke her clit, going round and round in circles. Before too long, Emma felt her belly begin to tighten. He finally swallowed the strawberry and used his tongue to lick her clit clean. And then he was sucking it between his lips.

"Fuck, Killian!" Emma cried out, as his teeth scraped against her swollen nub.

His tongue moved to penetrate her, fucking her with it. Emma clawed at his hair, pulling him away from her cunt.

"I need you inside me now," she breathed. "Fuck me, please."

"As you wish."

Killian was more than happy to oblige, his erection now almost painful. He moved up, lining himself up with her entrance and easily slipped in. Emma threw her head back as he filled her, thrusting in and out. She grabbed at his ass, pulling him in further, as they set a steady rhythm. She locked her ankles around his back, pulling him in as close to her as possible. And soon she was falling over the edge, screaming his name as she came.

But she wasn't done with him yet. She flipped them over and rode his cock, as his hands moved to her hips.

"Your turn," she said wickedly as she grabbed the can of whipped cream.

"Bloody hell," he breathed, as she slid off of him and down his body.

His cock stood before her face. She could see the evidence of her orgasm on it. She took the can and coated his length in it, placing a little dollop on the tip. She then took a whole strawberry into her mouth and dipped it into the cream at his tip.

Killian reached for her head, threading his fingers through her hair, as he tried not to buck his hips. He watched as Emma swallowed the strawberry and then licked his tip clean, enjoying the taste of their combined arousal. Her tongue moved down his length, licking in long stripes and swirls until she had cleaned him of the whipped cream. And then she was taking him into her mouth as far as she could.

"Fuck!" Killian screamed, as his beautiful wife smiled around his cock.

Her head bobbed up and down and Killian felt his hips begin to buck as he fucked his wife's mouth. He could feel his balls tighten and then Emma cupped them. She squeezed and he fell over the edge, spilling his seed down her throat. Emma swallowed all of him before releasing him with a pop.

She then crawled up his body, dropped a kiss to his lips, and sprawled herself across him.

"That was bloody amazing," he said, his hand caressing her bare back.

"Delicious," she replied with a grin.

...

Snow stuck the key in the door, as David ushered the kids inside.

"Ruthie, hurry up and get the book you need for your report and let's go," she said.

Ruthie and Liam stopped dead in their tracks at the mess of a kitchen. Bowls and pans were everywhere. Batter had splashed onto the counter and floor. And a plate of burnt pancakes sat on the table.

"They had pancakes without us again!" Liam cried.

Snow and David heard a laugh from upstairs and the creak of a bed.

"I bet they're eating them right now!" Ruthie said, running to the stairs. Liam was right behind her.

"No!" Snow and David yelled, as they followed after them.

But it was too late.

"Round two," Killian said with a grin at his wife, as he reached for the can of whipped cream and pulled the covers over them.

And then they heard screaming and feet on the stairs. Emma and Killian turned to find the horrified faces of their children staring at them. Luckily, Killian had pulled the covers over them, but his hand awkwardly held the can of whipped cream above Emma and they were clearly nude beneath the covers. The children's eyes darted to the plate of pancakes and the strawberries. Their mouths hung open in shock and confusion.

Snow and David finally reached the bedroom. They each clamped a hand over their grandchildren's eyes. And then squeezed their own closed.

"We are so sorry. Ruthie forgot a book she needed for a report due Monday," Snow said.

"We should have called first," David added.

Emma and Killian were speechless. Emma buried her face in her husband's shoulder as her face grew red. Ruthie and Liam stood with their grandparents' hands clamped over their eyes.

"Why do you get to eat in bed?" Liam asked.

"Yeah, you said we can't. No fair," Ruthie added.

At that, all four erupted in laughter at their innocence. Perhaps they wouldn't need therapy after all.

Snow and David finally backed the children out of the doorway and closed the door behind them.

Emma looked at her husband. "Is it possible to die from embarrassment?"

"We really need to change those locks," he muttered.

Emma laughed and nodded.

...

One week later, it was Family Fun Day at Storybrooke Elementary. The parents visited the school and there were different activities going on all day. Each class was doing something special when the parents visited it.

Liam's first grade class had written and drawn about things their families like to do. Killian groaned as the fifteenth first grader walked to the front of the classroom.

"Bloody hell, this is boring. If I have to hear about how one more father likes to fish and one more mum likes to bake, I'm going to jab my hook in my eye," he whispered in his wife's ear.

"Shhh, behave," she scolded, poking him in the ribs with her elbow, despite completely agreeing with him.

"Okay, class, who would like to share what they wrote about their family next?" Liam's first grade teacher, Mrs. Tyler asked.

Liam's hand shot up and he waved it around wildly, squirming in his seat.

"Liam, come on up."

"Finally," Killian muttered, as he and his wife whipped out their phones to record him.

Liam walked to the front of the class. He smiled widely at his parents in the back, revealing a gap where his upper two front teeth used to be. Emma and Killian gave him a thumbs up, as they beamed proudly. Liam held his paper up close to his face as he read haltingly.

"My sister likes to do gymnastics. My brother, Henry, likes to write. My parents like to eat pancakes in bed without their clothes on."

Emma and Killian's eyes grew wide and their mouths dropped open. Their hands were frozen midair with their phones still in them, recording the reaction of the room. All of the other parents and children turned to look at them and started giggling.

Mrs. Tyler looked horrified, but being the professional she is, she began a round of a applause for Liam and quickly ushered him back to his seat.

Emma and Killian finally lowered their phones, their faces beet red. Liam turned to look at them, a huge grin upon his face, as he gave them a thumbs up.

"I think we should be able to get a good family rate from Archie," Killian whispered to his wife.

Emma covered her face with her hands and groaned, "We are not having pancakes again until he goes away to college."

Killian's eyes grew wide with alarm. "Love, please tell me you mean the actual breakfast food."

Emma shook her head sharply. "Nope."

Killian swallowed around the lump in his throat.

She then grabbed her husband’s hand and discreetly dragged him out of the back of the classroom.

"Swan, be reasonable," he called after his wife, as she stormed towards the exit.

Luckily for him, he was extremely charming and quite persuasive. And they ended up having pancakes again in their car in a dark, secluded spot in the school parking lot.

...THE END...

Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear what you thought. ~Steph

#cs smut #cs future fic #cs pancakes #cs ff #cs fic #cs fanfics #captain swan fanfiction #captain swan ff #captain swan fic #captain swan fanfics #cs family #cs #captain swan

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cosmiccornersav · 7 years

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How to dye your hair the natural way!

Henna is an ancient and holy material that has touched almost every culture but saw particularly heavy use in Asia and Africa. It is a natural dye made from the Lawsonia Inermis plant that stains clothing, hair, and skin a rich, orange-brown.

If you want shiny, strong, naturally colorful and healthy hair- henna is your best option!

Recipe, tips, tricks, pics, and FAQ below the cut!

You can get a range of colors and shades from the dye depending on your natural hair color and texture and the blending of indigo (for darker shades) or cassia (for lighter shades). Always sift your henna before use and try to purchase in bulk from reputable and local sources. Not sifting your henna can mean you might find little twigs and rocks in your shower… so it’s worth doing.

To obtain a natural brunette color, use an equal mixture of indigo and henna. Pure indigo gives you a nice blue-black color and pure henna is firey orange. Pull some hair out of your hairbrush and do some test samples of mixes to get the perfect color for you! Cassia powder does not dye the hair but will give you some amazing benefits.

DO THE THING

Alright! Now for the fun part… ready for my top secret specialty never-fail Henna Brew recipe?

Wing it. Yeah, that’s right- just stare into your spice cabinet and have fun… as long as you have…

-Something acidic. This can be tea, lemon juice, wine, or beer- just make sure it’s strong and it makes up the majority of your liquid. This is what gets the dye to release.

-Henna (and/or indigo and/or cassia) powder

And that’s it for the requirements! Now, here’s a list of my favorite additions

-Brew your tea with dried rosemary- it’s so good for your hair!

-Tea tree oil helps break up clumps in the mixture and acts as a preservative

-Clove oil smells great but please only use 2-3 drops, it’s strong!

-Hibiscus can give you a boost of red but it only lasts for about a week.

-I like to boil my tea with an anise star because I’m a STAR. It’s witchcraft.

