#lettuce pray about this season 2

[mcustorm]

I Have Beef With HSMTMTS

When I think back to the pre-Disney+ premiere hype, yes, we were all gushing about the nostalgia fest; additionally, however, Disney was gassing up a couple of original new series. And while shows such as The Mandalorian have delivered, the “other” heavily promoted series, HSMTMTS, it...fell short, in my opinion.

In your typical romantic story plot progression, usually these steps are taken: We meet each other/rediscover each other after a long time -----> Drama ------>We fall in love. Any sequels/later seasons will likely add these steps: We’re in our honeymoon phase -----> Drama -----> We fall back in love.

That’s 6 total steps. Narratively, HSMTMTS was limited from the JUMP because it literally started on Step 5. For comparison, look no further than the original HSM series, which employed all 6 steps. Troy and Gabriella’s story, while admittedly one of the more flavorless aspects, is still at the very least the backbone of the movies.

And that’s another problem with the show in my opinion: it goes out of its way to avoid fully leaning into the campiness of the movies. I think the writers’ room wanted to be “modern” and “ironic” and it just doesn’t fully work for me. At the end of the day, this is a show about kids in theater. We WANT the campy nonsense...Backstage, anyone? Glee, anyone? JATP, anyone? HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, anyone?.

I think the show limited itself by not setting the show in HSM’s canon universe, you know, like we all expected it to be. Because then not only could we have an excuse to see our favorite characters again (which we DESPERATELY need, because the characters least likely to show up again are Troy/Gabriella), we’d already be used to the characters randomly breaking out into song...and we’d be okay with it. Whatever happened to that West high school rumor? 

But instead, the show satirizes the HSM concept for a season and theoretically the show no longer has any reason to allude to HSM, meaning that the strength of the show should now be in the characters, except...these characters are borderline paper thin.

Seblos’ arc is nonexistent. EJ’s character is literally a joke. Big Red and Ashlyn are cute but...ok, they’re together. Now what. At least the teachers’ dynamic is interesting. 

The two most egregious examples to me are definitely Kourtney and Gina. I’ve already posted about how Kourtney is your typical supportive best black friend with 0 character depth (Hello, Flynn), a “character” who is only defined by what she can do for other people. “Coincidentally”, on a show that's drama mostly boils down to “How does character X end up with character Y?”, Seblos has no love story and Kourtney has no ship.

But at least the writers admitted that they fucked up on that one. I get the distinct feeling that the writers’ room had no idea what to do with Gina either and just gave the fuck up halfway through the season. Like the conversation went something like this:

Writer A: So yea, Gina’s gonna be the villainess this season. She wants to steal Nini’s spot.

Writer B: Okay, so what’s she gonna do?

Writer A: She’s going to capitalize off of EJ’s drama with Ricky to hatch a maniacal scheme.

Writer B: Cool! So what’s the scheme?

Writer A: Uhhhhh...well let me get back to you on that.

Then Gina’s character shifts from being a foil to Nini, to being...a foil for Nini, but this time she’s coming for ol’ girl’s man, which ends just about as predictably as it could’ve. That’s kind of a pattern, most of these characters just feel half baked.

Wait, are you saying that these problems are a reflection of this series’ and High School Musical’s greatest sin: it’s reliance and almost strict adherence to white heteronormativity? And that for a series preaching that you shouldn’t “stick to the status quo” it immediately once again puts this random white guy’s problems on center stage (literally and figuratively) while all the other (black, latino, gay) characters are sidelined? In a show about THEATER?

Oh no, not saying that at all. They’re not ready for that conversation...unless 👀

The show could really benefit from letting these characters develop, but instead next season we’ll probably just get about 5 new ones while Rini goes through more drama. But it’s okay, at least Kourtney will be there to reliably listen to all of Nini’s problems.

That’s not even addressing: whatever drama (and there has been a lot of discussion) of whatever nonsense is happening behind the camera, and my opinion on the music (which I will chalk up to me being a bitter oldhead). I always hope the next season is better, but I really hope this show goes above and beyond. I hope it soars and flies, because there’s not a star.....lemme shut up.

#hsmtmts #lettuce pray about this season 2 #hsm #my opinion nobody asked for #it's okay it's free

[almaasi]

3 million words fic rec (Destiel)

I’ve officially posted 3 million words on my AO3 account!!

Here’s all 115 of my Dean/Cas fics (as of December 30th 2019). They currently make up 85% of my total fics. I posted 42 fics this year, with a new Destiel fic once every 2 weeks on average, with 24 total.

(The rest, as of the last 6 months, are Crowley/Azriaphale (Good Omens) and Garak/Bashir (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). There’s separate fic recs for those. And here’s one Cockles fic.)

Fics listed by year (newest first), then by word count (shortest first).

--

2019

Just a Sniffle (2k / canon, Cas has a cold, Dean gives him a foot rub)

Hanukkahn't Resist You (2k, AU, teacher!Dean gives autistic Jewish teacher!Cas a Hanukkah greeting card containing a pickup line)

Brothers Don't Do That (3k / canon, Cas talks to Sam about how their feelings for Dean differ while ordering take-out)

Taste the Rainbow (In the Rain) (4k / AU, strangers sharing Skittles in the rain and kissing to help Dean quit smoking)

Hit Pause Kitty Claws (4k / AU, Team Free Will are cats belonging to Death!Billie, soft fluff and feline antics)

Weird But Confident (5k / canon, Cas finds Dean’s panties in his bag and thinks Dean slept with a woman)

Enemies Closer (5k / teachers AU, Dean keyed the wrong car, Cas runs AV club and Dean joins him so he has an alibi for his crime)

Snugglebird (5k / canon, Dean’s clothes are going missing, Cas is building a nest

Texted My Ex and Got You Instead (6k, AU, title explains it, fluff, asexual!Cas)

The Angel Cake Challenge (8k / canon crossover with Good Omens (book), Dean tells Crowley & Aziraphale they’re a cute couple and they encourage him to make a move on Cas)

Let's Play Doctors (8k / canon, smut, Dean asks Cas for medical roleplay and they use the machines to watch themselves have first-time sex)

Good For You (11k / canon, Dean teaches Cas to masturbate over the phone, then shows him properly in person)

BFBF (Best Friend's Boyfriend) (11k / AU, ft. Eileen - Cas has an absent bisexual boyfriend named Dean, Sam has an absent straight brother named Dean, oops they’re the same Dean)

Dean and Castiel's Lagoon of Love (12k, canon, Cas is cursed with tentacles and that’s Dean’s kink, they roleplay Dean’s favourite anime, smut and feelings)

Measure of Thigh Love (14k / canon, Dean is turned on by big muscles, Cas has some of those. smut, bottom!Cas)

Eleven Erogenous Zones of a Fallen Angel (15k / canon, Cas accidentally has physical wings and he hates them, Dean bathes and grooms Cas to soothe him, wing kink smut)

Two Heart Pose (17k / AU, overwhelmed papa!Dean, yoga instructor!Cas helps out with baby care)

Through the Lace (18k / office romance AU, desperation & pee kink smut, Dean in panties)

Sycamore Smile (18k / AU, professor!Cas, barista!Dean with a pet bunny, both are a hot mess, Dean helps Cas KonMari his life, ft. the purest fluff and sunshine)

Circuitry and Dust (23k / AU, demiromantic antique dealer!Cas, gaming lounge owner!Dean, Cas wrongly assumes his love is unrequited so helps set Dean up with an ex-girlfriend)

He's Kind of a Hairy Fairy (24k / AU, Team Free Will & co. running a summer camp, there’s only one bed in Dean & Cas’ cabin, Rowena curses Dean with fairy wings and he has to confess his feelings to get rid of them)

First and Only (35k / AU, Dean bets Sam he can have more sex in one year, Dean & Cas become fuck buddies, but Dean wants more so asks Charlie for help)

☆ Sleigh ☆ (46k / Christmas AU, makeup artist!Cas also works for Santa, Dean tags along delivering gifts on Christmas Eve, later a long distance relationship and eventual smut)

He's a (Zoo) Keeper (74k / AU, when zookeeper!Dean isn’t dating anyone, he and beekeeper!Cas have a BFF-roommates-with-benefits thing, but then Cas becomes a wedding planner and plans their fake wedding, drama with smut and feelings)

2018

Gulls N’ Roses (2k / canon, Dean hands Cas a rose, Cas interprets it as romantic)

Lost Night (2k / canon, Dean has nightmares, Cas dreamwalks to help)

He Called Me Honey (3k / canon, breakfast fluff, Dean dreamed he kissed Cas, talks to Sam, Cas shows up)

Note to Self: Cas Loves You (3k / canon, very drunk!Dean, Cas confesses his love)

I’m Dreamin’ of a Grey Christmas (4k / canon, Team Free Will 2.0 snow fight, Cas has some new grey hair, Dean has hearteyes, season 14 divergent)

Dry in the Downpour (5k / Pixar-short-inspired AU, umbrella-sharing)

Prince of the Ether Realms (5k / canon - season 13, must get married for a spell, Sam officiates)

Never or Forever (5k, canon, family dinner, Jody POV)

Without Further Ado (5k, canon, Dean has a list of “reasons not to be with Cas" but they’re all irrelevant now)

Wee Little Love Child (10k / canon, de-aged!Sam thinks Dean and Cas are his parents, gets them together)

Room for Two (The Mattress AU) (14k / college roommates AU, autistic!Cas, fake relationship, ALL the bed-sharing tropes)

Paramour by Post (18k / historical-ish AU, mail delivered to the wrong address, love letters, agender!Cas, bisexual!Dean)

Barbershop Duet (22k / Christmas AU, smut, shaving kink, domesticity, family gatherings)

The House That Wanted to Be a Garden (32k / AU, famous musician!Dean, gardener!Cas, fairies, accidentally moving in)

Duck Duck Boots (92k / ex-daredevil kindergarten teacher!Dean, agoraphobic Cas, small town magic realism & fate AU, looking after ducklings together)

2017

Unconditional (2k / canon - season 13, Dean explains why he loves Cas)

Mostly in Silence (4k / canon, Cas is depressed, Dean helps with self-care)

Restaurant Revelations (4k / canon, Dean and Cas tell Sam they’re engaged)

Whoa There Cowboy (5k / canon, cowboy-kink smut, porn-watching, magic fingers bed)

Pretty Panties and the Pool Shark (6k / kid!fic AU, autistic!Cas is scared of an imaginary shark in the school pool)

Purple Horse in a Coffee Shop (8k / ultimate office romance, pride parade, coffee shop AU)

Lucid Nightmare (10k / siren!Cas AU, dreamwalk-or-die, spooky fluff)

Stumble and Fall (20k / Team Free Will as dogs AU, search-and-rescue adventure, fluff & pining)

A Place and A Feeling (24k / AU, real estate agent!Cas, Dean looking for a house)

Night Exhibition (26k / AU, security guard!Cas at museum at night, friends to lovers, sex everywhere)

The Emporium of Christmas Enchantments (28k / Christmas, magic toyshop AU, kind of like a Disney movie)

Marshmalloween (33k / Halloween AU, Dean takes Sam’s teen friends to a haunted swamp, meet old bestie Cas, ghost adventures)

Our Garden Home (36k / everyone is a garden fairy, AU disabled autistic!Cas, found families)

The Wireless (58k / solarpunk carnival adventure AU, famous hunter!Dean, famous radio presenter angel!Cas, tent sex)

What We Ache For (93k / sex worker!Cas AU, Dean wants to make love, trauma recovery, Team Free Will & found families, a dog)

2016

Fight and Fool Around (5k / AU, bartender!Cas, Dean realises he’s bisexual, alleyway smut)

Tickle Fight Wasteland (5k / AU, fluff in a post-apocalyptic world, everyone is alive, tickle fight & cuddling)

Raising Hell in a Hotel (29k / kid!fic, living in a hotel AU, friendship, pining)

Welcome All Winchesters (60k / AU, snowy Christmas cabin, fake relationship, friends to lovers)

The Moonlighter and the Magician (67k / 1920s historical AU, asexual jewel thief!Cas, bisexual!Dean, running away together)

2015

What’s a Hickey? (1k / canon, Cas has a hickey, talks to Sam about it)

A Postcard for Castiel (4k / AU, kid!fic, autistic!Cas exchanges compliments with Dean, teacher!Charlie)

Symbols of Affection (4k / canon, Dean accidentally texts Cas a kissy-face emoji)

In Which Dean Frogs Up (6k / canon, Dean’s turned into frog in Moondoor, needs true love’s kiss to fix)

The One Where You Are A Guinea Pig (8k / canon, title says it all, Cas takes you to the bunker, Team Free Will interact)

We’re the New Romantics (8k / gifted & talented high school camp AU, aromantic!Cas, pop culture geek!Dean)

Waiting For That Final Moment (8k / AU, Cas interrupts Dean & Lisa’s wedding at a roller rink to declare his love, polyamory)

Delirium and Doctor Sexy (9k / canon, bisexual!Dean high on magical gas, thinks Cas is Dr. Sexy)

#ThankYouSammy (9k / canon, Sam prepares a Valentine’s Day dinner-date for Dean & Cas)

Dean Winchester the Puppydog (10k / canon, puppy play, submissive!Dean, hurt/comfort, non-sexual)

Father Material (12k / AU, asexual uncle!Cas, babysitter!Dean, kid!Claire, romantic attraction)

The Tailor of Fairy Ridge (17k / fairytale AU, tailor!Cas, fairy!Dean helps with clothing designs, good witch!Charlie, evil witch!Rowena)

Take You To The Country (18k / 1920s historical AU, pining, Dean reads an elopement proposal in the newspaper and realises it’s for him, running away together)

Sharing the Rain Dog (19k / AU, musician!Dean, FBI agent!Cas, sharing custody of a dog, have to move in to look after her)

Drop Anchor (42k / pirate!Cas, sailor!Dean, trapped on a deserted island and accidentally achieve domestic bliss AU)

Snow Place Like Home (But My Home Is With You) (47k / canon, Team Free Will in a B&B over Christmas, softness, smut & domesticity)

Held in Your Tender Hands (59k / AU, agender tattooed masseur!Cas, customer!Dean, workplace sex, paintball, found families, somnophilia)

2014

Cheek on Your Shoulder (1k / canon, Dean misses Cas, hugs him and can’t let go)

The Literal Bear Hug (1k / canon, Cas is accidentally a bear, cuddling)

If I Fall For You (2k / canon, Hannah likes Cas but Cas loves Dean)

If You Could Go Anywhere (3k / canon, Team Free Will ponder: all the drama is over, so what now?)

