#bums me out that this season was reduced

[billfarrah]

I don't know if I'm in the minority here but what I loved about season 2 is actually Simon's storyline! I get wanting to dive deeper into his family life and that better be the plan for season 3 if they get one, but all the things we did get I thought were brilliant. I loved loved Simon in season 1 but he at times he came across a little perfect with his incredibly strong morals and such a clear understanding of who he is. I mean yes he was selling booze and drugs to help him and Sara make it through Hillerska but that felt pretty justified.

I don't know how anyone can say that Simon was just reduced to a love interest this season when those romances worked so well to bring to light the way Simon struggles. We learned that he runs away from difficult feelings instead of really dealing with them, he can be talked into things he knows are not right (we can say whatever we want about Marcus and his manipulation but Simon should have never even went on a second date with him) and we learned that to an unnerving level he doesn't let himself break down (that gun scene and the way Simon held all of his anger in - chef's kiss acting from Omar).

And clearly there's something about Wille that just makes him feel all the possible emotions and he's so drawn into that and maybe a part of it is the fact that he gets a little bit off on the drama (hello the whole swinging a ball at Wille's face and then proceeding to make him jealous at the locker room and at the ball despite the fact that he knew perfectly well that Wille is already so fucking jealous). Now that I think about it, and don't hate me for it, I suspect Marcus all in all is a little too boring for him. A kid he went to pre-school with who knows all of his personal shit because their mothers are friends? That's not the life Simon wants, he doesn't want to stay in Bjärstad, he's told us this in so many ways. He wants to be a singer probably. Listen, he kissed an obviously closeted Prince of Sweden after spending the equivalent of one day with him, he is looking for drama just a little bit. Simon is good and honest and he loves the people around him so much but he's also a little messy and a little petty and he doesn't always make the right choices and all of that just makes me love him a thousand times more.

Sorry for the insanely long message I just have a lot of thoughts that I'm desperate to share 😂 Love your blog and the incredibly thoughtful conversations you are having here 💞

I love this I love this I love this I want to have this framed. This is exactly how I’ve come to view Simon’s storyline in season 2 after sitting with it for a while.

At first I was a little bummed that we didn’t get more of Simon’s family life, but if you think about the way Simon’s storyline ended in s1, it leads perfectly into his storyline in season 2. His season 2 arc begins when Sara tells him he lets everyone piss on him and when he tells Wille that he has to deal with things on his own. Simon took what Sara said to heart and said it was time to start prioritizing himself. He had no reason to stay in contact with Micke and the main thing he’s dealing with in season is his heartbreak over Wille and the video situation. What we see is a Simon who is desperate to move on and forget everything that happened the previous semester and the way he deals with that is by running away. He does it in season 1 too (for example when he runs away from his and Wille’s argument in the music room).

I understand why people say he was reduced to a love interest, but to me, the centre of this story is the love story, so of course Wille and Simon’s character arcs are going to heavily deal with that. Wille’s storyline was heavily about his feelings for Simon as well - Simon is all he wants after all. The focus of the season was them trying to live without each other and it not working.

I also agree that Marcus is too boring for Simon. It’s set up in season 1 that Simon wants more out of his life as you said and he’s very clearly drawn to Wille - Rosh even calls him out on it in season 2. He is scared of getting hurt but can’t help but be drawn in. He keeps Wille at a distance but then pulls him back in when he feels him drifting away. As you said, he’s a little messy and petty and he experienced so many emotions this season and I thought it was brilliantly done.

Simon has a fire inside of him just as much as Wille does and that’s why they’re so drawn to each other - they bring that fire out in each other.

I also loved that we got to see more of Simon’s love for singing. I thought that part of his character was underwritten in season 1 and I’m so happy they expanded on it.

I wish I had more to add but you explained it so perfectly. Feel free to slide into my DMs with your thoughts anytime; this was a pleasure to read!

#young royals #wilmon

[tarklesbehindthescenes]

For the ask game: Hot Rod/Rodimus (any continuity) 1. Why do you like or dislike this character?

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

23. Favorite picture of this character?

24. What other character from another fandom of yours that reminds you of them?

Character Ask Game

I'm such a simp for him in general. Here we go.

1. Why do you like or dislike this character?

I love Roddy because he is so funny and flawed! Some versions of him I love more than others, but that all boils down to how the little details of each version of him are written. Most, if not all, versions of him are so full of passion, sarcasm, and stubbornness, and that is something I resonate with!

My number one favorite version of him is G1 (shocker, I know). G1 Roddy starts out as enthusiastic, optimistic, and potentially carefree. He's confident in his abilities and if he falls on his face, he just gets back up and hops back on the saddle of his metaphorical horse. And then he unceremoniously inherits the Matrix of Leadership and is forced to grow up. He becomes bitter, frustrated, and angsty. The falls hit him harder and he needs help getting back on that saddle.

But despite the change in his demeanor, the thing that doesn't change about him is that he sticks to his guns. If something he believes in is challenged, he's going to argue for it, even if he's wrong. That said, when he comes to realize that he's wrong, he does back down and own up to it. Which is refreshing to see. I loved watching him go through his soul-searching in Season 3, and I'm kinda bummed out that the writing for it seemed... a little rushed? Or not quite resolved?

Still, as a fic writer, I guess I should be grateful that the canon allows me to play around with how he grows as a character and resolves his inner conflicts. He is full of potential.

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

I haven't really come across any ships of him that I don't like, but I envision that he's paired with Optimus by someone, and that's really just not my thing.

When pairing characters together nowadays, I not only look at how canon has them interact, but also how their personalities would potentially mesh with each other. It's how I come up with so many rarepairs, such as Misfire/Grapple. No canon interaction whatsoever, but their personalities would balance each other out and make for some fun times.

Disregarding the fact that canon shows Optimus being a sort of hero-figure Roddy looks up to and strives to be, I just don't see Optimus and Roddy's personalities meshing well. They're too similar. And I'm well aware that like-minded people can be attracted to each other. My husband and I are in that pool. But I mean there wouldn't be much balance in the relationship. It's about the give-and-take system.