-You could put honey or sugar in it to make it gloopier… might stay on your hair better

-Lavender in the tea!

-The bones of your enemies make perfect stir sticks

-Olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter can all be added into the mix to soften your hair but it will definitely not give you quite as much dye release. If you just want a tint then go for it! Lush’s henna bars contain a lot of shea butter and therefore don’t give you an intense color but they do make your hair feel amazing. Personally, I’m cheap so I just make it from scratch.

Now, slowly add in your liquids and mix until it’s the consistency of yogurt. Once it’s nice and gloopy (there’s that damn word again), cover it tightly (plastic wrap will do but if you can get your hands on it use bees wrap!), set it in front of a window and let it stew for 12 hours while the dye releases. This is the hardest part… remembering to make your dye the night before.

Dye day!

Okay, get some gloves on to protect your precious fingers from Orangeness and dig in! You might want to save a little Brew to add in at this point- you want it fairly liquidy so you can easily spread it through your hair. Start at the roots and work your way out, covering your whole head with henna! Once you look like a swamp monster, wrap some plastic wrap and a towel around your head and binge watch The Handmaids Tale on Hulu for 2-4 hours (If you’re really into the show you can leave it in your hair for up to 8 hours before you GET SOME SUNLIGHT). The longer you leave it, the darker brown it will get. Sweet spot for me is usually 3 hours. Wash it all out with water and conditioner only DON’T SHAMPOO. Listen, I know you like to be clean, I do too, but please don’t shampoo this time. Just enjoy your hair being silky soft and healthy. You can shampoo tomorrow.

The color will be quite a few shades brighter for the first 3-4 days and then it will settle into the color it will be FOREVER. Yes, folks that’s right. Henna doesn’t fade. Not even a bit. The sun might lighten it like it will anything but under normal conditions your hair will never ever change color again until it grows out. Bless.

FAQ

Why does henna make hair healthier?

Unlike commercial chemical dyes, henna binds to each strand of hair and strengthens it naturally. You may even notice the difference in individual strand thickness! Henna (as well a indigo and cassia) can eliminate split ends, enhance shine, and add volume.

Can I use any henna?

Use the best quality, finest henna you can get your hands on. Never buy pre-mixed henna as it can contain dangerous terps and is often meant for body art only. Henna will naturally range from bright green to beigish-green and smells like freshly cut grass. The greener and more fragrant the henna, the fresher it will be!

Can you be allergic to henna?

Most people aren’t, but always do a patch test and make sure you don’t have a reaction. The biggest cause for concern is what you put into the henna to release the dyes. Be careful when using essential oils- they’re stronger than you’d think! and be smart with your other ingredients. There is no shortage of henna brew recipes on the internet to choose from! Some even involve hard candies, wine, and cayenne pepper! And… do me a favor. If you plan to use your henna to dye your Special Hairs… do not put cayenne pepper in it. Learn from my horrible, horrible mistakes.

Can you use chemical dyes over/under henna?

Ehhhhh I’m going to give this one a big fat “At your own risk”. I’ve personally done it a few times with no adverse effects but oh the horror stories I’ve read. Spot Test! Also, dyes do not work very well over henna because most of your hair strand is already full of henna so often the dye won’t even take.

Will henna stain my skin/tub?

Yes. Yes it will. If you’re really concerned lube up your skin around your hairline with hair conditioner and wash out your tub immediately (or just jump in the ocean to get the henna out- that always works!)

Will henna stain my-

YES

Stainless steel?

Wait no, you’re safe there. That’s the only thing it won’t stain.

How do you know all this? SOURCES??

I’ve been a henna-head since freshman year of highschool which was... oh god it was 8 years ago. I’ve dyed my hair every 2 months since then with this green gloop. You learn things.

Alright, now go forth and be beautiful, Goddesses!

Love and light, Laura Loup <3

#henna #hair #dye #natural #beauty #recipe #tip

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catherindonald · 4 years

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4 May Day Rituals To Welcome In The Season of Summer

To the ancient Celts, May 1st was the ancient feast festival of Beltane—a day to welcome the season of Summer and all it symbolizes. Today, many know this day as May Day, and here we continue many of the ancient traditions.

This day marks the meeting place of Spring and Summer. Here fertility and vitality are the focus as new life and increased activity comes forth. It is a time to honor gifts, whether they are gifts from the earth, our own gifts, or gifts from others, and to express or share those gifts with friends, family, and even strangers. It is also a time to connect with ourselves and the world around us.

At the time of this cross-quarter holiday, let us take some time to incorporate some May Day rituals common to the season of Summer into our lives as a way to more deeply connect with ourselves and the world around us.

4 May Day Rituals to Welcome Summer

In this post, you will find 4 simple rituals you can incorporate into your May Day or Beltane celebrations, but these rituals aren’t limited to this day only. Oh, no! You can do these anytime you’d like this summer. These May Day rituals not only help you to center your mind on the gifts that the summer season offer, but they help you to take some time out of the busy day to focus your mind on something relaxing and enjoyable for a short period of time.

Beltane (May Day) Meditation

Meditating is the act of taking time to clear your mind of distractions and, instead, to simply be present in the moment, focusing your senses on the things around you. The act of meditation is a great way to connect more deeply with your environment and to feel more centered when needed. Read through the following steps a few times to familiarize yourself with it, and then find a time to do this May Day ritual sometime in the next few days.

Summer Meditation Ritual

Find a quiet place outside or sit next to a window where you can see out.

Take a few moments to focus on your breathing—slowly breathing in and out in a comfortable rhythmic pattern. It can be helpful to close your eyes to shut out all distractions.

When your breathing is steady, keep your eyes closed and try to concentrate on what you hear around you. Can you hear the birds singing? Do you hear water trickling? Perhaps you hear the sound of cars in the distance or the rustle of grass and trees.

What can you smell? Is it the scent of fresh air, cut grass, or nearby flowers? If you’re indoors, perhaps it’s the scent of a freshly cleaned home or even your own scent.

Next, open your eyes. Sit calmly and continue to breathe slowly. What do you see? What colors and shapes do you notice around you? Is there anything that catches your attention? Perhaps there’s something you’ve never noticed before.

As you begin to feel connected, express your gratitude for the gifts of nature surrounding you by saying a softly spoken prayer, poem, or song aloud.

Finally, touch the palms of your hands or your bare feet to the ground and continue to breathe slowly for another minute or so before moving on to the rest of your day.

Attraction Bath Ritual

The season of Summer is all about attraction. Flowers bloom in vivid colors and give off sweet scents to attract insects as a means to pollinate and fertilize the world. Animals begin to mate and give birth as a means to repopulate the earth. We humans even focus on attraction as we seek out connections with others by sharing our gifts with one another.

One way to embrace attraction during the summer months, as well as provide a bit of self-care for ourselves, is through an attraction bath ritual, one of my favorite May Day rituals to help welcome in the summer season.

Attraction Bath Ritual

You will need:

Bath salt blend (recipe below)

Green candle

Peaceful music

Directions:

To begin, turn on some soft, relaxing music, and light a green candle, which symbolizes abundance. Fill your bath with water set to a comfortable temperature for you, and add your bath salts to the water—slowly swirling the water as the tub fills, giving time for the salt to dissolve. As your hand swirls in the water, think about one thing you desire this summer. What do you want to attract over the next few months? This desire may be regarding health, finances, your love life, friends, travel, creativity, etc.

When the tub is full, immerse yourself in the warm water. As you adjust to the water, think about what may be holding you back from attracting your desire. Perhaps you lack the skills to create at the level you wish. Maybe you feel stuck in your job. It could be that you are shy and unsure of yourself, making connecting with others difficult. No matter what it is, be brave, and name it.

Now close your eyes, and focus on your breath for a moment. Breathe in and out slowly until your breathing becomes steady. Keeping your eyes closed, take a deep breath in, expanding your belly, and exhale it slowly. Repeat this three times to get a feel for deep breathing. Open your eyes and continue taking slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, draw the bathwater up and over your body. As you exhale, gently push the water away from you. As you repeat this, visualize the thing you want to attract flowing towards from you as you inhale and pull the water over yourself and visualize the blockages or obstacles standing in your way flowing away from you as you exhale and push the water away. Repeat this as many times as needed until it feels natural to you.