Cherry Pink Wedding (4k / AU, Dean & Cas both cry at Sam’s wedding)

Lettuce Share This Moment (4k / canon, Dean secretly likes salad… and Cas)

The Joke Is on You (And So Is Castiel) (4k / canon, April Fool’s Day, Cas pranks Dean & Sam when they pray for him)

Some People Would Call This Romantic (5k / canon, Dean and Cas take a long walk on the beach)

Panic Kiss (5k / AU, Dean has a panic attack, Cas calms him down, accidental kissing)

Boutique du Ballet (6k / canon, Dean loves ballet and wants to try the outfits - either crossdressing or trans-curious!Dean)

Minty Fresh Kisses (7k / canon, Dean teaches Cas to brush his teeth)

Sexier Than Doctor Sexy (8k / AU, doctor!Cas, Dean gets a prostate exam and enjoys it more than he should)

Sam Accidentally Sees the Whole Picture (10k / canon, smut, Sam is in the room while Dean & Cas do it for the first time, Sam POV)

Understanding Your Body in Ten Easy Steps (12k / canon, smut, Dean teaches Cas how to masturbate)

Roost (12k / AU, Dean and Cas are rescued fighting roosters, for some reason not that interested in girl chickens)

Dead Body Disposal 101 (14k / canon, angel!Cas wants to be a hunter so Dean & Sam show him how, Dean & Cas are bad at expressing feelings)

Of Shampoo and Fruit Flies (17k / roommate AU, autistic!Cas, confessing feelings surrounded by supportive friends)

Love Him in His Sleep (Love Him Always) (32k / canon, Dean has wet dreams about being cuddled, Cas is into somophilia and dreamwalks to gain consent)

Preacher Comfort (42k / AU, hurt/comfort, asexual preacher!Cas, nurse!Dean, hugs & cuddling, Halloween)

Nine Times We Met (And One Christmas We Parted) (58k / queer historical romantic angst AU, teacher!Cas, firefighter!Dean, meeting over the years & falling in love)

Hart of the Storm (119k / historical AU, hunter!Dean turned into a deer by shapeshifting god!Cas, magic forest)

2013

For a Scarf in October (1k / canon, Halloween, Dean wants to buy a ~women’s~ scarf, Sam tells him it’s okay)

Of All the Bars in the World (There Are None Between Us) (2k / prison AU, Dean and Cas are cellmates, discuss past and future intimacy)

Dean’s List (3k / canon, Dean writes a list of men he’d ~go gay~ for, Sam has a suggestion to make, bisexual!Dean)

Nobody’s Daddy (3k / canon, accidental baby acquisition, Dean breastfeeds, then Cas arrives with actual milk)

Foal Delivery Service (4k / AU fusion with ‘My Little Pony’ - kid pony!Dean finds out how heteronormative the world is, then meets agender pony!Cas, later have baby ponies together)

Winchester’s Rouge (6k / canon, angst, Dean tries on makeup and remembers his mother)

Manscaping (6k / canon, Cas cuts himself shaving his junk, Dean does first aid, boners)

Sharing Hands (6k / canon - season 8, smut, Cas is possessing Dean, masturbate together)

Play Nice, Kids (10k / AU or alternate canon, reverse-verse, angel winged!Dean, wing kink masturbation, sex toys)

Hello Night (11k / historical AU, demon possessing Dean, priest!Cas, crossroads sex to save Dean, Cas/demon & Cas/Dean)

Shadows Across the Camera Lens (13k / AU, smut, dominant bottom photographer!Cas, submissive top crossdressing underwear model!Dean)

Faerie Strange Circumstances (30k / AU hunters, fairy!Cas, fairy realm adventures, Bobby’s house, Charlie, Jody)

Bad Things With You (31k / AU or alternate canon, smut, catboy!Dean, catboy!Cas, mating urges, biting, licking, fake relationship is actually real)

Cowboys and Real Estate Angels (36k / AU, bisexual retired musician cowboy!Dean, old fan!Cas, lovemaking, falling in love in one night)

Try-Something Tuesday (48k / my most popular fic of all time, teacher!Dean, librarian teacher!Cas, smut in strange places, school trips, moving in together AU)

The Feline Perspective of a Guilty Conscience (51k / canon divergent - season 9, hurt/comfort, Dean transformed into a cat, sad angel!Cas, Team Free Will, forgiveness)

Foxfire Blossom (283k / AU, florist!Dean, rich!Cas, affairs, soap opera-level drama, sex, highly problematic lies, and cheating, ALL the characters)

2012

Angelhawke (407k / epic medieval fantasy AU, Dean and Cas are cursed to be animals in the day/night, travel with Sam and Bobby as they tell their story in flashbacks, quest to be together, based on ‘Ladyhawke’ but ~70% original story)

--

New fics are on their way in 2020! 

☆ Subscribe on this page if you want new fics in your inbox!!

☆ And you can support my writing, art, and other creative projects here~

Thank you all so much for supporting me all these years. I’m so excited to see what I end up writing next~!! ♥

Elmie x

#Destiel #DeanCas #Destiel fic rec #Destiel fanfic #Elmie writes things #Elmie makes things #masterpost #post of postiness #milestones

[drethanramslay]

Part 1: Adara

Pairing: Aurora x MC (Iris Everette)

Author's note: Hey guys! Here is the first installment of the mini series. Hope you like it and enjoy it.

Songs: Kiwi by Harry Styles and Nervous by the Neighborhood

Tagging: @agent-breakdance @miyakokurono

Warning: PG, slight swearing and violence and some fluff

Iris rode on her motorbike, feeling the fall wind sting her through her leather jacket. It was five am and there were hardly any people on the usual busy streets of Boston.

Iris enjoyed these moments. Riding her motorcycle, feeling the wind ruffle her red hair, making her look like a tantalizing flame, easy to see, hard to catch. The sun was slowly rising, and peaking through the various buildings as if it was playing hide and seek.

In these moments she felt free. Almost liberated.

But, such moments don't last very long. She saw the hospital's great glass facade and pulled into the parking lot. She took out her helmet and shook her windswept hair. She picked up her messenger bag and walked towards the entrance of the building.

She spotted Dr. Naveen Banerji stepping out of his car. "Hey Chief! Good morning." She called out. Naveen's kind eyes stopped at the red head and he smiled. "Well, a very good morning to you too, Dr. Everette." She waited patiently for the older diagnostician, so that they could walk into the hospital together.

"So, I saw Declan Nash yesterday in the foyer. Is it true that he got his own office here?" Iris said slowly, side eyeing the chief. Dr. Banerji was the most diplomatic person she had met, and was a very good actor. Hell, he had the entire hospital fooled regarding his illness. So when she saw him grimace, she knew that it was true.

Fucking cunt. It would only be a few minutes before my fist would bury into his mouse face.

"Yes Dr. Everette. That's apparently true. And I also learned that Ethan was responsible for this entire... transaction." ."But, Chief-" Iris began before Naveen held a hand up, stopping her.

"You don't need to explain it to me. I know how it went down. I don't blame him or you at all. Sometimes, we need to bite the bullet for the greater good." He said, with years of wisdom pouring out of him. Iris rarely respected authority, but there were very few people who she respected and Dr. Banerji was one of them.

Iris mulled over the words, lost in thought. Soon she reached the locker room where she saw her roommates, changing. "Hey frriiieenndsss." Iris said with a haunting voice.

The group burst into laughter as Jackie groaned. "For the love of Lord Ram, Iris stoppp." She grumbled as she tied her shoe laces. The previous week, on their day off, they had binged watch 'It lives in the woods' against Jackie's wishes. Jackie maybe as tough as a rock, but she despised horror. So they did the exact opposite. She disliked the 'black ghost thingy' and his obsessive need to say 'frrriiieeennnndsss'. She found it creepy and spooky. Spooky because, when Iris was going to bed, she saw Jackie sleeping with the lights on.

"C'mon Jackie. You know I love you right." She said as she nudged her shoulder. "Fuck off. I'm outta here." Jackie picked up her things and headed for the door.

"Don't forget, we are watching season 2 tomorrow night." Bryce hollered after her. She just flipped him off and walked out. Iris chuckled as she hung her jacket in her locker. She was just taking her shoes out when Bryce strolled and sat next to her on the bench.

"Well, your hair looks like sex hair. Who is the lucky someone??"

Iris just rolled her eyes. "Don't talk shit, scapel jockey. It is too early and I need a coffee or four to have the strength to deal with you." Bryce just laughed and stood up. "See you later bro. Dr. Tanaka allowed me to assist on a Whipple."

Iris whistled lowly. "Oh ho, Hotshot. Remeber me when you are famous."

She just shook her hair and smiled. She was in her underwear, reaching for her scrubs, when someone cat-called her. "Nice legs. Putting a show on for me, mia cara?"

Oh god, give me strength.

"Suck a dick, Vincenzo." She didn't bother looking at him as she slid her, scrubs on. He came forward and leaned at the locker adjacent to hers. "C'mon babe... It's meant to happen anywa-" She was done with his bullshit, so she opened the locker door, letting it bang on his face.

"Why you little-"

"Leave her alone, asshole." A husky feminine voice spoke out. Both of them turned to see Aurora standing there, with her hands in her waist and her eyes narrowed.

Iris' breath caught in her throat and she felt flustered. She usually was the one who made people flustered, which she found amusing. She wasn't one for all these- feelings. But, after she met Aurora, she couldn't help but be fascinated by her. She found the quiet, observent and intelligent resident intriguing and someone who she felt drawn to, like a siren.

"What are you going to do? Run to your auntie?" Vincenzo scoffed.

"No. After I am done fucking up your case, my aunt will almost look cute." She said cooly. Vincenzo's jaw dropped and he just turned tail and ran away.

During the entire exchange Iris, almost swooned. Operative word being, 'almost'.

"Careful Rory, it almost seems like you care for me." Iris said teasingly.

Aurora rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Princess. And, how many times do I have to tell you, my name is not RORY?!!"

"Well, I am gonna pretend that I didn't hear that. C'mon Rory, it's a beautiful day to save lives." Iris said as she dragged Aurora by the hand.

Aurora was caught off guard but she would be lying if she didn't enjoy the feeling of the redhead's warm hand in hers. She squeezed it gently and followed her for rounds.

⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️

It was a crowded Friday night at Donahue's. Aurora hung her coat at the overflowing coat rack, praying to God that her coat won't become the new doormat for the pub. She then shoved her way towards her new roommates.

Roommates. That's a new term she was still getting used to. She never really had them before. She was from the hustling city of New York, before she shifted here for med school. She was a day scholar at Harvard Medical school and had stayed with her aunt.

She found herself a group of friends. She never really had friends before. She had learnt from a young age, that people always had an ulterior motive. She was basically royalty. They always wanted to impress her so that they could have a good word with her family.

Her mother was a famous actress, who had starred in various TV shows and movies. Her dad, was a nation renowned cardiac surgeon and her aunt was one of the leading neurosurgeons of the country.

Knowing her family history, it was but obvious that Aurora would get into medicine. As you expect a fish to swim in water, people expected her to nail her SATs and get into one of the best colleges in the nation.

She never really had the chance to decide her own path. She thought that she had escaped her overbearing parents when she shifted to Boston. Boy, she was wrong.

Her aunt's heart was in the right place but GOD, she was annoying. But, she was better than her parents. Anybody, would be better than her parents, who were just a bunch of robots who gave Ethan Ramsey a run for his money.

But, Iris changed that outlook. Iris really shook the walls she had spent years reinforcing. One look at her piercing green eyes, Aurora felt exposed. Usually, Aurora felt uncomfortable feeling this exposed. But with Iris....She was willing to take the leap.

But when she thought about Iris, she couldn't help but feel that she was still an enigma. She knew so very little about the young resident. She could see the fort, surrounding her. Iris maybe laid back and teased people incessantly but, there was so much more to her.

"Hey girl. Wassup?" Jackie greeted her. She shrugged and slid onto the barstool. "Same shit. Different day." Sienna spat her drink while Iris snorted. Jackie just smiled slyly. "Okay then."

"Rory, what do you want?" Iris asked, beside her.

I want to know more about you.

"The usual. Cherry vodka and soda." Iris nodded and then flagged down the barkeep.

"Hey Rory! How was your day?" Bryce asked.

Iris slapped his shoulder. "Only I can call her that. Be more creative, Lahela."

Aurora snickered and nudged Iris. "So overprotective."

"I am your knight in the shining armour. Get your facts checked, Rory." Iris exclaimed.

Everything was great, untill it wasn't.

Vincenzo was right behind Iris, trying to get to the bar table. It would have been completely normal if, he wouldn't have reached down to grab her ass.

It all happened in the blink of an eye. Iris turned around, grabbed his wrist, twisted it and pinned it to his back. He yelped but that didn't stop her. She slammed his head on the bar and kept him there. Collective gasps went around them and someone pulled the cord of the jukebox at the same time.

"Now, now Vincenzo. What have you done?" She asked, her voice so cold, that it sent a shiver down Aurora's spine.

"I-I didn't do anything!!" He sputtered.

She pulled his hand more, make him screech in pain. "Wrong answer. Try again."

He was sweating now. "I-I grabbed your ass."

"Correct. Now tell me, is it nice to molest people?" She asked sweetly.

"N-n-no." He gasped.

"Ding ding ding. That's the correct answer. Now listen to me, and listen good. Next time, if I see you anywhere near me or any girl, and try to manhandle her, I will skin your testicles. And don't feel for a moment think that I am joking. Because I am not." She said with acid dripping in her tone.

She lets him go. She straightens his tacky jacket and pats his cheek. She smiles. "Now run along, boy."

She turns around towards her drink and takes a sip of the smooth whiskey. Over the rim of her glass, she noticed the expressions of her friends and colleagues.

Sienna had her mouth open, with a lettuce hanging out.

Jackie, was stunned while, Bryce had a hand on his chest, taken aback.

Dr. Ramsey's eyes were as big as saucers, which was the most expression she had seen from him.

Aurora had a heated gaze.

And, Elijah had fainted.

"Elijah?!!" Iris rushed and shook his shoulder. He woke up disoriented. "Yeahhh I might have passed out after seeing something so scary."

"I don't know whether to be scared or be turned on." Bryce said, recovering first. "Well, I'm turned on." Aurora mumbled into her drink, so lowly that only Iris heard. Iris was as red as her hair.

"Well, remind me not to ever cross you Iris." Jackie said.

Iris laughed but her laughter was cut shot when she was pulled roughly of the chair by an angry Vincenzo. She was hurled into the table, hitting the back of her head, hard. Glass broke and cut her in the stomach.

She could see black spots in her vision and she froze. This blow reminded her of her personal hell. She was reminded of the monster, she had been running all her life from. The demons haunting her and reminding her that they are not very far away. That they would ways be there, right over her shoulder.