Talking about this ship from the G1 side of things, they have similar views and core beliefs, they have similar methods of handling problems, and they have similar ways of thinking. Roddy is just a younger Optimus. And I'm sure that they have a great platonic relationship.

But I think that Roddy's energy and lack of experience would make Optimus tired. And while the older mech can be patient, one can only handle so much. He's the leader of an entire army and if he was alive to win the war, he would have had to take up the mantel of getting Cybertron back on its feet. He would need someone experienced and a little lower-maintenanced to help him keep from burning himself out.

Roddy tends to be higher-maintenance and runs into trouble more often than he keeps away from it. I do think that he can benefit from having a low-maintenance and patient partner, but I can't see it being Optimus because he doesn't get much out of the relationship in return.

So that's the method behind my madness. ...But also for simplicity's sake, I just don't see Roddy being romantically interested in the hero he looks up to.

23. Favorite picture of this character?

I have so many~ But I will reduce it to two.

Top pic just looks like Galvatron is struggling with ballroom dancing.

Bottom pic is so wholesome and precious and I just melt~

24. What other character from another fandom of yours that reminds you of them?

Glad you asked~ Recently I've been having a lot of fun comparing Genshin Impact characters to Transformers characters, and the one that matches Roddy the most is Navia. Both have hidden guns, both are stylish, both are determined, energetic, and have conviction, they're both extroverted, and a bunch of other small details that I have fun going through.

#I never tire of talking about Roddy #Transformers #Rodimus #Hot Rod #maccadam #Ask Game #Asks

[vintage-bentley]

ik they arent even in the trailer and their story is done but im kinda bummed out thatin the good omens tag basically nobody is ever talking about the them or the human characters anymore like they make up most of the book and half the show but always get the side lines in fandom content :/ like ive never seen an anathema focused piece of anything shes always like crowleys bestie or something nobody cares to explore a female character deeper than is shown in canon like raphael doesnt exist in canon and yet had more people explore his intricacies

I’m guilty of this too, and I think aside from regular fandom tendency to focus on a ship and let that be all that matters, A/C’s story is so interesting and unique that it outshines the others.

But I love Anathema! I really like her storyline of following something for her whole life because she was told she has to, and having to navigate not having that guide anymore—after choosing not to have it. I wish we got to see how she deals with going about life without knowing what comes next, I can see it being a great source of stress for her. And it would’ve been neat to see it paralleled with Aziraphale going through something very similar, now that he’s abandoned his trust in Heaven. I saw a post a while ago talking about how both human couples were mirrors of A/C—Newt asks questions of Anathema’s unwavering faith and helps her to leave it behind, just like Crowley does for Aziraphale. Shadwell ends up with somebody he’s supposed to believe is an embodiment of evil and sees he was wrong about her, just like Aziraphale does with Crowley. That was really interesting to see and I have a feeling that season 2 will do the same thing with Maggie and Nina (of course I hope they’re more than just mirrors of the male characters).

But as far as fandom goes, I have to admit that I understand wanting to focus on A/C since they’re the most interesting. It does annoy me though, that Anathema often falls victim to the typical fandom treatment of female characters, where they only exist to mother the male characters. In fan fiction she tends to be the voice of reason and the “smartest one in the room”, which seems great because yay a woman is smarter than the men…until you realise she’s only “the smartest one in the room” because people can’t imagine a woman being silly and fun, only responsible and maternal. I think so much more could be done to explore her whole conspiracy theory thing.

As far as the trend of her being Crowley’s bestie, I think it’s cute, but it feels like people reduce her to being a “goth bestie” and don’t really pay attention to her interests. I feel like she’d really get along with Aziraphale and they’d bond over interest in/knowledge of books of prophecy. I’m sure Aziraphale would be absolutely fascinated to hear from an actual descendant of Agnes Nutter, and despite having left the descendant lifestyle behind I’m sure Anathema would be eager to share her history with somebody who’s knowledgeable and interested. Like imagine you dedicate your whole life to following in the footsteps of a historical figure that not many people know about except prophecy enthusiasts. And then you meet the enthusiast of all time. That would be exciting!

And, y’know, I’m sure she’d be more fond of Aziraphale over Crowley, considering A’s the one who healed her and treated her kindly while C didn’t care that he’d hit her with his car and instead focused on un-denting said car…

That being said, I’ve found that a lot of content with her being friends with the husbands, especially Crowley, ends up treating her like set dressing. I’d make a feminist analysis of this, but tbh I notice it with all the human characters, so I don’t think it’s specific to Anathema because she’s female. It’s possible it happens to her more though because of it.

Anyways. I agree it’s sad that the other characters don’t get much attention! They’re great, especially Anathema and Pepper who are my favourites. But like I said, I get it, when they’re up against the competition that is ineffable husbands.

#asks #anon

[juanabaloo]

Hightown thoughts: i'll prob do a rewatch this month to have S1 and 2 fresh in my mind before S3 starts. (S3 is the last season, SPOILERS ahead....) my general sense is that some Hightown fans were upset about how S2 ended bc Jackie went back to bad guy's house - and yeah i hated that but it made sense to me.

