#“Apartment Harrogate”

[harrogatelifestyleapartments]

Experience the Charm of Harrogate Boutique Apartments With Modern Amenities

Harrogate Boutique Apartments are designed to provide an exceptional stay. These elegantly furnished apartments combine modern amenities with timeless style, offering a home-away-from-home experience. From plush furnishings to fully equipped kitchens, every detail is thoughtfully curated to cater to your needs.

Whether you’re staying for a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, these apartments offer the ideal balance of luxury and practicality. For travelers with vehicles, the convenience of Harrogate accommodation with parking ensures a hassle-free experience in this bustling spa town.

[high-functioning-fang1rl]

Piercing Scars

Nica was never particularly scared of needles/feeling constrained. With her heart condition and requiring a wheelchair, she was used to being poked, prodded, and stuck. If anything it was more irritating, but she’d never found it frightening.

That is, until Chucky came into her life, the number of scars she bore doubling, the internal and external markings creating a grotesque sort of map of the way her life had fallen apart.

She used to like the scar on her leg she got when she was younger, pushing herself again and again into the cabinets and raising herself out of her chair grabbing for something against the back wall till she fell, or the few smaller ones she had crashing into something or knocking her chair over when she played too roughly with her sister. She used to like that they proved she was still capable, even if it came at a cost.

Not now, though. A simple needle became a harsh reminder of Harrogate’s too-bright walls, or conjured the sickeningly sweet scent that was Tiffany, and Nica could almost hear her unmistakable voice. Feeling stuck in her chair or in blankets/vehicles immediately transports her back to the hideous pink princess room or has her almost convinced she sees the blinking light of Dr. Foley’s “therapy sessions”, the frozen feeling suddenly like a straight jacket

Sometimes Nica can’t help but remember when Chucky called out to Tiffany in her voice.

“No, please I’m scared of needles!” She’d said.

Sometimes Nica hates that it’s true now.

[nicascurls]

Breaking The Dollhouse - Chapter Five

Word Count: 1.6K

Summary: What would have happened if Junior survived and was taken by Tiffany from the hospital? What would that mean for Junior and Nica over the next year?

Notes: I'm sorry, this ended up taking way longer than I expected, I had a fair few personal issues that set me back.

Tags: @barclaysangel @fairchilds-glasses @streets-in-paradise @high-functioning-fang1rl @thedreemer-artrequestsopen

Nica leaned back against the propped up pillows of the bubblegum pink bed, defeated but still watching the locked door the whole time. It’s not like it was the first time she couldn’t sleep in that place. She had lost count of the amount of nights she struggled to sleep during that first month with Tiffany, often only falling asleep after hours of sobbing about her, what she then believed to be, missing limbs. Even after that there were nights where experiences would merge in her mind, the locked doors of that room feeling entirely too similar to the locked doors of her rooms at Harrogate and Lochmoor. Nights, where the fear got so bad Nica didn’t dare close her eyes out of fear of the door opening to reveal Doctor Foley. 

But, somehow, this was worse. The dread and fear was unmeasurable. Junior hadn’t come to her room for the past two nights, ever since she told him the truth about his mother’s death, he was barely speaking during the day either. Simply enough for Tiffany to not grow suspicious or question anything and it was tearing Nica apart to not have a real chance to check in with him. It was clear that Junior wasn’t doing well, he looked exhausted, far more than just because of the heart episode. Nica doubts he has slept more than a couple of hours a night since then and she can remember the exhaustion that those episodes cause, she would often spend the next day in bed or lying on the couch when she was at home and Junior won’t even allow himself to lean back on the couch and won’t except any of Tiffany’s offers for snacks. She wants to help him so badly, but she can’t lose the feeling that Junior is like this because of her actions. What if he doesn’t want to talk to her again? She can’t leave him in this place! She has to find a way for him to trust her enough that she can get him out of this damn house and back to his friends and cousin.  

It was almost 3am now and she’s debating allowing herself to fall asleep for the night, Junior would have come in by now if he was going to. Besides, if he did she would wake up to the sound of him picking the lock anyway. 