She stayed there, waiting for the next blow when she saw through her bleary vision, Dr. Ramsey and Bryce restraining Vincenzo.

"Hey, hey, HEY!!" Aurora said as she shook Iris' shoulders. "Stay awake for me Iris. We are taking you to the hospital to check for a concussion."

"Rory...stay..." Iris mumbled as she held onto Aurora.

"I'm here Iris. I am always here."

⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️⚕️

Aurora flashed the light into Iris' eye for her neural check up. It blinded Iris and she slowly and painfully followed the source of light.

After a few moments, Aurora nodded to herself and switched off the light. "Good thing is that you don't have a concussion. Now about the gash on your stomach, I will stitch it up and give you a tetanus shot."

"But I'm sooooo sleepy." Iris said mid yawn.

Aurora chewed her lip, to come with something that could keep her awake. "Well, let's play the question game."

"Question game?" Iris asked amusingly. "Yap. I ask a question you give an honest answer and vive versa. You can even go first."

"Hmmm... favourite colour?"

"Forest green." Just like your eyes. She added mentally.

"Do you have any tattoos?" Aurora asked as she cut the shirt which was drenched in blood.

"Yeah... Two."

"I haven't seen them." Aurora as she lifted the t-shirt to rest below Iris' breasts.

Yup it it's a mess. She sighed and reached for antiseptic

"For that you might have to get me naked."

Aurora stopped in her tracks. She slowly turned to look at Iris who was giving a shit eating grin. Without hesitation, she dabbed the antiseptic, right on the wound.

"FUCK. Fuck. Fuck. Couldn't give a warning Rory??!" Iris said as she hissed.

Aurora just smiled smugly and said, "Oops??"

"My chance. Why do you call me Princess?" Iris asked. She never really understood the reference behind that one.

"Well, you remind me of Merida, from 'Brave'. You haven't seen it?" Aurora asked as she searched the wound to make sure, there weren't any glass pieces left.

"Nope."

"Well, it's my personal mission to make you watch it. Don't move. I am stitching you up." Aurora said.

She picked up the needle and thread and moved closer to her stomach. "Sooo.... Tell me about your family." Iris froze and the room became so silent that you could hear a pin drop.

Way to go Aurora.

"You don't need to say if it's too invasiv-" Aurora quickly covered up but Iris just reached and squeezed her shoulder, with a soft smile on her face.

"It's okay...it's just been so long since I have spoken about them. Well, my mother was like a ray of sunshine. She was always radiant and positivity just oozed out of her like a waterfall. She had so much love for everyone and she was empathetic. She and I used to sing karaoke in the kitchen while we cooked food. We were not very well off but, she made sure that I never felt that I lacked a childhood. She was my best friend, more like a sister than a mother." Iris said with a small smile, her eyes having a faraway look.

"She died when I was sixteen. Leukemia. She had grown into a shell of a person because of the constant chemotherapy but, her spirit stayed strong. If you spoke to her over the phone, you wouldn't even realise that she was sick.

She always told me, "Adara, always keep your youth alive. Always be kind to people and don't hesitate to help your enemies. The day your curiosity and youth dies, you start wilting like a flower. Never give up and always stay strong." Iris recited from her memory.

"Adara?"

"Iris Adara Everette. It means 'fire' in Hebrew. She used to call me 'little red' when I was younger because of my fiery spirit."

"She sounds like a lovely person. I'm sorry..." Aurora said, gently.

"Nah, it's okay I have made my peace with it."

"What about your fathe-" Aurora asked.

"Hey, are the stitches done?" Iris asked, as she looked down at her stomach.

"Yup. Now, you need bed rest for the next one week-"

"One WEEK??!!"

"-with plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated. I am keeping you in the hospital for the next two days, for observation and then you can head home after that.

"BUT-" Iris started but Aurora shushed her.

"Doctor's order. Don't worry about your patients, Elijah and Jackie will manage them. Dr. Ramsey is already aware so he has given you the week off."

"Fiiinnneeee." Iris blew a raspberry.

Aurora turned and started disposing off the medical waste and her gloves when she heard a tiny voice saying, "Stay." Aurora turned around to see Iris giving her the cutest puppy eyes, which she could not resist.

"Pleeaaseee Rory?? What if I get a haemorrhage in the middle of the night?? Or or-"

"Calm down Adara, I will stay the night."

Iris smiled a genuine smiled which she had reserved only for Rory. She shifted and patted on the space next to her, on her hospital bed. Aurora took of shoes and settled in the covers.

"Thank you, Rory." Iris said as she nuzzled against Aurora.

"For what?" She asked as she wrapped an arm around Iris.

"For fixing me up... and calling me Adara."

"Do you mind? If I call you that??"

"Nope, infact I love it. But call me that, only if we are alone. " Those were the last words she said before they both drifted into a dreamless sleep.

AAAAAHHHHHH ❤️💖 UWU

Soooooo, how did you like it?? Like and reblog :))

#choices stories we play #playchoices #choices #choices stories you play #pixelberry #open heart #aurora x mc #aurora emery #open heart 2 #open heart mc #open heart fanfiction #dr ethan ramsey #bryce lahela

[o-padre]

Ways to make home made hamburger deserving of the 'gourmet' burger, in keeping with who definitely understands the topic

Ways to make selfmade hamburger worthy of a 'gourmet' burger, according to who seriously understands the subject

Will you be the sort of human being who thinks anything is purpose to rejoice using a hamburger? Should you be a delicacy lover, HuffPost Brasil teaches you the way to make a homemade burger that's praying to consume - and that's nearly as good as those people served in gourmand burgers.

To make the right home made hamburger, the key is in choosing the meat to the blend.

Since you might be inside of, here is the step-by-step step for producing a firm-tipped handmade hamburger:

Choose your blend The initial phase, obviously, will be to decide on the cuts that can be joined. "The best is usually to decide on from 2 to 3 cuts, as well as in a perfect combine, it is suggested that a minimum of just one meat be thinner and softer in texture while the other is meat with additional unwanted fat - we must average 20% of fat from the last mix composition, "says Moretto.

Additionally, when acquiring meat, select refreshing meat with out obtaining long gone via the freezing approach right before assembling the blend.

Which cuts to settle on:

The most applied cuts for the hamburger are: flank steak, breast, duckling, challenging coxão, shoulder, skirt steak, maminha, sirloin, ribs and picanha.

"Some encouraged mixtures that happen to be effective are breast with diaper, breast flank with breast and breast with diaper," suggests the pro. "In these a few choices, the percentages utilized are 50% for every slash, one becoming greasy and one particular lighter, which ensures a tasty and well balanced hamburger," he states.

Is fat necessary? YEA The extra fat not just gives the hamburger taste, and also makes certain the ideal match concerning chosen meats and excellent preparation during cooking.

Capriche in size and weight.

With all the blend already assembled, do not forget to whip in quantity. According to Eduardo, a good pounds for just a gourmet hamburger is involving 180g and 200g. "In this proportion, they may get juicy and on issue as conveniently."

Don't year your hamburger In advance of tasting oregano, parsley, curry, paprika, between other seasonings, recall that it's the taste of meat should reign.

"Many men and women believe that that for your hamburger to flavor, it's got to be seasoned, but that is a slip-up; the real taste with the meat is exactly what must stand out. Which is why we propose a pinch of salt and black pepper, and almost nothing extra. ", completes the qualified.

On the grill or to the grill?

The two methods are feasible, but there are actually some distinctions.

From the case of your plate, preheat in excess of high heat and grease with a tiny oil, just not to adhere, due to the fact the extra fat of the hamburger is going to be ample.

If it is inside the barbecue, which, as outlined by Eduardo, assures a particular smoky taste, the ember ought to be very incredibly hot plus the grill should be positioned really very low, between 10cm and 15cm higher than the warmth resource.

At last, increase substances of your respective alternative, which include cheese, lettuce, bacon, caramelized onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, amongst some others and a high quality bread.

Need to know more about Gourmand Burger? Click here Como Montar uma Hamburgueria Delirery

[johnny2071]

Top 10 Worst of Sue Murphy *STRONG CRITICISM*

F is for Family is a very divisive show that has garnered a lot of attention on the internet, whether its the bitter and crass nature of the show itself, the dysfunctionality of the Murphy family, or the jarring one-liners and temper of the main character, that only a stand-up comedian like Bill Burr can provide. However, while this show gets nothing but an obscene amount of praise, especially over its outspoken protagonist, not much is said regarding the main female of the house who invokes a lot of emotional drama: Sue Murphy, who quite honestly is far from pleasant and approachable. We all have stress in our lives. However, Sue's methods of handling them, along with sheer amount of obsession, neglect, hostility, and miscommunication with just the people in her house, is enough to keep anyone awake for weeks, especially with a show written as real as this. This is a top 10 list of Sue's worst moments in each episode throughout the first three seasons up to this point (with some exceptions). Before anyone in this rabid "show-can-do-no-wrong" subreddit/fanbase bites my head off or "puts me through da fuckin' wall", it's important to read this quote from a popular YouTuber: "Rather than insulting these people, maybe try to understand the perspective and say why you disagree. This kind of reaction to negativity and critique needs to stop. There is nothing wrong with negativity. Negativity, especially in criticism is a necessity. You cannot have positivity without negativity. Bother are in balance, and one without the other is unnatural. You cannot live your life without negativity or negative opinions towards something. It's completely natural. Not only that, but living in a world where everything is treated as if they have no flaws is misguided. That's not how things are. So when a product comes along, it should be scrutinized with negativity and positivity."

Unlike Watchmojo or any regular top ten video, I will not include full paragraph analysis for each bad Sue moment. This will be kept as brief as possible. Also, these aren't rankings for the episodes themselves (since other characters do horrible and questionable things). With that said, let's move on to this top 10 list.

10. This is Not Good - Out of these current 26 episodes, there have been some minor moments. But it's this episode that highlights Sue's neglect and sets the tone that erupts into a fierce conflict. 9. Punch Drunk - While Sue has major hostility towards Chet and Frank for not siding with her judgement, what really takes the cake is when she coldly blows off Maureen, who was only voicing a complaint about her father. 8. Paul Lynde to Block - Sue's mood in general over the summer heat, and Frank and Kevin's arguing. But the real kicker is her brief exchange with Bill over bug spray, shortly before she meets the new neighbors. 7. Landing the Plane - Sue's bitterness at the beginning of the episode, as well her treatment towards a random bystander while drunk from her sorrows of having her idea stolen. 6. F is for Fixing It - Sue's mood throughout the whole episode, as she puts pressure on Frank to resolve their marriage. 5. Bill Murphy's Day Off - Frank and Sue's first explosive argument, where they both say negative about Bill behind his back. 4. The Stinger - Sue's outburst in this episode is what provoked me to create this list. She kicks Bill out the house and sends Maureen to her room, just so she can have the whole living room to herself, only to threaten everyone she invited over (and even Maureen) to by her product. Selfish bitch! I wish I could just barge in there, call her out on her shit, and snatch and toss away that carton of ice cream she has the nerve to triumphantly eat. And I'll gladly take on any SJWs who object. 3. Pray Away - Sue was frosty throughout the entire episode (no peaceful moments there), but flips out when Frank sincerely expresses his source of anger. 2. Fight Night - I'm not sure what things were like at the beginning, the things go SOUTH between Frank and Sue the minute they're called into the Maureen's classroom. 1. A Girl Named Sue - Do I even need to explain why this is number one. It's that one scene alone, and I do not want to recount it. Dishonorable Mentions: -The Bleedin in Sweden - When the new television is broken, Sue intentionally guilts the children over Frank's outburst in the store. After Kevin takes the fall, she zeroes in on Bill and scolds him for it when he comes clean. Even though Frank is kind to him at the end, Sue says NOTHING. -Saturday, Bloody Saturday - At the beginning, Sue scolds Kevin for his bad grades, and stops a fight between Bill and Maureen, by threatening to go insane. -The Trough - While Kevin rightfully gets called out for not doing his homework and keeping his promise, it doesn't paint Sue in a positive light. However, Sue shows her scary side once again (exclaiming that she wished she was never married), when she runs into Ginny, who eats all her time in the rest of the day she was going to spend with Maureen (who was dragged along with her). Whether Sue actually had Maureen in mind or just brought her along as a prop to quell her own insecurities is debatable. This also the matter that Sue almost  returns home in rage to chew out Frank (after Maureen mention that he has exclaimed that same thing before). -F is for Halloween - Sue's silently storms off when she finds out about the message Sue left. This is not in the top 10, because she's gone throughout the rest of the episode until the end. -O Holy Moly Night - Sue's hostility in this episode is subdued, but still prominent at the beginning. Directly after the fire incident, all Sue can do is just sit at the table and glare at Bill, while Frank chews him out. When Bill mention's that he knows about their bedroom argument, he catches their attention for a brief second, but when Maureen mentions that Major is missing, and they go right back to giving Bill hostility. The drama that scarred Bill and led to the fire in the first place, is never elaborated on past that, and Bill is made an altar boy off-screen by Frank and/or Sue. Other than that Sue simply prepares for the holiday season, up until the Fitzsimmons' call out the entire family and Sue sends them running with a bat and drops her first f-strike. -Heavy Sledding - While Sue is relatively tame throughout the whole episode, the biggest upset is when she screams at a 9-year old who called her family loser, and then throws her cigarette in his face. The fact that she even smokes at this point, strongly implies that this is a very unpleasant woman. -S4E10? - Considering what this show is how it does not deviate from the worst possible scenarios, Sue going in labor will go as well as you would expect it to, and it wouldn't be like any labor scenario that's ever happened in pop culture (and real-life).