TW: prostitution, drug use, dad relationship

final reminder for SPOILERS ahead-

so the implication is that Jackie goes back to the dealer's house to do some sort of sex with him in exchange for drugs. that's how it ends, with that cliffhanger.

sure, Jackie habitually makes terrible decisions, she has problems, she's clearly high when she decides to do this. she's relapsed in a big big way. (and she's also reeling from feeling like she has no one to go to - esp after Leslie rejects her) BUT BUT BUT

she does this bc she's shook up as hell about her dad offering her up to the guy earlier in exchange for drugs.

this is why she goes back!

her dad offered her up, and she hates this. she doesn't understand it. she thought this was a line he wouldn't cross. he reduces her to an object, just another thing to bargain for his next fix. she rejects the offer in that moment, bc ofc she does. she doesn't think twice about it.

but it bothers her, and even though she was already relapsing and high, this sends her spiraling IMO. (or spiraling worse, if you prefer.)

so how to make this thing OK, this thing that her dad did? ideally he would go to her and apologize, beg for forgiveness, say he was wrong. there's no chance in hell that will happen, and i think she's accepted her dad is who he is, and she can't change him. when she was sober that was def how she approached her dad. so that's not an option, in her mind.

but she has to do something. what's something she can do, to make this OK?

it has to be that her dad didn't do anything wrong, that sure he's a bum and cheater and a drunk and an addict but he wouldn't offer her up like that (like a dog). no, he was just noticing that THAT was an option.

so something Jackie can do - is make that true. that it was an option, that she was open to it, that she would do it, you know, it's no big deal. or in that moment she didn't but maybe she would, if things were a little bit different. if it was a little later in the night, if she was a little bit higher, or lower, or something.

so yeah maybe it was an option, hell maybe it's something Jackie wanted to do - and her dad just noticed that.

so the something Jackie can do, the ONLY thing she can do, to make it OK, to make it so her dad didn't just try to fucking prostitute her out, have her fucking some guy like a dog, is THIS.

that's why she goes back to the guy's house.

(not that that makes it OK. obvs she's too high to consent.)

#prostitution tw #show reco #hightown #Jackie is Faith in a no powers AU #and the show gets dark like fuck this whole post is dark but yeah

[monstersinthecosmos]

I actually think I COULD have been okay with Armand's casting, tbh? I think vibes-wise, he actually works? I mean, he's not book armand, but I feel like we all knew that with the age issue and how ridiculously pretty he's supposed to be, that was always going to be impossible.

But my bigger issues are more that it already feels like they're going to pretend there's no love in his relationship with Louis, that Devil's Minion is a no-go, and that he's pretty much just going to be there to make Lestat look slightly less worse and give the audience someone to hate. Frankly, the only positive for me so far is that they superpowered him, which I kind of enjoy after watching Anne make him more and more helpless with each book, lol

hjsdkg ugh like, to be honest i'm so fucking bummed and depressed about this whole thing and I feel so left out and genuinely don't understand why Devil's Minion fans are excited about it. 😂

(tbf I feel like, as an old DM loser, I'm not seeing the excitement amongst the other fandom olds and outspoken stans. It feels like newer fans are excited and I'm excited for them but I know they're like, coming to this from a difference experience than me. idk I feel left out LMAO I can't emotionally connect with it at all.)

But yea I really like the actor, I don't have an issue with him in particular. Like, he's too old LMAO but. I was kind of expecting that. But so far I've enjoyed ALL the actors and I don't hold the bad writing against them. They all killed it with what they were given, and none of them were faithful to their book counterparts in the slightest.

I just. Yeah. The reveal was really bad writing. RJ's comments afterwards gave me huge red flags that they're going to use Armand as a Loustat wedge, similar to the way they used Antoinette. I'm also really concerned about how they'll handle his backstory because they handled Claudia's SA so poorly. And the way they made Lestat so 2D and unlikable and just an asshole makes me feel really upset about what they'd do to Armand, because I worry it falls into the Shallowest Takes Possible that we tend to see in fandom from the non-Armand-fans that he's just, like, this evil little creature. He's such a complex character and so many people in fandom just reduce him to being a little gremlin and it really sucks, and I'm so worried that the show is going to take that approach too.

It's just such a bad investment into a series, you know? This was supposed to the foundational season and it was filled with cheap bullshit and continuity errors on their own lore, how are they supposed to build on this?

AND LIKE TBH I HATE THAT THEY SUPERPOWERED HIM?? A LOT????? Like I ranted about this on Twitter the other day and I'm not ready to try to repeat myself LMAO but like, I think having him immune to sunlight is a HUGE misstep for him as a character and I'm just. Ugh.

like this is a fucking nightmare, seeing your favs done dirty like this.

Anyway we always knew it was going to be the Lestat/Loustat show and I didn't expect Armand or Daniel to be centered meaningfully but like man. It just really would've been awesome to see Devil's Minion on the screen and it sucks that we're never gonna have it. Some background info? A single standalone episode about them one day? Something we could gif for a few years? Anything?

Like I truly needed so little lol.

#vampire pajama party on amc #i'm sad i need a nap #this is depressing LOL #LIKE I DONT THINK I EVEN WANT TO WATCH S2????? #but VC is my thing yknow? #like idk if i can sleep if there's VC content that i dont at least watch to see for myself LOL #idk this sucks it's painful it's not fun

[minu-skin]

Holika Holika | Soothing & shower gel // Skin/bodycare

Hello hello apologies on my behalf of the lacking reviews! Been a busy month, but I'd like to finish it off with one more Holika Holika review and I'm preparing a special review soon that I hope will help you skincareholics.

This review is going to be different in terms of not being a first impressions because I admit I am behind and I seem to keep buying skincare products at a rapid state than I thought I would be doing...

(fyi they'll be more of that in the future (lols)). && This is also going to be a first double review because I feel the products are similiar so it correlates together. Okay onto the review of:

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A gel & shower gel containing high amount of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice aka Aloe Vera.

Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel & Holika Holika Aloe 92% Shower Gel: A gel and shower gel that helps moisturize and soothes irritated skin leaving it fresh and non-greasy/sticky. Both main ingredient is of course you guessed it... Aloe Vera extract! Paraben free. No mineral oils. No artificial colors. No alcohol. Great for all skin types; sensitive, dry skin, etc.

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Directions: For the gel you apply onto your skin and spread gently for absorption. For the shower gel apply desired amount onto a sponge, lather, and massage onto your body rinsing off with lukewarm water thoroughly.

Package: I personally love the design! Off the bat it's unique. It's aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. The clarity of the gel with the green plastic bottle shaped like an aloe vera leaf is chef's kiss to me.

