#brunch that extends into coffee shop reading trips

[handbagfashionexpert]

Beach Basket Bags for Every Occasion: From Picnics to Pool Parties

Beach basket bags have long been associated with sandy shores, saltwater waves, and lazy beach days. However, their versatility extends far Basket bags for beaches are more than just beachside accessories; they are versatile companions for a wide range of occasions. Beyond the beach, making them a stylish and practical accessory for various occasions. Let’s explore how these bags can effortlessly transition from the beach to any social gathering, adding a touch of charm and functionality to your ensemble.

The Classic Beach Day

Of course, the primary purpose of beach basket bags is for a day at the beach. Their spacious interiors are designed to accommodate your beach essentials, from sunscreen and towels to a good book and snacks. Their open-weave designs help prevent sand from accumulating inside while allowing your beach gear to breathe.

Picnic in the Park

When you’re headed to the park for a picnic with friends or family, your beach basket bag can easily double as a stylish picnic basket. Pack your sandwiches, fruit, and refreshments inside, along with a cozy blanket, utensils, and some colorful napkins. With your bag in tow, you’re all set for a delightful day outdoors.

Farmers’ Market Finds

Heading to the local farmers’ market for fresh produce and artisanal goodies? Your beach basket bag is an eco-friendly and practical choice for carrying your purchases. Its spacious interior allows you to organize and showcase your market finds while reducing the need for disposable bags.

Casual Shopping Spree

Whether you’re wandering through boutiques or exploring a quaint seaside town, your beach basket bag can serve as a shopping companion. It’s roomy enough to accommodate your newly acquired treasures, and its natural or vibrant colors add a touch of style to your shopping ensemble.

Poolside Glamour

Beach basket bags are not limited to the beach; they are equally at home at poolside gatherings. Their open-weave design allows your wet swimsuits and towels to dry while keeping your poolside essentials, like sunscreen, shades, and a good beach read, within easy reach.

Brunch with Friends

Beach basket bags are not just for outdoor events. They make charming additions to brunch or coffee dates with friends. Pair your bag with a sundress and sandals for a relaxed yet sophisticated look, and you have a delightful accessory that can carry your wallet, phone, and small essentials.

Music Festivals and Outdoor Concerts

Music festivals and outdoor concerts call for comfortable and stylish accessories. A beach basket bag can provide the perfect balance of functionality and boho-chic style. Use it to carry your tickets, a water bottle, a compact camera, and any festival swag you pick up along the way.

Dinner Al Fresco

When dining al fresco on a warm summer evening, your beach basket bag can complete your outfit while accommodating your evening essentials. Slip in your wallet, keys, sunglasses, and a compact makeup pouch, and you have the ideal companion for a relaxing outdoor dinner.

Family Barbecues and Gatherings

Family gatherings and barbecues are synonymous with relaxation and fun. Your beach basket bag can help you carry snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and your favorite book, ensuring you have everything you need for an enjoyable day with loved ones.

Casual Weekend Outings

On weekends, when you’re not sure where the day will take you, a beach basket bag can be a versatile accessory. It’s perfect for spontaneous outings to the beach, park, or even a last-minute shopping trip. Its adaptability ensures you’re always prepared.

Conclusion

Basket bag beaches are more than just beachside accessories; they are versatile companions for a wide range of occasions. From picnics in the park to poolside parties and casual shopping sprees, these bags effortlessly transition from one setting to another, adding charm and functionality to your ensemble. Their eco-friendly and roomy designs make them not only stylish but also practical for various events in your social calendar. So, whether you’re lounging by the water’s edge or enjoying a day in the park, your beach basket bag can be your trusty sidekick for any occasion.

#Beach basket bag #bags

[slapshot-to-the-heart]

bright lights and baseless worries - q. hughes

When ya girl is finally on a monthlong break from school, she’s able to get in more than one piece a week. I knew I wanted to do some holiday piece for Quinn, and 100% got this idea in the shower the other day and just sat down and got to writing. In my totally unbiased opinion, it’s very cute, and I’d love to hear what you think - I love reading the tags on reblogs and having y’all in my inbox!

word count: 3.3k+

“Do you want to meet my parents?” 

Your fork stopped halfway to your mouth, the spaghetti threatening to fall off the end. “Do I want to what?”

Quinn laughed, taking a sip of water as he sat across from you at his dining room table. “Do you want to meet my parents? They’re flying in after the next roadie, in a week and a half or so. They really want to meet you, but I get if you don’t want to, or you feel like it’s too soon. I’ll make up an excuse for you, say you were called into work for some big project or something that you can’t get away from.” 

You weren’t sure if there was some unspoken protocol for when was too soon to meet your boyfriend’s parents, but you were pretty sure six months wasn’t pushing it. “Quinn, I’m still in university,” you said with a laugh. “There’s no work for me to get called into. And I’d love to meet them, if you’re sure that’s what you want. I don’t want you feeling like you have to because your parents want to meet me. I want it to be because you want it too.”

“Of course I want you to meet them,” he said, smiling softly at you. “Almost more than that, I want them to meet you. Sure, you’ve seen each other over FaceTime and they know what I’ve told them about you—”

“All good things, I hope?” You quipped.

The corner of his lips twitched. “Nothing but the best. But you’re incredible, and I want them to be able to meet  you, so they get to see how amazing you are in person and don’t think I’m crazy any more for how much I talk about you, So there’s that.” 

You ducked your head, tapping your fingers against the dark grain of the table. “Well, I’d love to meet them, Q. Anyone who’s spent any length of time around you knows how much you love your family, and I’m so excited to finally get to know the people who raised you into the incredible man you are today.”

Quinn blushed shyly. “It’s going to be great.”

---

Vancouver in December had always been one of your favorite things. Vancouver any time, really, but the holiday season really let your hometown shine something special. Literally. From the first of the month, all of downtown was decked out from tree to storefront to lamppost in yards of bright, sparkling lights. And then there was the massive, hundred-foot tall Christmas tree that lit up the square in front of the art gallery, throngs of couples and little kids running up to its branches in a bid to get their picture taken. It had finally started to snow a few weeks ago, so a light dusting covered the sidewalks, giving way to the shoe prints of the hundreds of passersby. 

Downtown was where you found yourself now, wandering around on a Wednesday afternoon after you had been let out of your final, your purse on your shoulder and nothing but sheer worry in your heart. Quinn had come back from the road trip that morning; his parents were set to fly in tomorrow morning. His parents were set to fly in tomorrow morning, well under 24 hours away, and you had no clue what to get them. You had been in clothing stores, homegoods stores, souvenir shops, but were no closer to figuring out what to buy. You had been about to buy a nice bottle of wine, one of yours and Quinn’s favorites, but then you wondered if maybe it was weird to give wine at a first meeting, or if they’d look at you funny for gifting a bottle of pinot grigio when you were only 21. And it had to be something they could bring back on the plane, so nothing that was too fragile or something that might spill or anything with over 3.4 ounces of liquid. You should have thought about that before considering the wine. 

You had texted your roommates in a panic, but letting them know that i’m meeting quinn’s parents tomorrow and I have no idea what the FUCK to get them please help hadn’t yielded any particularly useful suggestions. Aliya had suggested a tie for his dad, which Sara had vetoed immediately, saying that a tie was both far too formal and far too strange a gift to extend. Sara, who was the apartment’s resident caffeine addict, had recommended a few of her recent favorite types of “artisan, hand-roasted coffee.” It had seemed like a good idea at first, with everyone and their mother getting into craft versions of every drink imaginable, but then you started overthinking it, thinking that maybe they wouldn’t like the roast, or the undertones, or it would be too bitter and they’d drink it and hate it and then they’d hate you and — 

You huffed, pressing the heels of your hands to your eyes and leaning up against the column of some storefront you had spent less than five minutes in. Quinn chose that exact moment to call, and his timing couldn’t have been any more welcome. “God, I’m such a mess right now,” you said by way of greeting. 

“Everything good?” He asked lightly, but you could hear the concern laced under his voice. 

“Yeah,” you said, nodding, “but I’ve been to at least a half-dozen stores in downtown and I’m starting to get worried because I still have absolutely no clue what to get your parents tomorrow and nobody seems to have any good ideas.”

“You realize you don’t have to get them anything, right?” Quinn asked. “Seriously, they’re not expecting it, and I promise they won’t think any less of you if you don’t.”

You snorted, rolling your eyes. “Q, my mom’s going to skin me alive if she heard I showed up empty-handed to meet your parents, but that’s besides the point. I want to make a good impression.” Your voice cracked. “I really want to make a good impression.”

He sighed on the other end of the line. “I know you do, babe, but I guarantee that no matter if you buy my dad a Rolex or show up in your pyjamas, they’re going to love you.”

“But how do you know that?”

“They’ll love you because I love you.” He spent a few more minutes on the phone with you, trying his damndest to reassure you that Jim and Ellen weren’t nearly as scary as you somehow thought they were, that they’d welcome you with open hearts and open arms just like his brothers had. The Devils had played in Vancouver the month prior, and much to Quinn’s delight, you and Jack had gotten along like a house on fire. Jack had made good on a promise he had made while he was in British Columbia, sending you a cache of Quinn’s baby photos as soon as he got back to his apartment in New Jersey. 

You slid your phone back into your pocket after ending the call, feeling marginally more reassured that his parents wouldn’t immediately demand you break up with their son if you didn’t spend the equivalent of a year’s tuition on welcome gifts for them, but nervous nonetheless and no closer to your goal than when you drove into downtown hours before. 

---

You tapped your heel nervously on the floor of Quinn’s living room, fingers nervously twisting your rings around as Quinn leaned up against the couch, glancing between you and his phone. “Mom says they’re almost here.” Quinn would have picked them up from the airport himself, but he had had a morning practice, and then they decided to get settled into their hotel room, so them coming over to his apartment before you were all set to go out to dinner was the first time either of you were going to see them. He looked at you, your brow still furrowed from overthinking. “I know you’re still worried, and I get that, babe. I was terrified when I met your parents for the first time. But you’re going to do amazing.” Your parents lived in Surrey, forty minutes away in the same house you’d grown up in, so it was a much less formal affair when they had asked to meet Quinn. You went over to their house for brunch one weekend, and that was it; Quinn was right, though. That hadn’t meant he was any less nervous. If anything, it only amplified his worries because if he wasn’t able to make a good first impression in one of the most low-stress environments a person could think of, what would that say about him? What would your parents think? But just like he said, it had been such a non-issue that by the end, he was wondering what he had been worried about in the first place. 

“I know it’ll be fine,” you conceded, resting your head in the crook of his neck. “It just seems different, somehow. Like, I’ve met people’s parents before, friends and exes and people at school, and of course I wanted them to like me. I think it’s just…” You paused, looking up at the ceiling and trying to gather your words, “I think it’s because I see this, us, going somewhere. I see it lasting. So if you’re going to be in my life for the foreseeable future, then so are they, so it just seems that much more important that I like them and that they like me.” 

Quinn bent over, pressing a quick kiss to your lips. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Don’t worry.” The doorbell rung, and you took the thirty seconds it took for Quinn to go over and open it to turn your phone on, checking in the camera to make sure you didn’t have a piece of kale stuck in your teeth. You didn’t, but you really should have known better. Quinn would have told you. 

You stood up, plastering a smile on your face as he pulled the door open and his parents stepped into the entryway. His dad had just hugged him when his mom pulled him in, rubbing his back as she greeted him. “So good to see you, Quinn, Chag sameach.”

“Chag sameach, Mom,” Quinn said back, before stepping back and nodding to you. You stepped forward hesitantly, Quinn’s warm hand on the small of your back quelling your fears as much as he could. 

He had barely opened his mouth to introduce you before his mom burst forward. “Is this her?” 

You relaxed slightly, nodding. “In the flesh. So nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Weinberg-Hughes.”

She waved you off. “Ellen, seriously. Don’t worry about it. It’s so nice to finally get to see you in person!” She pulled you into a hug that looked just as heartfelt as the one she had given her son, and it only took a few seconds for you to relax into her touch. 

“Jim,” his dad greeted you with a warm handshake. 

You turned back towards the coffee table. “I, uh, got these for you two when I was downtown the other day.” You handed his mom a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and his dad a potted succulent, something you originally hadn’t been too sure about but Quinn had assured you his dad would love. “It’s got a travel-safe box that came with it, so it’ll be good to go on the plane ride back,” you said. 

His dad smiled. “Quinn told you I’m not much of a green thumb, hm?” Quinn’s eyes widened; his dad laughed. “It’s true, I love plants but I seem to somehow kill everything I touch, so this really is a wonderful gift. Thank you.” 

“Did you light the candles yet?” His mom asked. 

Quinn shook his head, nodding to where his menorah sat on the sideboard. “I wanted to wait for you.” If his mom was going to be there for the first night of Hanukkah, he was going to wait for her if he valued his own well-being. The candles were already in a box off to the side; Ellen opened them and placed first the shamash, then the first candle all the way to the right as Quinn went into the kitchen for a lighter, coming out a second later. You made to move out of the room, unsure if it was disrespectful to stay. You got your answer quickly. 

“Stay,” Quinn said. “I’d like it if you stayed.”

“It’s part of the tradition that the whole family — whoever’s around, obviously, stays for the lighting. That’s you, now,” Ellen explained. Your cheeks burned, but not out of embarrassment. Out of the fact that Quinn had been exactly right, just like you knew he would be, just like he had told you he would be. His parents welcomed you quicker than your own best friend’s had, and five minutes after meeting them in person for the first time his mom had already all but called you family. You were giddy inside. You perched on the couch as she and Quinn recited the Hebrew blessings, a soft smile on your face as you watched the interaction. You knew your boyfriend loved his mom. That much was clear, from the times you were both on FaceTime to the phone conversations you overheard to the way that he spoke about her with Brock, or Elias, or really anyone who would listen. But it was something special. 

You gathered in the living room after the menorah was lit, your heels abandoned by the door and your body curled into Quinn’s as the four of you waited for the candles to burn down. Ellen and Jim supplemented Jack’s childhood stories of Quinn with some of their own, one of which had your boyfriend groaning into your shoulder, asking his dad if you really needed to know that story in particular. Jim just laughed, clapping his son on the back, telling him that the embarrassing anecdotes were really a litmus test of sorts. “If she doesn’t run after hearing this one, you’ll know that she’s a keeper,” he said while winking at you. You stayed. 

You had a 6:30 reservation at a restaurant downtown, some place one of the other guys’ girlfriends had recommended when you sent a message in the group chat earlier asking where to take Quinn’s parents because I def don’t want to seem pretentious but like they also need to know that I have taste. He drove with his dad in the passenger’s seat, leaving you and his mom to share the second row. “Have you ever seen his freshman year roster photo from Michigan?” she asked, pulling out her phone. 