----------BONUS DISCUSSION----------

Less Volatile Behavior (a.k.a. the remaining episodes): -The Liar's Club - Didn't watch -Night Shift - Sue's only disdain was over lettuce, before getting wrapped up with her first invention brainstorm -Breaking Bill - Sue had a bad day at work, only to see Frank arguing with Kevin in public. Other than that, she didn't do anything else. -Are You Ready For Summer? - Didn't watch. Sounded like an already involved episode as it is. Apparently, she "wasn't any better than Frank" at the parade. -Frank the Father - Sue gone for most of the day, rooting for Maureen at the Hobo Jojo Show, and expresses disappointment and disgust when she sees Frank and Kevin arguing as she returns home. She then mutters under her breath whether or not its her fault or the family. Needless to say, it's her. -It's In His Blood - Sue is distraught over losing the recently build baby room due to not having a permit. She also pays zero attention to Kevin when he actually tries to get advice from them over a serious matter. The rest of her activity consist of trying to get Nguyen-Nguyen to seek help and Frank's anger over Chet. -Mr. Murphy's Wild Ride - Now this one is quite mixed. Sue actually wishes Kevin a happy birthday, but this is likely due to her being gung-ho that receive "positive feedback" over the Forkoontula. One could argue that she defended Bill, when Marie accuses him of being a liar, when he takes the blame for Phillip pushing Anthony (only for Phillip to admit it anyway). However, she probably used this as a segway to call Marie out on her lie, when she finds out she threw her invention away in the garbage can. To Sue's credit, she does realize how harmful her invention is and gives one of the rarest and sincerest apologies that she/Laura Dern can deliver (a total 180 from the previous episode and earlier, excluding the part where Maureen isn't taken into account, but leagues better than the one she co-gives to Bill when he calls both his parents out). However, this scene shows us just how bad Sue's listening skills are, as she misinterprets two things. First, she thinks that her friends were only fearful towards her invention and not herself and the way she acted. Second, she thinks they actually like her invention, despite the "few flaws". -Summer Vacation - After Frank drives away both Sue's parents and their children, they almost have another argument. Fortunately indigestion kicks in, and they have a good laugh together. -Battle of the Sexes - Sue seems to express no real hostility, but not much sincerity. -Bill Murphy's Night Off - Sue spend the bulk of the episode searching for Bill while worried sick, finally learns how neglectful both her and Frank are as parents, and decides that being parents is their most important priority. We can only hope and pray that they (especially Sue) actually follow through with that promise (the right way), and not just scream at and punish them more, while "being their parents". ----------CONCLUSION----------

Sue has bad bipolar disorder, and needs serious psychological help as well as anger management. The sad thing about all of this is that she's the only female in this series who any real depth and sense of morality and sensitivity, and its the beautiful ones (combined with over-the-top movie star voice acting) that get under our skin and tug the emotional appeal cord. But point being, no one can make a big dramatic stink like Sue, and may god help the innocent party around her (as oppose to those who screw her over in the first place). At this point, in order to redeem her character just somewhat, the whole family need to bring enough up to speed and discuss/clarify all the miscommunications that happen during their neglect this third season alone. And yes, a plot-focused clip show (A CLIP SHOW)/recap episode would be gladly welcomed here. Sure some people would whine about them re-showing clips from previous episodes, but people in this particular fanbase binge each season in repeat anyway. Oh, and being pregnant doesn't give you the right to snap at others, especially over seemingly minor infractions. Sometimes I wonder if Sue is in Philip's kill book (the one character who has hidden unstable malice, regardless of age and gender). 

#F is for family #fiff #top 10 list #netflix #sue murphy #bill murphy #rant #scary woman #fiff writers #laura dern #a girl named sue #paul lynde to block #strong criticism

[reyes10morgan-blog]

Definitely not Sure How To Move About Horticulture? These Recommendations Can Help!

What are you aware of about organic gardening? Do you have some gardening techniques? If you carry out, do you wish for you to improve upon all of them? Can be what you're using working with your organic garden as well as against it? If anyone cannot answer these questions with certainty, go through the tips down below to help expand the better organic garden. Pick perennials to lower the quantity of care your garden requires. Crops that return yr after year usually demand only a modicum associated with filtering and pruning. Consumable perennials, such as asparagus, rhubarb, and sorrel, can provide an excellent salad supplement on your household with out causing an excessive amount of work for you. Pay focus to the compatibility of your vegetation. You are able to plant tall crops, such as tomatoes, and work with them to be able to shade some sun-sensitive vegetation as member of the lettuce family and spinach. These combos can reduce the number of suitable for farming space your garden demands while as well increasing often the yield of all often the types of crops you have. Plan your farming accordingly to the weather conditions. In case you live in a spot the location where the ground interrupts during the winter season, perform not plant anything just before frost is expected. Should you live in the warmer place, take the split throughout the excellent months of summer to avoid losing too much water. If you are working in your garden, be sure to leave the praying mantis alone. These insects are competent predators which take health care of any number of harmful pests. In improvement, these praying mantises never harm your current garden in any approach, therefore let them go about their job shielding your garden from pests. New gardeners should preserve things simple. The tendency of new gardeners is to be able to plant a garden that will is just method very big and find yourself with the giant mess in the particular yard. Keep it basic and small to commence, and work up by there. A small backyard will result in a extra positive experience and is reduced work for a different gardener. Make sure your own garden will get sun before planting the plant seeds. Plants love the sun and may grow better whenever subjected to the idea. If it is not really a lot problem, take into account moving outside the house in order to another area to acquire the optimum amount involving sunshine. This way the plants will grow greater. To have the best flower garden pick plant life that full bloom at several times of the summer season. This is possible to find varieties of plants and flowers the fact that bloom from Jan right until November depending on where you live. By planting plants that peak with different times of the year you may make sure there is usually color and lifestyle in your current yard. Grow your own organic tomatoes easily. The vegetable tomatoes love light, so opt for a spot that gets sunshine all moment long. Permit space concerning your tomato plants to reduce often the chance regarding soil ailments that will influence your current crop. If you buy seedlings as a substitute of growing your personal, stay away from small seedlings with terribly developed root methods; they will take weeks showing any real growth. The plants need to raise inside a rich soil. Anyone can buy luggage connected with soil but they can be very costly. You can also easily create your own: a person need to use perlite, vermiculite and peat in even quantities. You need to also add a smaller quantity of lime together with compost if needed. Put in a lover to blow on your seed products. Make convinced your fan is switched on a very low environment. This light touch is going to help your own personal plants develop stronger. You may also stroke the plants very lightly having your hand or maybe a piece of paper regarding a few hours to help get the same result. Whenever maintaining an natural garden, make sure you always blowing wind up your lines. Hauling and saving some sort of garden hose that is not ended up might take a lot of time away through you. Try using stationary or even portable hose reels to help wind up your hoses and to save anyone a long time. The best in addition to most natural way to fertilize an organic garden has been compost. Compost can be manufactured from anything that had been once alive. Have a tendency lower price the value of your kitchen area waste, leaves, turf clippings or anything else that was as soon as in existence. By composting everything, a person will give indispensable lifetime to your organic backyard. If you so choose to help organic lawn your trees and shrubs, flowers, plus shrubs, this is very important that will you encircle them having at least 2 in order to 3 inches tall of natural and organic material. This will provide your own personal plants with all the organic nourishment that they require. Since rain falls, it will discharge the nutrients to the plants. To guarantee that your particular tomato vegetables in your organic back garden raise as big plus wholesome as they can, it is recommended to eliminate the non-fruiting branches from the tomato flowers. The reason is because these particular branches will decrease your tomato plants' energy, that will negatively impact your plants' growth and health. An enjoyable experience saving tip is to use equally portable in addition to stationery hose pipe reels inside order to store your own personal hoses away in the faster time period in comparison with the typical pipes the fact that require more time with regard to dragging and storing. Providing a few hose reels will take back more of your time period for different gardening pursuits. Mulch your flowers together with trees having three inches wide of organic materials. That method is not really simply good for the planet, but conserves water, preserving you funds on your own water bill and supplying a bit of pain relief to the setting as well. You will find that will it may look quite wonderful too. Know your natural lawn and when the particular plants are usually needing normal water. One way to ensure this is to work with a soaker hose. This particular could directly water typically the plant's base, and that may help reduce wetness shed caused by evaporation. You should water your current plants in the morning hours. Will cannabis indica semillas be more informed when it occurs to natural and organic gardening? Accomplish you have a horticulture method or do a person have a far better garden approach now? Can you presently use things that do the job with your own organic garden? Hopefully, the tips above should have given you the way to growing the better organic garden.

[drlaurynlax]

How to Heal IBS Naturally for Good

Can you heal IBS naturally? Well, Natural IBS healing IS possible…here’s what you need to know

IBS 101

 IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a collection of unspecific signs and symptoms also known as a “disease of exclusion” when other gut problems that have a structural component (like IBD, GERD or diverticulitis) have been ruled out. I will discuss how you can heal IBS properly.

IBS Symptoms

Ideally, IBS symptoms must have been present at least 3 months before a diagnosis is given. The most common symptoms include reoccurring abdominal pain with two or more of the following:

Chronic diarrhea or loose, watery stools

Chronic Constipation

Interchanging constipation and loose stools (never consistent) 

Improvement with defecation

Onset associated with a change in frequency or consistency of the form of stool. 

Causes of IBS

There is no one single cause of IBS. Some potential triggers of the onset of IBS include:

Food poisoning

Gut infections (like parasites) 

Antibiotic use

Low stomach acid

Heavy metal and toxin exposure

Suppressed immune system

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

Leaky gut

Gut dysbiosis (unhealthy balance of gut bacteria)

Gluten and food intolerances

Regardless of what started your IBS symptoms, there is no doubt that it is UNCOMFORTABLE, and can keep many enchained to always needing to know where the nearest bathroom is (diarrhea), or praying every time they are on the toilet “please help me go #2!” (constipation). 

What to do about it?!

There’s a wide variety of both pharmacological (drugs, like laxatives, stool softeners and steroids) and non-pharmacological (non drug, natural) treatments for IBS. 

However, in BOTH clinical practice and the scientific literature, the non-drug treatments are not only safer and have LESS side effects, but they are also MORE effective in many cases.

Here is a 4-step natural healing protocol for IBS—both IBS-C (constipation) and IBS-D (diarrhea).

Heal IBS Naturally

Step 1: Identify Underlying Food Intolerances

Testing for sensitivity to gluten and dairy can be game changing if you are sensitive to these foods. In addition, other foods (particularly FODMAPS, like apples and high fructose fruits, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies) can trigger symptoms.

People with IBS are often but not always FODMAP intolerant. The Low-FODMAP diet is one of the most, if not the most, effective treatments according to research studies (1). This is an important step to heal IBS.

The top recommended ways to “test,” include either:

An elimination & customized diet (see Step 3) to test and experience how certain foods make you feel or don’t feel (first hand)

Cyrex Food Intolerance Testing 

Array 3 (gluten and gluten derivatives, if you are currently eating gluten)

Array 4 (gluten cross contaminating foods) 

Also, Array 10 (list of 100+ foods, like FODMAPs)

Step 2: Identify Additional Gut Dysfunction (if any)

In addition to assessing for food intolerances, testing and assessing for other gut conditions that may be behind your IBS is crucial. Work with a functional medicine practitioner or nutritionist to determine if any further testing is necessary to find out what may be driving your IBS condition, such as:

SIBO Breath Testing (SIBO)

Comprehensive Stool Testing (Parasites, Bacterial or Gut Infections)

Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis (Thyroid Testing, Iron Deficiency/Overload, Nutrient Deficiencies) 

DUTCH Hormone Testing (HPA-Axis Dysregulation and cortisol imbalances)

Organic Acids Testing (gut imbalances)

Toxic Burden Testing (urine, hair, serum)

By assessing and addressing the “root” causes of health imbalances, you may find the real reason IBS is prevalent in the first place. This is a great start to heal IBS for good.

Step 3: Integrate a Real, Foods Diet

It sounds simple, but simplifying your nutrition can get you far. 

After all, if you have a “dirty windshield” and keep getting more dirt on it, you won’t notice if it’s still dirty. BUT if you have a clean windshield, and then put more dirt on it, you certainly will notice. The same thing goes for our diet and when you try to heal IBS.

Real whole foods should comprise the base of a diet to heal IBS in order to give yourself the best possible chance to allow your IBS healing supplement protocol can also work for you (below). 

In addition, I find that an anti-inflammatory Gut Reset dietary approach or AIP style (autoimmune protocol) diet can be tremendously impact early to heal IBS—especially during times of a “flare.”

Foods to Include

Sustainable Proteins (wild caught fish, pastured poultry, grass-fed beef, etc.)

Leafy Greens

Colorful Starchy Tubers (sweet potatoes, winter squashes, carrots, beets)

Fibrous Veggies

Healthy Fats (avocado, coconut, olives/olive oil, grass-fed butter, ghee, animal fats)

Clean Filtered Water & Herbal Teas

Foods to Avoid

Eggs (pastured egg yolks ok in moderation)

Nuts

Nightshade Veggies & Spices (peppers, tomatoes, chilis, chili powder, paprika, eggplant, white potatoes)

Grains

Dairy (except for fermented full fat kefir or yogurt)

Alcohol (no more than 2-4 glasses/week)

Instant Coffee (even Starbucks; opt for 1 cup organic black roast if you drink)

Sweeteners & Sugars

Additives 

Next Level

Already “eat clean” or eat real food, but don’t feel any differently?

Some people find a short-term (30-90 days) “therapeutic” Low FODMAP diet. This helps them take their diet to the next level to heal IBS. Also, this allows inflammation to cool down. FODMAPS are ___ . They include dozens of foods with these sugars that trigger IBS symptoms in some. 

No, NOT ALL FODMAPS have to be avoided. 

A low-FODMAP diet can provide short-term relief and it can be used partially. For example, you can remove YOUR biggest triggers from the low-FODMAP diet. This includes broccoli, apples and onions but continue eating other FODMAPs that don’t necessarily trigger you.

Check out this complete list of FODMAPS

Low FODMAP Diet 

Eat Freely: Low FODMAP Foods

Veggies

Bamboo shoots

Beet

Bok choy

Carrot

Cucumber (including pickles made without sugar)

Dandelion greens Eggplant Endive

Fermented vegetables (raw sauerkraut, or lacto- fermented vegetables)

Green beans

Kale

Lettuce

Olives

Parsnip

Sea vegetables 

Spinach

Spring onion (green partonly)

Sprouts and microgreens (including alfalfa and sunflower)

Summer squash (zucchini, pattypan and yellow squash)

Swiss chard

Tomatoes (including cherry tomatoes)

Winter squash (acorn, butternut, pumpkin and spaghetti squash)

  Fruits

Banana

Blueberries

Grapefruit

Kiwi

Lemon

Lime

Melons (including cantaloupe and honeydew)

Orange

Papaya 

Mandarin

Passionfruit 

Pineapple 

Raspberries 

Rhubarb 

Strawberries

  Proteins

Muscle meats 

Organ meats 

Homemade bone broth 

Fish and Seafood 

Poultry

Eggs

Bacon (made without sugar)

  Fats

Avocado oil 

Coconut oil

Cod liver oil

Ghee

Grass-fed butter

Lard from pastured animals 

Olives and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

Macadamia oil 

Homemade mayonnaise

Sprouted nuts and seeds minimal quantities 

Starches

Cassava / Yuca 

Plantain 

Rutabaga 

Taro

Turnip 

White potato 

Sweet potato

White rice

Best Avoided: High FODMAP Foods

Veggies

Asparagus (fructose)

Broccoli (fructans)

Cabbage (fructans)

Cauliflower (polyol)

Garlic (fructans)

Jerusalem artichoke (fructans)

Leeks (fructans)

Okra (fructans)

Artichoke (fructose)

Onion (fructans) Shallots (fructans)

Snow peas (fructans, polyols)

Sugar snap peas (fructose) 

Raddichio (fructans)

Tomato sauces and tomato paste (fructose, fructans)

Avocado (polyol) 

Brussels sprouts (fructans) 

Celery (polyol) 

Fennel bulb (fructans) 

Green peas (fructans) 

Mushrooms (polyol)

  Fruits

Apple (fructose and polyol)

Apricot (polyol)

Cherries (fructose and polyol)

Mango (fructose)

Nectarine (polyol)

Peach (polyol)

Pear (fructose and polyol) 

Persimmon (polyol) Plum (polyol)

Watermelon (fructose and polyol)

  Proteins

Legumes (lentils, beans, and peanuts)

Soy (including edamame, tofu, tempeh, and soy milk)

Fats

Vegetable oils and high pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats (canola, sunflower, safflower, grape seed, soybean, cottonseed and peanut oils)

Processed mayonnaise and salad dressings

Pistachios (fructans) 

Almonds 

Hazelnuts

Most nut and seed butters (unless raw, sprouted nuts)

Starches

Wheat

Gluten

Gluten-cross contaminating grains (oats, quinoa, barley)

Dairy

Cheese

All commercial dairy products made from non- pastured, grain-fed cows, such as commercial yogurt, whey and pasteurized milk.