Product: Besides the packaging the amount of product is great! Atleast for the gel; the shower gel (this is a personal problem) is alright for someone who showers... everyday. But if you shower every other day it would probably last you awhile longer.

Fragrance: Well this is a given haha. It smells like aloe vera. Fresh, clean, it's not heavily scented. If you hate the smell of aloe then of course you wouldn't be purchasing this.

Texture: Gel. It feels like aloe vera gel. Non-greasy/sticky. Absorbs well into your skin.

Price: For the amount you get (250 ml) the price is totally worth it. It's not very expensive at all. And I always see places online where these products go on sale all the time (if you're really the frugal type).

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✎ Overall impression Guys... I love both products A LOT. A lot a lot. My main reasoning for buying is the fact (especially for the gel) it's 9 9 p e r c e n t aloe vera. And usually you see other aloe vera products about as high as the shower gel (92%) which is still awesome, but seeing the higher amount of course you're gonna be like "I gotta get me some of that."

I used to use but had to stop early in was the Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel 92% Soothing and Moisture because it broke me out. And I tried using it continuously cause I was thinking maybe my face had to get used to it. Then tried stopping for a week and coming back to it etc. Unforunately it didn't work out. Bummed because I really wanted to have aloe vera into my skincare routine. Aloe vera has a lot of benefits whether you're consuming or applying to yourself (healing and removing impurities, hydrating dry areas, reducing acne and hyperpigmentation, soothing sunburns and/or irritated skin the list goes on and on). So again seeing the high amount I'm thinking maybe that's what is was and luckily this brand worked for me. The shower gel worked out for me as well. It's great especially for the summer season right now. It feels really refreshing when you're using it and after using it. Stepping out of the shower you feel that squeaky clean feeling, but it's not drying you or giving that tight feeling.

Both feel very moisturizing as well, but of course remember it's not a moisturizer. Don't treat it like one. It's kinda like an illusion, you still need to use a moisturizer afterwards. I like to use the gel after serums and then apply a moisturizer. Also works well with make-up. You apply it first then do your usual routine.

I recommend guys! Been using it straight for a few months now and I still have plenty of the gel. But this girl showers everyday so the shower gel is almost gone. Again for the amount and the every day showers it's still worth it. Great for the summer if you're looking for a nice shower gel to keep you feeling fresh.

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- insert golf claps -

Ingredients Soothing Gel: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, nelumbium speciosum flower extract, centella asiatica extract, bambusa vulgaris extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, zea mays (corn) leaf extract, brassica oleracea capitata (cabbage) leaf extract, citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit extract, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, sodium polyacrylate, carbomer, triethanolamine, fragrance, phenoxyethanol. &&& Ingredients Shower Gel: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, sodium chloride, nelumbium speciosum flower extract, water, butylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, centella asiatica extract, bambusa vulgaris extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, zea mays (corn) leaf extract, brassica oleracea capitata (cabbage) leaf extract, citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit extract.

✧ ✧ ✧

You can purchase Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel: here & Holika Holika Aloe 92% Shower Gel: here at iherb. Using my rewards code HXI4668 can earn you up to 30% off Super Rewards deal weekly. Enjoy. ♡

DISCLAIMER: I bought this product with my own money. This is my honest review. I was not paid to review this product. I do not claim to be a medical or professional advisor. My reviews is to merely share my skincare journey and hoping to help others through my experiences.

#holika holika #enprani co ltd #aloe 99% soothing gel #aloe 92% shower gel #aloe vera #aloe barbadensis #gel #korean skincare #korean beauty #korean cosmetics #review #beauty blog #review blog

[bemacmom]

Our Newborn Must Haves

As a new mom (trying to always get the best deal and not overspend), I feel it is my duty to share the products that we are ACTUALLY USING in this postpartum season. Keep in mind that every baby is different and while these products work for us, some babies may not love them as much.

Boba Bliss Hybrid Carrier. Like i said, every baby is different, just like every person is different. However, it is generally true that almost all babies love to be worn by their mothers. Babywearing helps me get things done around the house and makes grocery shopping/doing anything outside of the house a breeze. It also eliminates the need for a stroller (in most cases). This particular carrier gives the structure and support of a traditional carrier but has the comfort and stretchiness of a wrap. It is my absolute favorite and the number one purchase I would recommend to all new moms.

Aquaphor baby ointment. Our Aquaphor ointment has saved our newborn's bum from diaper rash. We use it precautionarily, so it reduces the need for the Desitin diaper rash cream.

Desitin diaper rash cream (maximum strength). It can be messy, and a lot goes a long way, but this cream worked so well for our newborn's diaper rash.

Tubby Todd all over ointment. Since we're talking ointments, this has to be included. It is common for some newborns to get acne/rashes that are the result of their mothers' leftover hormones. A lot of the time, these rashes will go away on their own. I waited as long as I could for my newborn's acne to disappear on its own, but it just wasn't going away. I bought this ointment after reading all the rave reviews about it, and it worked for us after just one day of use. This ointment can be used for almost any dermatological issue, but it's a bit pricey so I would suggest only buying it if you need it.

Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger. A. Game. Changer. Our baby LOVES this thing. It hugs her body so she is comfortable while she's in it and it is so easy to transport around the house when we need to set her down for little moments. Staying home with her by myself became so much easier once I started using this thing. It isn't meant for sleeping, but it's the only thing our baby will sleep in.

Rocking chair. Literally any type of chair that rocks. It is a lifesaver when our baby is fussy.

Diaper bag. Okay, obviously a diaper bag is a must. BUT you can absolutely ditch those large, space-consuming backpack/tote bags and don a mid-size sling bag or crossbody. I use the ORI London Willesden sling bag. It is convenient to use and holds just the necessities, so you aren't weighing yourself down with a bunch of stuff you don't actually need. I can talk about what we put in our diaper bag in a separate post.