Now close your eyes again, place your hands over your eyes, brow, and forehead region, and return to a regular, comfortable breathing pattern. Visualize in your mind that you already have what you’re trying to attract. What does that look like in your life? Dream of every detail, incorporating all your senses and fully allowing yourself to feel all the emotions that come with it.

When finished, blow out your candle, drain your bath water, placing a small fine-mesh sieve over the bath drain to catch the botanicals, and turn off the music. Exit the bath being careful not to slip if the tub is oily. Pat yourself dry and apply some oil or body butter to your skin, saying some kind things about yourself while you’re at it. Dress and go about the rest of your day.

Abundance Bath Salt Blend

1/2 cup Epsom salts

1/2 cup pink Himalayan salt

3 tablespoons baking soda

2 tablespoons dried rose (Rosa spp.) petals

1 tablespoon dried basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaf

1-ounce sweet almond oil (or another oil of your choosing)

Abundance essential oil blend (3 drops of sustainably-sourced frankincense (Boswellia spp.), 3 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), 2 drops patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), 2 drops clary sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oils)

I like to purchase my herbs through Mountain Rose Herbs and my essential oils through Plant Therapy!

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May Day Flower Crowns

Flower crowns are a great idea if you are looking for May Day rituals to make a summer occasion more festive and beautiful! Flower crowns are especially fitting for occasions where growth, harvest, love, and connection to nature are the focus. Create and wear them yourself or gather as a group before the celebration and make them together to encourage connection and community.

May Day Flower Crowns

You will need:

A thin, hard headband

Green florist’s tape

Sprigs of greenery such as eucalyptus, fern, ivy, or willow, fresh or dried

Sprigs of herbs and flowers, fresh or dried

Directions:

Begin by wrapping green florist’s tape around the headband.

Next, create 6-8 small bundles of greenery and flowers, securing them together with the florist’s tape. If using dried plants, be careful not to crush or damage them. If using fresh plant materials, choose plants, flowers mainly, that will retain their form for several hours without wilting or browning.

Lastly, arrange and tape the bundles around the headband, making sure they point upwards and outwards.

Relaxing Floral Tea Blending Ritual

What better way to end a summer day than with the meditative act of blending, making, and sipping on a bedtime tea—one of the most soothing of May Day rituals? The act of tea blending will not only relax you, but it will help you sleep more soundly as well. You can enjoy this tea both hot or cold, depending on what you prefer, 30-60 minutes before bed.

The goal of a tea ritual is to focus your mind on each task, so before you begin, clear some space in your kitchen to free you of any distraction.

Relaxing Floral Tea Blending Ritual

You will need:

Relaxing, nourishing, supportive herbs, such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaf, chamomile (Matricaria recuita) flower, cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) bark, damiana (Turnera diffusa) leaf, hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) berry, flower, or leaf, holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) leaf, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf, linden (Tilia spp.) leaf, oat (Avena sativa) milky tops and straw, passionflower (Avena sativa) aerial parts, peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaf, rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) leaf, rose (Rosa spp.) petals, sage (Salvia officinalis) leaf, skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) aerial parts, spearmint (Mentha spicata) leaf, thyme (Thymus spp.) leaf, violet (Viola spp.) flower and leaf

Ceramic mug

Teapot or tea infuser

Kettle

Directions:

Start by setting out your jars of herbs, a mug, a tea infuser or teapot, and a kettle.

Fill the kettle with water and set it on the stove over high heat to come to a boil.

While your water is heating, open the lid of your teapot or nestle your tea infuser in your mug. Be sure to mind your breath, breathing in and out slowly, and moving your body intentionally. There’s no need to rush here!

Next, look at the color of each herb. Open the jar and smell it. Think about the properties it holds. Turn your awareness inward and think about what you’re body is telling you it needs. Allow this to guide you in your tea choice.

You’ll want to use a total of 3 teaspoons of herbs in your tea. This amount will make a nice cup of bedtime tea. Let your intuition guide you as you choose one or more herbs to add to your teapot—adding a pinch of this or a pinch of that. The more you repeat this ritual, the better you will get to know the herbs in your blend as well as how they make you feel and how they taste together.

Once your herbs are in the teapot or strainer, and your kettle has whistled, pour some water over the herbs. If you’re using a teapot, place the lid on the teapot. If you’re using a tea strainer, place a small plate over the mug and strainer to keep the steam from escaping. Let your tea steep for 3-5 minutes. While your tea is steeping, think about what this tea will offer you at this moment, whether it be relaxation, nourishment, or a flavorful treat.

Once your tea has infused, pour it through a strainer (if your teapot doesn’t have one inside) and into a mug, or simply remove the tea strainer from your mug and set it aside. Allow the tea to cool, just a touch. Feel free to add a drizzle of honey or a splash of milk if you’d like.

Find a quiet place to sit as you sip your tea, taking note of its flavor in your mouth and visualize its warmth and wellness benefits making their way down into your body.

Finish by saying a prayer or giving a word of thanks for the gift of the herbs and the time to enjoy them through a cup of tea. And remember, gratitude for even the smallest blessings of life is healing in and of itself!

So there you have it—some lovely May Day rituals to incorporate into your days throughout the season of Summer. Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this seasonal living article, there’s plenty more where this came from when you sign up to receive my bi-monthly letters–delivered right to your inbox every other Sunday morning. Alongside my bi-monthly letters, you’ll also receive a FREE seasonal living mini-magazine each month with more articles just like this one as well as DIY projects and herbal recipes, inspirational quotes and poems, beautiful photos, a monthly calendar with a lunar chart, and more! I’d love for you to join me!

The post 4 May Day Rituals To Welcome In The Season of Summer appeared first on Growing Up Herbal.

4 May Day Rituals To Welcome In The Season of Summer published first on https://marcuskeever.blogspot.com/

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networkingdefinition · 4 years

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Lavender Quotes

Official Website: Lavender Quotes

• A rhododendron bud lavender-tipped. Soon a glory of blooms to clash with the cardinals and gladden the hummingbirds! – Dave Beard • Add a drop of lavender to milk, leave town with an orange, and pretend you’re laughing at it. – Bill Bailey • As a kid I’d play with homemade recipes, like putting pineapple on my face to exfoliate my skin and doing facial steams with lavender or peppermint oils. I just loved doing stuff like that. It’s what motivated me to launch my skin care line. – Demi Lovato • As far as what I do love, I love birds; I love lavender. – Michael Moore • Avoid men who call you Baby, and women who have no friends, and dogs that scratch at their bellies and refuse to lie down at your feet. Wear dark glasses; bathe with lavender oil and cool fresh water. Seek shelter from the sun at noon. – Alice Hoffman

jQuery(document).ready(function($) var data = action: 'polyxgo_products_search', type: 'Product', keywords: 'Lavender', orderby: 'rand', order: 'DESC', template: '1', limit: '68', columns: '4', viewall:'Shop All', ; jQuery.post(spyr_params.ajaxurl,data, function(response) var obj = jQuery.parseJSON(response); jQuery('#thelovesof_lavender').html(obj); jQuery('#thelovesof_lavender img.swiper-lazy:not(.swiper-lazy-loaded)' ).each(function () var img = jQuery(this); img.attr("src",img.data('src')); img.addClass( 'swiper-lazy-loaded' ); img.removeAttr('data-src'); ); ); ); • Before bed, I read a book or flip on the radio – I’m not picky, I’ll just turn it on and see what comes up. I burn a yummy lavender- scented candle. – Carrie Underwood • Blue is the insides of something mysterious and lonely. I’d look at fish and birds, thinking the sky and water colored them. The first abyss is blue. An artist must go beyond the mercy of satin or water-from a gutty hue to that which is close to royal purple. All seasons and blossoms inbetween. Lavender. Theatrical and outrageous electric. Almost gray. True and false blue. Water and oil. The gas jet breathing in oblivion. The unstruck match. The blue of absence. The blue of deep presence. The insides of something perfect. – Yusef Komunyakaa • Both Matilda and Lavender were enthralled. It was quite clear to them that they were at this moment standing in the presence of a master. Here was somebody who had brought the art of skulduggery to the highest point of perfection, somebody, moreover, who was willing to risk life and limb in pursuit of her calling. They gazed in wonder at this goddess, and suddenly even the boil on her nose was no longer a blemish but a badge of courage. – Roald Dahl • Bursts of gold on lavender melting into saffron. It’s the time of day when the sky looks like it has been spray-painted by a graffiti artist. – Mia Kirshner • But you, you foolish girl, you have gone home to a leaky castle across the sea to lie awake in linen smelling of lavender, and hear the nightingale, and long for me. – Edna St. Vincent Millay