Quinn groaned from the driver’s seat. “Mom, do you really need to show her?”

“You’re so young, it’s cute!” Ellen protested.

“I was 17 and didn’t know how to do my hair yet and was so nervous for the photographer to take it that my smile looks like it was frozen onto my face.”

You ducked your head, poorly concealing a snort of laughter. “Okay, if it’s half as good as Quinn makes it seem, I’ve got to see this one.” Ellen handed her phone to you just as Quinn pulled into the parking lot; you handed it back a minute later, the grin on your face still evident as he parked the car, walking around to your side to open your door. 

Picture didn’t scare you off?” he asked jokingly. 

You stood up quickly, pressing a brief kiss against his cheek. “Not at all.”

The food was incredible, not like you had expected any less. The salmon was maybe the best you had ever had, and the crème brûlée you and Quinn shared was nothing short of spectacular. You had left the last bite for him, knowing how much he loved the dessert, but he shook his head with a small smile, gently pushing the bowl back to you. The gesture hadn’t been missed by his mom, who had poorly concealed her happiness at her son’s kindness. You headed back to Quinn’s apartment after a walk by the harbor with his parents, a little after nine. “We got you two a little something,” his dad said as his mom reached into her purse. 

“Oh, you didn’t have to,” you said quickly as Ellen pulled out a small, flat wrapped package.

“It’s nothing big,” she promised. “Just something we thought would look nice in here,” she gestured around the living room with her spare hand., holding it out to you. “Happy Hanukkah.”

Your face burst into a grin as Quinn looked over at the photo, his thumb moving absentmindedly over your shoulder. “Happy Hanukkah, Ellen.” You ran your thumb carefully under the seams, popping open the paper with as much precision as the moment was affording you. You unfolded it, looking up at your boyfriend. “Hang on. Is this…?” 

He nodded. “I think so.” You were looking down at a picture, set in a silver frame that shone so much you could see your reflection. But it wasn’t a normal picture, one that you’d throw up on your Instagram story or delete from your camera roll without a second thought. It was from that September, a few months after you and Quinn had started dating and the first time he had taken you to meet the boys. You had already met Brock and Elias a few weeks earlier when they came back into town for training, but it was the first night he had really let you into his life in that way, started to take down some of his walls and trust you with every part of himself. You had been curled up with Quinn on a couch in Brock’s living room, towards the end of a party he had thrown to welcome everyone to the start of a new season. You didn’t even remember what Quinn was talking about, but as you looked down at the photo, his arm wrapped loosely around your waist and your head resting on his chest, you realized that it could have been Poptarts or Disney movies or the deepest darkest secrets from the furthest parts of your soul, because it was you, and it was him, and that’s all that mattered. You didn’t even realize you had started to tear up until Quinn handed you a tissue. “Thanks,” you mumbled. You looked back up at his parents, crumbling it in your hand. “Seriously, Jim, Ellen, thank you for this. I don’t know why I’m reacting like this, but thank you for getting it. It means a lot.” 

His dad gave you a hug as his mom moved over to Quinn’s kitchen, plucking her bouquet out of a vase and walking back over to hug first her son, then you. “Don’t worry about it. If you’re half the woman Quinn says you are, and I think you’re more, then you deserve the world.” 

Your cheeks heated as they walked through the front door. Quinn gently took the picture from you, admiring it as he padded over to the sideboard and placed it next to the menorah, whose candles had long since burnt down. He walked back over towards you, placing a soft kiss on your forehead. He pulled back, a wry smile on his face as your foreheads pressed together. “Do you finally believe me?”

He didn’t even have to explain his words, because you knew. Finally believe him that you didn’t have anything to worry about, finally believe him that his parents would love you, finally believe him that thing you had going on wasn’t one he wanted to give up on. Not now, not ever. Your head nodded before your words could catch up to you, spilling out of your mouth like they had always been there. “Yes.”

#hockey imagines #quinn hughes #hockey writing #hockey imagine #hockey #nhl imagines #nhl imagine #nhl writing #nhl

[mochilici0us]

One New Message | jjk (4)

➳ 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: angst, thriller, stalker au

➳ 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Skye realizes she has to deal with a ruthless stalker when the messages she’s constantly receiving are getting more and more threatening. A stalker that makes her recall memories of the past she swore she would never rake up again

➳ 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: 2,5k

prologue, part one, part two, part three, part four

April 2013

''Skye can you pass me the milk please?'' my father kindly requests while we enjoy our breakfast. They enjoy to be exact. I can hardly take part in their conversation, my mind is away.

My eyes can't stop following her skinnier, exhausted figure moving from the kitchen to the dining haul and serving breakfast.

Something's up these days, she avoids eye contact with me at all costs, we haven't even talked properly. She's acting cold towards me just muttering a few weak goodmornings and goodnights. Yeah, those are the only words I've exchanged with my ''best friend'', not even a little talk to catch up with each other's news.

''Ruby can you fetch me some honey?'' my mother yells so that Ruby listens from the kitchen. A few seconds after she appears holding a jar of honey. Even her walk is stiff, I'm genuinely concerned about her health.

''Here you are'' I'm sure she can feel my burning gaze as she leaves the honey on the table and finally after a week our eyes meet.

Shit, she looks so pale, dark circles under her red eyes, chipped lips, I can even practically see her facial bones. To my surprise she doesn't look annoyed or angry. She just glances at me tiredly, as if she had quit living.

My piercing gaze on the other hand is anything but calm and sympathetic. She's clearly sick, something's eating her alive and instead of sharing her concerns with me she stays away?

Our eye contact lasts only for a few seconds but it's strong enough to show my restrained rage.

She realizes it immediately, averts her gaze and leaves like the coward she is.

''This weekend I'm leaving on an unexpected business trip'' my father announces and takes a sip of his coffee right after

''Again? You were on a business trip last week'' my mother fires back

''Do you think it's up to me? For your information I'd rather stay home and relax with my family''

''I don't mean it's your fault I just...''

''You make me feel terrible every time I have to tell you about a businesstrip. I can't talk to my family without restrictions anymore Christen''

''Ok I'm sorry don't get mad'' my mother lowers her eyes and apologises quickly before my father gets more angry.

Sometimes I admire my dad. He's so manipulative but not in a bossy way, he always prevails upon my mother with sensible arguments, voice laced with sweetness.

He's so diplomatic, no doubt he has built such a great career

''Darling why are you not eating?'' my mother remarks as I fiddle with the spoon. The bowl of granola cereals is untouched.

''I have no appetite. I have to go to school anyway, I'm late'' I pretendto study my watch and stand up

''Do you want me to come with you?'' my father suggests

''Nο it's ok I can walk''

''Skye are you sure everything's ok?'' I hear my mother's voice as I head towards the living room to grab my backpack.

''I'm fine mum I just didn't sleep well. See you later''

As I'm about to exit alone Ruby appears out of nowhere. Her body posture screams nervousness.

''You didn't eat your breakfast'' she speaks quietly biting her already chopped lips

She's been avoiding me for a week and now she pretends to be a thoughtful friend. She made me feel depressed, cry myself to sleep thinking what the hell I did wrong and now she plays dumb?

I just stay still without answering, my intense eyes glued to her wandering ones. She doesn't even dare to look at my eyes.

She clears her throat ''Here''she takes a fresh hand-made sandwich out of her pocket and extends her hand. I eye her hand without moving an inch.

''You can eat it instead. You look like a sceleton'' I spit my venom and walk out of my house without sparing her a glance.

It was too late when I realized what I had said.

''I love spaghetti but my mother never cooks. My dad says she cooks terrible but that's a secret'' Grace's friend Lisa whispers and pretends to seal her lips. She's so cute.

''Don't worry your secret is safe''

She nods and digs into her food again. Under other circumstances I wouldn't have cooked but today Susan picked up both Grace and Lisa so I couldn't disoblige her. Her puppy eyes gave me enough courage to get up and cook even though I'm still in a cast.

The three of us are sitting in the dining table and enjoying my home-made bolognese spaghetti. I was never good at cooking, I couldn't cook to save my life to be exact but I had to learn how for Grace. So I practiced and practiced till I reached my goal, I didn't want to become the new master chef, just learn how to cook some basic things so that Grace eats home-made food. In the beginning I would constantly fail but practice makes perfect.

''Eat your veggies as well girls'' I gesture at the bowl of salad.

They both nod like good girls and do as I say. They're so freaking adorable. Lisa has short black hair with bangs and chocolate brown eyes. She's small but taller than Grace. She comes by often, most of the times I pick her up from school as well since Grace and her are classmates.

Her favorite foods are spaghetti, steak with baby potatoes and vegetable fried rice. Let's not forget my signature fruit smoothie which I always serve with vanilla frosting cupcakes.

We always sit and eat together, exchanging news, telling jokes. I really enjoy their interactions, they look like two tiny dumplings.

"What did you do in school today?" I ask intertwining my fingers

"We drew our dream gardens, mine has a huge swimming pool" Lisa hurries to answer

"Mine has a plenty of colorful flowers and a big telescope on the center to admire the stars. And the Sky. Sky as we say Skye" Grace jokes shyly, puffing her flushed cheeks. Lisa bursts into a laughter once she gets the joke.

"Good one Grace" I wink at my little sister who resembles a puppy waiting for a praise.

After a while we're finally done with the food. I really missed cooking and eating my own food, Susan cooks pretty decently as well but I was craving so bad for some of my spaghetti.

''Did you enjoy your meal girls?'' I eye the empty plates

''Yeah!''they both cheer

''Go to play now while I prepare your fruits''

The two small kitties obey and walk towards the room wiggling their small butts. I can't help but chuckle at them.

My eyes land on the dirty dining table as I sigh disappointed, washing the dishes is definitely the worst part of cooking and eating. No matter how much I enjoy preparing food and trying new recipes, the process of cleaning after is terrible. I'm going to wash the dishes later I think and slowly proceed to my big kitchen to cut fruits for the girls, my hands holding the crutches tight.

Being on my feet isn't the best idea whatsoever but tomorrow I'm having my cast removed so my ankle is pretty much healed.

I go for strawberries, bananas and pears and also pick two colorful bowls.

As I already mentioned tomorrow I'm having my cast removed. My stomach twitches in anticipation. Will he be there? Two weeks have passed but I still find myself thinking of him before sleeping even though the picture of him is blurry and distant. Just a memory, a distant picture of him is enough to keep me up at night...

I brush away these thoughts and throw the fruits into the bowls, adding some honey on top and voila! A quick and healthy sweet fruit salad.

"Girls come on" I yell and wait for the two little ones to arrive, trying to distract my mind from unwanted thoughts.

What I know for sure is that tomorrow is a big day....

"You're finally able to walk again, I'm so happy'' Susan cheers and hugs me tight as we exit the hospital. Unfortunately I didn't have my cast removed by the pretty doctor, he didn't even appear to be exact.

Disappointed but not suprised

The young cute nurse was there though, she recognized me and even greeted me, I was THIS close to ask about him but my pride didn't allow me.

''How are you feeling?'' Her hand strokes my back

''Weird'' I respond eyeing my healed ankle ''I was used to walking on crutches''

Indeed last 2 weeks I would only walk using my crutches, they had become a part of my routine. I certainly feel better now though, well-rested,healthy, ready to return to reality.

''Let's go, I'm treating you to brunch.. There are so many things we have to catch up on after''

''W-what do you mean?'' I stutter scared because I have a feeling that I already know her answer

''Shopping therapy of course''

Oh no...

''Susan are you kidding I just removed my cast''

''Sweetheart you know I wouldn't drag you along unless I had a reason. Next Tuesday is Yoongi's birthday party, we have to get our outfits''

''Yoongi's birthday...'' I scratch my sculpt looking at her sheepishly''I totally forgot, I'm sorry''

''It's ok, you're coming anyway''

''What about-''

''Taehyung's gonna take care of your sister don't worry'' she cuts me off as if she had read my thoughts

I nod, it's rude to deny the invitation

''Yoongi's friends are really handsome and some of them are single so don't think you're getting off. We have to find a cute outfit for you as well... now let's eat'' I roll my eyes but agree rubbing my stomach that hasn't stopped rumbling and finally get in her car .

''It's stunning'' I examine the purple midi dress Susan's holding. The material is silk, it appears glamorous, expensive and the embellished straps detail completes the look.

''Should I try it on?'' she hesitates

''Of course, purple looks amazing on you'' That's true, the contrast between her ginger hair, green eyes and the purple colour is definitely unique. Purple flatters every single of her characteristics.

''Let's find something for you'' her eyes wander around the store

''I gained weight these days so I should go for something baggy''

''No Skye, you should go for something sexy yet sick that emphasizes your cleavage. Your boobs got bigger, thankfully'' she whispers the last word and rolls her eyes

''Susan'' I whisper yell covering my breasts with my hands ''Did they?'' I rethink my friend's comment. Indeed I've noticed a slight development. This whole weight gaining story had a positive result at least.

Once I realise where my hands are and how the rest of the customers look at me probably thinking I'm a horny pervert I instantly lower them and grab the first dress I lay my eyes on.

''This one is perfect yes'' Susan practically runs towards me ''It's very elegant and the lace detail makes it sensual. You're definitely trying it on''

I take a closer look at the dress I picked out on random. It's certainly cute, off shoulder, midi, black with lace but tight as hell

''Isn't it way too tight? I think it's gonna accentuate every single bloated part of my body''

''Try it out you have nothing to lose. Besides the party is in 5 days, you have plenty of time to search for a dress''

''There's no way I'm going through this again. It's either today or I'm coming wearing my Pjs'' I announce and make my way to the fitting rooms determined. I can hear Susan mumbling a few curses, probably blaming me for being grumpy and stubborn.

''Excuse me'' an assistant approaches us

''There's only one fitting room available. I'm afraid you have to wait for a while''

''No problem, Susan you go first''

''Are you sure?''

I nod and sit in the comfortable blue chair that matches the rest of the decoration and furnishings of the store.

This showroom is excellently designed, the minimal yet eccentric blue décor casts an air of originality as the majority of stores follow a consistent pattern. No wonder it's Susan's favorite showroom, modern decor, excellent service and the clothing here is feminine, figure-friendly just like the dress I'm holding.

I'm so absorbed in gaping at the interior decoration that I don't notice my friend standing in front of me.

''Hey, earth to Skye'' she wiggles her fingers in front of my face

''Sorry'' I take my time studying her figure. ''I really like it. It's ideal for your body type and the colour is gorgeous''

The violet silk dress looks perfect on her, the semi tight fit shows up her toned silhouette, the swarovski embellished spaghetti straps together with the V neck flaunt her beautiful collarbones.