Newborn clothes. When I had my daughter we had exactly ONE newborn outfit on hand because I was convinced that she would come out already fitting in 0-3 month outfits. Everyone always tells you that you shouldn't buy newborn things because you won't need them. Well, we did. And we needed a lot of them. Diapers, too. Her birth weight was just at 7 pounds and she ended up weighing almost a whole pound less when we left the hospital, which we were not prepared for. So, I would suggest buying a couple extra newborn outfits just to be on the safe side. Target and Amazon have some great zipper footies, which are the KING of all baby clothes.

Baby blankets. This one is surprisingly controversial. Not everyone feels the need to stock up on baby blankets, but blankets were a must for me. We live in the northwest region of the United States, so it gets pretty cold. And I had my daughter in November. We used every kind of blanket for every kind of activity: car rides, hanging around the house, to cover her while carrying her. We keep one in the car. We keep one on the sofa. We keep one in the diaper bag. We keep one pretty much everywhere she goes inside or outside the house. Sometimes being wrapped in a blanket is the only way she will fall asleep, so they are absolutely essential and easily accessible around here.

Diaper cart. Those late night feeds and diaper changes are already tough. Do yourself a favor and get a diaper cart. I bought the three-tiered plastic utility cart from Target for $15 and it's the best thing I could've done for my postpartum self. I have all the essentials: diapers, wipes, lotions, ointments, nursing supplies, books, toys, and everything I could possibly need in a pinch in the middle of the night to smoothly and efficiently care for my babe. It's a game changer.

Hatch. The Hatch is another purchase I'm glad I don't have to live without. It is the perfect nightlight for quick bedtime changes, and has really helped our baby sleep peacefully through the night. And it "grows" with your baby. There are settings that can be used for every stage of life. Even my husband and I plan to get one for ourselves once baby girl moves out of our room. I recommend this product to anyone and everyone.

Resources. Lastly, I want to suggest all new moms curate a list of resources for anything from breastfeeding support to postpartum depression. Know what to look for, know who to talk to, and give yourself the confidence and surety to be honest and open with your care team, friends, and family. It's hard out here, but it doesn't have to be hard alone.

#new mom #postpartum #must haves #newborn #recommendations #ointments #resources #you're not alone #let's chat

[cottoncandythetrashpanda]

God. 2012 Casey deserved so much better. Some of y'all know I'm not the biggest 2012 fan in general but there are parts of it that I really have enjoyed! And for the first 3 seasons Casey was one of those! But now I'm early on season 4 and he's just... Not the same. He wasn't book smart before, sure, but he was like, aware of the world around him, he was capable, he fixed a car on his own! And dude's like 17! and he could have genuine heartfelt moments with his friends. I'm not very far into season 4 but it feels like he's being reduced to this buffoonish clown who only cares about fighting and things being "metal". Ugh. Casey Jones is pretty consistently my favorite TMNT character across most iterations so it just bums me out.

#candy chitters

[stevestonbike]

What do Olympians eat?

The bike club had its season end party. It was at a Pub. One free beer then discounted rounds if you bought anything else. Bikes and Beer there is a relationship.

A guest at the party was a man who has competed in several Olympics. He won a Bronze Medal in Japan. (Heavy thing) and he also won a gold in the commonwealth games in Birmingham. He was born and raised in our town and was now running for city council.

He is a very nice and dedicated person. He works like a slave in his training. We see him around town a lot. It paid off in sport. His is one of the stranger sports, race walking. A century ago it was really popular but now it is mostly a curiosity. But it is an Olympic event.

He came in the pub and was introduced by our leader. Before they actually got the room to quiet down for that my Wife says hey is that Evan? I look over and err yes it is. He had the Canadian Tuxedo Olympic jacket and had two small fabric bags. My wife soon grabbed him and got the photo and he proved really to be as nice as we hope all political aspirants to be.

He is too nice to get elected I think. He was not working the room at all, he just talked to whomever seemed friendly. In fact most of the couple hours he was there he spent talking to my wife and I. I like him. But no political instincts. His success falls to if people recognize his name on the ballot.

We did spend a good bit of the time having dinner together. What would a real live extreme endurance Olympic medalist athlete eat? It was a pub. The very nice waitress who navigated the room like a fish between rocks brought him a HUGE plate of French Fries (Chips to UK people) and a sandwich of that huge size common to pubs. It is almost like the cooks sit in the back to snicker at people trying to stuff this softball sized thing in their mouth. The bun was large and had a slab of deep fried buttermilk breaded chicken with a tomato and some sauce crowned by a skewered pickle. It is not the kind of thing I would order. Well at least not since my teenage years.

He looked at me and said; " If the furnace is hot enough anything burns!" True that. He managed to get it down efficiently.

A few adults came in with kids who had just lost a soccer game. Kids in the pub? Well the coaches and parents were bummed I guess. A kid walked by and I asked if he wanted to see a real Olympic Medal. Surprise and who is this weird old man. I held it up and said its real and this is the man who won it. At this point he actually stood up and worked the room of kids. The juvenile jungle drums instantly announced something was up and he was surrounded. My wife showed them the Gold Medal from Birmingham, and they all tried it. Real medals. Hard work can pay off. The usual stuff they say.

By now the parents became aware and came over. Pictures and did anyone want an autograph? My wife became his manager for a few minutes and he got out his autograph kit and went to work. Everyone got a photo and a signature and a chance to wear the medals. Even a couple parents. That is more like it, this is how you connect and campaign. More voters.

The hubbub died down and he came over and ordered a drink. I was having my fourth. It and the previous one were not beer but Guinness, that's food you know. So we were able to get a little toast to him in. It was a nice talk. He did go into all the things he wanted to do on City Council. I argued about the speed limit he wanted to reduce. Best way to scare away voters who drive. We may be a bike club, but everyone has a car. I suggested raising the speed limit and enforcing it hard. The math about reducing speed limits does not work. People just get used to ignoring them. He seemed to accept my opinion. He said he would like to talk again.