Additives & Seasonings

Sugar-, grain-, soy- or gluten-containing seasonings or condiments (ketchup, soy sauce, some tamari sauces, balsamic glaze, commercial mayonnaise and salad dressings)

Chicory (fructans)

Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, etc.)

Gums, carrageenan, soy lecithin

MSG and colorings Agave syrup (fructose)

Artificial sweeteners (Splenda, aspartame, etc.)

High-fructose corn syrup (fructose)

Honey (fructose) 

Refined sugars

Beverages

Beer (most contain gluten and/or mannitol)

Fruit juice Soda

Wine (ports, late harvest, ice wine)

Bonus: Low FODMAP Optimization

Consume organ meat. For example, liver from pastured animals one to two times weekly will help to replenish your vitamin B12, iron, and other nutrients IBS commonly depletes you of. This will help heal IBS.

Sip homemade bone broth between meals or with meals

Slow cook, stew, braise and poach meats for best digestion at low cooking temperatures. You can take this step to heal IBS effectively. 

Vegetables should be well-cooked with any seeds removed to improve digestibility; minimize

intake of raw, fibrous fruits and vegetables.

WHAT IF LOW FODMAP DOESN’T WORK?!: THE GAPS DIET

Beyond an anti-inflammatory (real foods) diet, and the Low FODMAP approach, one more short term dietary approach the works for some is the GAPS Diet—specifically a diet developed to heal gut dysfunction and bacterial imbalance.

 It’s a subset of the real foods, anti-inflammatory diet with the main distinction of forbidding starchy plants. This means avoiding or significantly restricting potatoes, sweet potatoes, plantains, yuca, taro, and all grains, such as white rice, oats and quinoa.

GAPS DIET BASICS

The GAPS diet is similar to the customized anti-inflammatory diet, with the following distinctions:

• It eliminates all starch sources (e.g., sweet potatoes, potatoes, plantains, etc.).

• It emphasizes the use of fermented foods and bone broths to restore healthy gut

microbiota and gut barrier integrity

• It allows dairy that contains little or no lactose, like grass-fed butter, ghee, homemade

kefir and yogurt, hard cheeses, and fermented cream. Milk, soft cheeses, and unfermented

cream are NOT allowed.

• GAPS begins with an “introductory phase” that allows only meat, fish, bone broth, ginger tea, and small amounts of fermented foods and progresses through several stages, concluding with the “full GAPS diet,” which is much less restrictive.

You can find out all the details at the website.

Step 4: Lifestyle Gamechangers

Once a baseline of “real foods” is established, a few lifestyle game changers can make a difference in how you feel.

Sleep Enough. Get 7-9 hours of sleep (shortened sleep shortens the elimination process)

Drink Half Your Bodyweight in Ounces of Water. Essential for healthy bowels

Stress Management. Stress is the #1 driver of all disease—IBS included. In addition, stress is NOT just mental either, it involves physiological and sociological stress too, such as circadian rhythm dysfunction. For example, staring at screens all day, shift work, eating late or working out late at night, nature and fresh air deprivation, lack of social connection, working long hours without breaks. Eliminate one habit stressing your body out and integrate a balance of work and play to heal IBS.

Increase Soluble Fiber (prebiotics). These foods help you go #2 and form healthy bulk in stools (i.e. partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) supplements, and prebiotic foods, like cooked and cooled sweet potatoes/potatoes, carrots, and squashes, green tipped bananas and plantains, and cooked and cooled white rice). 

Step 5: Supplement Smart

Last but not least, some supplemental supports can help your body rewire healthy bowel function. Keep in mind though, you CANNOT supplement your way out of a stressful lifestyle or unhealthy diet. 

IBS-C (Constipation) Natural Supplement Protocol

Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Kill off bad gut bacteria. (Recommendation: Dysbiocide + FC Cidal)

Bitter Herbs: Take under tongue to stimulate bile (waste) production. (Recommendation: Iberogast)

GI Revive (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination.

Magnesium 

Magnesium Glycinate (200-600 mg/day) *don’t use high doses over long term

Also, Magnesium Citrate (like Natural Calm, 1-2 tsp. before bed)

Ox Bile. Liver Support to encourage detoxification and proper waste production (Recommendation: Beta Plus).

Peppermint. Natural stimulant and soother for constipation. (Recommendation: IB Gard)

Soil Based Probiotics, Promote healthy gut bacteria in the microbiome. (Recommendation: Primal Probiotics)

Prebiotics. Help form healthy stools and support healthy gut bacteria.  (Recommendation: Sunfiber) 

Prokinetic: Helps move bowels through. (Recommendation: MotilPro) 

Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Vitamin C stimulates digestion and elimination. (Recommendation: Ageless Hydro-C) 

IBS-D (Diarrhea) Natural Supplement Protocol

Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Kill off bad gut bacteria. (Recommendation: Dysbiocide + FC Cidal)

Bitter Herbs. Calm stomach aggravation or abdominal upset.  (Recommendation: Iberogast)

Butyrate Supplement* (sodium/potassium form + pre-biotic powder in water, like this one)

Peppermint. Natural stimulant and soother for constipation. (Recommendation: IB Gard)

Soil Based Probiotics, Promote healthy gut bacteria in the microbiome. (Recommendation: Primal Probiotics)

Prebiotics. Help form healthy stools and support healthy gut bacteria.  (Recommendation: Sunfiber) 

Saccharomyces boulardii (Recommendation: Floramyces) 

BONUS

For bloating symptoms: Atrantil (2 capsules with meals, diminishes bloating as well)

Resources

1. Hill, P., Muir, J. G., & Gibson, P. R. (2017). Controversies and Recent Developments of the Low-FODMAP Diet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 13(1), 36–45.

The post How to Heal IBS Naturally for Good appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.

Source/Repost=> https://drlauryn.com/gut-health/how-to-heal-ibs-naturally-for-good/ ** Dr. Lauryn Lax __Nutrition. Therapy. Functional Medicine ** https://drlauryn.com/

#Holistic #Nutrition #Therapy #Recovery #Functional #Medicine #Dr. Lauryn Lax #Dr.Lauryn

[bethestaryouareradio]

May flowers…without the showers

By Cynthia Brian

"My garden is my most beautiful work of art" – Claude Monet

We’ve all heard the adage, “April showers bring May flowers!” We have the flowers this year, but April precipitation did not materialize. 2021 is lining up to be the third driest year in the history of California. And that means that we must be more diligent than ever to prepare our properties for a season of increased wildfires.

I have been weeding my property with every spare minute since February. It is essential to pull out weeds by the roots, else they return promptly. This is round three and the resulting garden is looking beautiful. I’ve been experimenting with mixing flowers of iridescent pinks with buttery yellows and pumpkin orange accented by sky blue and bold purple. The palette has taken on an Impressionistic essence of which Monet would be proud.

April and May have always been my favorite months because of the plethora of blooms, birds, and fragrances. The perfume of the jasmine permeates the morning air, the lilac scents the afternoon sunshine, while the wisteria and mock orange infuse the evening with glorious aromas. My two thornless Lady Banksia rose bushes with their profusion of creamy double-petaled flowers have commandeered thirty linear feet of a fence as well as twined to the tops of a plum and chestnut tree. The flowering cherry tree showcases puffy blossoms resembling pink snowballs. The mock orange tree’s white blooms are candy for the bees. The cerise flowers of the Western redbud tree offer a gorgeous contrast to the unfurling green leaves of the honey locust trees. Under a canopy of pines and surrounded by white calla lilies and lacy hemlock, a New Zealand hawthorn brightens the verdant scene with clouds of blush blooms. Bearded irises in a variety of colors are delicate and fragrant. Azaleas and camellias thrive in the shadow of the redwoods. Freesias, tulips, daffodils, calendulas, anemones continue their carnival of blooms. Despite the lack of rain, the spring display is splendor in the grass.

In many parts of the country, people wait until after Mother’s Day to start planting their vegetables but because of the warmth of this season, I advise that you get started soon. Getting children involved with planting vegetables and herbs will encourage them to eat what they plant. After researchers spent time with children in Central Texas who had gardens and gardening classes at their schools, they discovered that the nutrition of both parents and children improved. Also, those who participated began enjoying more vegetables.

If you are planning a vegetable patch, buy pint or quart size containers of your favorite vegetables. Don’t attempt to plant everything you see at the nursery. Only plant what you and your family love. For example, for my spring veggie garden, I’ve planted nine varieties of tomatoes as I’m a tomato snob. I only eat tomatoes in season and prefer only tomatoes that I, a friend, or a family member grows. Also planted are eggplant, zucchini, cucumbers, and peppers. Already growing are a plethora of herbs including basil, oregano, fennel, sage, thyme, dill, cilantro as well as leafy greens of arugula, sorrel, lettuce, and sugar snap peas, artichokes, onions, chives, strawberries, and broccoli.

Make sure that you rotate your crops from year to year so as not to deplete the soil. Most summer vegetables require a minimum of six hours of sunlight. Read and follow the instructions that come with your plant.

Another beautiful, long-flowering, and excellent fresh-cut for arrangements is the dahlia. Although they are supposed to be deer-resistant, the deer that graze around my property seem to find them delicious. I don’t advise dahlias to be planted in areas where you have marauders. Dahlias produce large, colorful blooms and are a welcome addition to any garden. Here’s how to get them started in your landscape:

1. Choose a well-drained area with plenty of sunlight.

2. Plant the tubers after the danger of frost have passed.

3. Dig a hole about a foot deep and amend with compost or potting soil.

4. Place the tuber flat and cover with the amended soil.

5. Make a patch of dahlias spaced 12-36” apart for maximum impact.

6. Water immediately.

7. After sprouting, pinch off the side buds to allow the central blowers to be larger.

8. Deadhead as flowers fade to maintain blooming.

Because of the arid times in which we are living, make sure to cut all tall wild grasses, trim limbs up from the ground six to ten feet to prevent fire laddering, and clear a safety zone around your home. Clean out gutters, remove debris, be cautious when barbecuing and careful around the fire pit. Keep gardens irrigated, watering early in the morning or early in the evening. Be diligent and responsible to help prevent a fire from igniting. Pray for rain yet be prepared for drought.

Mother’s Day is approaching and a welcome gift for mom can always be found in the garden. Consider a bubbling fountain, birdhouse, or colorful annuals to plant. Make a simple arrangement using flowers from the garden accompanied by a garden book that will be treasured always. Whatever you do, let your Mom know how much she means to you whether it is through a virtual visit or an in-person brunch, picnic, or walk. Moms love the little remembrances and deserve accolades, at least once a year!

Spring is the time to savor the beauty surrounding you. If you’ve ever been to Giverny in France, you will know that Monet was not exaggerating about his garden being his most beautiful work of art. He was inspired by nature and you can be too. Be an artist and create your masterpiece in your garden.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy Mother’s Day!

Photos and more: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1505/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-May-flowers-without-the-showers.html

Press Pass: https://blog.voiceamerica.com/2021/04/27/no-showers-for-may-flowers/

Cynthia Brian, The Goddess Gardener, is available for hire to help you prepare for your spring garden. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Buy copies of her best-selling books, including, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, Growing with the Goddess Gardener, and Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers at www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store. Receive a FREE inspirational music DVD.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures.

[email protected]

www.GoddessGardener.com

#maygarden #mayflowers #rain #mothersday #dahlias #cynthiabrian #starstyle #goddessGardener #growingwiththegoddessgardener

[survivorreelsmagicwithin]

Episode 3- “Y'all wanted magic within and we delivered- case closed”-Autumn

Another super fun challenge! I want to shout out to the hosts for just doing a great job so far. This is making this quarantine just a little less terrible. So happy we have immunity and getting our first reward is so exciting! I’ve been trying my best to connect with members outside of my tribe in the great hall chat and get close with my tribe mates. For the most part I really trust all of them. And that’s horribly scary. I really love being on hufflepuff. But I have a feeling a swap is gonna happen. Kevin told me he thinks it’s going to be 2 tribes of 8. We will see. GL to slytherin and ravenclaw! 

HOES MAD 

https://giphy.com/gifs/lifeminute-birthday-rihanna-3fihINg62RNynS9cbY 

I'm so dead and drained rn but I look forward to reading this round and seeing how heated people are over this. And this will definitely follow me the entire game but you know what I'm glad. Don't let the 16 month hiatus fool you: when I show up I show out. Everything is mind over matter in a way and y'all caught me on a good day so I was just like fuck it I'll do this all day if I have to. So I walked into that challenge at 11:30 am and deadass my phone never left my side... for 9 1/2 hours. Also y'all know I'm at my best when I'm an underdog? So of course I went all out, please tell me you didn't expect anything less. And can I just say Gryffindor legitimately and collectively earned that because everyone participated and put points up. So yes I am that girl but I do it for the squad because I know they'll do it for me. BIG ups though to Vi and Jess- I don't care what their alliances were before today they better have each other's backs and I'll riot if they don't both survive. Literally do the right thing and send a man home. And the same goes for Ravenclaw! I wanna know what's going on over there and I'm not picky but send a man or inactive home if you can. Let it be known that I literally came into this game to raise hell for Dan and Owen lmaaaaooo. I mean I don't want them to go (yet) because that's not what good frenemies do and where's the fun in that. We make each other's arcs better and if we're cast, there will be a fight to the death sooner or later. But until then! Yes I am absolutely living for them sweating it out for a full round. Can y'all believe it? They finally lost at something God is so good. Would've loved to make Hufflepuff sweat too but hey. There's always next round

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/UnsungOblongBlesbok-max-1mb.gif

14 minutes later

Also I just wanna say that 6:00 hour was chef's kiss. In my entire org career, I have never been on a tribe that pulled off a shutout like that and that was ICONIC. Hoes mad but did your entire tribe come together and get a streak of points nonstop for upwards of an hour?? No ma'am you did not. I kept us alive all day but that hour was THE hour that took Gryffindor from 4th to 2nd and that's how you win immunity. Y'all wanted magic within and we delivered- case closed

I don't trust Nick at all. I know in the back of his mind he's thinking i'm gonna play like our previous game which I wasn't exactly loyal to him because I was loyal to some bitch ass alliance that ended up... ANYWAYS. So he seems like the type of player to keep that into consideration because he happened recently and he's sort of a newer player. So I have to be mindful of this all and as much as i'm STRESSING the fact that obviously there were external factors in that game.. that won't impact this game kind of a deal. I know this all could just be my paranoid little brain and thinking that he's out to get me when he's not.. but I haven't played any back to back games in FOREVER and when something THAT FRESH happens.. it's hard for me to not have the after thought of: Wow Nick must think i'm an loyal person who won't tell him my real thoughts. 