‘Unless you don’t…’ the all too familiar voice suggested, ‘There’s gotta still be some of that drug in ya system. Ya definitely weren’t very aware when you were drugged in the booby hatch…’ 

Nica squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, as if she hoped blocking her vision would also block Chucky from being heard. But she knew that wasn’t the case. She just tried to focus on her breathing, slowly opening her eyes and counting her fingers one by one. Any task to keep her alert and help her remember what is real and what isn’t. 

She’s trapped in Tiffany Valentine’s house. Real, and bad. 

But it means she got out of Harrogate. Real, good. 

She isn’t crazy and she didn’t kill her family. Real, also good. 

Her entire family is dead. Real and awful. 

The man who murdered them is currently possessing her. Real and terrifying. 

She has Junior, she isn’t alone. Real. Thank the gods that’s real, and she is going to find a way for him to escape. 

If- No, when he talks to her again. 

Fuck it. He’s in the same damn house, she has to at least try and talk to him, be there for him, support him. 

With that, Nica quickly transferred herself over to her chair and made her way to the locked doors. There must be something in this damn room she can use to pick the lock. She turned to scan her environment for anything useful when there was a sudden noise coming from the other side of the door followed by the rattle of the handles. Nica was able to snap out of her panic induced trance and hurriedly return to her position on the bed before one of the doors tentatively opened and Nica sat up again.

Junior. 

Nica didn’t dare move any further, as if Junior was a scared kitten and would immediately change his mind and retreat back to where he emerged from. She simply gave him an encouraging smile.

Junior couldn’t handle it, he was so ready to be lectured, yelled at, told he was being childish but of course Nica wouldn’t do that. She’s already forgiven him. He simply lets out a small sob before practically launching himself into the woman’s arms.

“I’m sorry.” he choked out, “I’m so so sorry.” Nica immediately holds him tighter, quietly shushing him as she rubs his back. She had so much to tell him but she knew he needed a chance to let out everything he had been keeping in for the past few days first, for now she simply responds with, “You have nothing to apologise for Junbug. You did nothing wrong.”

It felt as if Junior was fighting to breathe, as if all the emotions and thoughts from the past days had burst through and were swiftly drowning him and the only thing keeping him afloat was Nica.

Once Junior’s breathing began to slow down, he dared to move back enough to be able to face Nica.

“But I did! I did do something wrong! I helped the person who killed my mom for fuck sake! He killed other people because of me!” 

“Oh, honey, no.” Nica immediately reached out to place a hand on his arm. “You can’t blame yourself for that. You were hurting and he manipulated you. That certainly doesn’t make you a bad person.” Junior still couldn’t look at her.

“Mom would be disappointed in me.” It was barely a whisper when he said it, Nica shakes her head slightly in response.

“I don't believe that…”

“Dad did.” Junior couldn’t stop his voice from breaking as he spoke, a few more tears rolling down his cheeks. 

“Oh, Junior..” Nica immediately pulled him back into a hug, stroking his hair. “Is that why you didn’t come here for a few days?”

“I- I thought I deserved to  be alone.”

Nica's heart might as well have shattered as she heard that, in fact, she’s not entirely sure that it didn’t. Her poor boy truly believed he deserved to be isolated from everyone because he was manipulated when he was grieving. 

“Honey, no one deserves that and certainly not you.” She hesitated as Junior looked up at her, wearing a sceptical expression despite the tears still on his cheeks. “Okay. Mostly no one deserves that, but still not you. Never you.” Junior chuckled slightly as he wiped away the remaining tears with his sleeve. 

“It sounds stupid now, but I had kind of been expecting you to be mad at me for ignoring you.” 

It was Nica’s turn to chuckle then, “Not at all, Junior. Honestly, I thought you were mad at me, not that I would blame you. It was a horrible thing to tell you.”

“I’m really grateful you did though. It was such a painful thing to find out but… At least I know that mom didn’t want to die now.”