I told him he had my vote. I also will vote for my old Droog Alexa who is a Olympian but does not have a medal and is also very nice person. The rest I will have think about. There are several who have no platform and just want in to take bribes apparently. 27 people running for 8 spots.

So Olympians eat pub food. Who knew?

#olympians #fitblr #bikeblr #old man on a bike #pedal dammit #steveston bike

[clovemerablog]

Song review: “2 Die 4” by Tove Lo

A memorable pop hit that both reflects on previous musical ideas while embracing new techniques and genres.

Review by Clove Mera, 20 September 2022.

Track written by: Gershon Kingsley, Tove Nilsson, Oscar Michael Gorres

From “Dirt Femme”, 2022, Pretty Swede Records/ mtheory

The most rewarding thing about being a fan of Tove Lo is having a front row seat to all her playful forays in and out of different places. Having first heard snippets of “2 Die 4” while Lo wiggled her bum on social media, I remember being unimpressed with the compressed chorus lead, recorded out of her phone speakers and back into her microphone.

Having heard the song proper, and recently in Dolby Atmos, there is so much to love about the song. For the first time, Lo samples another song. In last week’s review, a disco track sampled another disco track. This week, the 20th century's original synthpop single, “Popcorn” by Gershon Kingsley, is interpolated into the melodic chorus lead of what Lo describes as a Y2K “pop bitch experience”. 

The track builds tension with enchanting keys chiming along after every vocal phrase. With its reduced cut off and almost submersion in reverb, the keys are reminiscent of iconic Y2K music.

But in what feels like loving fan service, Lo opens this track with ominous keys and cool, seductive vocals that despite being whispered, scream “Lady Wood” – her iconic 2016 dark-pop sophomore album. On the album, Lo sings, “Pretty boys, they didn’t teach me/ Things I didn’t know” which mirrors her upfront verse, “You don’t look like in your photo/ You’re prettier than that”. 

Its bass erotic, her vocals seductive and the sample playful, Tove Lo’s “2 Die 4” is a showcase of the seasoned songwriter’s unique imagination and a reassurance that eight years in, she’s not short for artistic experimentation.

“2 Die 4” is available on streaming and you can find the music video on YouTube below.

#Swedish pop #europop #alternative music #music blog #Youtube

[love-cat-weight-loss]

Day 1 - Monday 6 July 2022

Two changes for my first day towards the 10 lb loss loss, will be get up half an hour earlier, at 5.00 am and do the half hour weight beginner video I put up in last post and secondly, I won't eat my first meal until 12:00 pm which will be a mushroom and 'low low' reduced fat cheese omelette with a mixed salad. This will be followed by a low fat yogurt and that will be until I get home for dinner.

The omelette was half of one I had made for my lunch today (Sunday), the day before I get stuck into this weight loss project. As I will be at work tomorrow, I won't have time to write in here but planning ahead is the difference in success and failure.

I get my bus to work at 6.30 am and I won't get home until 6.45 pm so in order to eat within the intermittent hours (16 hrs) I am amending the hours to between 8pm and 12pm. Not sure what I will have for dinner tomorrow but as I said this wasn't going to be as much about the food, but the moving more, it will be healthy but filling and certainly not skimpy.

By the by, the main thing that made me get up at 5.30 am in the mornings, get on that 6.30 am bus was the knowledge that when I hit Belfast, I would cross the road from the Europa, head over to the Centra on the corner of Great Victoria Street and get me two freshy made hot sausages rolls (£1.50 for 2 bargain!) and a piping hot cappuccino coffee. I would be the first one in as my bus usually got into Belfast between 8.10 am and 8.20 am, depending on the traffic into the city, that particular day. I would then enjoy the peace and quiet and my fresh, hot sausage rolls and coffee breakfast before the madness began for the day in the little office kitchen. Well now that I am intermittent fasting, there will be no such breakfast; maybe just a piping hot mug of tea made in the office but ah well, needs to be done. I do love my little plump cheeks and rounding tummy taking me into that little old lady look (SCREECH OF BREAKS) nah, not yet! Granny Cat can wait until my children at least consider making me a Granny! That is another story. Lets just pull the reins, and back up abit :-).

The next addition for tomorrow will be to take my little dog out for a brisk 30 minute to 40 minute walk after work. My live in dog walker (my daughter) has decided to move on to London so now completely my job and although he has the run of the garden he does love to go for a brisk walk. I am always soooo tired when I get home and just want to lie on the sofa and do nothing but experience has told me, and down to some really good friends, who enjoyed evening walks, and 'forced' me, well 'encouraged' me to get off my posterior and go for a nice walk, that once you get out, you enjoy the walk and it 'wakes' you up and renews your energy so going to 'force' myself to just go get George's lead and head out before my bum can hit the sofa in front of the tv. I may add to this a 30 minute fat burning video before bed but lets see how it goes. This has to be doable and realistic but hey the 80's music one isn't too long and is fun so maybe I will start with that one and then build on that over the next couple of months.

One thing I will need, is a good nights sleep so will be in bed tonight at 9.00 pm. At the moment, best that can be done but, as the busy summer season ends, I will be able to work from home so the early starts and bus journeys will end and then next year, I will be renting my house out and living in Belfast for a couple of years but we can still work exercise in, whichever way it goes. I am keen to learn if exercise alone, along with a sensible diet but not anything drastic, can result in weight loss, even when you are "old".

Attached is a video of my lunch for tomorrow which will be the first meal I will eat tomorrow. I might have a couple of boiled eggs and a slice of wholemeal toast for my dinner today as the lunch was quite filling and naughty. Mushroom/Cheese omelette, air fried oven chips and Asda low salt baked beans. Thoroughly enjoyed it and totally satisfied which is also a good reason not to skimp on your meals, as you are less likely to 'snack' or want another big meal or takeaway later. I found when I tried to reduce my food intake, I would snack more often and crave foods I wouldn't normally which is why I believe diets are not for me. Eating what I want and having as much as I want (in one sitting) until I am full and satisfied works for me as I don't need much more food for the day and don't snack at all because I am too full up. Everyone is different though. Exercise is my downfall so making an effort and hopefully as a result I will get to and maintain a normal weight for my height/size.age as I am certainly overweight at 76 kgs for a 5' 5" woman. Below is a link to check what your BMI should be (roughly) but will give you an idea if you are actually overweight. I will be using a separate post to record all the 'stats' but if you are interested the bmi calculator link is below.