 But Nick gonna be a scary player down the line. He's already in my pm's bragging about how him, Landen, and I think his name is Matt? idk one of the "Weebz" (still don't know what that means) and how he will have those potential relationships moving forward.. I just... don't.... understand..... him. ANYWAYS

 The thing is... I think? I can trust Jacob fully. I think this vote SHOULD BE EASY.. but I can't help but feel really fucking bad. Like terrible. Like extremely heart broken about voting out VI. She's put her all into everything and honestly I would be so mad if i've given my all and these two dweebz didn't even show up to the comp. I know she's gonna be upset and I hate knowing that. So i'm TRYING to take emotions out of this decision and make this all strategical and within the game environment because if I was voting with my HEART i'd keep her. BUT then I have that voice in the back of my head that is saying "But if you save Vi.... she'll be loyal to you!" BUT ALSO... I know from HOSTING VI... is that Vi is only loyal to... the fun she has. If she gets bored she fucks around. She's a crackhead. But I obviously can't VOICE THIS TO ANYONE because they could flip this and reverse this on ME. 

I'm scared that if I cast any form of doubt about the vote to Jacob he will relay the message to Nick and well I become more threatening than Vi at this point because I pointed the gun at him... SO I was fucking around with the idea of... using my idol on myself, causing a 2 to 2 tie.. and well.. unless Jacob wants to go to rocks by himself... and basically get voted out.. Mr. Nick goes. But it's LITERALLY FINAL 18............ If this was final 11, sure i'd do this in a heart beat... but this is such a bad bitch move i'm scared people will see I got something on my resumé already. They'll see I went against an alliance for VI. It's just so risky.. but I told myself i'd have FUN in this game.. I just don't want to make a move purely on a past game or purely on emotion. I want to be making moves that move me forward in the game..

I LOVE JOANNA!!! THIS IS A JOANNA APPRECIATION POST!!!!!! and dan has the idol. 

Unsurprisingly, we lost the challenge. I worked my lil booty off as best as I could (I did give up but that is beside the point at this current moment) and I have been friendly, fricking nice as all hell, and then Miguel wants to vote me out. And honey... I think that sealed your fate. I am working on being a little more ruthless I guess because I really want to win this game, so if you come for me, you bet I'm coming for you. I've always made jury and I don't think that this is the season I'm getting stuck with pre-jury. Miguel is the only relationship I don't feel confident in so... bye sis. 

The immunity challenge was a hard-fought battle, but we managed to pull out a win near the end. It was the most stressful time of my life. Honestly, I felt that if we lost then I would get voted out next. Thankfully, that did not happen. However, this is a huge wake up call for me to get my ass into gear and start being more social with my tribe. Otherwise, I might find myself in the bottom and that is not a position I want to be in.

AHHHH so my tribe won immunity and reward and things are great!  Someone mentioned yesterday (Kevin?? Maybe) that this means we are the last tribe to have to see tribal council and that is a GREAT THING!  I really wonder who is going to go home- I just hope it isn't Owen.  I also really hope he still wants to work with me if we end up on a tribe together. In other news, I'm curious to see if a swap is about to happen.  With a double tribal happening tonight it seems as though it would be a big maybe! Also I'm still irritated that my glee shirt didn't count as a band tee, when everyone asks what kind of music I like the first thing I always say is 'anything by the cast of glee' xD I don't feel like I was much help in the challenge but I was there and got points for wine and sequins if that means anything. 

doing this ON TIME.. anyways chile. WOO WE DID IT! finally not coming in last hehe. god the amount of i was just frantically running around my house.. well thank god my family didn’t question it for the most part hehe. overall this challenge was super duper fun and i’m HOPING we can continue to win some because the stress of my tribe wanting to go against me.. yea it’s there. hopefully my paranoia is just that and i have nothing to worry abt ✨

Hey all you cool cats and kittens! It’s Dan, not Carole Baskin, but with the same crackhead energy. So Miss Miguel should be leaving tonight! It’s not anything personal at all. He’s a really sweet guy, but he’s just not around. I work mad hours a week and still make time for this stuff. Joanna is worried because she knows her name is going around so as long as she doesn’t try to pull something, everything is good. I think the chances of that happening are slim to none honestly. I feel like had I been able to compete in the comp I could have helped way more than others. I have a ton of random shit in my apartment that was asked for!!! I was a little shady toward Jacob in the Great Hall chat so lettuce pray that he doesn’t act like a petty fool if we swap together. I am kinda anticipating a swap after this tribal but we’ll see!!! 

we won immunity and nothing has changed on my tribe for me since my last confessional woo consistency yay c:

im sad. we have to vote out vi which is so sad. i love her shes so sweet but i have suhc a tight bond with jess and nick that like there isnt another option. but ugh someone hold my hand

Darn, we were so close to winning, yet so far. Always remember, the unintentional matsing is just as mighty as the intentional, so 3 of us making swap or merge is much more advantageous than a unit of 4. I love my tribe, I do, and I genuinely feel I may be in danger! I trust Jess and Jacob though (JJJ: Jess, Jacob, Jay), so I’m hoping for another unanimous decision. (I will probably be asleep at tribal since I have 1 hour of sleep today)

So out tribe basically gave everything they could in a 12 hour challenge of Hell. I tried especially hard thinking I would be voted out if we lost because no one really talks "game" with me. I know that side seasons are 'Survivor Lite' but typically people at least talk game. I know I wasnt the target from last vote because everyone assured me they want to work with me and Josh said to vote him out in the tribe chat. Apparently though Josh wanted to do a blindside and reached out to Autumn to let her know asking me if he had asked me. So honestly Autumn is the truest! The other two notnvoting me inlobe seeing but if Josh talked to them then... hm Anyway I cant play a perfect game anymore :( Also I have officially dug through all of Hagrids things and he has no idol for me. I thought he might have something in could take and use somewhere else since he is a keeper of keys. But naw.

Guess who lost by two points!! Fricking Nicholas and Jacob leaving us for 7 hours. Then nick only showed up for the last 3ish but he didn’t even submit anything. Wth? We’re gonna try to kick him out.

i love my tribe so much we keep having more and more fun each time :D i definitely think after max's april fools prank i'm even more inclined to want to vote him if we lose, but i'm also grateful he's not really gone because mayhaps a weeb alliance in the future is possible.... !!! i also always utilize the great hall segments to make myself known and thought about even if people also think i'm a bit annoying, idc, the main thing is they remember me and when we meet on a swap or something i am one of the first they choose to talk to! it is always an important strategy of mine, people don't realize that in big games, one of the most crucial things you can do is leave a big first impression on people on the other tribes, you have the lucky opportunity to get some spaces where you meet them in ORGs unlike in the real world - USE it to let them form an idea of you in their head and decide they like you before they even meet you, it's a weird phenomena but i've found it's one of my most consistent strategies, when i actually decide to employ it (flashback to me being so lazy in 2020 i barely even used one world.. eep) hufflepuff is cute and we WILL be continuing to make marshmallow moves, until i get to make my own independent marshmallow moves to win

Soooo we finally lost a challenge kfjahsdj time to put this alliance to the test! The answer seemed pretty clear to me though - everyone kinda just wants to do Miguel. I feel bad, because I do think these competitions have NOT played to his strengths at all and I know he can be a great competitor. And I really wanted to get to know him again this time around. For a second, Dan and I considered saving him as a loyal number... but I just can't do that to Joanna, who has rlly busted her ass lately. So tonight it's a harder choice than it seems, but ultimately, I'm going with Miguel, and I told him that. I really wish he would've put more effort into our conversations before he was in trouble lmao. Also, DAN FOUND THE IDOL HEHEHEEH so that's great :) Glad to know he trusted me enough to tell me about it! I think he's probably going to be pretty loyal this time to me? And I feel like I have to give that same courtesy back to him. Someone will probably take one of us out eventually. I rlllly do not want to stress. If for some reason they blindside me tonight or Miguel has another idol or something, it has been fun <3

[survivorforestofhorrors]

Episode 4: what's the harm in a lil flirting - Liam

Me @ this swap when I’m in such a GREAT position on this Cat tribe. Literally for one, my name was never out considering everyone asked me for what names I’ve heard. Then two, I literally have two alliances which none of them have the same people. And they weren’t groups I made, people came to me wanting me in them lmao. The first one is me, Daulton, Livingston, and Keaton. Then the second one is me, Jesse, and Maynor. I also have a pretty good relationship with Dan and me and Josh have gotten along well so far. If Zach wasn’t exiled, I definitely could have been close with him too. It’s whatever, at least I have people who have trust in me moving into this swap which is all I need. And I got some peeps on this other tribe who I worked with at the first tribal so this could be good.

So, just when the cat lovers were really starting to feel like a family, we end up getting swapped. Apparently the people that did the best in each puzzle category last round became team captains, and Dan chose me thank GOD. I trust Dan a lot, and I’m glad he sees me as an asset to his game and wants me on his tribe. I also have Livingston from OG Macneil, so that’s good because him and I had the alliance with Grace and Keaton. Hopefully they are good over their tribes, and we make it back together again. The new tribe, the Morgan Tribe, is the tribe I care the least about just based on who’s on it. I obviously want Keaton to make it through, and I like Jessie a lot, but the other 4 are a little less important to my game. The new Samhain tribe is honestly iconic too, and I want Macneil and Samhain to win immunity. Which speaking of immunity, it’s a fucking creative challenge which I do not excel in at all. I just hope the other people on this tribe are good at creative challenges or we’re screwed.

a tribe swap!!!! spicy. I really was not expecting that one, so good on you hosts for shaking things up.  So my strategy for the swap was to pick everyone I was close with originally lmao. very complex strategy, I know. I will accept player of the season now.  But seriously, I wanted to pick people that I felt would want to work with me and that would not target me specifically if there were to be someone to flip.  

I picked Liam because I feel like we connected pretty well on the original 21 person shit show. I had said to him that I wanted to work with him and Nik had told me he was someone to really have on my side.  I then picked Livingston because I'm really trying this story arc redemption moment with him from trinity. I also... genuinely like him. I feel like we vibe really well and are upfront with one another about game stuff. I hope he doesn't let the past cloud anything going forward, but for now he's definitely my #1.  I then picked Zac because I really got along with him early on as well. A great byproduct of this is that he told me he's super close with Austin, which means thats either information I can exploit, or use to my advantage. If we go to tribal, I could easily target them as a pair, OR join forces with them against someone else. We love accidental connections coming through. Then I picked Daulton because I feel like if I hadn't, he would have been mad. I know what y'all are thinking, why not pick your alliance member Keaton? Well, here's the thing, I don't want to be stuck with the same people all game and really feel like I need to branch out. I also feel like Keaton will understand this better than Livingston, hence picking Livingston over Keaton. Anyway, back to Daulton. Daulton cracks me the fuck up with his blunt delivery. I just have really enjoyed working with him and would love to work with him and livingston moving forward. And that brings us to Austin, who I didn't necessarily pick, but who I was fine with getting. We had some good convos pre swap and I am looking forward to seeing where his heads at in this game.

As far as the challenge is concerned, I think a lot of direction is gonna come from Livingston, which is fine by me. I really am not a creative soul, so I feel like I will be channeling my energy into Livingston's creative process and let him take the wheel. I think we have a good shot of being untouched into the next phase of the game but we'll see. Also, I feel like I basically found the key to all the advantages in the game tonight in my idol search, so trust and believe i'm about to fuck this game up ladies!

I had high hopes from our first new tribes and the way I play is short, simple, and sweet. Tim made a 5 person alliance of people i liked, and i thought that it was good. Liam is extremely solid, brandan is good not great, and Nik is typically okay on a short term basis. But i had my reserves on Nik, and of course Nik saw the opportunity to break me and Tim up, even though we arent this duo who will flip flop, fuck people up, we are old school people, we find our people we roll with them, we get to the end. We're loyal, but we aren't stupid. 

The minute I saw Tim was getting a lot of the votes and that it got too quiet, i knew the fix was in. Liam has been our informant and I went out of my comfort zone right into the mainchat ala Nik style. I called them out, and I had the immunity idol. The GTO play (Game theory optimum) would be to let Tim go and play the game by myself and break that perception and have an idol. But I AM LOYAL. I do not let my ride or dies sink in the game. I have never voted tim out of a game nor will i ever let him go home if i have anything to say about it.

We manuevered the vote dynamics, made sure the votes were on him, and we made Nik get to steppin. Moving forward it would have been very tough but now a swap is among us.

-

So we just swapped, and Tim was tribe captain. Exactly what we needed. Nik was 100% right, all i need is one swap and just a few rounds to mobilize my army and build a coalition. Give me time, and i will break people. Not in a bad way. I need people who will be dedicated, and will never waver, never flip. My militia is called the L&J team. Me, Tim, Liam, thats 3, 3/18 = 1/6. Now we recruit Zach, and we pull in grace. 5/18. 27% of the cast. I begin to like these odds once the numbers dwindle and we keep our people in the game.

I may seem like this menace, but I am extremely calculated and people who give me their word I will return the favor. Me and Tim are loyal people. But if you are halfway with me, or are against me we will fucking murder you in cold blood. 

Josh V is the next to go, Brandan worst case if we lose again. We aren't going anywhere anytime soon, we found our people, now we show the game what we can do.