Nica gently places a hand over Junior’s cheek, guiding him to look at her, “I know I didn’t know your mom, but I've heard enough to know without a doubt that she loved you and would certainly have never chosen to leave you like that.”

“I- I had thought it was because of my dad cheating. I know it sounds bad, but even though I know that Tiffany was messing with my mind, I still think he cheated at some point. The way he would ignore mom-” He could feel himself getting mad and in an instant Nica’s hands were rubbing the top of his arms.

“Deep breaths, baby. Your body is most likely still recovering, it was a pretty intense episode you had and something tells me you haven’t been resting.”

Junior looked down sheepishly and directed all his attention to his breathing, “Not really,” he mumbled, “I couldn’t sleep.”

“And how much have you had to eat recently?”

“Not much”

Nica gave him a soft smile, “I thought that might be the case. There’s still snacks under the bed, help yourself, okay?”

The two prisoners spent the next hour catching up on any thoughts they hadn’t been able to share with each other over the past few days and they made their way through the remaining snacks. Nica herself only nibbled her food to make sure that Junior consumed far more, he needed it after all. Junior’s eyes had already begun to close by the time he had eaten his full, Nica was also struggling to stay awake. The worries that had been keeping her going the past few days had slowly evaporated the more time she spent with Junior again. 

“Come on,” she uttered softly as she moved the remaining snacks back under the bed, “We should both try and get some rest.” She immediately saw Junior’s eyes widen at the idea of being alone again, “You can stay here if you want, Junbug.”

“Yes please.” Junior was already covering himself with a blanket as he lay down and Nica soon followed his example before turning off the bedside lamp.

“Nica…” Junior whispered into the dark.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, sorry. I just wanted to thank you.”

“For what?”

“Not being mad at me, telling me the truth- Just everything.”

“That’s what I'm here for, okay honey?”

“Okay.”

“Good. Now let's get some sleep. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Nica.”

[smileygoth]

1. The Monster In Me (WODtober 2023)

Vamptober 2023 begins - or as it's called this year, WODtober! (I prefer Vamptober, but oh well) Using the prompts I'm going to attempt to 'tell a vampire story', as Jason Carl so eloquently puts it on LA by Night! As with last year, I don't really know how it's going to turn out as I'm taking it prompt by prompt, so comments, suggestions and ideas for the final title are welcome! Entries will be collected on my Contents page as the month progresses.

Word Count: 483 words.

CW: Blood. Lots of blood.

Image from @worldofdarkness on Twitter.

Blood.

The taste was heavy in her mouth, coating her tongue, teeth, lips. The scent was all around her, overpowering, intoxicating. Her veins hummed with it, vitality flooding through her in a slow, comforting wave. Her fangs slid out slowly, instinct momentarily overcoming her sated appetite, then retracted to nestle comfortably in her gums. She stirred, stretching luxuriously, and opened her eyes.

Where am I?

Above her was a high ceiling of dull grey tiles. The floor she lay on felt like marble but wasn’t - some cheap imitation. Around her, walls of concrete painted in corporate grey. Floor to ceiling windows letting in the light from the streetlamps outside. A desk, behind which a glowing sign declared it to be ‘Harrogate Enterprises’. All of it, smeared and splattered with crimson.

She looked around her and saw the bodies. Security guards, a few people in business suits. She counted eleven in total. All dead. Some torn apart, others drained of blood, their skin shrivelling and turning grey under the bright fluorescent lights.

Did I do this? 

The question seemed foolish even as she thought it. Their blood was in her mouth, in her veins .. and all over her hands and clothes, she realised as she looked down. In her shirt, directly over her heart, was a neat round hole, the skin beneath it puckered in a scar that was fading away as she watched, healed by the blood. 

Did somebody stake me? 

She looked up and again found her answer. A wooden crate, just big enough for a body to rest in, lay open near the doors, and next to it a long pointed piece of wood, the sharp end bloody. 

But the next question that occurred to her was not so easily answered. 