[clickbank-storefront-bestselling] • Can I have a look at Uranus too, Lavender? – J. K. Rowling • Day after day we looked for rain, and day after day we saw nothing but the sun. Lavender that we had planted in the spring died. The patch of grass in front of the house abandoned its ambitions to become a lawn and turned into the dirty yellow of poor straw. The earth shrank, revealing its knuckles and bones, rocks and roots that had been invisible before. – Peter Mayle • Even talking, I’m super-loud. I could never have that kind of meek, little wispy whimsical lavender and lace voice. It comes from my body. There’s no way I can fight it. – Beth Ditto • Gay people do not fight for freedom to live in a lavender bubble, but in a more just society. – Urvashi Vaid • He domesticated and developed the native wild flowers. He had one hill-side solidly clad with that low-growing purple verbena which mats over the hills of New Mexico. It was like a great violet velvet mantle thrown down in the sun; all the shades that the dyers and weavers of Italy and France strove for through centuries, the violet that is full of rose colour and is yet not lavender; the blue that becomes almost pink and then retreats again into sea-dark purple—the true Episcopal colour and countless variations of it. – Willa Cather • Here’s flowers for you; Hot lavender, mints, savoury, marjoram; The marigold, that goes to bed wi’ the sun And with him rises weeping: these are flowers Of middle summer, and I think they are given To men of middle age. – William Shakespeare • Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram; The marigold, that goes to bed wi’ the sun, and with him rise weeping. – William Shakespeare • I love Thieves, it is therapeutic, if you’re not feeling well. It has a very strong scent but is quite wonderful. I also use lavender. Peppermint, when my stomach is upset. – Donna Karan • I love you, Hermione,” said Ron, sinking back, rubbing his eyes wearily. Hermione turned faintly pink, but merely said, “Don’t let Lavender hear you saying that.” “I won’t,” said Ron into his hands. “Or maybe I will . . . then she’ll ditch me . . . – J. K. Rowling • I put a drop of lavender essential oil on my pillow before I go to sleep. – Melissa Joan Hart • I saw Chungking for the first time more than 40 years ago – a city of hills and mists, of grays and lavenders, two rivers shaping it to a point and the cliff rising above me like a challenge. – Theodore White • I turned over, and those big hands got to work on my back. I stifled a whimper in the pillow, because Marco’s idea of a massage bore no resemblance whatsoever to the relaxing spa variety. There was no lavender oil, no soothing music, no hot towels. Just an all-out assault on cramped muscles, until they cowered in surrender and turned to Jell-O. – Karen Chance • If feeling anxious about anything Dr Bachs night time rescue remedy is great. Sometimes a bath before bed helps. Burning Lavender or Clary Sage in the room before retiring. Try not to work on my computer very late and then bed straight after. Getting enough exercise definitely helps sleep. – Rachel Ryan • If you had to choose an oil…it would have to be lavender essential oil, because it is antibacterial and antiviral. So, it’s great to have when people around you are sick; it can also be used to relax. – Karen Rose • it always seems to me as if the lavender was a little woman in a green dress, with a lavender bonnet and a white kerchief. She’s one of those strong, sweet, wholesome people, who always rest you, and her sweetness lingers long after she goes away. – Myrtle Reed • It is easy to forget now, how effervescent and free we all felt that summer. Everything fades: the shimmer of gold over White Cove; the laughter in the night air; the lavender early morning light on the faces of skyscrapers, which had suddenly become so heroically tall. Every dawn seemed to promise fresh miracles, among other joys that are in short supply these days. And so I will try to tell you, while I still remember, how it was then, before everything changed-that final season of the era that roared. – Anna Godbersen • It was our favorite part of the day, this in-between time, and it always seemed to last longer than it should–a magic and lavender space unpinned from the hours around it, between worlds. – Paula McLain • Lavender is the new pink. I’ll never stop wearing pink but I wanted to venture out. – Nicki Minaj • London life was very full and exciting […] But in London there would be no greenhouse with a glossy tank, and no apple-room, and no potting-shed, earthy and warm, with bunches of poppy heads hanging from the ceiling, and sunflower seeds in a wooden box, and bulbs in thick paper bags, and hanks of tarred string, and lavender drying on a tea-tray. – Sylvia Townsend Warner • Look, why don’t you go talk to Ron about all this?” Harry asked. “Well, I would, but he’s always asleep when I go and see him!” said Lavender fretfully. “Is he?” said Harry, surprised, for he had found Ron perfectly alert every time he had been up to the hospital wing. – J. K. Rowling • My favorite name for a color is “puce.” It’s kind of a dried blood color. It’s a hideous color. But I love the word. It’s so euphonic. But my favorite colors are lavender, purple, periwinkle blue, and white. – Elizabeth Taylor • Oils of cinnamon and eucalyptus are as powerful against some microorganisms as conventional antibiotics, and are especially effective against flus. Sandalwood oil from Mysore, India, is not only a classic perfume oil but is also a traditional remedy for sore throats and laryngitis. Lavender oil, so often used in toilet waters and scented sachets, has a dramatic healing action on burns. – Robert Tisserand • One trick I swear by: I pour a little neroli or lavender oil onto a hot towel and use it to wipe off my makeup. It opens up my pores, and then my face cream sinks in better. – Courteney Cox • The air was fragrant with a thousand trodden aromatic herbs, with fields of lavender, and with the brightest roses blushing in tufts all over the meadows. – William C. Bryant • The raindrops played across the coast all through the night, until the soft new day shrugged itself awake, tried on amethyst and lavender for a while, and finally decided on pale yellow. – Gary D. Schmidt • The scent organ was playing a delightfully refreshing Herbal Capriccio – rippling arpeggios of thyme and lavender, of rosemary, basil, myrtle, tarragon; a series of daring modulations through the spice keys into ambergris; and a slow return through sandalwood, camphor, cedar and newmown hay (with occasional subtle touches of discord – a whiff of kidney pudding, the faintest suspicion of pig’s dung) back to the simple aromatics with which the piece began. The final blast of thyme died away; there was a round of applause; the lights went up. – Aldous Huxley • There are some things, after all, that Sally Owens knows for certain: Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can. – Alice Hoffman • To make a perfume, take some rose water and wash your hands in it, then take a lavender flower and rub it with your palms, and you will achieve the desired effect. – Leonardo da Vinci • Valentine’s Day money-saving tips: Break up on February 13th, get back together on the 15th. In place of bubble bath, use lavender-scented dish-washing liquid. Forget rose petals. Sprinkle the bed with sliced beets! – David Letterman • We lavender folk spray up, spontaneously flowering in the color we had learned as an identifying mark of our culture when it was subterranean and secret. – Judy Grahn • What a turnaround in sentiment ‘Glee’ exemplifies. It was only a few years ago that pursuing the dream of a Broadway career or cabaret stardom relegated some poor yearning dope to a lavender ghetto of losers, self-deluders, and social rejects. – James Wolcott • What woman, however old, has not the bridal-favours and raiment stowed away, and packed in lavender, in the inmost cupboards of her heart? – William Makepeace Thackeray • When hope is fleeting, stop for a moment and visualize, in a sky of silver, the crescent of a lavender moon. Imagine it — delicate, slim, precise, like a paper-thin slice from a cabochon jewel. It may not be very useful, but it is beautiful. And sometimes it is enough. – Vera Nazarian • When the light turns green, you go. When the light turns red, you stop. But what do you do when the light turns blue with orange and lavender spots? – Shel Silverstein • With this recitation of paraphernalia and detritus, O’Brien manages to encapsulate the experience of an army and of a particular war, of a mined and booby-trapped landscape, of cold nights and hot days, of soaking monsoons and rice paddies, and of the possibility of being shot, like Ted Lavender, suddenly and out of nowhere: not only in the middle of a sentence but in the midst of a subordinate clause. – Francine Prose • Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender. – Alice Walker • Yours is… il sent comme lavande.” Is that French for ‘You stink’?” It means ‘lavender’.” Huh.” She sniffed at her wrist. “I thought I smelled more like a grape Popsicle. – Lynn Viehl