''I think it looks lovely too'' the cheerful, helpful assistant comments

''Yeah I like it'' she stares at the mirror

''You can use that fitting room'' the girl gestures at an empty room smiling. How are they always so kind and happy?''It's free now''

''Thank you'' I smile back and give a long sigh standing up from the soft chair.

Reluctantly I undress myself and wear the cute midi dress. It's tight but not as much as I expected. Well it's not that bad after all, I still need Susan's opinion though and a closer look in the big mirror. A few seconds later I'm out and heading for the mirror.

''Wow'' Susan talks ''It looks... stunning''

The dress hugs my body flawlessly, emphazising my curves. The off-shoulder design is very cute but sexy at the same time because my cleavage is shown off perfectly and I'm not even wearing a push up bra. I never thought I'd look that attractive in a dress.

''It fits you like a dream. You're definitely buying it'' Susan insistsand the assistant agrees

It's elegant yet sexy. Sexy in a non provocative way since it shows off only the right places.

''I think I'm getting this one'' I finally decide and Susan winks excitedly

''Hurry up we have to go for heels as well''

''Heels? Ha''  A humorless laugh leaves my lips

''You're laughing? What are you planning to wear with this dress then?'' she crosses her arms.

Her question catches me off guard but I act cool ''Flats? I don't care, anything but heels''

She laughs sarcastic lifting a shaped eyebrow ''Flats? If you plan to wear flat shoes on my husband's party I inform you that you're not invited''

I simply pout, my eyes pleading for mercy

''Come on Skye it's a party, a bussines kinda party you don't have to walk or dance. You can deal with heels under these circumstances I'm sure''

''Okay'' I sigh defeated meeting her gaze. There's no point in agruing, she's right I need heels with the apparel I chose.

''Hurry up then'' she scolds and enters the fitting room.

Have I mentioned how much I hate shopping with my best friend?

#bts imagines #bts scenarios #bts #bts angst #bts au fic #BTS jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkook #jungkook imagine #jungkook angst #bts fanfic #BTS jimin #bts taehyung #bts namjoon #bts yoongi #bts hoseok #BTS jin #angst #bts thriller #bts horror au #jungkook reaction #taehyung angst #stalker

[meet-me-in-the-kitchen]

Life Has No Title (H.S, 1)

Y/N Y/L/N is looking forward to summer— until she finds One Direction, England’s top-selling band, hiding in her barn. Now, she has to deal with rockstar egos, an unwanted admirer, and the dark force that sent them into hiding in the first place.

inspired by the starstruck movie and the ff. descrip. please don’t sue lmao.

“Y/N!”

The young woman in question grumbled something about rice and bunnies, sighing in bliss as she burrowed deeper into her warm, freshly washed covers.

“Where’s my hairdryer! You so have my hairdryer.”

“I don’t have your bloody hairdryer,” she mumbled, refusing to do anything, but succumb to the distant calling of sleep and wrap herself tighter into cocoon of bedsheets she was sandwiched inside. Her sister’s voice was far away, now... but a blip in the universe, distant, until it disappeared altogether from this new world of rice and gravy, and...

“Give. Me. Back. My. Hair. Dryer!”

Y/N could hear Anna rummaging through her belongings, intrusively spectating at each book and cranny of her bedroom, like the lunatic she seemed to always be. She could just picture the stuck-up expression she had on, nose upturned and eyes narrowed into slits.. but that doesn’t exist here, remember? The rabbit that suspiciously resembled Regina George reminded her airily, she nodded dazedly in her dream. She doesn’t even go here.

“Why would I have your hair dryer?”

“Just give it, you freak! I need it!”

“I told you, I don’t have the bloody hairdryer. I don’t even use it, I’m a hairdryer virgin,” she groaned, eyes squeezed shut as she struggled to cling to the remnants of her dream, but the giant rabbit/Regina George was waving goodbye with a blank expression..

A pillow hit her head.

“Go away,” she bemoaned, her hand emerging from the covers to wave her sister off in a ‘shoo’ motion. Sundays were days that were supposed to be safe from sisterly intervention. “Come back tomorrow... Even the post stops on Sundays.”

“Neither rain, sleet, or snow,” Anna stated, with way too much pride.

“We don’t live in America,” Y/N whispered, a brief, awkward pause following, before Anna cleared her throat. Thank goodness for that, Y/N thought to herself, snuggling further into the linen sheets: otherwise we’d go bankrupt, treating Anna’s chronic lunacy, expensive health care, and all...

“Whatever. Now give me—“

“Did you check under your bed?”

Anna did not speak, the fading sound of her footsteps indicating she was finally skittering out of Y/N’s room. She closed her eyes immediately, resuming the dream of bunnies, and rice, and perhaps, Barack Obama...

Slam! Thwack!

The sounds of Anna opening and closing drawers and Y/N’s wardrobe, caused the sleeping girl to jolt upwards in her bed, eyeing her loony sister blearily with her hair a bird’s nest and mouth dry, but a bit sweet from the chocolate she’d religiously inhaled at three in the morning.

“Wha’sa matter,” she spluttered, a helplessness of sorts festering in her chest at the sight of her sister pulling out one skirt after the other, holding it against her legs and inspecting her tall, skinny figure in the mirror and then dropping the articles of clothing onto the ground. Y/N watched, mouth opening and closing in unspeakable outrage as her floor filled up with a heap of clothing in seconds.

“I need a skirt,” she said matter-of-factly, not even pausing or seeming the slightest bit out of her element. She huffed and threw her another skirt she had deemed mediocre, down onto the hardwood floor. “Mine got wet.”

She moved slightly in her bed, craning her neck uncomfortably to eye the small splotch on Anna’s denim mini-skirt. She squinted. Water.

“Why can’t you get one from your own closet? It’s just water, it’ll dry—“

“My clothes are all in the wash,” she answered impatiently, flinging a top across the room. “Do you have anything remotely fashionable in here?”

She scoffed, a little bit offended. It was summertime, and after being gone to university all year, it was refreshing to come back home for a break. A full wardrobe was awaiting for her, back at home when she returned, and she thought her clothes were comfortable, but also simultaneously fashionable. Irritation burned inside of her, but fizzled to nothing as her sister continued with her antics.

“Most of the skirts you’re trying on are your hand-me-downs.”

“They looked better on me,” Anna stated, finally fingering and then clutching a hot pink skirt that burned Y/N’s peripheral vision. She had given that skirt to her on her sixteenth birthday, a few years back. She could barely bend, without it revealing her chamber of secrets. “Besides, I have a date with Phillipe.”

“Anne, we’ve talked about this. I don’t think you should count sitting with your friends in the diner he’s eating at, and following him across town, dating. That goes by the name of stalking.”

Anna rolled her eyes, glimpsing at her reflection in the mirror in slight satisfaction, but Y/N had learned that her sister was never fully satisfied with anything. She patted her sleek platinum blonde hair down.

She made her way out of Y/N’s room, her delicate feet moving along steadily, not a tremor in her step. She was the very epitome of grace.

“Whatever, freak. Get up. Mum’s been calling you for ages; it’s twelve in the afternoon.”

Y/N pulled herself out of bed, stretching her back out. There was no point in laying in her bed anymore. Anna had scared Regina George rabbit away. She rubbed her eyes, and as soon as her feet touched the floor, she stumbled.

“Meow,” Harry, her cat, called, affectionately rubbing his small, furry face against her bare arm as she sighed, laying in a pool of clumsy limbs and disappointment.

“Y/N,” Her mother’s voice came echoing up the stairwell, an edge of warning colouring her tone. “Come downstairs.”

“Just coming, mum,” she called back. She adopted a softer tone, picking up the cat and holding him to her chest as he slowly blinked at her. “Morning, Harry.”

She threw a toy mouse down the stairs, and he leapt out of her arms, chasing the prey. He swiveled his bottom for five seconds, pounced, and then proceeded to miss a step and roll down the stairs, pupils dilated as he screamed and slowly sunk to the floor, claws extended in futile attempt.

Shaking her head, she quickly made her way to the washroom, finishing brushing her teeth and peeing in record time.

“Harry,” she scolded lightly, as the cat chose to lounge on the stair steps, right as she began to come down. He blinked at her, rolling over and purring playfully. She rubbed her foot against his face and quickly hopped down before he could begin playing with her toes. The sound of the television playing the morning news and the quiet rustling of the newspaper as her father did the crossword flittered into her conscience, along with the scent of her mother’s coffee and whatever influencer inspired (laxative) tea Anna had left brewing in the kitchen.

“Morning, baby bear,” her father, Mark Y/L/N, called, gazing at her amusedly from under half moon spectacles as he pretended to read the paper in the living room, and her mother hushedly remarked on how her and her father led unhealthy lives from the kitchen, across the hall. She smiled, crossing the distance and sitting beside him.

“Morning, Dad,” she chirped, snuggling into her father’s side, him affectionately kissing her cheek. “What’s mum up to?”

“She’s making breakfast. Or brunch, if you’re one to believe in the concept of linear time,” her mother rattled off sarcastically, Y/N wincing in retaliation. She looked at her sharply, but there was a hidden warmth in her eyes that told her that she didn’t really mind.

“Sorry, mum,” she said sheepishly, smiling cheekily as her mother simply shook her head in disbelief and grabbed the car keys. Y/N noticed her parents were both clad in outdoor wear. “Where’re you guys going?”

“Grocery shopping. We have to buy food for our road trip to the lake house; not that we’ll end up buying food, anyway. We will end up purchasing that processed garbage you and your father stuff into your bodies.”

She giggled as her father rolled his eyes in amusement, before winking at her over the paper. They both shared the same sweet tooth and loathing of the surplus of vegetables and other herbivore foods that they were constantly forced to consume by her mother and Anna. Those two were total health freaks. Anna even was a germaphobe and avoided anything greasy, as if it were the plague. Y/N and her dad, however, found ways to hide their secret stash of junk food around the house, and find salvation in it at three in the morning.

“You only get one body, Y/N,” her mother stated broodingly. The girl in question nodded seriously, before leaning over her father’s crossword and grabbing a pen. She began to scrawl: Buy those small, multipack chocolate bars. John nodded. Of course, he wrote back. “Come eat something and then do the dishes.”

She complied, making her way over to sit in a breakfast chair and eat forkfuls of omelette as the morning news played and her mother sipped her coffee, browsing Facebook next to her.

“Are you almost done packing for our trip?”

“Yeah,” Y/N answered, spreading organic strawberry jam over some toasted bread. “Anna’s been a bit distracting, but I’m almost finished.”

“I heard you and Anna,” her mother said before she sighed. “I wish you two girls would try a little harder to get along. You two used to be so close.”

“Mum,” her voice was muffled, but still protesting through a mouthful of cooked egg. She had this conversation at least once a week. “You know that’s never going to happen.”

Her and Anna had never been quite close— well, that wasn’t exactly correct. They were close from the moment Y/N had been born right up to when she had been accepted into a gifted school Anna had not gotten into. From that moment, her favourite person’s affections had suddenly ended. Instead, Anna grew colder to her younger sister: refusing to play with or breathe in the same room as her; calling her cruel names, that although were deemed silly by Y/N, still pricked somewhere deep inside, even years later.

The two girls were so different, Y/N often questioned if she had been switched at birth, or if they even had similar DNA. From her tamed platinum blonde hair, to the way she wore her make up immaculately, every single day, without fail. It didn’t matter how sick or feverish Anna Y/L/N was, she was always very together. She ate the right things, wore the right clothes, networked with the right people. Hell, she even made sure to blow her nose into the right tissues. Up at five o clock, hitting the gym or spa with her giggling posse. Unquestionably organized, prepared, and always trying to exceed expectations. Y/N, however, couldn’t care less of most of the things Anna devoted most of her time and effort to. This reflected in her comparatively smaller and less consistent group of friends, her curvier figure, and—something that bothered Anna most to no end— her often chewed, dirt encrusted fingernails. But with her uncontrollable hair and endless source of energy, she had a fierce determination and a passion in every breath she took that many girls her age lacked.

All things considered, it was not very surprising that their two strong, different personalities clashed. It wasn’t surprising that they didn’t see eye to eye.

At the mention of her sister, Y/N’s stomach growled with the intensity of a small earthquake; the sound of which caused Harry, who had taken to resting on the chair beside hers, to lift his head up in alarm.

Fighting and interacting with Anna made Y/N hungry, she realized. Without another word, she placed another piece of toast over the one slathered thickly with raspberry jam, and bit into her new sandwich.

Choosing to ignore her daughter’s bleak response, albeit with an eye roll, Marie placed the jar of jam back inside of the pantry.

“Just make sure your suitcase is ready to go,” she told her pointedly. “You aren’t very organized. I want us to drive up to the lake house early, this year. Traffic can be terrible, now that it’s summer break and all.”

Every year, the Y/L/Ns drove their way to their cabin by the lake. And every year, Marie Y/L/N spoke of driving up to the lake house early, when they all internally knew that they’d be lucky if they made it there by nightfall. There, they stayed for one week. It was the highlight of Y/N’s summer: she loved feeling the wind against her back, going fishing and playing soccer with her father in an open field, and just spending time freely in the nature. Anna despised the getaway, always trying to make excuses that may get her out of ruining her shoes in the grass or getting a bit dirty.

“Mmphkay,” she replied through a mouthful of jam. She placed her sandwich down onto a plate, and sauntered lazily into the living room. She flopped down on an empty couch and twiddled with the remote, pushing buttons and changing the channel to some boring, English news channel. She would have skipped past it, but something caught her eye and— sort of— her interest, as well.. The words that stood out first in the headline below the reporter speaking animatedly onto the TV screen were: “Modest Management” and “Public Humiliation”. Serves them right, she thought to herself in satisfaction. That company was bonkers. She felt a brief flame of joy, which was instantaneously blown out once four faces appeared on the screen. Four equally infuriating faces. Ones that sent her blood curdling in hot frustration. She gripped the television remote harder.

“You may be familiar with One Direction for their catchy songs, bestselling albums, breathtaking tours, and devilish good looks— or simply their irresistible charm and charisma,” said the reporter, practically swooning as clips of the four boys signing body parts, walking around with models during PR stunts, singing, and following other rockstar protocol played. “And if you aren’t— you must be living under a rock!”

“Someone needs to hit your head with a rock,” Y/N muttered darkly. Unintentionally, her grip on her sandwich also tightened to a squeezing point, until raspberry jam came oozing out of the grainy barrier.

In her rage, she had failed to notice her mother’s sudden presence in the living room, where she leaned in and cast a look at the television with mild interest, just as a particularly curly haired member smirked into the camera. Y/N noticed her as her voice traveled from the doorway.

“Isn’t that the boy Anna likes?”

“Likes?” She shook her head cynically with distaste at the wild understatement. “Worships. Acts likes he’s a bloody spiritual entity, mom.”