Who am I? 

She searched for the answer, groping around in her mind, but it was like rummaging around in an empty box. Nails grating over the insides, irritating, coming up with nothing. She grimaced and dug in deeper. 

The slowly swelling wail of sirens didn’t distract her from her thoughts, but the bright strobes of blue spilling through the windows did. She turned her head to look and saw multiple eyes staring in at her. Wide, horrified. Phones raised, camera flashes twinkling. Rough voices shouting at them to stand aside, get out of the way, police coming through.

Her name - of lack of it - forgotten, she let instinct take over. She scrambled to her feet, boots slipping on blood and the slick marble floor, and bolted to the back of the building. Office buildings seemed to all be built the same these days, and she found a fire exit with no trouble, shoving it open and racing out into cold winter rain, ignoring the blare of the alarm she’d triggered. It was way too late to be stealthy - she just needed to get away. As far away as possible.

[silverbirching]

13, 14, and 15 from the get to know the fic writer list!

Alright Friendo let's get to it /cracks knuckles.

13 - what’s a common writing tip that you almost always follow?

Not so much a common tip as something I've observed, both from discussing with fellow writers and from some of my favorite authors, which is that the easiest way to set up character growth/arcs is to have a character whose self-image and reality are not in synch. The best way I've observed to pull this off is to have the characters treat their negative self image as something obvious and factual--less Woe Is Me and more "this is a fact about myself".

14 - how do you write emotional scenes? Do you ever feel what the characters feel? Do you draw from personal experiences?

I usually plot them well in advance--actually I have a harder time with the filler and set-dressing around them, sometimes. There's a rhythm of push-and-pull that's kind of hard to describe, but a lot of it comes down to what do the characters want, how far are they willing to go to get it, and how well are they capable of expressing themselves?

I do tend to strongly empathize with my characters as well, so often yes. And this ties into the last part of the question; absolutely, yes, I do. Even if you've never experienced a 1:1 equivalent to Whatever the Fuck is happening in your story, you've probably experienced something with a similar emotional resonance. You've hopefully never had to kill your beloved to free them from the clutches of a demon king, but you've had to do something cruel but necessary at some point in your life to someone that you really care about.

15 - How do you write smut scenes? Do you get very visual or detailed? How important is it to be realistic?

Fun fact! Usually, I do not! Perhaps it's due to my past life as a tortured, in-the-closet Oxford academic who would have to retire to Harrogate for six weeks for a rest cure and a series of restorative tonics every time he accidentally spied a coal shoveler doffing their shirt to bare their hard laborer's muscles, but I've very rarely found written erotica to be genuinely hot, and I'm usually happy to do a discreet fade-to-black while my characters make the Beast With Two Backs between rows of asterisks. You know. Like a gentleman.

Like many people, I am enormously self-conscious about writing smut, lest I accidentally reveal the stygian depths of psychosexual deviancy I operate in that decency forbears me mentioning, but mostly I'm just not terribly interested in reading it, either. That being said, sometimes characters need to Get it On for story reasons, and a piece of general advice I would give is to make sure they still feel like characters. Is this sex bringing them closer together, or is it making things worse?

Fanfiction tends to have a very visceral, physical immediacy that I think really sets it apart and can elevate it as a medium. So I'd say--stay grounded in the specificity of character. As for realism... I dunno, man, stripped to the studs, sex is applying friction to mucus membranes until someone makes DNA noises and a stupid face. How much Realism do you want?

[jrpneblog]

Off to a flyer

A great first competitive week at Deepdale for Hecky with a great win over Luton Town at Deepdale last Saturday afternoon followed by a nap hand at Harrogate on Tuesday evening as North End won 5-0. The win against the Hatters was particularly impressive after just three days on the training field and by the end of the game you could see what Hecky was trying to get across. In West Yorkshire on Tuesday it was a much more comfortable ride for North End. Four up at half time it was game over with Osmajic completing his hat-trick late on. This week we travel to Oxford United for our first visit to the city of dreaming spires for 24 years. That was at the old Manor Ground, of course, so the Kassam Stadium will be a new venue for many Northenders including myself as this becomes ground number 84 of the current 92.