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jQuery(document).ready(function($) var data = action: 'polyxgo_products_search', type: 'Product', keywords: 'e', orderby: 'rand', order: 'DESC', template: '1', limit: '4', columns: '4', viewall:'Shop All', ; jQuery.post(spyr_params.ajaxurl,data, function(response) var obj = jQuery.parseJSON(response); jQuery('#thelovesof_e').html(obj); jQuery('#thelovesof_e img.swiper-lazy:not(.swiper-lazy-loaded)' ).each(function () var img = jQuery(this); img.attr("src",img.data('src')); img.addClass( 'swiper-lazy-loaded' ); img.removeAttr('data-src'); ); ); );

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equitiesstocks · 4 years

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Lavender Quotes

Official Website: Lavender Quotes

• A rhododendron bud lavender-tipped. Soon a glory of blooms to clash with the cardinals and gladden the hummingbirds! – Dave Beard • Add a drop of lavender to milk, leave town with an orange, and pretend you’re laughing at it. – Bill Bailey �� As a kid I’d play with homemade recipes, like putting pineapple on my face to exfoliate my skin and doing facial steams with lavender or peppermint oils. I just loved doing stuff like that. It’s what motivated me to launch my skin care line. – Demi Lovato • As far as what I do love, I love birds; I love lavender. – Michael Moore • Avoid men who call you Baby, and women who have no friends, and dogs that scratch at their bellies and refuse to lie down at your feet. Wear dark glasses; bathe with lavender oil and cool fresh water. Seek shelter from the sun at noon. – Alice Hoffman

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sideshowjazz · 5 years

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The Subtle Art of A Balance Life

Summary: Jon is most of the way through his first year of university at The Magnus Institute of Arts. He's stuck in a melancholy of nostalgia for a past that he hates and pining for a future he can't possibly know.Then Michael shows up. and things go horribly, wonderfully wrong.

Chapter: 1/?

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Canon Typical Violence, Alcohol Mentions

Read On AO3

“No, absolutely not.” Jon says firmly.

“Please Jon!” Georgie puts her hand on Jon’s shoulder and gives him those puppy dog eyes that used to get him in so much trouble back when they were dating. Now he doesn’t have that romantic obligation to do things for her. And yet, he feels that tugging in his chest to do this for her.

Jon sighs. “Alright fine.”

Georgie squeals.

“But,” Jon raises a hand. “I will not drink.”

“Oh I don’t care about that.” Georgie waves her other hand. “I just need a plus one. It’d be weird to go with just those two now that they’re dating. So I need you to tag along. And no, before you start, it’s just a friend thing.”

Jon winces. He really didn’t need reminding that they were no longer a thing. They’d broken up in high school and now she was moving on with Melanie, and Jon felt even more alone. Speaking of which…

“Why can’t you just go with Melanie?”

Georgie crinkles her nose. “She has to work a late shift again, so no dice.”

“Right,”

“Look,” Georgie gestures. “I don’t need you to be social. I kinda don’t even wanna see you try.”

“I’m not that socially inept!” Jon interjects.

Georgie ignores him. “I just need your physical presence.”

Jon sighs. “Glad to know you want me to be a part of your life.”

Georgie pats his shoulder before removing her hand. “Of course, Jon.”

...

Jon stood outside The Salty Pug. The pub was a two story building. The bottom floor being the actual pub while the top floor was an upstairs loft that the owner presumably lived in. It was one of those new trendy pubs that popped up around universities all around London. This one seemed geared more towards the young hipster demographic. For starters, the name. The Salty Pug, what a ridiculous name. According to Tim, it had gotten that name because “pugs are popular in London and being salty is a thing”, which while technically true was still stupid.

Jon was staring at the pub sign, a stylized neon orange pug with a disgruntled expression when he heard Georgie and the other two girls coming. They were already starting to chat animatedly and Jon could feel his mind start to check out when Georgie called his name.

“Hey Jon!” She smiled that cheerful smile of hers and for a second he forgot that he didn’t want to be there. “I’ve brought company!”

The two girls had one thing in common, they both had the same stern confidence. One of the girls was tall, with dark brown skin and eyes and was wearing a red and white headscarf. Jon assumed this to be Basira. The other was short, with pale skin and green eyes and hair that seemed to almost smolder with how red it was. He assumed this to be Daisy.

“You remember Basira and Daisy right?” She gestured to the two girls standing beside her, confirming Jon’s assumptions in the process.. “They were in our Calculus class back in secondary school.”

Truth be told, Jon had spent most of that year preparing his portfolio and hadn't paid much attention to the other students in his year. Still he smiled. “Yes I remember. What uh, have the two of you been getting on with since then?”

Daisy fixed Jon with a hard look that told him point blank that she didn’t give a damn about what he was saying, but Basira answered kindly enough. “We’re both trying to join the police academy. It’s been slow going though since we’re so young and neither of us have our degrees yet.”

Daisy nodded sagely as if to confirm Basira’s statement. Then she asked. “Are we gonna drink or what?”

Georgie smiled. “We are, Jon doesn’t drink.”

Jon waited for the inevitable mockery that always came when people found out he didn’t drink. Instead Basira said. “Yeah I get that. I’m technically not supposed to drink but here we are. Let’s go inside.”

...

Jon was really starting to regret coming out here a couple of hours into the night. The bar was crowded and the loud sounds of university students having fun was almost too much on it’s own. That coupled with the smell of alcohol and the sound of Georgie complaining drunkenly to Daisy about how her girlfriend was always ditching her for work or studying and you’d have a recipe for a very miserable Jon.

Jon’s mind started to wander off to the cold embrace of a melancholy nostalgia. It was surreal being here. He was surrounded by former classmates and his former high school sweetheart. Had this happened maybe six months ago, he might have been happy. Now he just felt nothing. He wanted to be like Georgie, to be able to move on and start over with his life after her. But he couldn’t. Though to his credit, he almost had.

Martin had been in Jon’s first year drafting class. He was quiet but not the way Jon was quiet. Martin was timid, borderlining on shy. But when he talked to him, Jon could feel his entire world come into focus. His mind always felt sharper when he sat beside Martin.

Once, when they’d left class late. Martin had asked him for a ride to the bus station. It was dark and cold and the air was thick and heavy with the smell of an approaching storm.

“Sure.” Jon had said, unable to disguise his own eagerness. “What station?”

Martin told him the station and they got in Jon’s car. It was old and cramped and had that weird used car smell but Martin seemed to blend right in until he just looked like he’d always been there. Like this was an old routine coming to fruition. They’d talked for the entire ten minute drive. Jon mostly tried to keep the conversation off himself. He was boring, pedestrian. It was Martin that was interesting. Jon learned that Martin was a fine arts major and that he dreamed of becoming a gallery artist. This had struck Jon as very odd. Gallery work required a lot of networking and one look at Martin had told him that Martin was not very good at networking.

When Jon had dropped Martin off at the bus station. Martin had smiled at him with the most charming of smiles. It was soft and warm with a subtle hint of sadness to it. Martin had thanked him for the ride and said, “See you later, Jon.” before boarding the bus that presumably took him home. That was the last time Jon ever saw Martin

They’d barely know each other more than a semester but Jon knew that he had fallen hard. He’d known it from the moment Martin had bumped into his drafting table that first day of class. So when Martin had stopped coming to class entirely, Jon had been worried. Martin was a lot of things; clumsy and timid being the two major ones. But he was always punctual.

So every day Jon kept an eye out for Martin and every day he felt a pang of disappointment when Martin was in absentia. Finally he just straight up asked his professor where Martin was. They’d told him he’d dropped out.

Jon had no reason to feel hurt by it. He barely knew Martin. They’d had one conversation outside of class. And yet, Jon couldn’t help the sense of hurt that flowed through him like boiling tar. Martin had just decided to drop out without a word to him. And Jon had no way of contacting him. No way of getting any explanation or closure. All he had now was the faded memory of a wonderfully mundane conversation and a horrible crush.