“Language,” Marie cautioned distractedly, already ignoring the cynicism of Y/N’s comments and slipping out the doorway. Then, much to Y/N’s horror, she called for up the stairs, “Anna! That boy you like is on TV, again!”

Y/N’s eyes widened in horror. “No.. no, don’t call her down! she’ll—“

“OUT OF MY WAY.”

CRASH. BANG.

Before Y/N could take another breath or sound the slightest syllable, Anna Y/L/N came bounding down the stairs with startling fervour and acceleration. Her speed challenged those of athletes drugged up on steroids. Her determination was akin to great leaders fighting for change.

“ONE DIRECTION,” she squacked, flying off the banister in record time. Y/N was sure that her older sister was in a trance. Glazed eyes, biting her lip. Her parents were unfazed, used to Anna’s unhealthy obsession.

She bolted past the kitchen, into the living room, and down on the ground, gravitating to her one and only ‘beloved’ and ignoring everyone else in her wake. She was now salivating over the television screen, after wrestling the remote out of Y/N’s hands and turning up the volume to a deafening pitch— in a matter of seconds. She was a fangirl; The distant sound of glass shattering and animals whimpering could be heard as Anna’s esophagus released a sound so high-pitched, it was at a volume mankind had yet to discover.

They were currently showing clips of One Direction’s latest gigs; two of the boys were strumming guitars and groping each other whilst running around stage, the idiots looking like rabbits on crack. A third was abusing a drum set, further downstage, while the final member was swaying girlishly and shook his tambourine like it was some fine art.

“Look, it’s your crush,” she muttered as the same green eyed curly haired face that lined Anna’s bedroom walls filled the television screen.

“Harry!” Anna squealed, physically throwing her body over Y/N, and knocking her sandwich to the ground, in the process. Y/N fumed, steam practically blowing from her ears and face heatening as Anna eyed the band member widely with all of the stupid admiration in the world. She even let out a dreamy sigh. “Oh, Harry. One day you’ll know we’re meant to be together. I can’t wait for that day.”

“Good,” she growled through gritted teeth, attempting and failing to control her rising temper as she gathered the crumbly remains of her morning snack from the stained shirt. “Then you can go marry him, take all his money, and BUY ME A NEW SANDWICH.”

Anna turned to fix a very serious expression towards her younger sister. In a momentary loss of judgement, Y/N actually had enough hope in her sister’s sanity and enough belief in her logic that she had the inkling of a thought that maybe, just maybe, she was on the brink of apologizing; instead, all she did was provide further evidence of her unstable state of delusion: “you may joke about it now, Y/N,” she said, somehow managing to keep a stoic, straight face, “but you won’t be laughing, when we do get married.”

“Yes, I will, actually,” she protested gleefully, with the biggest smile, showing all of her teeth. “I’ll be laughing when you have him handcuffed, tied to the altar, and held at gunpoint while he nervously recites the vows you stole from your favorite fanfic.”

“Shhhh,” she replied, waving her off and leaning forward. Anna might as well have been hyperventilating, kneeling before the television with unblinking eyes as the band member ran his hand through his messy head of curls. Y/N thought she heard her chanting mine, mine, mine under her breath. She gagged as Anna began to swoon, when a clip of him grabbing his crotch on stage was featured. Much to her dismay, the band members of One Direction were replaced by a team of stoic looking business people, a middle aged, bald man caught in the middle, wearing a grim, borderline threatening expression— as if everything hadn’t gone his way.

It was the creator of Modest Management, Vladimir De Montgomery. He was by definition a Russian Business tycoon, a multimillionaire with rapidly increasing power, wealth, and influence. The man Y/N despised more than One Direction and their pathetic music. He had created a business that slowly, but surely had developed entire lines of superstores and outlets that wiped out small businesses and caused irreversible harm to the environment. Montgomery was a silent killer, and Y/N hated him for it. He was on the quest for world domination. Perhaps she was exaggerating a bit, but in her mind, Vladimir De Montgomery might as well have been wearing horns and dancing naked with an inflamed pitchfork.

“However, the nation’s golden boys—“ Y/N rolled her eyes at the titles, “are nowhere to be found. It is no surprise that Montgomery, although wealthy, is not very popular. In order to enhance his business and bring in more people, Modest Management arranged for One Direction, the boy band they are contractually responsible for, to play at their newest Departmental store. However, fans were devastated once the band failed to show up. This left Montgomery humiliated, with a population of hundreds of guests, who had shown up only to see the band, which is currently M.I.A. Sources claim that Vladimir Montgomery reacted angrily at the band’s absence, and the agents and publicists of the band refuse to leave a comment, seemingly without knowledge of the whereabouts of the boy band members, as well. The verdict is unclear. No one has disclosed or holds knowledge of the whereabouts of these four talented musicians. The stage is empty, and from the look of things: It seems like we have a boy band on the run.”

The news story had ended, instead switching over to a slideshow filled with black and white pictures of the band members laughing and singing and flexing. Y/N felt amazed by the amount of bullshit that could be accumulated for these things, once eerie, sad background music began to play. Anna was blinking stupidly at the television screen, before she let out an ear-splitting shriek, one which caused her sister to jump in fright.

“Calm down,” she grumbled.

“Calm down—“ Anna gaped, bugging her eyes out to make it seem like Y/N was the lunatic in the household. “Calm down?”

“Or not,” she muttered.

“How could they just ABANDON their fans like that?”

“Are you kidding? Standing up Montgomery and Modest is, like, the one sensible thing they’ve done in their entire, laughable careers.”

Anna stood up, shooting Y/N an ugly death glare. “Like you would understand.” Then she was making an exit and coolly stomping up the stairs. “This is a CRISIS,” she bemoaned from the top floor, followed by the sound of her door slamming shut.

When she glanced back at the screen, Y/N couldn’t help, but feel a small flicker of admiration for what the four band members had done. Then, he’d face grew ashen as she recalled how they were pompous, egotistical assholes, and flicked the off button on the remote, just as a black and white picture of Niall Horan eating a drumstick while wearing a tutu floated mournfully on screen.

“Where could they be?”

—

Somewhere in the outskirts of a small English town, a beast howled. The four teenagers inside of the ratty, broken down minivan sighed.

“Shut up, Niall,” the darker haired member hissed. “Your stomach’s been growling like that for ages.”

“Because I haven’t been fed for ages. Feed me, Louis.”

“You literally ordered and ate everything off of that Nando’s driveway menu we passed by. And you brought leftovers, and finished ours as well as yours,” the bronzy, spiky haired member shook his head in a mixture of disbelief and exasperation. “How could you possibly still be hungry?”

“I just am..” the blonde trailed off, patting his stomach almost proudly. Louis tossed a bag of baby carrots at his face, and he opened the ziplock bag and began to happily munch.

“What the fuck is this, anyway?” Louis gestured dramatically at the dingy vehicle they were currently stuck in. Niall nibbled happily.

“Princess,” Zayn muttered, leaning back into his seat with crossed arms, using a content Niall as his human shield from the dangerously flashing eyes of Louis Tomlinson. The band member driving the car rolled his eyes from under the shades covering them, and the beanie holding in his thick waves of hair. The one hand he had easy over the steering wheel tightened.

“You wanna say that to my face?”

“Sure, Niall’s too fat for you to get to me, anyway.”

“HEY—“

“This,” Harry stresses, pinching his nose in exasperation, closing his eyes for a second, before carrying on with the reminder. “This is a revolution, remember, Louis? Whatever bullshit you used to say about the people revolting after the government being unable to represent them anymore, and how Modest was our government— think of that. Please, just go to your happy place.”

Louis grumbled, and then began chanting something along the lines of “revolution and happy, anarchist society” under his breath with his eyes squeezed shut, his lips forming into a light smile. “I love me some anarchy.”

“It shows,” Zayn muttered, causing Louis to shoot him a glare and position his fists to his face, aiming for a punch. At a last resort, Zayn pushed the Irish boy who’d lost his previous grudge in heaps of chicken, in front of him. The fist hit his stomach. Zayn roared with laughter. Niall whimpered. Louis crossly looked out the window, eyes boredly running over the landscape of cows and grass and manure, and then a really ugly ass barn. Louis’s nose scrunched up at the mere sight of the hideous structure, broken down in some places, erosion running its course in other.

“That is the fugliest thing my beautiful eyes have ever rested on.”

Zayn scoffed. Then, his eyes widened, at the same time the car flew back as Harry stepped on the brakes.

“Barn!”

Louis’s eyes shot into terror filled consciousness.

“Oh, sweet baby Jesus...”

—

“Please tell me you’re joking.”

Niall’s tone was positively murderous as he stared at the decrepit barn in front of him, horror-struck.

Harry rubbed at his temple, tiredly. They all stared in silence from their car windows, at the tired looking barn. The car they were in was going to die any second now, and they were in the middle of nowhere. Yeah, it was pretty shitty, but he knew it was their best option, at this point. “Got a better idea?” he questioned flatly.

“Yeah, how about let’s not lay in animal shit?”

Three of them were now against the idea. Niall was shaking his head, now full of both hicken, and disbelief. Louis looked pale. Zayn looked a bit put off by the idea, too. Louis squinted, pulling down the windows manually.

“And where do you suppose we sleep?” He spat, scrunching nose and waving at the foul air dramatically. “Bloody hell, what is that?”

“It’s either hay for a little while, or being abducted by those crazy psychopaths. Pick your poison. It isn’t even that bad.”

—

“No.”

“But—“

“No.”

“Loui—“

“No.”

They were all out on the field, just metres away from the barn after parking their car somewhere further from the landscape and walking, so they wouldn’t be traced in any way. Niall was clutching his packet of chicken tenderly to his heart, a frown playing on his lips, Zayn wore a deadpan expression, Harry looked exasperated. And then there was Louis, practically on the verge of tears, his foot elevated in a slick pile of cow manure.

“Come on,” Harry urged through gritted teeth, voice growing lower and dangerously teetering towards tranquilizing Louis and sending him hurtling into the barn via T-Shirt cannon. The tone by which he spoke seemed to have struck a chord with Louis, for the dark haired boy’s lips trembled. After a few short seconds, a breathy sound escaped from the back of his neck.

“Er,” Niall sounded helplessly, shoving his hand into the grease splotched brown paper bag and successfully retrieving a half-eaten fried drumstick. He held it in front of Louis’s face. “Chicken?”

Louis took one, long look at the deep-fried mutilated chicken body part, and then his designer, new running shoes, lathered with cow shit, and his face crumpled and he promptly burst into tears.

“I wanna go home,” he sobbed brokenly, Niall fumbling for a handkerchief, but failing to find one, causing Louis to simply grab Zayn’s hoodie-clad arm and blow sorrowfully into it. “I want to—“

“Alright,” Harry spoke, looking over Louis and instead at the farm. He would commit a murder, if he had to hold onto the weight of most of their essential belongings and Louis’s luxurious hair products in an overpacked knapsack in the overbearing heat for even a minute longer. It was getting dark. “Let’s go.”

Zayn moved in the direction of the crimson coloured, off-white framed wooden barn, immediately. In fact, he sprinted, creating more distance between Louis and himself. Niall shrugged, popping the drumstick into his own mouth while taking a casual stroll inside. Harry glanced toward Louis, who made a pitiful noise. Shaking his head in disbelief, he jogged into the barn.

Mutilated was the right way to describe the barn, if it wasn’t already beyond description. Mutilated beyond measure. Everything was either rotten, rotting, or about to rot. There was hay in the back, and an upper tier that was collapsed in some places, sharp edges of wood broken down. However, it had a roof, and a gate that slid shut. It was also in the middle of nowhere, both a comforting and terrifying thought.

“Definitely abandoned.”

“No intruders,” Zayn said weakly. “No one would think to find us here.”

Niall walked a bit further inside, stepping on the hay while trying to figure out where to crash for the night. While he moved, something made a squelching noise, under his foot. Everyone collectively winced.

The three young men stood in part analytical, and part defeated silence.

“Dibs on that stack of hay,” Niall suddenly shouted, running for and leaping onto a stack, and landing with a soft thud. This caused them all to break into genuine laughter, at this and all they’d been through.

After that, it was easier to get settled in. They all claimed stacks of hay to sleep on, rating them on durability (likeliness that it wouldn’t collapse on them), softness, and location furthest from where the barn was warmest in the scalding heat. Now that they’d taken off and changed their clothes in the alleged locker room area, and relieved themselves in the randomly placed portable bathroom smack dab in the middle of the field, things were running smoothly. Niall even left out some of the food he’d brought to share. Things were harmonious.

After a while, their eyes turned to Louis, who had just stepped into the barn and was looking quite unsure of himself.

“I have candles,” he voiced. He explained: “To help with the ghastly smell.”

Harry rolled his eyes in faint amusement. “You get the unstable stack of hay at the top-pier, mate. And no complaining. This is home.”

“Yeah,” Niall sighed, cuddling further into his stack of hay. He was becoming immune to the smell, quite quickly. “Home, sweet home.”

For a moment, Harry’s eyes were drawn a small pile of childish belongings resting at the very corner of the barn: dolls fashioned from sticks stuck together with vines, paper drawings, candy wrappers, and a faded tiara, snapped in half. His eyebrows pinched together in curiosity and alarm, but he reminded himself no one could possibly be nearby. He wandered off to help build a table of sorts.

Then, the four young rockstars fell onto their soft stacks of hay, content under the cool beeeze the merciful summer air had blown their way. They slept under the thinly veined stars, shining with brilliance, viably from under the cracks of the eroding, crimson barn. They faded into sleep with full stomachs and, at least temporarily, satisfied minds, knowing they were alone, out of reach from the rest of the world.

They thought so, anyway. Oblivious to the house hidden behind a thick thatch of vines, trees, and greenery, inhabited by a family unit comprised of a mother, a father, and the most obsessive girl the world had encountered, accompanied by the fiercest.

For now, they’d sleep. Until Niall would eventually wake them all in the middle of the night with a girlish shriek, frightened by some stick he claimed was a sword, anyway.

—

Anna hadn’t descended down from the closed parameters of her room, all evening.

Even after every coax, beg, and eventual scold (from their mother), she remained adamant, staying up in her room and grieving the loss of four random boys who’d somehow gotten lost. It was nearing night, when she’d finally come down, just in time for dinner after Marie had practically pushed her down the stairs, and then into her chair.

For dinner, they’d had some salad or whatever that Anna usually liked, but today she just scraped her fork against the plate, causing sharp, screeching noises doing nothing to console Y/N’s already heightening frustration at the leaves they were consuming for dinner. Dinner was supposed to be a meal, wasn’t it? Meals were supposed to make you happy. She thought of the time Harry had gotten lost, how Anna hadn’t done so much as paste a poster. Now, she was practically fasting for these strange rich people, in grief.