It could hardly have been a tougher start for the new manager against newly relegated Luton but North End showed our new leader just what they could do with a bit of positive application, good motivation and a match strategy not just written around plan A. It was a fairly even game all told with both sides having decent spells. Luton looked dangerous on the counter as you would expect but North End defended well and went into the break one up with a very well worked goal from Will Keane. After the break the visitors pushed North End hard but subs at the right time, in the right positions meant that North End held firm under pressure particularly at the end of the game. It was great to hear the boys cheered off again and it got the new management team off to the perfect start.

The game at Harrogate was a very one sided affair and it took North End just thirteen minutes to take the lead via a superb free kick from Greenwood. The Leeds loanee made it two when he converted a penalty midway through the half and when Osmajic smashed home a third it was game over. In added time in the first half Osmajic scored his second and North End`s fourth in what was fast becoming a rout. After the break the pace slowed down a little as North End knocked the ball about at will. The post and the crossbar save the Sulphurites from further embarrassment but the big Montenegran was not to be denied his hat trick and fired home late on to complete a nap hand for North End and a home tie against Fulham in round 3.

On Saturday we visit the Kassam Stadium for our first game against the U`s since March 2000 which was a 3-1 win at Deepdale in our promotion season. We had beaten Oxford 4-0 a few weeks earlier on a very rainy evening in darkest Oxfordshire to do the double. This time we are at the three sided Kassam Stadium against an Oxford side newly promoted from League One and who won their first game of the season against Norwich. They have lost the two subsequent games and sit above North End on goal difference in the Championship with each side having three points from three games. I guess to many fans Oxford are a bit of an unknown quantity but if the last week is anything to go by you can be certain that Paul Heckingbottom has done his research and has his plan in place to win the game. North End will be roared on by a sell our 1,500 at the Kassam all of whom will be looking for the boys to make it three wins in eight days and give Hecky the perfect start going into the international break.

And finally this week:- more proof if proof was needed that football is just about money these days. The absolute farce of the league cup draw keeping the top six teams in the country apart and ensuring that the big teams are in the latter stages of the competition. Quite honestly this is absolute bollocks to me and to add insult to injury, elements of the Champions League draw were done by a computer. It really has been a sad week for football off the field with the EFL pandering to the English teams in Europe and UEFA opening themselves up to allegations of draw fixing in the Champions League. Very sad indeed.

.

MATCH PREDICTION -

OXFORD UNITED (A) League - Away win

.

JR`s HIGH FIVES

Preston to beat Oxford United 15/8

A £5 Stake returns £14.38 on bet365

SEASONS STATS

Returns £00.00 Stake £15.00

Percentage profit+/-loss - 100.00%

Predictions 3 won 0 lost 3

[clearmindcbt01]

Clear Mind CBT Counselling Can Be Highly Effective In Improving Your Sleep in Harrogate

In the serene heart of Harrogate, where the allure of peaceful nights beckons, Clear Mind CBT stands as the guiding light for those seeking transformative solutions to sleep challenges. As the night sky blankets the town, we unveil the distinctive elements that make choosing Clear Mind for CBT for Sleep Harrogate an unparalleled experience.

Understanding the Sleep Journey:

Clear Mind CBT isn't just a destination; it's a partner on your sleep journey. Our approach to CBT for sleep in Harrogate transcends the conventional. We understand that achieving restful nights is a nuanced process, and our therapists are adept at unraveling the intricacies that may disrupt your sleep.

Expertise That Transcends:

What sets Clear Mind CBT apart is the wealth of expertise our therapists bring to the realm of CBT for sleep. Harrogate locals benefit from skilled practitioners who navigate the landscape of sleep challenges with precision and compassion. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of sleep therapy ensures that you receive the most effective and innovative solutions.