Jon forcibly roused himself from his destructive day dreaming and stood up from the booth. “I need some air.” He said, more to himself than to the group.

“Are you okay? Do you need me to come with you?” Basira asked but Jon just shook his head before walking back outside.

The night air was cold on his face. The sky was a deep inky black with the lights of the shops and bars illuminating an otherwise empty street. Jon stood under the neon orange sign of The Salty Pug and tried to focus on the world around him. Directly across the street from him was a dark alleyway. Bin bags were piled high up beside the overflowing dumpster but otherwise he couldn’t see much inside it. But he knew something was in that alleyway. He could feel it in the cold sweat that began to trickle down the back of his neck and in the shake of his palms.

“It’s rude to stare, you know?” The voice that came across the alleyway was quiet but also loud. It felt like the sound was coming from directly in front of him but he knew it was coming from inside the darkened alley. The voice was cold, and shook with a deep tremor. Not like the tremor of fear. No whatever was in that alley was not afraid of Jon.

Jon watched in horror and one of what he had thought was a bin bag uncurled itself into the vague outline of a man. He was shrouded in darkness but Jon could see that the vague shape of his hands, his large and sharp hands.

With a courage Jon didn’t know he possessed, he called out. “It’s rude to yell at people from across the damn street.”

“Hmmn,” The Quiet But Loud Voice spoke. “I suppose you’re right.”

There was a gust of warm air and the unmistakable sound of a wooden door slamming and then Jon felt a presence beside him. He turned to see a tall, blonde man standing beside him. He was handsome, but in an uncomfortable sort of way. His features taken on their own were beautiful: long curly blonde hair that fell to his waist, a high sharp face, and eyes that were neither brown nor blue nor any other shade that Jon could recognize. Assembled together however, it came to be quite unsettling a picture. Jon looked down at the man’s hands and saw that they were perfectly normal.

“Well Jon, you have my presence. What did you want to do with it?” The man’s voice was that same combination of quiet and loud. A combination that shouldn’t be possible and the impossibility of it made Jon’s head ache. Wait…

“I didn’t want your presence and how did you know my name?”

The man laughed and immediately Jon felt woozy. The sound seemed to bounce around his head like a bullet. “Oh but you did want my presence.”

“No I didn’t and how did you know my name? “Jon repeated.

“What is a name really but a sequence of letters and sounds used to denounce identification? It has no meaning or purpose.” The man grinned at Jon with shining white teeth that seemed to glow in the dark.

Again Jon repeated. “So why do you know mine?”

“I have been here for so long Jon. Do you think I do not know who comes and goes?” The man’s voice was dry with irritation and Jon felt a low dread settle in his stomach.

“I suppose.” Jon stammered. “But um, who are you then?”

The man smiled again. “I am not merely a who, I am a what Jonathan. But you may refer to me as Michael.”

Michael reached up and set his hand against Jon’s face and the buzz of fear and panic that shot through him was almost enough to send him to the floor in sheer terror. Michael’s hands were heavy, heavier than they should have been, and the ends of them were sharp and cutting. His, or possibly it’s, nails dug into the side of Jon’s cheek.

“See you later, Jonathan.” There was a slicing sound as Jon’s cheek was torn open. He hit the floor hard, clutching his face in pain. There was so much blood, more than there should have been. Jon must have hit the ground hard because he could feel a cold darkness seeping into the edges of his mind. The last thing he heard as unconsciousness began to overtake him was the sound of a wooden door closing.

#the magnus archives #tma #fanfic

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jasonwhorl73-blog · 5 years

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Fresh Fruit Compote

One thing I have always loved when travelling on the Continent are the breakfasts we have been offered at most of the places we have stayed overnight.

Europeans really know how to do breakfast right . . . with freshly baked rolls, breads or croissants . . . granola or muesli . . . fresh fruits, cheeses and sliced meats . . . yogurts . . . fresh fruit compotes.

When we were staying in Austria we had these beautiful stewed plums on offer each morning. I loved them and had them along with some yogurt and granola every morning while we were there. You might think I would get bored with that option, but I just didn't.

I actually enjoy a breakfast like that much more than any other kind. While I am hungry in the mornings, I am not fond of much that is heavy or that will lay on my stomach uncomfortably. I am a person who enjoys a light breakfast for the most part, unless it is much later in the morning or a brunch. Come brunch time, watch out!

Fruit compotes are a beautiful way to start your day, and they are so very easy to make. All you need is fruit and a sweetener of some kind.

You can use fresh or frozen fruit. Actually, a compote is a wonderful way to use that supermarket fresh fruit that doesn't seem to ripen properly. With a bit of honey or maple syrup, and cooked until soft, it turns into something very beautiful indeed.

You can use it on it's own, spooned over yogurt or granola, or layered in a glass with both . . .

You can layer it in jars when you are making your overnight oats . . .

Its great served as dessert with rice pudding. We especially love a cherry compote with rice pudding.

Its incredibly delicious served warm and spooned over cold vanilla ice cream!

This one here today is an apricot compote which I made using some apricots I had frozen from last year. I wanted to use them up before the new season starts.

I sweetened them with a bit of honey . . . so it's an honeyed apricot compote . . .

Incredibly delicious served layered in a glass with some of my homemade granola and plain yogurt. I could eat this every day, no kidding!

You can also use dried fruit, bearing in mind that you will have to soak them for a while first to plump them back up again. Prunes are especially delicious done this way.

I like to stick to simple sweeteners . . . natural ones, rather than sugar. When I do that I feel like an earth mother. I know . . . its all in my mind . . .

Yield: variableAuthor: Marie RaynerPrint Recipe

With ImageWithout Image

Fresh Fruit Compote

A very continental fruit compote is a beautiful way to add interest to your morning breakfast. Its also pretty fabulous spooned over scoops of vanilla bean ice cream.

ingredients:

450g fresh or frozen fruit

2 TBS honey or maple syrup

pinch salt

Variations:

Grated Lemon or orange zest (1/4 teaspoon added before cooking) (apples, pears, plums)

Ground cinnamon or ginger (1/4 teaspoon added before cooking) (apples and pears)

Vanilla extract or paste (1/2 teaspoon added after cooking) (all stone fruit goes well as does rhubarb)

Balsamic vinegar, white or dark (1 to 2 teaspoons added after cooking) (berries love this)

Lemon juice or orange juice (1 to 2 tablespoons added after cooking)

Fresh mint or basil leaves (add after cooking) (great with berries)

Freshly ground black pepper (to taste, add after cooking) (especially good with strawberries)

instructions:

First prepare your fruit for cooking. If you are using peaches or apricots you may want to remove the skin first. To do this, make an X on the bottom and then immerse into boiling water for about 60 seconds. The skin should then just slip off.

I like to peel apples and pears and core, discarding both the stem and bottom bits.

For any fruit with pits such as peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, etc. you will want to halve them and dispose of the pits.

You can keep small berries, such as currants, blackberries, raspberries, small strawberries or blueberries whole. Large berries should be cut in half.

Cut larger fruits into slices or cubes. If you are using frozen fruit, there is no need to do this, or to defrost.

Put the prepped fruit into a large non-reactive saucepan along with your sweetener of choice and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil over moderate heat. (This will take longer if you are using frozen fruit)

Reduce to a simmer and cook until the compote has reached your desired consistency. I like it when i has roughly reduced in volume by half. Mash with a potato masher if you want a smoother puree. I like a mix of chunks and puree.

Taste and adjust sweetening as desired with more syrup or honey. Cool completely and store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

NOTES:

Note - if you are using a really tart fruit, such as rhubarb, you will need to use appreciably more honey or syrup to make it palatable.

A fruit compote is a really delicious way to get in at least one of your five a day! Break out your Edith Piaf music, a hot pot of cocoa or coffee, some fresh croissants, yogurt and some muesli and you will feel for all the world like you are holidaying in France. True! Bon Appetit!

Source: https://theenglishkitchen.blogspot.com/2019/03/fresh-fruit-compote.html

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cookinginmyheels · 5 years

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It’s January. That first month of the year after a nonstop list of reasons to consume copious amounts of butter, bacon, gravy, taters, chocolate, wine and cheese….so much cheese. Basically all my favorite food groups. Unfortunately, the past two month’s food orgy is not exactly the best approach to a “healthy” lifestyle, or pants that button. But, that’s what November and December are for. And if you believe the countless articles, books, and social media posts assaulting your eyeballs and padded gut, January is for giving up everything you look forward to in November and December.