You ever have those moments where you're hyped, but also not hyped at the same time? Well this is one of those times. I got a fucking idol!!!! but I also earned our tribe a disadvantage in the challenge in the process. So that basically means to me that you probably get a disadvantage any time you get an advantage. or are in the process of getting an advantage. So that means Tim probably got pretty close to getting something, or got something. I'm not sure if that means Zach got an advantage (exile) or if that was his disadvantage? Idk, I'm fucking nervous now, we're gonna have to pull out all the stops for the challenge. 

My worry about the challenge is that we don't really have a story line, we just have the slasher concept. I mean, realistically, I would love to have my idol for myself later in the game, but I would also rather get rid of it if we lose this comp because of my disadvantage... I'm very nervous now, and I think I fucked my game up with this whole idol search business. I hate everything lmao. Well played hosts, well played.

I feel so fucking guilty. I know there’s probably a bunch of people in here laughing at me and saying I’m an idiot, but I literally didn’t mean to get a fucking disadvantage. I’m really considering just leaving zac or Livingston my idol and getting voted out. I’m so fucking mad at myself.

-

So I’m feeling more into the game today now that I’ve slept on it. My plan is to fucking stay by any means necessary. I spoke with Livingston just now and told him about my idol. Obviously I know that could come back and bite me in the ass, but frankly I’m playing the idol tonight if I’m in danger or not so fuck y’all. But anyway, I do trust Livingston more than anyone else here. We have a good rapport and I know he’s a loyal guy. So lettuce pray that everything works out and I can idol out a big threat hehehe

-

Tribal in two hours. It’s me or zac. I’m voting zac and I’m playing my idol so square up with your idol boo

Well Well Well... I'm not having a good day! I heard it's Zac going... I REFUSE! He will not be going on my watch! Zac is an ICON who I love and adore! I was LITERALLY crying at the thought of voting him out so imma fight for him! I REALLY don't wanna lose anyone on this tribe but especially Zac!

In more positive news Daulton and I are the first Showmance of the season! I've always thought Daulton was cute so what's the harm in a lil flirting ☺️

Meep merp beep. Ive been soo not into the game that i need to focus again. I want to do well in this game but ill end up just letting myself down as always. 

Soo im haply our trailer won immunity. Im safe. 😊

Oh, poor Liam. :( He really doesn’t want Zac to be the vote tonight, but I think it’s pretty set in stone at this point unless and Idol is played. I don’t want to sound cocky though because I realize anything can happen, but I feel like Livingston, Austin, and I in addition to Dan are all on board to vote Zac. Liam feels like it’ll be a 3-3 vote which I’m not sure how that will play out unless Austin flips. I really don’t want to go to rocks this early in the game, but I told Dan I wouldn’t write his name, so if Livingston wants to flip, that’s on him, but I just don’t think I can do it. I just hope it is 4-2.

So we won immunity for once with the videos! Really don’t appreciate the hating on my editing skills/lack of appearance in the video @judges. It was editing or being filmed and I choose editing haha. Anyway, I’m feeling pretty comfortable with this group. Really hoping we don’t lose again. Splitting into 3 tribes really helps give us a chance. I like everyone on my tribe but they’re also super super quiet and we only talk during challenges which is a bit awkward...

#Forest of Horrors #Survivor #Episode 4

[cowonaverse]

Green County Update

So much happening!  The big news is things have moved outside onto the back porch(!) But I’ll get to that in a moment.

GHOST TOWNS: Sadly, and surprisingly, Lentil Town is no more.  They were one of the first two things to respond to this whole effort.  When we tried germinating all the whole seeds in the house, both the lentils and mustard seeds sprouted overnight. They grew quickly, easily, and vigorously for the first month and then slow and steadily stalled and withered one by one.  It could be not enough light, but I don’t think so.  It could have been the soil.  Or who knows really.  I feel badly that they went away, but I am planning another effort with them in a hanging pot now that we are outside (more on that later!)

Also, y’all pray for Brussels Sprout Town.  They too have been some Day 1 homies that boomed and then slowly bust over time.  There is just one left, and it’s looking mightly sad.  It is also Outside and hopefully will perk up, but as the last of it’s kind I am trying to prepare for the worst.

Similarly, Radish Town is down to one healthy looking sprout and two sad attendants.  They were always strange in that they grew quickly and tall but then never developed further.  Again, hopefully being Outside will change things, but I have plans to start them over.

In general, all the Ghost Towns will be tried again in this new summer era of outdoors in sun.  I will be writing more about this, as I have some thoughts.

CHICK PEA TOWN: I’ve been swirling in depression and neglecting the updates, because I meant to announce that there were flowers(!) starting to appear in Chick Pea Town.  And more and more appearing each day.  Today I finally work up the spoons to post about it and I see additionally see that there are TWO(2) ACTUAL FUCKING PEAPODS now hanging off the vines.  From my studies, a typical pod will house 2-3 chick peas, so that means at least 4 beans are on the make.  And right now I’m counting 9 more flowers, which should mean nine more pods.  This is the start of the bell curve for this situation so I’m looking forward to more development.  I heaped more good dirt around the whole chick pea plot to give them more food and means to hold onto water while this is going on.

My understanding is that you don’t harvest the pods individually unless you want fresh green chick peas.  For more traditional beans you let the plant go as far as it can and even die off, harvesting the whole plant at once.  So this will be a long haul that ends in a final reaping of Chick Pea Town sometime later this season.

BASIL TOWN: The basil plant in the kitchen started failing a few weeks ago.  It came in a pot but started looking dour so it was snipped and placed into an empty olive oil bottle.  I don’t know if there was some problem with that, or soap residue from cleaning or what, but all the roots tarnished and it looked awful.  Some of the upper parts still seemed okay.  So I snipped it into three and set each bit into fresh water and fresh bottles.  They are all recovered and now we have three basil plants. Presto.

DILL TOWN: It could seem like Dill Town is struggling, but it’s doing okay.  After all that boom and growth and floppy failing and overcrowding, I’m now down to three rather sturdy looking little plants and a few stragglers that sprouted late to the party.  I tried another less crowded pot of dill that is currently also showing some frail sprouts wobbling upwards.  They are just so fragile and weak. I have no idea if that’s normal or not, but I have to say that I’m not impressed.  Anyway, it all looks precarious for Dill Town, but there are signs of turn around and real growth happening.

CARROT TOWN: Doing well, some got moved to Outside into a planter as a test, but  most are still inside and thriving. Going to harvest a bushel of greens today for more tabouli, yum! Carrot Town is an institution now, along with the chick peas.

LETTUCE TOWN: Calamity. The two towers of lettuce that were once so emblematic of good growth and thriving have been revealed as in trouble all along.  A few days ago, I came in to see the left lettuce had simply tipped over.  I had them placed up high out of the way since they seemed to be doing so well, but what I didn’t know as a result was that the base of the stem on the left was rotting out.  The lowest inch was mush while the rest of the plant still looked great and hardy.  I snipped off the rot and put the rest into water to see if it can be salvaged.  This is day three of that and the leaves are looking slightly sad, but things are still greed, I dunno what can be possible.  The saddest part is that tip of the stalk shows the first openings of a flower.

Not only that, but the remaining right lettuce, which is equally visibly thriving, upon closer inspection seems to have suffered some sort of blight or issue along the way.  There are tiny weeping lesions along the stalk, leaking amber fluid that have since hardened.  It’s frankly disgusting and I wouldn’t eat any part of the plant now.  However, it was on the sunny side of the plant facing away to the window, so I didn’t notice it until up close inspecting the fallen left stalk.  The lesions occur halfway up the stalk, above and below it is fresh green again, so I dunno if that means this was an issue from a while ago and moving them up into more light cleared this up or if it is an ongoing problem.  I would be more concerned if they were still wet and active, but they seem like old news that slipped notice. 

My research suggests this may be a mosaic virus, as it looks consistent with the description. If so, there is nothing to be done about it.  More issues out of my control.

#Chick Pea Town #Basil Town #Dill Town #Lentil Town #Brussels Sprout Town #Radish Town #Lettuce Town

[beckinichols]

A look back before moving forward...

As with any journey, I think a very important part of the process is looking back before moving forward. A look back will show you the mistakes you made and where you can improve and make changes… so let’s see… on my weight loss journey, I need to look back and seriously make note of where I went wrong and how I got to this point. 

While I’d really like to say the bulk of the weight I need to lose is pregnancy weight… but I don’t think you can call it pregnancy weight when your baby is over 2 years old… then it’s cheeseburger weight, am I right? So I’ll move back a little more… 

In high school I had an amazing metabolism. I ate pure junk food, constantly: Pizza, Chicken Tenders, Ice Cream… pretty much everything that will immediately make my pants too tight now, was a diet staple back then… And I never gained an ounce. Part of this could be the teenaged metabolism, part was probably the fact that I never stopped moving. I was always busy with work, school and friends. My friend group was pretty quirky and we spent nearly every night hanging out and jumping on a trampoline. My legs were so strong back then. If they weren’t terribly dangerous death traps, I’d totally buy one for Sawyer, and I’d be in amazing shape. 

When college came I was concerned about gaining the freshman 15, it didn’t actually hit until my Junior year… when I gained the Junior “I love drinking and pizza” 30 lbs. I was very social, and a big part of my social plans always involved going out to dinner (because who cooks in college) and we became obsessed with Cold Stone Creamery. My favorite as Peanut Butter Cup Perfection. I haven’t had it in years, but I still remember exactly what it is – Chocolate Ice Cream, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Cups, Oreos (I personalized it) fudge and caramel. I don’t even want to know how many Smart Points that adds up to be. I didn’t really care that much about my weight gain, I had amazing friends, a full social life, I was enjoying college and I’d worry about dieting later. I didn’t care, until my senior year, a “friend” made a cruel comment to me at a party. Then I decided I’d stop eating completely. I lost weight so fast I couldn’t believe it! I had my “diet” down to a science, I’d eat just enough each day so I wouldn’t pass out. By graduation, I was back in my size 6/8 that I was in high school and although I was haaaangry ALL the time, I looked good and the “friend” who made a cruel comment told me she hated me because I looked good… so I was completely satisfied. (aren’t things fun in girl world… don’t be satisfied until someone is jealous or hates you… adult me thinks this is ridiculous) 

My sabbatical from being a person with a normal appetite could only last so long. Once I graduated from college and started working, I slowly began eating normally again. I was working, and keeping very busy, I did gain some weight back but it was over time and slowly. It didn’t really bother me very much. During this time I had quite a few ups and downs, and battled with depression and anxiety. I went down a dark path for a few years, and turned to food and drinking to ease my pains and worries. This was a turning point in my relationship with food, I began to associate it with comfort instead of nourishment. I began binge eating and found quite a bit of pleasure in replacing socialization with food. My life completely fell apart during this time, I have spotty, dark memories of a lot of this and rarely talk about it. 

One night, I was desperate and I fell to my knees are started praying. I prayed for change, and I got it. Not in the most gentle way, but as the saying goes, “things need to fall apart, so they can fall together”. Among a mess of things that happened, I lost my job and was forced to move home with my parents. This was terrifying to me and I felt like a complete failure. Blessings do happen in disguise and this ended up being the best path for me to take. It allowed me to spend time with my Mother, who I didn’t know at the time would pass away two short years later, I was able to get my life together, sort out my affairs and get some help with my crippling depression and anxiety. Being at home also meant I had people monitoring my behavior, this meant no more drinking, no more binging and no more destructive behavior. This path also led me to the man I was supposed to marry, Scott. 

Scott was a breath of fresh air. I had terrible luck with dating (… and if you ever need some hilarious dating stories, or plan on writing a romantic comedy about a gal who is looking for love in all the wrong places and faces, boy, can I share some stories with you.) Scott was the most unique person I had ever met, we had so much in common, yet were just different enough to make our relationship work. The most unique thing about him was his relationship with food. He had this weird idea that he would eat SOLELY for nourishment and survival, not enjoyment or comfort. What a weirdo, right? I was pretty healthy when we were dating and first got married. Although I wasn’t my ideal weight I wasn’t SO overweight that it was alarming or unhealthy. I was just happy. 

Nearly a year after we had married, my Mother passed away during bypass surgery. The cause of death was determined to be heart disease. Saying that I was devastated doesn’t even begin to cover what I was feeling. I had never felt so lost before. Scott and I were living in Canada during this time. I was away from family and friends and pretty secluded up there. I began eating for comfort once again. and started gaining and gaining. A lot of bad habits started coming back and I relied on these habits to get me through the days. I didn’t really care about much and was just ANGRY. I wasn’t thinking about my health or the future. Life was very unpredictable when we lived in Canada, and although there were moments that were amazing and I loved, I just really wanted to go home and have some normalcy. 

Eventually we moved back to the USA and life started getting into a routine and back to normal. I wasn’t at a healthy weight, but was determined to get there once life had settled down and we were in a permanent spot. I was in grief counseling and it seemed to help my bad habits. I was really ready to begin living again, not just trying to get through the day. During this time, we started trying for a baby, and we were thrilled to discover that I was pregnant. 

My pregnancy may have been one of the easiest ever. I never had morning sickness or any bad pregnancy symptoms. I was pretty hungry most of the time and took it a little too far. For example, at two months pregnant your fetus is the size of a raspberry. Clearly, my little raspberry wanted to consume an entire pizza and breadsticks… baby was so hungry. I wasn’t working through most of my pregnancy so I had a lot of time on my hands to eat. I justified this by, my baby needs nourishment AND I planned to breastfeed so the weight will just fall right off… at least that’s what celebrities always say in those “how I lost the weight so fast” interviews. Those extra pounds are future Becki’s problem. 

Fast forward to the birth of my child… who only made up for 8 lbs 1 oz of the 50  lbs I had gained during pregnancy. I was disgusted with myself and the fact that I wasn’t immediately back to my pre pregnancy weight the day I checked out of the hospital. (delusional, I know… but I’ll blame the hormones for my stupidity)  I was still determined the breastfeeding was going to be the golden ticket to weight loss… but what I wasn’t prepared for is that for me, breastfeeding was a slow motion nightmare. I produced hardly any milk for my precious boy and spent many a sleepless night being overwhelmingly frustrated with the whole process. I also felt like a complete failure. There’s a lot of pressure on new moms to breastfeed and I was feeling it completely. I started stress eating once again, telling myself that I’d deal with the consequences later. We had a long road with Sawyer trying to figure out what formula would work best since all he did was scream. This pattern continued until he was about 5 months old. I’d replace sleep with food, I’d eat to stay awake with him. 