Now, it was nearing midnight, and Y/N was slowly tiptoeing down the stairs, stomach grumbling and making obscene sounds, due to the dissatisfying meal she’d pushed down her throat. She yawned, rubbed at her eyes and tied to think of what to eat to satisfy the hungry ache in her stomach that was boring a hole through her soul. Then, the sound of plastic crinkling sounded through the room, and she froze. The lights were all shut, the halls all enveloped in darkness.

She tiptoed further, stopping and holding her breath when she spotted the closed walk-in closet in their hall, lit up from the inside. She pursed her lips, moved forward, then swung the door open.

All of a sudden, the man made quick moves to haphazardly close whatever packet he was eating from. A sharp squeak came out of his mouth, and Y/N relaxed. It was her father. In a rather comedic stance, really. Clutching a packet of crisps to his chest, mouth stuffed full. His eyes were wide with fright, resembling a deer in the headlights. He swallowed, relaxing some when he noticed it was Y/N.

“Oh, Y/N, I thought you were your mother,” he outstretched the packet of crisps as a sort of offering, pulling it from where they kept their secret stash of what they liked to call ‘real food.’ “I should’ve known. You’ve always had an amazing radar for junk food.”

“Gimme,” she squealed, launching herself forward and grabbing fistfuls of greasy chips, not minding as they crumbled into her mouth. She closed her eyes. Her stomach cried with gratitude, she saw the colours of freedom. “Mmm.. saturated fat,” she moaned, reaching for another handful.

Mark laughed and his eyes—so much like Y/N’s— lit up, giving his face a boyish glow. “Save some for later,” he advised, prying the packer away from his daughter’s greedy hands. “Your mother’s making boiled tofu, again, tomorrow.”

“Ew, barf,” said Y/N, scrunching her face up in disgust.

Mark chuckled and ruffled her hair affectionately. “That’s my girl.”

Later that night, Y/N ventured out to leave the cat food and water, and at the same time, by some divine coincidence (Marie Y/L/N’s bullying), Anna was also sent to throw away the recycling and trash. This was her fault, anyway. She’d complained that Harry shouldn’t eat his ‘meaty slimy food’ in the same room where they all ate. So, their mother, a typical Anna-pleaser, had shifted the cat’s food and water dishes outdoors, by the shed. Y/N obviously found this a very unjust thing to do. Would it be fine if she protested against Petunia clipping her toe nails in the same washroom she showered in? No. but Harry didn’t mind it. He ate, drank his water, and rolled around in the grass for a while, afterwards.

Y/N and Anna walked for a while in complete, awkward silence, her sister clutching a handful of trash bags, and her the cat food with Harry meowing in tow, leaping around, and begging for food. The garbage bins were located right next to the shed, so that was even worse. Y/N hadn’t trusted her sister with throwing out the garbage after an incident four years back involving Y/N, Anna’s surprising lifting and throwing strength, and, well.. a garbage bag. So, she kept at a distance. She hoped they could get through this whole little excursion without exchanging a word, which would honestly probably be better off for the both of them. However, Anna couldn’t seem to hold it in the moment Y/N pulled back the metal strip, opening the canned salmon to put into Harry’s food bowl. Anna sniffed disgustedly and complained, “Ew, gross! That’s disgusting, get that stuff away from me!” Although she wasn’t even near her.

Naturally, Y/N couldn’t not smirk. She immediately pulled the lid right off the salmon, then casually strolled upto her sister. “No, seriously, it smells great! Try some,” she held it under Anna’s nose, and her expression went from irritated to downright petrified.

She screamed, swatting at the can, causing the contents of pink salmon to run down Y/N’s tank top, staining it. “Great,” she said. “Now, you’ve ruined two of my shirts, and Harry has to eat dry food.”

“Serves you both right,” Anna huffed, walking to the garbage bins.

By the time she had fetched the dry food and poured it into Harry’s bowl—which caused him to stare at her, hard, for a very long time, questioning why there was only kibble in his bowl— Anna was still cautiously and very slowly throwing away the trash, gingerly dropping each bag, every now and then, keeping a safe distance from the bin. Y/N started to walk back, and it was a fair jaunt, with their property being so big. She heard the trash bin finally shut, and Anna let out a little yelp, presuming it was from the waft of ‘garbage air.’

Y/N rolled her eyes. As she did this, she caught a glimpse of something at the far end of the property. Across the field, behind a couple of fir trees, was the old barn house, neglected over the past decade or so and half-deteriorated by years of harsh weather and a lack of maintenance. Y/N hadn't visited the barn since she was very, very young. Even then, it had been a blend intrigue and fascination that drew her to it, a temporary fixation to satisfy her curiosity. She'd taken Anna back there, one summer's night, lured her in, closed the door on her and run back to the house. Apparently, Anna didn't have very good navigational skills in the dark, because she hadn't been able to get out until she'd been retrieved by her father and carried back in tears. Y/N was grounded for three weeks. Anna was scarred for life.

Needless to say, nobody had ventured back to the barn ever since.

So it was strange, now, that as Y/N glanced inadvertently in that direction, she saw a miniscule light shining at the back of the field.

She stopped in her tracks and narrowed her eyes, wondering if she was hallucinating. Nope, it was definitely there. A shudder swept through her at the sight of it, but at the same time, she was fascinated. Just like when she was a child, she felt drawn toward the barn by an eerie sort of curiosity. It was almost pitch black out by now, but really, how dangerous could it possibly be? Without giving it another thought, Y/N deposited the water bottle she'd used to fill Harry's dish and began to walk purposefully in the direction of the mysterious light.

"Wh-where are you going?" Anna asked suddenly. In her voice was a combination of annoyance and anxiety; annoyance at the fact that Y/N was doing something strange and impulsive, and anxiety originating from the fact that Y/N was going for a stroll while leaving Anna in the vastness of their yard, in the pitch-black, with nothing, but a plastic recycling box.

"As if it concerns you," Y/N said dully.

"You can't just leave me here alone!" Anna voice was so high-pitched, it was like listening to nails scratching ballistically at a chalkboard. Y/N cringed and was forced to stop once again.

She swivelled around, made a duh sort of face at Anna, and said, "Well then, you're going to have to come with me, aren't you?"

As expected, Anna froze up and adamantly shook her head. "Uh, no way. Never."

Y/N turned around exasperatedly and continued to saunter across the field. "Then, for goodness' sake, Anna, shut up." She quickened her pace.

A couple of seconds went by, and then, as predicted...

"Wait!"

Anna hurried along behind her; evidently, her fear of being alone in the dark had won out over her reluctance to visit that place again. Y/N couldn't say she hadn't expected for this to happen, but she wasn't particularly over the moon at having acquired a companion. Anna, being said ally. As they crossed the darkened field, drawn toward the light in the corner, her sister jumped at the tiniest of noises, kept glancing around as if something was about to jump out at her at any moment, and, at one point, actually grabbed onto the back of Y/N’s shirt in her panic, pulling at it viciously with her perfectly manicured claws.

“I swear, Anna, if you ruin this one, too,” Y/N hissed. She liked this shirt. It was a dark blue Rolling Stones one, that led down to her mid thighs and was super soft.

"This is a really bad idea," Anna hissed, Y/N rolling her eyes as she completely ignored her threat. She seemed to be getting more antsy as they approached the closest tree to the barn. Her eyes darted across the field, then to the barn, then to Y/N. "You're not just going to lock me in there again, a-?"

Y/N shushed her impatiently and dragged her behind the tree. She was focused on the voices she'd just picked up on, drifting toward them from inside the dilapidated building. There was the unmistakable sound of male laughter, the occasional girlish whimper, and one voice that was deeper than all the others, speaking in a slow, spine-chilling monotone.

Resembling one of the more placid, fearful voices in the barn, Anna whimpered. "I told you this was a bad idea!" she whispered. "You're going to get us murdered! Who knows what could be in there - it's probably a serial killer on the run, or a monster, or a serial killing monster-"

Y/N had had enough. She pivoted on her heel, slapped a hand over her sister's open mouth, and fixed her with a harsh, patronizing look. She tried to keep her voice low, but it was difficult to suppress her rising anger. "Shut your goddamn mouth, Anna, or I swear, I will put you out there as bait. Do you understand?"

Wide-eyed and stunned into sheer silence, Anna nodded hurriedly. Y/N yanked her hand away and gave the barn one last glance from her lookout point before stepping out from behind the tree and beginning to walk quickly with padded feet, across the remaining stretch of lawn.

She could now pick up on distinct pieces of conversation emanating from the barn.

"And then the werewolf creeps up behind the unsuspecting traveller, and... BANG!" Somebody shrieked at this; next to Y/N, Anna jumped. "Snaps his neck!"

"Oooh, I'm scared," said another voice mockingly. "Honestly, these stories suck. Where did you get them from - Nialler’s bedtime story collection?"

Y/N didn't hear anymore, because Anna had begun to tug urgently on her arm.

"What?" she hissed.

For once, Anna showed some damn common sense and kept her voice lower. Her eyes, however, told Y/N that she would have spoken much louder, had they not been in such a situation. "I know that voice!" she whispered excitedly. "I would know that voice anywhere!"

Y/N shot her a confused look, but decided not to ask questions. Anna wasn’t exactly in the right state of mind, childhood trauma and all. Instead, she took the final few steps that led her to the barn door, reached out tentatively for the handle...

...And, in one fluid motion, threw the door open.

The voices stopped abruptly.

Anna let out an ear-splitting shriek.

Four boys sat completely still in the centre of the barn, their faces frozen in various expressions. They were gathered together on a cluster of hay bales; one, with shaggy black hair, held a flashlight to his chin and had his mouth open in shock. To his left, a rather blonde boy looked scared out of his mind, and the other two wore similar looks of horror, as if they'd been caught in some despicable act.

But they hadn't done anything terribly wrong. What had caused Anna to scream - and Y/N to go still, completely rigid from head to toe - had been the mere sight of their four faces.

Four faces which were all startlingly familiar.

The members of One Direction.

To Be Continued...

MASTERLIST | Requests are open!

A/N:

*cracks knuckles* here i am again, with a series fic i may very likely never update. anywho XD this has been sitting in my drafts for a while, and it was quite grudging to type at some areas cause my fingers got tired, but i was supposed to study for an exam, and my procrastinating ass naturally flocked here. lemme know what you think. i love hearing from my jared 19s :)

#harry styles #harry styles imagine #harry styles x reader #harry styles imagines #harry styles fanfiction #one direction

[lilytcyip]

December 31st, 2019

1.3 tera v w/ rjin & ggao

1.4 cactus & la foret w/ jng

1.8 talked it out with jng ; tried to understand that if i were happy, what more could you ask for

1.11 cyns bday dinner

1.11 craft beer w/ aleung & lwong

1.13 arisu & standing egg with efeng & aleung ; drove on highway for the first time

1.18 west dineout w/ annie pkp

1.19 glass w/ fifi

2.10 first snow of the year

2.3 cny lunch at home with the fam - tong yuen & poon choi

2.4 mooseknuckles - grateful

2.5 lunar new year

2.16 hangiout with mamayip & sis: beta 5, fixing the parka, meetfresh, miku sushi dindin

2.17 mom leaving for 2 months, wandering earth with the yips

2.19 happy hour cactus w/ fifi

2.20 kokoro lunch & shopping w/ rjin

2.20 so hyang w/ veda & nwu

2.21 black been noodles & tonkatsu lunch & usagi matcha sweets w/ ewong

2.22 green leaf sushi & grounds for coffee w/ vtan

2.25 sushi mura w/ acao ; larry berg planes and kisses for the first time

3.13 mental health talk w/ nwu & tchiu + jamjar

3.15 virtuous pie & nanas green tea w/ rjin

3.16 wine night w/ claw, aleung & fsyal

3.17 tabom & stanely park w/ jerpilla

3.23 pool & rc shopping with jyang

4.3 studying with jyang on campus & langara bye

4.9 studying with jyang at my house

4.18 ramen danbo & official date 

4.20 so hyang & off the grid waffles w/ ayip

4.26 sci ning off w/ aleung, claw, fsyal, lwong & mcheung

4.27 clay llama terra pot class

4.29 so hyang budae jjigae & yifang w/ ewong

4.30 rc shopping & sushi lover with the yips 

5.1 maenam, kits beach & rain or shiine ice cream w/ rjin

5.2 our first little tiff & being called chubby by mlo

5.3 shopping w/ vchan, aleung & fsyal

5.7-5.11 LA trip

5.8 LACMA & melrose & century city field

5.9 warner bros tour

5.10 malibu

5.28-6.1 hokkaido, japan

5.29 a 2-floor hotel with own onsen

5.31 otaru food adventures

6.1 doraemon painting & royce airport

6.2 macau: got scammed by taxi & lost luggage

6.7-6.15 inner mongolia & beijing

6.18 first co op offer 

6.21 fire port party at fifis house

6.29 pottery painting w lwong, aleung, vchan, fsyal

7.5 brunch w/ rjin at jethro’s fine grub, baker & table

7.6 nwu’s birthday dindin at coast, hangout with aleung & nwu at nightingale

7.14 leavenworth cherries

7.17 brunch w/ rjin at OEB

7.19 nightmarket w/ jyang, mlaw, rjin

7.21 beach day w/ aleung, fsyal & lwong; hy’s with fam

7.24 chau veggies w/ acao

7.27 shiok & icy bar w/ ewong

8.3 first day of work at doctors office

8.4 escape room w/ vchan, fsyal & jyang; bowling & anh and chi

8.17 dindin w/ fsyal, aleung & tlim; double date walks at olympic village with ancas