[thundergrace]

#caroline dries #batwoman #i was wondering what happened there! #Chad and James are a good writing team #gotta be honest #there was no notable difference in their episodes #that made me go 'wait what happened?' lol #i think...i THINK they even wrote 2x05 #but anyway that's so dope that gave up an episode #to give younger newer writers a chance #3x07 #anyway man #bums me out that this season was reduced #i know a few shows were reduced #I'm just saying #these are great stories #and while the storytelling hasn't suffered much from the increased pace #it would've been nice if they could've taken their time

[bisexualstokes-archive]

Same! I'm not sure why they changed direction this season, Mind you they've fucked up so much this season, rushing story lines, and messing things up etc. It's a mess, big time! I really doing like Nasha (is that how you spell it?) She drives me crazy I don't get her and Mac at all :/

i honestly forgot she was a character until i started rewatching 3x1 lmao i feel like they never mention her?? 

yeah this season just...it doesn’t feel like the show i fell in love with and it still has good episodes and good moments but it’s like something’s missing? 

#mk talks macgyver #just my opinion though! #if you're enjoying season 3 i'm truly happy for you #keep in mind i started watching this show for george eads and having him gone for what three episodes so far? #and having his character kinda dumbed down and reduced to just the comic relief guy is kinda bumming me out #and added in the fact that he's leaving?? #it's like csi all over again #(except i'll more than likely keep watching this time around lol) #nonny

[flareish]

Flinch

kuroo x reader

summary: Kuroo gets heated after a hard loss and things escalate quickly

genre: hurt/comfort

word count: 1.1k

warnings: arguments, flinching, semi toxic

a/n: I dont think kuroo would ever be toxic but I love hurt/comfort so someones gotta take the fall here

Masterlist

It was a rough game. Nekoma lost straight sets. It was brutal. It was pretty early too, only the second day and they got paired against a power house school and they got destroyed. Kuroo was furious, he didn’t know what to do with himself. His last year playing highschool volleyball. His last year to play with Kenma. His last year and it was gone before it even began. 

Kuroo had been sat in the locker room for a long time. Everyone else had left, leaving the captain to himself. Being his girlfriend it was your responsibility to be there to support him in anyway he needed. You knew there was nothing you could say to make this better. There was no, “you’ll get them next year”. Just the sucky truth. You waited as long as you could for him to calm down before slipping into the locker room. It was deathly silent. You make your way in further and saw Kuroo sat on a bench with his head in the hands. Quietly, you sat on the bench across from him, trying to calculate the best way to go about this. He didn’t acknowledge you, just sat in silence.

“Kuroo,” You said softly, “I know this isn’t the outcome you all wanted-”

“Oh really Y/N?” His head whips up and his eyes arent even red or puffy from crying just angry, “That’s seriously the best you can come up with.” You duck you head down embarrassed but decide if this is what he needs, you can take some sharp words. Tomorrow, when everything has calmed down, you can talk it out.

“What you have nothing to say now? Not going to tell me that we can get them next time? Oh yeah there is no next time this was it! My last chance and it is gone.” He was now standing. You slowly stand as well. You are now standing face to face with him screaming and you just standing there. You didn’t duck your head this time, now you were making direct eye contact. He kept on going though. Throwing out everything he could think of, every regret he has made his season. This wasn’t going as you wished though because instead of calming him down he was only getting more and more amped up. His voice got louder, his arms moving as he spoke. 

“You don’t understand Y/N. You never will. It’s so easy to stand there in the sidelines and be all bummed about your school not winning but you’re not the one in it. You’re not actually apart of any of it. You have no power over it. No you just stand there doing a shitty job of ‘comforting’ me and pity me.” As he spoke, he took steps closer to you. He hands moving wildly along with his angry speech. His anger had gone from losing to you. 

“You know what just get the fuck out of here because all you are doing is pissing me off-” His hand swung up as he finished his sentence. It felt like it happened in slowmotion but in double speed at the same time. Like your thoughts were clear as day but your body wasn’t yours to control. Just like that, your hands come flying up to protect your face and you stumble a step back. Your body waits braced for an impact you had no idea was even coming but your body saw from a mile away. Although your body had predicted wrong. No hit ever came. Terrified of the new disaster you had just created you slowly pull your arms away from your face. Kuroo’s face looks ghostly pale. His hand is frozen mid air. It was pointing not hitting. His jaw was slack and his eyes wide like he couldn’t believe what just happened. If you look carefully you would notice the wetness gathering in his eyes and the slight shake to his body. He knew he was mad and had gone way over the line blaming you for his problems but he never thought you would be scared of him. How could he? You were always so feisty and strong willed. You never backed down, you stood tall and took whatever head on, even throwing snippy comments in here and there. But now the strong girl who he was supposed to protect was crowering infront of him. 

“Y/N- I woul- how could you ever think that.” his voice cracks and he’s unable to finish his sentence. You fear you made matters worse and quickly slip back to leave the locker room as he wished. He goes to reach for your arm to stop you but he stops scared that he will frighten you even more.

“Please, Y/N, wait,” Kuroo pleads falling to his knees, “I’m sorry. I am so so sorry.” He is now crying. You stop before the door. You weigh your options for a moment but when you look back at the broken Kuroo, reduced to a sobbing pile on the floor, your decision is simple. You turn around and make you way back to him. Once again quietly sitting down across from him. He looks up this time, tears streaming down his face. He reaches for you again be stops and lets out a sob at the reminder of what he caused. You push yourself forward and into his chest, wrapping you arms around his neck. He hugs you back and pushed his face into your neck. Muffled apologies are cried into your neck. You stroke his head and try and calm him down.