At around 6 months Sawyer began sleeping through the night (Hallelujah!), but we had developed a bad habit of me holding him while he napped. This was the ONLY way I could get him to nap and I just didn’t have it in me to do the Cry it Out method (yet, anyway) so I’d sit with him in my arms for while he napped peacefully up to six hours a day. Yes, that’s six hours with me sitting perfectly still holding my beautiful boy. I’d watch hours of Netflix on mute with closed captioning on while he slept. I did this until he was 11 months old. Looking back, I can see that this was a bit crazy, but I was enjoying my time as a new mommy, I loved cuddling him and he loved snuggling with me. Eventually he just wasn’t sleeping well in my arms and I knew our six hour, twice a day snuggle time was over. (enter the cry it out method…. three days of this and he slept perfectly in his crib during nap time… but that’s a whole other blog) 

Once he was sleeping solo, I decided I’d use the time while he napped to exercise, clean, be the domestic goddess I was born to be… instead, I rematched all the netflix shows I had watched on closed captioned (needed to know if the voices on TV actually matched the ones in my head) and snacked. As a Mom, there’s something incredibly satisfying about eating alone. I think it’s since your whole day revolves around keeping a little human fed and watered, sometimes it’s nice to “just do you” as they say. So I’d enjoy healthy snacks, such as homemade trail mix, which was basically cashews and m&m’s, a garden taco salad – a light sprinkling of lettuce, over tortilla chips and melted cheese  (the lettuce zeros out the cheese and it all evens out, right?) or one of my favorite go-tos a bag of seasonal candy – available only for a limited time so I better eat the whole thing before it disappears! 

I kept this super fun, secret habit up until I realized I just couldn’t live like this any longer. I put a plan into place with a diet I intended on following. Little did I know, one of the biggest stresses of my life would come my way with Scott getting sick, and I’d begin stress eating all over again. Somewhere along the road of Scott’s long illness I had quite a few “come to Jesus” moments, where I’d make stunning revelations about my life and the future. I started to realize what I was doing wasn’t just painful to myself, but it was hurting my whole family. Scott was helplessly laying in a hospital bed due to a fluke illness that affected his heart. Here I was, slowly killing myself by damaging my own heart due to unhealthy eating behaviors. I prayed for strength and hope. I prayed that I’d be able to get my impulsive behaviors under control. Then I decided to do a lot of research on lifestyle changes. I knew dieting and exercise alone wasn’t going to be the answer. 

As one can see, there’s a pattern here… boredom, depression, stress, anxiety? Food will comfort me. This is a cycle that is a terrible one to break. You need food to survive, so it’s not like smoking where you can quit cold turkey. Instead this is something that needs to change slowly and over time. Every time I’ve crashed dieted or deprived myself of things I like, I binge and need to start all over again. This is why I chose to start my weight loss journey and new lifestyle with Weight Watchers. I can still eat normal food in moderation and I’m learning how to portion things correctly. I’ve been doing this about a month and a half and I’m still learning. I’m not here to give anyone advice, but simply share my journey with others in hopes that maybe someone can take something from what I’m doing and learn from it. I’m sharing my story of weight gain before I can share my story of weight loss. Maybe this may sound familiar to someone reading and be a wake up call, hopefully, a less dramatic one than I received. 

#weightloss #weight gain #weightlossjourney #weightwatchers #momlife #pregnancy #stay at home moms #stay at home parent #heart #health

[freshdau]

Tips on how to make home made hamburger deserving of the 'gourmet' burger, based on who truly understands the subject

The best way to make handmade hamburger worthy of the 'gourmet' burger, in keeping with who seriously understands the topic

Are you the type of person who thinks nearly anything is cause to rejoice that has a hamburger? In case you are a delicacy lover, HuffPost Brasil teaches you the way to create a selfmade burger that is praying to consume - and that's as good as those served in gourmand burgers.

To develop an ideal home made hamburger, the secret is in deciding on the meat to the mix.

Given that you happen to be inside of, here is the step-by-step action for generating a firm-tipped do-it-yourself hamburger:

Choose your blend The first phase, needless to say, should be to pick out the cuts that will be joined. "The perfect would be to pick out from 2 to 3 cuts, and in a great mix, it is recommended that a minimum of 1 meat be thinner and softer in texture although one other is meat with a lot more excess fat - we have to typical 20% of excess fat during the final mix composition, "says Moretto.

Also, when acquiring meat, opt for fresh meat without owning gone as a result of the freezing procedure in advance of assembling the blend.

Which cuts to select:

Essentially the most applied cuts for the hamburger are: flank steak, breast, duckling, tricky coxão, shoulder, skirt steak, maminha, sirloin, ribs and picanha.

"Some advised mixtures that are prosperous are breast with diaper, breast flank with breast and breast with diaper," implies the qualified. "In these 3 alternatives, the chances utilized are 50% for each reduce, a single getting greasy and one lighter, which assures a tasty and well balanced hamburger," he says.

Is fats important? YEA The unwanted fat not just delivers the hamburger taste, but will also guarantees the perfect match between selected meats and excellent preparing in the course of cooking.

Capriche in size and body weight.

Using the blend currently assembled, do not forget to whip in quantity. In line with Eduardo, a very good bodyweight for the connoisseur hamburger is amongst 180g and 200g. "In this proportion, they can get juicy and on issue as effortlessly."

Will not year your hamburger Ahead of tasting oregano, parsley, curry, paprika, among other seasonings, keep in mind that it's the style of meat ought to reign.

"Many people today think that for just a hamburger to flavor, it has to be seasoned, but which is a miscalculation; the actual taste from the meat is what need to stick out. That is why we suggest a pinch of salt and black pepper, and nothing more. ", completes the qualified.

Over the grill or about the grill?

Both of those strategies are doable, but there are actually some discrepancies.

Inside the case from the plate, preheat more than high heat and grease with a tiny oil, just not to adhere, because the unwanted fat with the hamburger will probably be adequate.

Whether it is during the barbecue, which, according to Eduardo, ensures a particular smoky taste, the ember ought to be really very hot and also the grill ought to be positioned pretty very low, in between 10cm and 15cm previously mentioned the heat source.

Ultimately, incorporate elements of the option, which include cheese, lettuce, bacon, caramelized onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, among other folks plus a high quality bread.

Need to know more about Gourmand Burger? Click here Curso de Hamburguer Gourmet

[gilinskytbh]

The way to make handmade hamburger worthy of the 'gourmet' burger, in keeping with who seriously understands the topic

Tips on how to make do-it-yourself hamburger deserving of the 'gourmet' burger, in line with who genuinely understands the subject

Are you the type of individual who thinks anything at all is purpose to celebrate that has a hamburger? When you are a delicacy lover, HuffPost Brasil teaches you how to produce a selfmade burger which is praying to take in - and that is as good as those served in gourmet burgers.

To create the perfect do-it-yourself hamburger, the key is in choosing the meat for your mix.

Since you are within, here's the step-by-step stage for building a firm-tipped handmade hamburger:

Choose your mix The 1st step, of course, should be to pick out the cuts that could be joined. "The ideal should be to pick from 2 to three cuts, and in an ideal mix, it is recommended that not less than a person meat be thinner and softer in texture when one other is meat with a lot more extra fat - we must regular 20% of fats in the last blend composition, "says Moretto.

Moreover, when acquiring meat, select refreshing meat with no possessing absent by way of the freezing procedure right before assembling the blend.

Which cuts to settle on:

By far the most utilised cuts for the hamburger are: flank steak, breast, duckling, difficult coxão, shoulder, skirt steak, maminha, sirloin, ribs and picanha.

"Some proposed mixtures which might be effective are breast with diaper, breast flank with breast and breast with diaper," suggests the qualified. "In these 3 alternatives, the odds utilized are 50% for each slice, one currently being greasy and one lighter, which makes sure a delicious and balanced hamburger," he states.

Is fat important? YEA The fat not just presents the hamburger flavor, but will also makes certain the proper match involving picked meats and perfect preparation through cooking.

Capriche in sizing and fat.

Along with the blend already assembled, do not forget to whip in amount. In accordance with Eduardo, a good excess weight for the gourmet hamburger is involving 180g and 200g. "In this proportion, they may get juicy and on stage as effortlessly."

Will not time your hamburger Before tasting oregano, parsley, curry, paprika, among the other seasonings, remember that it's the flavor of meat should reign.

"Many people imagine that for the hamburger to style, it's for being seasoned, but that's a oversight; the actual taste with the meat is exactly what must get noticed. That is why we advise a pinch of salt and black pepper, and nothing additional. ", completes the specialist.

Around the grill or over the grill?

Equally approaches are doable, but there are some dissimilarities.

While in the scenario of your plate, preheat more than substantial heat and grease with a minor oil, just to not adhere, simply because the body fat of your hamburger will probably be sufficient.

If it is inside the barbecue, which, in accordance with Eduardo, ensures a unique smoky taste, the ember should be incredibly very hot and also the grill must be positioned really lower, involving 10cm and 15cm above the heat resource.

At last, incorporate elements within your preference, which include cheese, lettuce, bacon, caramelized onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, among many others as well as a excellent bread.

Need to know more about Connoisseur Burger? Simply click here Como Montar uma Hamburgueria Delirery

[sammysantahat]

Ways to make home made hamburger worthy of the 'gourmet' burger, as outlined by who truly understands the topic

How to make selfmade hamburger worthy of the 'gourmet' burger, in accordance with who definitely understands the subject

Are you presently the sort of man or woman who thinks everything is explanation to rejoice by using a hamburger? If you're a delicacy lover, HuffPost Brasil teaches you how to create a home made burger that is praying to take in - and that is nearly as good as individuals served in gourmet burgers.

To make the perfect handmade hamburger, the key is in choosing the meat for the blend.

Now that you are inside of, here's the step-by-step phase for producing a firm-tipped do-it-yourself hamburger:

Pick your blend The very first action, needless to say, is usually to pick the cuts that will be joined. "The ideal should be to pick out from 2 to three cuts, and in an excellent blend, it is recommended that at least just one meat be thinner and softer in texture though the other is meat with a lot more fat - we have to typical 20% of excess fat inside the ultimate mix composition, "says Moretto.

On top of that, when obtaining meat, pick refreshing meat without the need of owning gone as a result of the freezing system before assembling the blend.

Which cuts to pick:

By far the most utilized cuts to the hamburger are: flank steak, breast, duckling, difficult coxão, shoulder, skirt steak, maminha, sirloin, ribs and picanha.

"Some recommended combos which can be productive are breast with diaper, breast flank with breast and breast with diaper," indicates the professional. "In these three solutions, the chances made use of are 50% for each lower, one particular remaining greasy and one lighter, which ensures a tasty and balanced hamburger," he claims.

Is unwanted fat necessary? YEA The extra fat not merely offers the hamburger taste, but additionally makes certain an ideal match among selected meats and perfect planning through cooking.

Capriche in dimensions and pounds.

Along with the blend previously assembled, do not forget to whip in amount. As outlined by Eduardo, a great body weight for any connoisseur hamburger is between 180g and 200g. "In this proportion, they're going to get juicy and on issue as effortlessly."

Usually do not time your hamburger In advance of tasting oregano, parsley, curry, paprika, among the other seasonings, don't forget that it's the taste of meat should reign.

"Many persons believe that that to get a hamburger to flavor, it's got to generally be seasoned, but which is a oversight; the real taste of your meat is exactly what ought to stand out. That's why we recommend a pinch of salt and black pepper, and almost nothing far more. ", completes the qualified.

Within the grill or within the grill?

Equally techniques are doable, but there are actually some dissimilarities.

Within the circumstance on the plate, preheat around substantial warmth and grease that has a small oil, just never to stick, for the reason that the body fat on the hamburger will probably be adequate.

If it is within the barbecue, which, based on Eduardo, guarantees a distinctive smoky flavor, the ember needs to be quite scorching and the grill must be positioned quite reduced, among 10cm and 15cm earlier mentioned the heat resource.

Lastly, increase substances of the option, for instance cheese, lettuce, bacon, caramelized onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, between other folks in addition to a good quality bread.

Want to know more about Gourmand Burger? Click here Como Montar uma Hamburgueria Delirery

[gingerdonna]

Ways to make selfmade hamburger deserving of a 'gourmet' burger, in line with who truly understands the topic

The best way to make homemade hamburger deserving of the 'gourmet' burger, based on who truly understands the subject

Will you be the type of particular person who thinks just about anything is motive to rejoice which has a hamburger? In case you are a delicacy lover, HuffPost Brasil teaches you how to make a do-it-yourself burger which is praying to consume - and that is as good as people served in connoisseur burgers.

To make an ideal do-it-yourself hamburger, the secret is in deciding upon the meat with the mix.

Given that you are inside, this is the step-by-step phase for building a firm-tipped selfmade hamburger:

Pick out your blend The primary step, naturally, would be to select the cuts that should be joined. "The perfect is always to decide on from 2 to three cuts, as well as in a perfect blend, it is suggested that not less than a person meat be thinner and softer in texture whilst one other is meat with additional body fat - we must normal 20% of fats in the last blend composition, "says Moretto.

Moreover, when shopping for meat, decide on clean meat without the need of acquiring long gone by means of the freezing procedure prior to assembling the mix.

Which cuts to choose:

By far the most utilized cuts with the hamburger are: flank steak, breast, duckling, tough coxão, shoulder, skirt steak, maminha, sirloin, ribs and picanha.

"Some encouraged combos which are thriving are breast with diaper, breast flank with breast and breast with diaper," indicates the professional. "In these a few possibilities, the chances applied are 50% for every slice, just one becoming greasy and just one lighter, which ensures a delicious and well balanced hamburger," he suggests.

Is unwanted fat essential? YEA The fats don't just gives the hamburger flavor, but also makes sure an ideal match between picked meats and ideal preparing for the duration of cooking.

Capriche in dimension and excess weight.

Using the blend already assembled, do not forget to whip in amount. According to Eduardo, a great weight for any gourmet hamburger is amongst 180g and 200g. "In this proportion, they will get juicy and on point as easily."

Don't season your hamburger Right before tasting oregano, parsley, curry, paprika, amongst other seasonings, try to remember that it's the style of meat really should reign.

"Many men and women feel that for the hamburger to style, it's got for being seasoned, but that's a error; the actual flavor from the meat is what must stick out. Which is why we propose a pinch of salt and black pepper, and nothing at all additional. ", completes the skilled.

About the grill or over the grill?

Both methods are possible, but there are some variations.

In the situation from the plate, preheat over high heat and grease using a minimal oil, just never to stick, due to the fact the extra fat with the hamburger is going to be ample.

Whether it is in the barbecue, which, as outlined by Eduardo, guarantees a specific smoky taste, the ember needs to be incredibly incredibly hot along with the grill needs to be positioned pretty lower, concerning 10cm and 15cm above the warmth resource.

Lastly, insert components of one's selection, for example cheese, lettuce, bacon, caramelized onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, amid others and also a high-quality bread.

Need to know more details on Gourmand Burger? Click here Como Montar uma Hamburgueria Delirery