8.18 - 8.19 kelowna

8.18 polar grove & penticton lazy river, mission hill

8.19 kayaking, quail’s gate

8.24 lit night at fifis house with the girls and boys

8.25 aleung’s bday harrison trip

8.27 work shopping & nuba w/ fsyal

8.28 sleepover w/ rjin

8.29 brunch w/ aleung, moii cafe chill with fsyal too

9.3 first day of co op work

9.7 grave of the fireflies & wildtale cuddles

9.14 eric chou meet & greet

9.19 amandarachlee neg comment and posted my encouragement on her story

10.5 maiko parfait & shopping w/ jyang, earls with the amigos

10.18 gmen & oncecake: melody, rillakuma, card & collage

10.24 dark table w/ rjin

11.7 moii after work 

12.15 baking custard souffle pancakes w/ ewong

12.18 office christmas party & bbt w/ slim

12.19 glow

12.21 fifi’s christmas party

12.22 christmas market w/ rjin: churros & chimney cake

12.23 psyc team secret santa & mahjong

12.25 christmas dindin at market by jean-georges

12.26 birthday dindin at zeferelli

12.27 ring & birthday dinner at brix and mortar w/ jyang

12.28 skated alone, worked out, baked & dindin at botanist

looking back at it now, i definitely went out a lot more compared to previous years LOL i had some struggles in january, and at multiple points in my life i blamed myself for being ungrateful, for seeking more when i already had so much in life compared to other people. my friends were there for me and i wouldnt have been able to live through it without them. then again, during reading break in february, i got myself into the same hot mess and i was sad about it for a week and i blamed myself for getting so attached so quickly. because of these experiences, my expectations were v low and i didnt really expect anything when i talked to jyang, what they say really is true, you get it the moment you stop seeking for it. it comes and find you (: the 3 most important that happened this year is burbur, co op job & me getting more comfortable around doggs; this is a big deal !! i actually like cuddling dogs and i feel less scared of them as long as i have some time to get used to them!! im proud of myself for making progress with my phobia! after i started my co op job, bc i didnt have a lot to do, i felt like i wasnt actively contributing to my workplace and that i was very useless. i still feel the same way now, but i think i am slowly getting used to it. thankfully, my coworkers are VERY nice and i enjoy working around them. while i did not get a different position for january, im still grateful that i got an extended placement. nonetheless, meeting with the different PIs and sumeet pointed me in the right direction of looking for nserc / volunteering opportunities when i do go back to school. AND ofc burbur! im grateful that we were able to be there for each other for the past 8 months, both the ups and downs and i am so so thankful that we’re understanding and patient with each other, as we help each other learn along the way and help each other become a better version of ourselves. this companionship is better than i have asked for and i always remind myself to focus on the important things rather than the minor inconveniences. this year, in terms of fitness goals, ive been doing really well before asia. but ever since i came back, it all went downhill and i gained back all the weight that i lost this year year LOL so in 2020, one of my biggest goal is to eat healthy again, and workout more consistently. getting a job in sept kinda interfered with my progress too, bc i was so tired after work, even when i wasnt doing anything and i stressed eat bc i felt terrible. a lot of diff factors made me feel super stressed, and the fact that i wasnt eating clean / exercising reguarly made me feel worse about the whole situation ): so in 2020, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will be one of my top priorities and gifting myself a healthy body is one of greatest things i can do for myself. this also contributed to the lack of journalling near the end of the year, it felt like bc i wasnt doing the things i was “supposed to do”, i just felt so bad whenever i couldnt tick off that particular habit whenever i fill in my trackers. but tonight, i watched this video and it talked about habits should be for awareness, not for self-hate or self-loathing. this is something that i need to keep in mind. ever since april really, the issue of leaving my house and meeting up with my friends have always stressed me in fear of dealing with passive aggressiveness with my mom lool everytime i get inviited to plans, i just get anxiety about having to tell her about it LOL and even when im out, having a msg/ call for her freaks me out in fear that she will get mad at me for being home late and etc and fifi really woke me up with her words, i should just care less LOL i need to stop caring so much about what she thinks, bc at the end of the day, this IS my life and if i never make any changes, i will never be able to grow and be independent. i think this pree much sums up all my events and emotions in 2019, the last year of the 2010s. in the next decade, a lot of things will happen as i will be in my 20s - 30s, where new opportunities will arise, and graduate uni, do my masters, find a job, maybe even marry and move out LOL the 2020s will definitely be an impt decade, but just for next year i want to:

1. understand that i am old enough to make choices, and in general, care less about what she thinks

2. at the same time, i want to appreciate and be grateful for what my mom, dad and annie have done for me; a lot of the times, i feel like i take them for granted just bc i know they will always be there for me and this is not how you should treat your biggest supporters

3. trust that everything will workout in the end, while you may not be able to envision what you career / life would be like when youre 30, you can definitely take small steps and move towards your goal

4. be mindful of what i eat and exercise regularly (4x hiit & cardio a week) ; treats & sweets in moderation; use those habit trackers for awareness, not for self-loathing / self-hate

5. create art regularly, read more and at least do 5 duolingos every week! 

every year, time just seems to go by faster and faster and i feel scared at times. as i type this, theres only 8 minutes left of this decade LOL so in 2020, continue to live in the moment, be present, cherish those that are around you, and have faith that everything will come together, one piece at a time. at the same time, always rmb that you can make small changes to be a better version of yourself, whenever & however you want and this is the 1 thing that other people can’t stop you from doing! 

#diary #personal #thoughts #last post of 2019

[moayoub1]

How to Spend a Day in Fener and Balat, Istanbul

On my most up-to-date trip to Istanbul, Turkey, I did a walking tour focused on hidden architectural gems in Karakoy and Taksim. One among the opposite travelers on my tour was curious about knowing more about the city’s Jewish history, and our guide recommended that she spend a day exploring Fener and Balat (which he mentioned as simply “Fener Balat”), a colorful neighborhood with an upscale, multicultural history and a fast-growing cool factor. Well, that sounded right up my alley too, so I decided to form the trip to Fener and Balat the subsequent day.

It’s hard to draw a politician border between the 2  small neighborhoods of Fener and Balat so that they are often spoken of as one unit. Although the world has been occupied since the Byzantine Empire, Fener and Balat came into their own when the  Ottoman Empire took control of Istanbul and lots of the city’s Greek residents built traditional wooden houses in these communities, followed years later by the arrival of the many Jews and Muslims from Spain. Elements of all of the cultures remain today within the sort of religious buildings, educational institutions, residences, cuisine, and art… which makes Fener and Balat a serious draw for travelers trying to find something different in Istanbul.

I spent about four hours in Fener and Balat and would recommend that you simply decide to stay for a minimum of that long (especially if you would like to eat in one among the district’s hottest restaurants). As I mention within the transportation section below, attempt to time your visit to avoid rush-hour traffic, perhaps visiting from 10:00 to 15:00, so that you don’t spend an hour (or longer) making the seven-kilometer bus trip from the Galata Bridge.

Things to try to to in Fener & Balat Find Istanbul’s Most Colorful Houses

Most people come to Fener and Balat to see the rows of colorful houses dotted throughout both neighborhoods. While a number of the more famous streets (like the hilly Merdivenli Yokus) can get crowded with Instagrammers and amateur photographers, you'll still find colorful side streets with few crowds (like the one I snapped above). Many of the homes have had their facades refreshed with the support of UNESCO, which recognizes all of Fatih as a neighborhood of cultural significance.

See the Historic Architecture

It’s a brief walk up a steep hill to Phanar Orthodox College, a monolithic red-brick building that houses Istanbul’s oldest Greek-Orthodox school. Although a faculty has been on the location since the 1400s, the building you'll see today was inbuilt the 1880s. Inside, students still study a balanced curriculum that has the Turkish national curriculum and along with side key subjects in Greek also.

You might also want to see out Kadir Has University, one among Istanbul’s newest universities. The university’s building was originally an old tobacco factory, and therefore the reconstruction work won a gift for architectural beauty from the multinational NGO Europa Nostra.

Visit a spiritual Site

Fener and Balat are both full of houses of worship spanning centuries and faiths.  I used to be taken by St. Stephen Bulgarian Church, shown above, with its unique cast-iron facade. St. Stephen’s undergone an extended renovation and reopened in 2018, so visit while it’s still in great condition.

You can also visit the Ahrida Synagogue, but to pass beyond its red gate you'll be got to arrange entrance beforehand, for security purposes. Similarly, to enter the Gul Mosque, which was inbuilt the eleventh century because of the  Saint Theodosia Church,  you'll need to hunt the groundskeeper and convince him to allow you to the inside, which I’ve read isn't a simple feat.

Although some blogs mention Saint Mary of the Mongols Church, it’s located behind a reasonably big wall and infrequently hospitable the general public. Don’t leave of your way for this one.

Browse for Antiques & Curiosities

It’s impossible to steer quite two or three blocks in Fener and Balat without encountering the community’s famous antique shops,  full of everything from second-hand trinkets to legitimately valuable antiques. However, I used to be more curious about a number of the opposite shops I found,  just like the  Electrician of Havana shop where antique electrical items like lamps and telephones are converted into contemporary art, and Balat Bahce, where they sell quite fifty different sorts of homemade jams, jellies, and spreads, mostly featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

Scope Out the road Art

Again, follow the Instagrammers and you'll be led to Balat and Fener’s most evocative pieces of street art, including murals of mysterious portraits, perfume bottle grenades, random acts of automobiles and, yes, your standard graffiti. If you would like to ascertain art off the road, pop into The Pill Contemporary gallery, which was closed thanks to a change of exhibits once I visited, but that often features exhibitions of up-and-coming Turkish and international artists.

Where to dine in Fener & Balat

Cook life Balat

Out of all the restaurants in Fener and Balat, I used to be most drawn to Cook life Balat for my brunch during this  Istanbul neighborhood. An adorable corner cafe travel by the team behind Cook life culinary magazine,  the main target here is on fresh, local ingredients sourced from the owners’ farm outside Istanbul. I had their spectacular Turkish breakfast for one, shown above, featuring homemade bread, jams and spreads, salad, olives, cheese, butter, nuts and more.

Forno Balat

I also considered eating at Forno Balat because I could see it had a stimulating menu of Turkish flatbread pizzas, including some vegetarian options, plus soups, salads and homemade desserts. If you’re in Fener and Balat on the weekend, Forno also serves a weekend buffet brunch.

Mitis Manti ve Cafe

This was my backup-backup just in case I couldn’t get a seat at either Cook's life or Forno. With a more traditional vibe, this small restaurant focuses on manti or Turkish dumplings that they had two different vegetarian options (potato or mushroom) and three meaty options, all of which accompany a liberal covering of special yogurt-based sauce and a drizzle of their secret manti sauce.

Brew Coffeeworks

When I mentioned I’d been in Fener and Balat, one among my readers asked if I’d been to Brew Coffeeworks. Consistent with them, it's the simplest coffee altogether of Istanbul, so I used to be disappointed to possess missed it. Stop by when you’re in Fener and Balat, then come and let me know if it is that the best coffee altogether of Istanbul!

How to Get to Fener & Balat

Fener and Balat are located in Fatih, on the ECU side of Istanbul and northwest of Eminonu. To urge to Fener and Balat from Eminonu, walk to the bus exchange that's labeled “Eminön�� (Turyol)” on Google Maps (zoom in and you'll see four small lanes of bus stops) and mountboard one among the frequent buses traveling northwest along Abdulezelpasa Caddesi. If you’re bad at remembering bus numbers, it’s easiest to recollect  99, 99A or 99Y, all of which can take you to Fener and Balat. Traffic moves at a snail’s pace at hour, so attempt to time your visit to avoid the push of drivers getting to, or leaving, work.

Hotels in Fener & Balat

I didn’t stay in Fener and Balat and that I don’t necessarily recommend that you simply stay here. As it’s only accessible by bus, with no subway or tram service, it is often time-consuming to succeed in other areas of the town from here. However, if you would like to base yourself in Fener and Balat because you’re within the neighborhood for private reasons or work,  you'll check out  Hotel Troya Balat, which is found during a  nineteenth-century historical building on the near side of the district, or Balat Residence for a standard, family-run hotel with self-contained apartment units.

Istanbul is one of my favorite cities on the earth, and I’ve already planted the seeds for a return visit (my third!) next summer, but this point with my mom as my travel companion! I can’t wait to introduce her to everything from Cook's life Balat’s beautiful brunch to the traditional sights of Sultanahmet.

[evildeen]

Prompt: Steve finally works up the courage to ask the man he loves to marry him in an unconventional but romantic way. The day before their wedding, a tragic event takes Sam away from Steve.

💞 Sam🌟 Wilson💞: I just got a delivery of cookies💞 Sam🌟 Wilson💞: What kind of weird ass gesture of love is this steve💞 Sam🌟 Wilson💞: ITS 2:51AMSteve Rogers: I knew you’d be up!Steve Rogers: Happy Birthday Sam!Steve Rogers: ❤️🎁🎂🎈💞 Sam🌟 Wilson💞: Steve…….💞 Sam🌟 Wilson💞: Are you tryin to kill me?Steve Rogers: What?💞 Sam🌟 Wilson💞: I’m allergic to macadamia nuts

Steve almost dropped his phone, gasped so loud he could have been a damsel in distress in a B horror film, and slapped his hand over his mouth. He called Sam.

Sam laughed as he picked up. “You’re so gullible, man! I told you two days ago macadamia nut cookies are my favorite.”

“Sam, don’t do that.”

“What? Fragile old man heart can’t take a joke?”

“Don’t get started with that. Just because you’re Captain America doesn’t mean you can call me old.”

Sam snorted and Steve imagined Sam dropping his head with that smile on his face like he was a little embarrassed. Steve’s chest swelled with a mix of adoration and that pang of pain when you miss somebody even though they’ve only been gone a couple days.

“I love you, Steve,” came Sam’s voice from the other end, as if reading his thoughts.

Steve shut his eyes, let out and inaudible sigh, and looked up at the ceiling of his apartment. “I love you too.” They said it the most when they were apart.

“Hey, I better g–” Sam said.

“Sam, when you get back–” Steve said at the same time.

“What?”

“Do you wanna get married?”

“Yes.”

There’s not even a second of hesitation, and the way Sam’s voice so emphatically replied sent a chill down Steve’s spine. He felt hot and cold all at once, and a big stupid grin crossed his face.

“I really do, Steve. We’ll talk more later, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. Save a cookie for me. Bye, Sam.”

—

Bucky Barnes 🍔:: no can do stevaroniBucky Barnes 🍔:: i cant be ur best manSteve Rogers: Oh. Okay.Steve Rogers: Why not?Bucky Barnes 🍔:: sam already asked

Steve Rogers: YOU SNIPED MY BEST MAN!💞 Sam🌟 Wilson💞: 😏 😘

Natasha 😎 Romanoff: i think im busy that daySteve Rogers: But I told you two months ago we were getting married on November 19th!Natasha 😎 Romanoff: that’s the day IKEA is delivering my new couch and I have to be thereSteve Rogers: [typing]Natasha 😎 Romanoff: IM KIDDING ROGERS of course I’ll be your best man ;)

“I was gonna say,” Steve said when he met up with Nat for coffee later, “that had better be a really fuckin’ nice couch that you’d miss my wedding.”

—

“I thought you decided on the red tie,” Bucky said from his perch on the end of the bed. Steve kept fussing with his tie in the mirror.

“But the blue tie… Sam says I look good in blue…”

“Blue suit,” Bucky reminded him.

“Right, but…”

“What about no tie?” Bucky asked, knowing full well it would annoy Steve.

“It’s my wedding day. I’m wearing a damn tie.”

Bucky smirked and Steve caught his eye in the mirror. Steve rolled his eyes and yanked the blue tie off, setting it on the vanity in front of him. Then there was a knock on the door, or at least it was supposed to be a knock, but it sounded more like somebody kicking the door with the front of their shoe.