He looks up at you, eyes glassy, and begins pleading.

 “Please don’t leave me. I know this was well over a line but I’m sorry, I love you so much, just please don’t leave,” He grabs your face in his hands gently, “I will make this up to you I swear. This will never happen again, I will never argue with you ever. You could do whatever and I would ever start another argument again.” His words are rushed and rambled but you can make out what he is saying. You shush him pulling him back into your neck.

“I know Kuroo. We can talk about this all tomorrow but for right now we are okay. I’m not breaking up with you, okay.” That’s all it takes for Kuroo’s entire body to slack into your grip. Full of relief that he didn’t lose another thing today. 

Tomorrow everything is smoothed over but Kuroo sticks to his words, and without you realizing, he never raises his voice at you like that in another fight again. This moment serving as a reminder of what he almost lost.

#kuroo #tetsuro kuroo #kuroo x reader #kuroo fluff #kuroo tetsuro x reader #kuroo tetsuro imagine #haikyuu fluff #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu oneshot #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu #nekoma #kuroo tetsuro oneshot #nekoma x reader #nekoma oneshot #nekoma imagines #haikyuu captains #kuroo hurt/comfort #hurt/comfort

[lewishamil10n]

You're a brother leaning anti destiel blog who doesn't hate Dean with her entire chest? Girl talk to me I only ever see negative dean blogs where the wincesties or adjacents are concerned. Bums me out. Why do you think that is?

COME OFF ANON LET'S BE FRIENDS :DD

ok so what happened was that i began watching spn when s8 was airing, and got into tumblr when s9/10 were airing, and i followed a lot of samgirls (bc he's my baby and bc a lot of the deangirls also tended to be destiel stans or anti-sam/jared stans). at that time in fandom there was a lot of anger towards dean (totally justifiable) due to the whole gadreel thing. some people still loved him but were disappointed in him, and i understood that bc like. same.

but some people had these like. spicy takes abt how letting gadreel possess sam was the equivalent of "holding sam down for someone else to rape" (literally something i had the misfortune to read) and what not and that was the point i noped out. a lot of people, in their outrage, were completely stripping the situation of all context and making it out like dean did it as some sick power play instead of what it actually was -- a desperate decision to keep his sick brother alive and by his side (and so he wouldn't be alone). and yeah, i don't think he did the right thing. but to him, the ends justified the means, and, well, it did save sam.

still, a lot of these people acted like he was like the embodiment of evil to have done it, and yes, i do agree that the codependency was at peak toxicity during that storyline. but you can't ignore all the character growth that dean had afterwards, and the significant improvement in the brothers' relationship. post-s11, the trust they had was unparalleled by anything in any of the seasons prior. they were finally on equal footing, on the same page. it means something that they haven't had a single huge fight post-s11 the way they had in s4-10.

and yeah, dean's not a perfect character. but i've loved him the moment i began the show (he was actually my favorite first! it took some time for sam to grow on me because i was instantly attracted to dean lol) and i love how far he's come as a character. he's actually such a well-nuanced and interesting character and i hate when people reduce him to what can arguably be called one of the worst and hardest decisions of his life. especially because he evolved from it and learned to do better. you can't judge a character by one arc and ignore everything that comes after it.

after that i unfollowed a lot of anti dean people. i found more deangirls who were wincest shippers/adjacents, and a lot of bibros like myself). i sorted out my entire dash and haven't seen a single anti-dean post since, and it's been peaceful lol

#asks #anonymous #sorry this got long #i'd love to hear others' thoughts on this too btw!

[under-druck]

I really don't care about Lou but I am so sad that they made her/they end up with a man that we have seen is physical and psychological abusive towards their other partner (aka Nora). Like what are we doing here Druck?

I'm absolutely bothered by what they did with Lou. She did not need to be a whole new character and every new clip confirms that for me. Instead of adding a new character to be on Constantin's side when everyone ditches him (if that's what they were going for), they very really could have created tension within the friend group if some people wanted to cut him out but others felt bad for him. If they wanted to give him a love interest..... no they didn't, but why would he need one regardless? He's in no place to be in a relationship. As you said anon, he doesn't seem to have a very healthy way of interacting with people who he is vulnerable with.

It was a good theory that she was the "opposite" of Constantin to help ismail realize that he was toxic, but that's ridiculous because isi already KNEW that. And isi learned nothing in the way of their tendency to cow down to people with strong personalities. I will say for the 100th time that if they wanted to teach ismail that lesson, they should have used AVA. Not some new character. Ava is the physical proof of ismail's greatest character flaw. Not Lou or sascha.

And if lou's main purpose was to be supportive or positive about ismail's gender nonconformity, she wouldn't be necessary if they had just used their brains when considering what kind of biases ismail's current friend group might have or lack.

Kieu my would likely be somewhat ignorant (based on her knowledge of queer culture) but certainly not straight up misgendering, constantin could have that problematic "no one cares if you're gay" opinion, zoe might have been used to talk about women who see gnc / gay people as accessories even when they mean well, and finn would maybe have a jonas-equivalent reaction. Or they could have a multitude of other reactions. And instead of creating new character, lou, they should have used the already-existing canonically queer characters (like FATOU!!!) to help ismail gain confidence. Especially if we had known earlier on in the story that Sascha is involved in the queer community.

But it bums me out that lou's place in her and isi's relationship was reduced to her helping them build confidence about their own queerness. Especially now that she's essentially acting as the saschisi hype man like every other character in the story around ismail, meanwhile apparently waiting at constantin's feet to forgive for.... what, exactly? Like you said anon, not good at all. It feels icky because she's very obviously being used as a narrative tool to tie up loose ends and not as a character in the story. Which is why most of this season feels off tbh.

#druck #sorry for the long response friend #il mio #ds7 #domande #meta #delete later #maybe? idk