I suppose those who advocate for “dry-January”, “clean-eating” and every diet plan pushed into your visual feed daily have, in some respects, a point. It’s not a bad thing to reign in the unbridled lust for luscious treats served from Halloween to New Year’s Eve. If you ate that way all the time, not only would those things no longer be special, you’d have a hell of a time lifting yourself off the couch.

Problem is, if you eschew all of the fun stuff, it makes it hard to entertain during the “purge” months. And if you are like me, countless days of cold gray blechy days require some sort of diversion to get through, usually involving feeding friends. If I want to entertain, I need to find a way to do it and keep in mind that many of my friends are eating lighter. The solution? Soup!

Roasted Tomatillo Chicken Soup

OK, so maybe soup doesn’t exactly inspire excitement. “Hey kids! Who wants to come over for a dinner party of….SOUP!” But before you get visions of red cans of concentrated whatever, or Uncle Schmooey in a pair of bermudas and black socks ordering up the Blue Plate Special, let me explain.

There are few things more comforting or riper for a table full of “accompaniments” than soup. Start with a terrific recipe chock full of good stuff (or, several recipes), and add in some great bread or biscuits, a salad, a cheese plate, and the vast potential of soup toppingsand BINGO! A happy crowd of eaters who can still claim healthy eating. And they actually are.

Many soup recipes, especially the ones I’m going to share today, are easily adapted for those eating lighter, or are pretty “healthy” on their own. Make the indulgence of the meal the things that accompany the main course so folks can choose to have or not. Throwing a soup party is also going to be a little easier on your wallet, which is probably on a January diet too.

From a cook’s perspective, a soup party is the definition of a make-ahead event. Of the three recipes here, the only one that needs some last-minute action is topping the onion soup with a crouton and cheese and popping under the broiler for about 5 minutes before you serve. The potato leek and roasted tomatillo soups can just sit in pots on the stove warming until you want to serve. Or, if you have a crockpot or two (everyone I know has one so ask to borrow for the evening), just set them on warm and serve whenever. Hey! A soup menu would be super for SOUPERBOWL watching! (Sorry. I’ll stop now.) Make a few, have them all warm and ladle-ready with lots of toppings, go-withs, and a stack of bowls and everyone can have some of each!

However you want to do it, whether featuring just one or many, give a Soup Party a try. Because there is nothing better at chasing the chill of the mid-winter grays away than getting together with good friends, good food, and a cozy bowl or two. 😉

potato leek soup

Soup Party Menu

As I said, the best thing about a soup party is it’s make-ahead perfect and very flexible. You may want to build the whole thing around a particular type of cuisine, say French, Mexican, Asian, or make a few for a “round the world in soup” night. Or, you could make one, and invite your friends to bring a pot of their favorite to share. You add in some sort of bread/biscuits/popovers, a composed salad, cheese board and/or charcuterie plate, and you are good to go.

potato leek soup

For the soup:

I’ve included one soup that works well as a stand-alone, French Onion Soup Gratineé, (build a whole Late-Night in Paris menu around it), and two, Potato Leek Soup and Roasted Tomatillo Chicken Soup, which would go well together since one is creamy and the other brothy.

French Onion Soup Gratineé

Potato Leek Soup

Roasted Tomatillo Chicken Soup

And to go with it:

Mushroom & Gruyere Tart

Jim Lahey’s Pizza Bianca

Popovers

Cheese and Charcuterie board (this would be terrific for a French-themed night)

Sicilian Fennel and Blood Orange Salad or your favorite salad

And for dessert:

Affogato – a great vanilla ice cream with a pour-over of espresso or strong coffee

Here is where you answer “dessert” when friends ask what they can bring. 😉

Roasted Tomatillo Chicken Soup

Makes 6 Servings

I’ve literally been thinking of this soup every day since I came up with the idea. It has everything I love in a soup recipe – tangy heavily flavored broth with a little bit of heat and citrus, tender chicken, comes together in an hour, is very waistline friendly, and can stand perfectly well on its own or with an assortment of toppings. It’s pretty much the perfect soup. I’ve also been looking for an excuse to load a recipe up with two of my favorite ingredients – Frontera Crushed Roasted Tomatillos (with garlic and poblano), and Trader Joe’s Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. If you can’t find the tomatillos (Whole Foods carries them by me), you could roast your own, or just triple up on the amount of tomatillo salsa, and cut down on salt by using low salt broth.

INGREDIENTS

2 bags Frontera Crushed Roasted Tomatillos

1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Roasted Tomatillo Salsa, or your favorite salsa verde

1 onion, chopped

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 quart chicken stock

2 cups water

1/2 Knorr chicken bouillon cube (secret weapon to many soup-makers)

1 medium poblano pepper – roasted, skinned, seeded and chopped

A good handful cilantro leaves (about 1/2 cup), plus more for garnishing

Juice of one lime

Your favorite chili seasoning or chili powder (mine is Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning)

1 TBSP of olive oil

Salt and pepper

In a large soup pot, add the broth, water and 1/2 bouillon cube and bring to a slow boil. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts on both sides with the chili seasoning. When the broth is at a slow boil, add the chicken breasts, cover, and turn down heat to a simmer (should be bubbling slightly.) Cook the chicken breasts until they are tender and cooked through, about 25-30 minutes. Check them at 25 min to make sure they aren’t overcooking. You want to be able to just shred them.

While the chicken is cooking, heat the oil in a saute pan and sweat the onions with a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper over medium-low heat. You want them soft but not brown.

Roasting poblano: If you are lucky enough to have a grill that you use all year long, roast the poblano pepper on the grill until the skin is completely blackened. If you are like me and have a gas stove, you just plop the poblano onto one of the grills over the gas burner. Roasting on the stove isn’t really hard to do, plus it’s kind of badass. Just DON’T WALK AWAY. You have something on an open flame -you need to watch that sucker. You can also roast the pepper in a dry cast iron pan on the stove, or put it in a pan under the broiler, again keeping a close eye on it.

Once the skin of the pepper is black, put in bowl, cover with cling film and let steam a few minutes. Pull the skin off (easiest to do this by rubbing with paper towel), remove the seeds and chop the pepper. Add it to the onions.

Add the crushed roasted tomatillos and the salsa to the pan with the onions and peppers. Add the 1/2 cup of cilatro leaves and the juice from a lime, and simmer until the chicken breasts are ready.

Roasted Tomatillo Chicken Soup

When the chicken is tender and cooked through, remove from broth and shred chicken (not too small, nice generous bite-sized pieces). Set the chicken aside.

Add the onion-mixture to the broth. Bring to a slow boil and cook for about 15 minutes. Add in the shredded chicken and cook another 5 minutes or until everything is heated through. Taste for seasonings and add salt and pepper if needed.

Roasted Tomatillo Chicken Soup

Serve with a wedge of lime, sour cream or greek yogurt, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips.

If you like what you read here, please help me spread the word. Meantime, I’d love you to join me on Facebook (please click the ‘like’ button.)

DWF: Soup’s On! It's January. That first month of the year after a nonstop list of reasons to consume copious amounts of butter, bacon, gravy, taters, chocolate, wine and cheese....so much cheese.

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vincentpennington · 7 years

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Paleo Hiyashi Chūka (Cold “Ramen” Salad)

This week’s sweltering summer heat made me crave the chilled Asian noodle salads from my pre-Paleo days, so I decided to create a Paleo Hiyashi Chūka (a.k.a. Cold “Ramen” Salad).

What’s hiyashi chūka, you ask? In short, it’s a refreshing summertime ramen salad—cold noodles served with a vibrant assortment of colorful toppings and seasoned with a chilled tare sauce, a sweet, umami-packed soy sauce flavored with mirin, vinegar, and dashi. Influenced by Chinese and Western cuisines, this 20th-century Japanese invention literally means “chilled Chinese food.” I have fond memories of slurping up bowls of hiyashi chūka while Henry and I ate our way through Kyoto; when we returned to San Francisco, we were determined to seek it out in Japantown.

Or, rather, I was determined to seek it out. Henry just tagged along to humor me.