Bucky shuffled over to the door and peered through the peep hole. “What’s the password?”

“I brought drinks,” said Natasha from the other side.

“Ding ding ding!” Bucky let Natasha into the hotel room. She had a paper cup holder with Starbucks drinks for them. Steve took his vanilla latte (the ‘fanciest’ drink he’d allow himself), Bucky got his iced coffee, and Nat got herself a tea. Steve took one sip and nearly choked. “What’s–in this?”

“I added a little… something-something,” Natasha said with the tiniest proud smile. “I’m getting the bachelor party started early.”

Steve’s phone buzzed on the countertop and Steve went to get it while Nat and Bucky went over the plans for the rest of the day (brunch, last minute shopping for the wedding, lunch even though brunch should have counted, probably nap time, then the rooftop bachelor party). “Hey, Sam,” said Steve.

Bucky glanced over because he saw Steve’s face go from delighted to devastated in less than a second. He reached out and touched Nat on the wrist and she stopped mid-sentence, then they quietly left the room together.

“Sam–it’s okay–we already got the license, you know, it’s just–a ceremony. We’re married. You have to go, it’s–don’t cry.” Steve’s voice broke just as Bucky and Nat shut the door. They crashed back against the door and mirrored each other’s stance with folded arms. Neither of them could look at each other.

“Shit,” Bucky said finally.

“I’m gonna call the venue, see if they can reschedule. Can you start calling the guests?”

“Sure. Yeah.” Bucky felt sick. “I… yeah. Hold off on calling that venue.”

“What?”

—

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Steve said as Nat held the door for him to enter the ballroom. “It’s not right without Sam here.”

“They couldn’t cancel the reservation, so we might as well try and have some fun. Everyone we invited can still make it, and you shouldn’t be alone right now. It’s like an extended bachelor party.”

“We’re missing a bachelor…” Steve balled his fists at his sides. Couldn’t even say Sam’s name without wanting to burst into tears. Nat bit down on her lip and nudged Steve with her elbow.

“I’ll get you a drink,” she said, even though they both knew it wouldn’t make a difference.

Guests started to arrive, each a little somber, and Steve couldn’t let himself feel anything but worry for Sam. The worst part was that Sam had to go on a mission and that meant danger and–

Nat shoved a glass of champagne in his hand. The party helped get his mind off of things, he supposed, and people were dancing to the live band playing old standards. “Holding up?” she asked.

“I’m fine. Just a little anxious to hear back from Sam–that he’s okay.”

Nat looked over Steve’s shoulders and smiled. “Why don’t… you ask him?”

Steve stared at Nat like she was growing a second head, then she flicked her gaze toward the doors. The world seemed to slow down as Steve turned around. Everything else faded into the background when he saw who had arrived, and like an idiot, Steve shouted: “Sam!”

Several guests heard Steve and immediately turned their attention on the big, blonde idiot that unabashedly tripped over about seven chairs (how the hell was this guy Captain America for so long?) to reach his fiancé. Sam wore a light gray suit and with the bright lights surrounding him in the entryway Steve had to touch him to know he was real.

Sam barely caught Steve as he threw himself into his arms, holding him in a tight embrace. Steve pressed his face into Sam’s neck and breathed in all of Sam–the familiar arc of his back, the softness of his skin, the easy shift of his weight to one leg. “You made it,” Steve choked out.

“I couldn’t miss our wedding, Steve. I just couldn’t.”

“But the mission–”

“Bucky is taking care of it.”

Sam was crying, and so was Steve, and neither of them gave a shit that Nat was recording this.

Steve could have started crying all over again, but he didn’t, and instead he let Nat take Sam away so they could have a mini dress rehearsal. The guests situated themselves into two groups with a middle aisle, and the band played Sam down the aisle with Steve watching through barely contained tears. Sam read his vows–which he said he wrote on the quinjet ride in–and Steve realized he forgot his vows, so he said something stupid about how he met Sam while running in DC.

Then with a final oh, shit from Natasha, they all realized Barnes had the rings.

Sam and Steve could barely contain their laughter, which was half-giggling and half-sobbing. It was decided they were definitely still happily married, and they could just get their rings later.

“So, wait,” Nat said when they were all eating cake later. “Rogers-Wilson?” Wilson-Rogers?”

Sam and Steve looked at each other. “Rogson,” said Sam.

“Ehhh. Wilgers,” Steve said, shrugging one shoulder.

Nat checked her phone. “Barnes says you have to name your firstborn after him.”

“James Buchanan Wilgers.” Steve lifted his glass.

“To James Buchanan Wilgers,” said Sam, rolling his eyes, and they toasted to the theoretical child with a truly heinous name.

Eventually Sam convinced Steve to dance with him, which turned out just about as disastrous as everybody thought it would. They ended the night with a slow dance, and Steve couldn’t have been happier to have his husband in his arms while the band played Glenn Miller.

“This is corny,” Sam whispered at him.

“Let me have this!”

“All right, all right.” Sam leaned in and their foreheads touched. “At least you know how to dance like this, old man.”

Steve folded in his lips and, for once, the term of endearment made him blush. “I love you, too.”

#weallhaveouruniqueobsessions #samsteve #otp: freebird #otp: american airlines #sam wilson #steve rogers #natasha romanoff #bucky barnes #i cannot with this prompt dude #LIKE UHM OW??? #samstevedaily

[michaelfallcon]

Where To Drink Coffee In Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan Neighborhood

Hong Kong is dense. Its buildings, with their varying lines, curves, stacks, and layers, present a unique fingerprint in the city’s iconic skyline—the jaggedness hinting at a seemingly infinite race towards the sky among the architectural giants. Getting lost is an adventure in itself and is probably my favorite way of exploring the city. From the vibrant markets in Kowloon to the steel towers of Central to the unexpected wrong turns leading to the grittier parts of the city—each area is distinctly its own.

Perhaps my favorite hour is the neon glow of nightfall, when the streets and structures transform into an illuminated maze. The blend of colors light the darkness to reveal an endless array of vendors who saturate the air with an assortment of aromas both unfamiliar and enticing. With a bombardment of sights, sounds, and smells around every corner, the city can be a shock for first-time visitors. If you’re in search of a place to wind down and escape the metropolitan jungle, head to the eclectic neighborhood of Sheung Wan, no doubt one of the city’s coolest districts. In between the whispers of ancient Hong Kong that lurk in the dried seafood and tonic stalls on Wing Lok Street and the incense smoke from Man Mo temple, coffee shops and cafes thrive in every nook and cranny.

NOC Coffee Co.

Already boasting a collective assortment of eateries, stylish boutique stores, and art galleries, charming Gough Street ices the cake by hosting one of Sheung Wan’s most beautiful coffee spaces. With its pure white exterior and giant glass doors, the shop is a stark contrast to the busy textures along Gough Street. Upon entering, you’re immediately greeted with a sleek seven-meter-long white countertop bar so immaculate you’ll feel like polishing off every speck of dust on your shoes. The menu offers classic black and white espresso drinks along with a rotating selection of single-origin and house-blend beans available as pour-overs.

NOC wholeheartedly embodies its vision of being a coffee shop that is Not Only Coffee. The very much approachable baristas exude passion in their craft and offer suggestions with enthusiasm. The drinks are served with some of the best free-pour latte art I’ve seen not just in the city, but across my travels around Asia. An ever-evolving food menu with a variety of feel-good toasts, salads, and grain bowls are available throughout the day. Trust me when I say the trek up the stairs is worth the climb.

NOC Coffee Co is located at 18 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them Facebook and Instagram.

  Hazel & Hershey Coffee

On the cusp of Sheung Wan and Central is Peel Street, a small sloping hideaway housing one of the area’s most peculiar coffee shops. It’s hard to miss Hazel & Hershey—its vibrant teal exterior will turn heads and lure the curious inside its doors. This eclectic character extends inside, from the warped clock lighting fixtures that cover the ceilings to the stacks of takeaway cups featuring local artists. Coffee paraphernalia canvases the walls, carrying notable brands such as Kalita, Hario, Acaia, and Bonavita. The assortment of the latest coffee gear, books, and gadgets is enough to spark a coffee nerd in anyone.

While the shop boasts an impressive collection of coffee tools, the coffee selection is not to be overlooked. Hazel & Hershey roasts their beans in-house and offers an impressive list of a constantly rotating variety of single-origin beans and micro-lots, sourcing from Indonesia to Brazil to Ethiopia. Sip on espresso or wait for your pour-over in the shop’s quaint outdoor patio, a recluse from bustling Hollywood Road.

Hazel & Hershey Coffee is located at 69 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

  13 Peel Coffee Bar by Momentum Coffee Roasters

“Drink naked coffee” is the motto at 13Peel, the first coffee concept store by Momentum Coffee Roasters (formerly known as Inferno Dynamics Roastery). The shop takes pride in its commitment to sourcing directly from farmers, offering an ever-changing seasonal selection of beans to ensure the freshest batch of coffee is served to its consumers.

Trinity ONE brewers—the closest thing to magic you’ll get in the coffee world—line the marble countertops, providing a spectacle for even the most closeted coffee geek. This unassuming contraption brews six ways: gravity press, cold drip, batch brew, immersion, pour-over, and espresso-style extraction. Adding to the shop’s minimalistic flair is the subtle Modbar with wooden handle accents—used for pulling espresso.

While the focus is extracting the most unique flavor from each cup, the shop isn’t afraid to push boundaries with coffee. The playful neon lights hint at its whimsical creations, with seasonal mocktails and in-house concoctions such as coffee lemonade, bubble coffee with Okinawan brown sugar, and curry fish ball pairings.

That begs the question: what coffee pairs best with curry fish balls? That answer requires a trip to Peel Street.

13Peel is located at 13 Peel Street, 13 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

  The Cupping Room Roastery

Home to Kapo Chiu, a veteran on the barista world stage and who recently placed 3rd in the World Barista Championship in Seoul, The Cupping Room is bound to exceed your routine caffeine fix. The latest location in Sheung Wan is one of four branches dotted across Hong Kong Island and offers not only a careful selection of seasonal beans sourced worldwide, but also a sizable food menu, making it a brunch hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

Unique to the shop is their roasting powerhouse: a black and steel Probat UG15 Retro. The iconic roaster accentuates the aromatic and sweet profiles in coffee, developing a unique taste with each batch. Like Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the roaster stands behind large glass windows just behind the brewers bar, allowing consumers to gaze upon the finishing stages of bean-to-cup production. Several Melitta drippers line the countertop, while each coffee is paired with an informative card highlighting flavor profiles and origin details. Lactose intolerants, rejoice! Those who prefer milk in their brew have alternative dairy options, including the ever-elusive Oatly oat milk. Seating is limited, so come early to enjoy the efforts of a world-class barista.

The Cupping Room Roastery is located at Silver Jubilee Mansion, Shop 8, Silver Jubilee Mansion, 62-72 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

  18 Grams

18 Grams is a tiny shop that packs a big punch. The dark walnut tables and natural leather seats offer a casual homey vibe while a five-seater counter bar provides a more up and close personal look into the brewing process. The menu offers a solid list of milk-based beverages and serves one of the most velvety flat whites in a neighborhood sardine-packed with coffee shops. Humid day favorites include the shakerato, which is shaken iced espresso served in a martini glass, and the coffee whiskey sour. While I consider myself an espresso purist, I definitely wouldn’t mind starting my day off with the latter.

What started as a small humble espresso corner in Causeway Bay back in 2010 has now evolved into eight locations, with Sheung Wan being the newest of the branches. Thanks to the efforts of founder John So and head roaster Kammie Hui, 18 Grams paved the way for specialty coffee in a now booming Hong Kong coffee culture.

18 Grams is located at 1-3 Mercer St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Jessica Hernandez (@hernandezjess) is an international freelance journalist and photographer. Read more Jessica Hernandez on Sprudge. 

The post Where To Drink Coffee In Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan Neighborhood appeared first on Sprudge.

Where To Drink Coffee In Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan Neighborhood published first on https://medium.com/@LinLinCoffee

[epchapman89]

Where To Drink Coffee In Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan Neighborhood

Hong Kong is dense. Its buildings, with their varying lines, curves, stacks, and layers, present a unique fingerprint in the city’s iconic skyline—the jaggedness hinting at a seemingly infinite race towards the sky among the architectural giants. Getting lost is an adventure in itself and is probably my favorite way of exploring the city. From the vibrant markets in Kowloon to the steel towers of Central to the unexpected wrong turns leading to the grittier parts of the city—each area is distinctly its own.

Perhaps my favorite hour is the neon glow of nightfall, when the streets and structures transform into an illuminated maze. The blend of colors light the darkness to reveal an endless array of vendors who saturate the air with an assortment of aromas both unfamiliar and enticing. With a bombardment of sights, sounds, and smells around every corner, the city can be a shock for first-time visitors. If you’re in search of a place to wind down and escape the metropolitan jungle, head to the eclectic neighborhood of Sheung Wan, no doubt one of the city’s coolest districts. In between the whispers of ancient Hong Kong that lurk in the dried seafood and tonic stalls on Wing Lok Street and the incense smoke from Man Mo temple, coffee shops and cafes thrive in every nook and cranny.

NOC Coffee Co.

Already boasting a collective assortment of eateries, stylish boutique stores, and art galleries, charming Gough Street ices the cake by hosting one of Sheung Wan’s most beautiful coffee spaces. With its pure white exterior and giant glass doors, the shop is a stark contrast to the busy textures along Gough Street. Upon entering, you’re immediately greeted with a sleek seven-meter-long white countertop bar so immaculate you’ll feel like polishing off every speck of dust on your shoes. The menu offers classic black and white espresso drinks along with a rotating selection of single-origin and house-blend beans available as pour-overs.

NOC wholeheartedly embodies its vision of being a coffee shop that is Not Only Coffee. The very much approachable baristas exude passion in their craft and offer suggestions with enthusiasm. The drinks are served with some of the best free-pour latte art I’ve seen not just in the city, but across my travels around Asia. An ever-evolving food menu with a variety of feel-good toasts, salads, and grain bowls are available throughout the day. Trust me when I say the trek up the stairs is worth the climb.

NOC Coffee Co is located at 18 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them Facebook and Instagram.

 Hazel & Hershey Coffee

On the cusp of Sheung Wan and Central is Peel Street, a small sloping hideaway housing one of the area’s most peculiar coffee shops. It’s hard to miss Hazel & Hershey—its vibrant teal exterior will turn heads and lure the curious inside its doors. This eclectic character extends inside, from the warped clock lighting fixtures that cover the ceilings to the stacks of takeaway cups featuring local artists. Coffee paraphernalia canvases the walls, carrying notable brands such as Kalita, Hario, Acaia, and Bonavita. The assortment of the latest coffee gear, books, and gadgets is enough to spark a coffee nerd in anyone.

While the shop boasts an impressive collection of coffee tools, the coffee selection is not to be overlooked. Hazel & Hershey roasts their beans in-house and offers an impressive list of a constantly rotating variety of single-origin beans and micro-lots, sourcing from Indonesia to Brazil to Ethiopia. Sip on espresso or wait for your pour-over in the shop’s quaint outdoor patio, a recluse from bustling Hollywood Road.

Hazel & Hershey Coffee is located at 69 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 13 Peel Coffee Bar by Momentum Coffee Roasters

“Drink naked coffee” is the motto at 13Peel, the first coffee concept store by Momentum Coffee Roasters (formerly known as Inferno Dynamics Roastery). The shop takes pride in its commitment to sourcing directly from farmers, offering an ever-changing seasonal selection of beans to ensure the freshest batch of coffee is served to its consumers.

Trinity ONE brewers—the closest thing to magic you’ll get in the coffee world—line the marble countertops, providing a spectacle for even the most closeted coffee geek. This unassuming contraption brews six ways: gravity press, cold drip, batch brew, immersion, pour-over, and espresso-style extraction. Adding to the shop’s minimalistic flair is the subtle Modbar with wooden handle accents—used for pulling espresso.

While the focus is extracting the most unique flavor from each cup, the shop isn’t afraid to push boundaries with coffee. The playful neon lights hint at its whimsical creations, with seasonal mocktails and in-house concoctions such as coffee lemonade, bubble coffee with Okinawan brown sugar, and curry fish ball pairings.

That begs the question: what coffee pairs best with curry fish balls? That answer requires a trip to Peel Street.

13Peel is located at 13 Peel Street, 13 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 The Cupping Room Roastery

Home to Kapo Chiu, a veteran on the barista world stage and who recently placed 3rd in the World Barista Championship in Seoul, The Cupping Room is bound to exceed your routine caffeine fix. The latest location in Sheung Wan is one of four branches dotted across Hong Kong Island and offers not only a careful selection of seasonal beans sourced worldwide, but also a sizable food menu, making it a brunch hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

Unique to the shop is their roasting powerhouse: a black and steel Probat UG15 Retro. The iconic roaster accentuates the aromatic and sweet profiles in coffee, developing a unique taste with each batch. Like Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the roaster stands behind large glass windows just behind the brewers bar, allowing consumers to gaze upon the finishing stages of bean-to-cup production. Several Melitta drippers line the countertop, while each coffee is paired with an informative card highlighting flavor profiles and origin details. Lactose intolerants, rejoice! Those who prefer milk in their brew have alternative dairy options, including the ever-elusive Oatly oat milk. Seating is limited, so come early to enjoy the efforts of a world-class barista.

The Cupping Room Roastery is located at Silver Jubilee Mansion, Shop 8, Silver Jubilee Mansion, 62-72 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

 18 Grams

18 Grams is a tiny shop that packs a big punch. The dark walnut tables and natural leather seats offer a casual homey vibe while a five-seater counter bar provides a more up and close personal look into the brewing process. The menu offers a solid list of milk-based beverages and serves one of the most velvety flat whites in a neighborhood sardine-packed with coffee shops. Humid day favorites include the shakerato, which is shaken iced espresso served in a martini glass, and the coffee whiskey sour. While I consider myself an espresso purist, I definitely wouldn’t mind starting my day off with the latter.

What started as a small humble espresso corner in Causeway Bay back in 2010 has now evolved into eight locations, with Sheung Wan being the newest of the branches. Thanks to the efforts of founder John So and head roaster Kammie Hui, 18 Grams paved the way for specialty coffee in a now booming Hong Kong coffee culture.

18 Grams is located at 1-3 Mercer St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Jessica Hernandez (@hernandezjess) is an international freelance journalist and photographer. Read more Jessica Hernandez on Sprudge. 

The post Where To Drink Coffee In Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan Neighborhood appeared first on Sprudge.

seen 1st on http://sprudge.com

[mrwilliamcharley]

Where To Drink Coffee In Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan Neighborhood

Hong Kong is dense. Its buildings, with their varying lines, curves, stacks, and layers, present a unique fingerprint in the city’s iconic skyline—the jaggedness hinting at a seemingly infinite race towards the sky among the architectural giants. Getting lost is an adventure in itself and is probably my favorite way of exploring the city. From the vibrant markets in Kowloon to the steel towers of Central to the unexpected wrong turns leading to the grittier parts of the city—each area is distinctly its own.

Perhaps my favorite hour is the neon glow of nightfall, when the streets and structures transform into an illuminated maze. The blend of colors light the darkness to reveal an endless array of vendors who saturate the air with an assortment of aromas both unfamiliar and enticing. With a bombardment of sights, sounds, and smells around every corner, the city can be a shock for first-time visitors. If you’re in search of a place to wind down and escape the metropolitan jungle, head to the eclectic neighborhood of Sheung Wan, no doubt one of the city’s coolest districts. In between the whispers of ancient Hong Kong that lurk in the dried seafood and tonic stalls on Wing Lok Street and the incense smoke from Man Mo temple, coffee shops and cafes thrive in every nook and cranny.

NOC Coffee Co.

Already boasting a collective assortment of eateries, stylish boutique stores, and art galleries, charming Gough Street ices the cake by hosting one of Sheung Wan’s most beautiful coffee spaces. With its pure white exterior and giant glass doors, the shop is a stark contrast to the busy textures along Gough Street. Upon entering, you’re immediately greeted with a sleek seven-meter-long white countertop bar so immaculate you’ll feel like polishing off every speck of dust on your shoes. The menu offers classic black and white espresso drinks along with a rotating selection of single-origin and house-blend beans available as pour-overs.

NOC wholeheartedly embodies its vision of being a coffee shop that is Not Only Coffee. The very much approachable baristas exude passion in their craft and offer suggestions with enthusiasm. The drinks are served with some of the best free-pour latte art I’ve seen not just in the city, but across my travels around Asia. An ever-evolving food menu with a variety of feel-good toasts, salads, and grain bowls are available throughout the day. Trust me when I say the trek up the stairs is worth the climb.

NOC Coffee Co is located at 18 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them Facebook and Instagram.

  Hazel & Hershey Coffee

On the cusp of Sheung Wan and Central is Peel Street, a small sloping hideaway housing one of the area’s most peculiar coffee shops. It’s hard to miss Hazel & Hershey—its vibrant teal exterior will turn heads and lure the curious inside its doors. This eclectic character extends inside, from the warped clock lighting fixtures that cover the ceilings to the stacks of takeaway cups featuring local artists. Coffee paraphernalia canvases the walls, carrying notable brands such as Kalita, Hario, Acaia, and Bonavita. The assortment of the latest coffee gear, books, and gadgets is enough to spark a coffee nerd in anyone.

While the shop boasts an impressive collection of coffee tools, the coffee selection is not to be overlooked. Hazel & Hershey roasts their beans in-house and offers an impressive list of a constantly rotating variety of single-origin beans and micro-lots, sourcing from Indonesia to Brazil to Ethiopia. Sip on espresso or wait for your pour-over in the shop’s quaint outdoor patio, a recluse from bustling Hollywood Road.

Hazel & Hershey Coffee is located at 69 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

  13 Peel Coffee Bar by Momentum Coffee Roasters

“Drink naked coffee” is the motto at 13Peel, the first coffee concept store by Momentum Coffee Roasters (formerly known as Inferno Dynamics Roastery). The shop takes pride in its commitment to sourcing directly from farmers, offering an ever-changing seasonal selection of beans to ensure the freshest batch of coffee is served to its consumers.

Trinity ONE brewers—the closest thing to magic you’ll get in the coffee world—line the marble countertops, providing a spectacle for even the most closeted coffee geek. This unassuming contraption brews six ways: gravity press, cold drip, batch brew, immersion, pour-over, and espresso-style extraction. Adding to the shop’s minimalistic flair is the subtle Modbar with wooden handle accents—used for pulling espresso.

While the focus is extracting the most unique flavor from each cup, the shop isn’t afraid to push boundaries with coffee. The playful neon lights hint at its whimsical creations, with seasonal mocktails and in-house concoctions such as coffee lemonade, bubble coffee with Okinawan brown sugar, and curry fish ball pairings.

That begs the question: what coffee pairs best with curry fish balls? That answer requires a trip to Peel Street.

13Peel is located at 13 Peel Street, 13 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

  The Cupping Room Roastery

Home to Kapo Chiu, a veteran on the barista world stage and who recently placed 3rd in the World Barista Championship in Seoul, The Cupping Room is bound to exceed your routine caffeine fix. The latest location in Sheung Wan is one of four branches dotted across Hong Kong Island and offers not only a careful selection of seasonal beans sourced worldwide, but also a sizable food menu, making it a brunch hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

Unique to the shop is their roasting powerhouse: a black and steel Probat UG15 Retro. The iconic roaster accentuates the aromatic and sweet profiles in coffee, developing a unique taste with each batch. Like Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the roaster stands behind large glass windows just behind the brewers bar, allowing consumers to gaze upon the finishing stages of bean-to-cup production. Several Melitta drippers line the countertop, while each coffee is paired with an informative card highlighting flavor profiles and origin details. Lactose intolerants, rejoice! Those who prefer milk in their brew have alternative dairy options, including the ever-elusive Oatly oat milk. Seating is limited, so come early to enjoy the efforts of a world-class barista.

The Cupping Room Roastery is located at Silver Jubilee Mansion, Shop 8, Silver Jubilee Mansion, 62-72 Po Hing Fong, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

  18 Grams

18 Grams is a tiny shop that packs a big punch. The dark walnut tables and natural leather seats offer a casual homey vibe while a five-seater counter bar provides a more up and close personal look into the brewing process. The menu offers a solid list of milk-based beverages and serves one of the most velvety flat whites in a neighborhood sardine-packed with coffee shops. Humid day favorites include the shakerato, which is shaken iced espresso served in a martini glass, and the coffee whiskey sour. While I consider myself an espresso purist, I definitely wouldn’t mind starting my day off with the latter.

What started as a small humble espresso corner in Causeway Bay back in 2010 has now evolved into eight locations, with Sheung Wan being the newest of the branches. Thanks to the efforts of founder John So and head roaster Kammie Hui, 18 Grams paved the way for specialty coffee in a now booming Hong Kong coffee culture.

18 Grams is located at 1-3 Mercer St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Jessica Hernandez (@hernandezjess) is an international freelance journalist and photographer. Read more Jessica Hernandez on Sprudge. 

The post Where To Drink Coffee In Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan Neighborhood appeared first on Sprudge.

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[nicosroom]

Money Diaries, April 8-14

April 8: Brunch w/ LL- $27.19. I have a terrible weakness for $9-13 cocktails most days, and I've never met a blood orange mimosa that I didn't love. Boozy brunches aren't usually my thing, since I have spent years working away my Sundays to prep for the week. I've done them a little more on the past year as I've been able to shift my work into a more regulated Monday through Friday pattern, but i still hold back most of the time because I realize that when you're trying to balance a social life with a money mindful life, skipping the booze at brunch is an easy way to keep the bill under $20 instead of landing somewhere closer to $30. But on a sunny spring day, when you're finally able to schedule something with a friend you haven't seen in 6 months, it's cause for celebrating.

April 9: Gas and Electric, billing cycle Feb. 16-March 15 - $75.10; Laundry, one load of sheets & towels - $2.75

April 10: Happy Hour - $8.50. My writing buddy & I met at a local brewery for our weekly writing session. They serve coffee & it's pretty empty throughout the day, so it's a surprisingly great place for productivity. On my part, the car is still out & this is about a 20 minute walk for me. I opted out of coffee for the first few hours & then ordered a mint julep ale they are brewing for the Kentucky Derby. And for that price, it came with a souvenir glass! Long term, I probably need to dial back my spending on drinking out. But this price isn't much different from what I might spend on drink & a pastry had we gone to the coffee shop. It's an important face to face social interaction for someone working from home, so I definitely think this expense falls under the "worth it" label.

April 11: Cell phone bill, $60; Dental x-ray bill (my insurance covered the whole cleaning, but only a portion of the x-rays) - $98.00; and, finally: total for the repair to the fuel pump on my car - $627.77

I picked the car up right around lunch time & just in time to drive it to the airport to park it for a few days. Although I tend to associate the airport with Starbucks, this time I refrained. I added $10 to my Metro card when I got to DC. I loved flying into Reagan airport, hopping on the Blue Line & heading toward Georgetown to see my boo, Simba 😉

Kidding. I'm here to spend an extended weekend with Billy 😍, who met me at the metro station & treated us to dinner--my first trip to Shake Shack.

April 12: Baseball game hot dog - $9. We planned my visit to DC this week/end around a Washington Nationals game that Billy got free tickets for. I spent the day at his apartment reading/writing for my dissertation & playing with Simba before heading over to City Center, where we had dessert & happy hour drinks & snacks at Momofoku & Milkbar. Then we got on the metro over to the stadium. I was suppose to buy the baseball game dogs, but we were interested in hot dogs from two different locations. Billy got a Ben's Chili Dog, recommended to him by some people he knows here, and to save time, I headed to the other stand to get a banh mi hot dog, which I thought I could get through without one of the marked up drinks. I was grateful when we met back at the eating area, where we joined Billy's brother & nephew. He had bought beers for the two of them & he'd gotten a water for me, even though I had told him I didn't need anything. Between the diced jalepenos, Sriracha, & spicy mayo on the hot dog, I desperately needed the water after all.

April 13: Trader Joe's/groceries - $17.14. With temps in the 80s, I thought this would be the best day of my trip to head to the National Zoo. Our main objective was to see the pandas & I also thought bringing a picnic for a late lunch would be nice. Since Billy was in class all day, I put myself in charge of acquiring the picnic food. After a little research, I found it'd probably cost me about $10-12 a sandwich to get them at a deli, with chips, drinks, and other snacks certainly being extra. Instead, I headed to Trader Joe's for picnic supplies. I also grabbed eggs since we ate all Billy's during our breakfasts Thursday & Friday. Using hummus & cherry jalepeno jam Billy already had here, I put together two pretty delightful turkey & cheese sandwiches, as well as cut up an apple & peeled an orange (he already had them), which I served along with salt & pepper potato chips and a liter of cranberry clementine sparkling water. I picked up a few postcards of the pandas to send - $3.

April 14: Billy took me to Virginia! We visited Mount Vernon, ate Korean food in Annendale, and walked around at Arlington National Cemetery for nearly 9 miles logged in Fitbit. I'm very grateful that Billy is both adventurous and very generous 🙏🏼

Weekly total: $938.45

#money diaries #money #money mindfulness #april #bills #beer #car trouble #travel #baseball