Sadly, like many Asian dishes, hiyashi chūka doesn’t easily lend itself to being Paleo-ized. News flash: Ramen isn’t exactly a staple of caveman cuisine. I resigned myself to a ramen-free existence…until I saw on Instagram that my pal Kyle Hildebrant was frequenting a ramen joint in Portland that served a grain-free version using spiralized vegetables. Naturally, I had to go check it out myself.

And as usual, Henry tagged along to humor me.

Yes, you can get #glutenfree, spiralized-veggie ramen in Portland! Thanks to a tip from our pal @kylehildebrant, we went to @kayosramenbar for lunch! So, so good! #nomnomeatspdx

A post shared by Michelle Tam (@nomnompaleo) on Jun 27, 2017 at 12:19pm PDT

The spiralized veggie noodles at Kayo’s Ramen Bar were fantastic in steaming broth, but in this hot hot heat, I knew what I really wanted was a bowl of hiyashi chūka. Plus, I had a sneaking suspicion that one of my new sauces from Ready or Not!, our upcoming cookbook, could double as the dipping sauce.

And guess what? It worked!

This veggie-packed, Whole30-friendly version of hiyashi chūka uses spiralized and blanched daikon noodles in place of cold ramen, and my All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce replaces the traditional soy-based tare. But just like the original, this chilled “ramen” salad is topped with a rainbow-hued assortment of julienned meat and veggies that you can customize according to your preferences.

If “All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce” doesn’t ring a bell, it will soon. This is my go-to sauce for stir-fries, marinades, stews, and much, much more. The recipe’s in the “Get Set!” section of our Ready or Not! cookbook, but I’m spilling the beans here today because EVERYONE needs some in their kitchen arsenal. (Note: The recipe for the sauce below is for ¼ of what I’d normally whip up, so do the math—or buy our cookbook!—to make a pint-size container to keep in the fridge.) Of course, if you’ve preordered our cookbook and downloaded the bonus thank you gifts, you already got the recipe as part of the 50-page preview of the books! (Fill out this form to claim your preorder gifts.)

The whole point of Ready or Not! is to arm you with easy to prepare meals that you can cook whether you’re ready or not—and All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce is one of the insanely versatile staples that’ll make cooking a breeze. If our cookbook hadn’t already gone to print months ago, this recipe for hiyashi chūka would be featured smack dab in the “Kinda Ready!” section as a prime example of how to combine pre-made ingredients to transform and elevate your leftovers in minutes.

If you have a bottle of All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce on hand and some extra Paleo Char Siu (remember how I told you last week that I’d show you how to repurpose your leftover char siu?), this recipe will take no time at all. Don’t have any char siu sitting in the fridge? No worries—just top your ramen salad with whatever veggies and meat you have lying around. Think of this as a choose-your-own-adventure meal.

Note about daikon: Yes, you need to blanch and chill the spiralized daikon to get the proper noodle texture and remove the radish-y flavor. Trust me: It’s worth the extra step. Too much work and/or can’t find daikon at the grocery store? Substitute raw zucchini instead! No excuses, bub.

Time to break out your spiralizer!

Serves 2

Ingredients:

¼ cup coconut aminos

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1½ teaspoons rice vinegar

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon ginger powder

¼ teaspoon sesame oil

2 large eggs

Diamond Crystal brand kosher salt

1 teaspoon ghee

1 pound daikon

½ pound leftover Paleo Char Siu (or your fave cooked protein), sliced into matchsticks

½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters

½ English cucumber, cut into matchsticks

1 large carrot, cut into thin matchsticks with a knife or julienne peeler

¼ cup broccoli sprouts

1 scallion, thinly sliced on the diagonal

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Shredded toasted nori (optional)

Equipment:

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Small jar

Cutting board

Chef’s knife

Cast iron griddle or skillet

Silicone spatula

The Inspiralizer or Oxo Spiralizer

Julienne Peeler

Vegetable Peeler

Bowls

Large pot

Colander

Method:

First, shake up a mini jar of All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce! In a small jar, combine the coconut aminos, orange juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and sesame oil.

Screw on the lid and shake vigorously. Label the jar and store in the fridge for up to two weeks in advance.

When you’re ready to make the hiyashi chūka, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, assemble the rest of the ingredients. Crack the eggs into a bowl and add about a ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt.

Beat it. (Beat it, beat it, beat it, no one wants to be defeated.)

Heat a large cast iron skillet, griddle, or nonstick pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the ghee. Once it’s melted, pour in the whisked eggs, gently tilting the pan so that the egg covers the surface and forms a thin omelet. As soon as the omelet has set, flip it over and cook on the other side for about 30 seconds or until cooked through.

Transfer the omelet to a cutting board and fold it into thirds before thinly slicing cross-wise. Set aside.

In the meantime, grab your daikon. Cut the ends off, and peel off the skin. I like to use fat, straight daikon for spiralizing. Depending on the size of your daikon (and the number of folks you’re serving), you may need only half of a large one.

Spiralize the daikon, and set the daikon “ramen” aside.

Prepare a large bowl of ice water and a colander. (You’ll be boiling the daikon for only a minute or two, so you’ll need to be prepared to drain and chill the noodles quickly.)

When the water in the pot is boiling, add a large pinch of salt. Transfer the daikon noodles to the boiling water and give them a good stir.

Cook the noodles for 1-2 minutes or until soft, but still al dente.

Immediately drain the daikon noodles and transfer them to the ice water bath.

Once the noodles are chilled, fish ’em out and dump them back in the colander to drain completely.

Divide the daikon into two large bowls.

Top with Paleo Char Siu, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, broccoli sprouts, scallions, sesame seeds, and nori. Or with whatever you have in the fridge!

Make it pretty, okay? We eat with our eyes, too!

Pour on the All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce right before serving and adjust the amount to your taste. Mix everything up, and slurp it all down!

Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!

PRINTER-FRIENDLY RECIPE CARD

Paleo Hiyashi Chūka (Cold “Ramen” Salad)

Prep 10 mins

Cook 10 mins

Inactive 10 mins

Total 30 mins

Author Michelle Tam

Yield 2 servings

Ingredients

¼ cup coconut aminos

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1½ teaspoons rice vinegar

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon ginger powder

¼ teaspoon sesame oil

2 large eggs

Diamond Crystal brand kosher salt

1 teaspoon ghee

1 pound daikon

½ pound leftover Paleo Char Siu (or your fave cooked protein), sliced into matchsticks

½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters

½ English cucumber, cut into matchsticks

1 large carrot, cut into thin matchsticks with a knife or julienne peeler

¼ cup broccoli sprouts

1 scallion, thinly sliced on the diagonal

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Shredded toasted nori (optional)

Instructions

First, shake up a mini jar of All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce! In a small jar, combine the coconut aminos, orange juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and sesame oil. Screw on the lid and shake vigorously. Label the jar and store in the fridge for up to two weeks in advance.

Transfer the omelet to a cutting board and fold it into thirds before thinly slicing cross-wise. Set aside.

Prepare a large bowl of ice water and a colander. (You’ll be boiling the daikon for only a minute or two, so you’ll need to be prepared to drain and chill the noodles quickly.)

When the water in the pot is boiling, add a large pinch of salt. Transfer the daikon noodles to the boiling water and give them a good stir. Cook the noodles for 1-2 minutes or until soft, but still al dente.

Immediately drain the daikon noodles and transfer them to the ice water bath. Once the noodles are chilled, fish ’em out and dump them back in the colander to drain completely.

Divide the daikon into two large bowls. Top with Paleo Char Siu, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, broccoli sprouts, scallions, sesame seeds, and nori. Or with whatever you have in the fridge!

Pour on the All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce right before serving and adjust the amount to your taste. Mix everything up, and slurp it all down!

Notes

Yes, you need to blanch and chill the spiralized daikon to get the proper noodle texture and remove the radish-y flavor. Trust me: It’s worth the extra step. Too much work and/or can’t find daikon at the grocery store? Substitute raw zucchini instead! No excuses, bub.

Courses Dinner

Cuisine Japanese, Paleo, Gluten-free, Whole30

The post Paleo Hiyashi Chūka (Cold “Ramen” Salad) appeared first on Nom Nom Paleo®.

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