A Tailored Approach to Sleep Wellness:

At Clear Mind CBT, we acknowledge that each individual's sleep journey is unique. Our CBT for sleep in Harrogate is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it's a tailored approach crafted to address your specific challenges. From insomnia to restless nights, we curate strategies that resonate with your unique sleep narrative.

Beyond Sleep: Holistic Well-being:

Choosing Clear Mind for CBT for sleep in Harrogate goes beyond addressing immediate sleep concerns. Our approach encompasses holistic well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental health and sleep quality. By choosing us, you embark on a journey towards comprehensive mental wellness.

Empowering Nights, Empowered Lives:

Clear Mind CBT Harrogate is more than a therapy provider; we are advocates for empowering lives through better sleep. As you choose us for CBT for sleep in Harrogate, you're choosing a partner dedicated to ensuring that your nights become a source of restoration and strength, laying the foundation for empowered and fulfilling days.

In the realm of CBT for sleep Harrogate, Clear Mind CBT emerges as the sanctuary for restorative nights. Our therapists, the heartbeat of our commitment, guide you towards a harmonious relationship with sleep. Choose Clear Mind CBT and unlock the door to tranquil nights and revitalized well-being.

Author Bio:

Andrew Kemp, A fully qualified Cognitive behavioural Therapist, accredited with the British Association for behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). He has been practicing CBT for over 10 years and worked with thousands of clients, within the NHS, through charities and privately. Discover the best counselling in Harrogate by reaching out to us today. Andrew Kemp, a fully qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, specializes in addressing sleep issues, and insomnia in Harrogate. Contact us now for the finest CBT in Ripon.

[leicamoments]

Penguins and Whales

Harrogate Railway Reserves 5-2 Lower Hopton Devs

This last month has really summed up 2023 – weatherwise. It has really been awful, with grassroots sport being disrupted by either frozen pitches or waterlogged ones. It seems that if it isn’t penguin-friendly weather, then the whales are happy.

For a second weekend running, the non-league men and women’s fixtures have been completely decimated, with only a handful of games being able to go ahead.

Railway’s first team fixture fell victim to the rain, but with the reserves playing on the all-weather pitch at King James School in Knaresborough, it would take the four horsemen of the apocalypse to unseat this game – apologies to the penguins and whales!

It didn’t mean that the WRCWFL Third Division game wouldn’t be subject to the elements – we had the occasional gust of strong wind, various forms of rain…from misty in the cloud type stuff, through drizzle, all the way to a good soaking.

The other problem was the light…it started dark because of the heavy overcast clouds and got darker. At half time, there were nervous glances up at the floodlights, wondering if they could be put on [spoiler alert – they weren’t] and to be honest, by the end of the 90 minutes, the clouds were parting and the last of the day’s sun shone briefly before setting behind the hill and clouds clinging to the horizon.

The game itself was a rollercoaster that matched the conditions. Railway started strong in the first five minutes before a good and determined Lower Hopton imposed themselves on the game and took a well-deserved two goal lead by the end of the first half.

To be frank, it looked like a lost cause for the home team, as the visitors had been clinical in front of goal to score two well taken shots. The only downside for the Lower Hopton squad was the unfortunate injury to one of their defenders that saw her have to go off and play no further part in the game.

[We wish her all the best and hope that the injury isn’t too bad – given that Christmas is just around the corner.]

Railway had had chances in the first half…but they weren’t clearcut and they hadn’t made the keeper work hard enough.

The second 45 kicked off and to be honest, the Devs picked up where they had left off and no matter what Railway tried, it just didn’t seem to be happening for them. It wasn’t that they weren’t playing well…it was just one of those days that attacks seemed to fall apart in the final third of the pitch.

When I say one of those days…well, it was really one of those hours…because with 30 minutes to go and the points seemingly heading home with the visitors…the Harrogate team did something special.

In a mad two-minute spell, first Georgia France and then Fiona Salter fired Railway back on terms, leaving the visitors shellshocked.

Lower Hopton tried to rally, rid themselves of the sense of panic and get their game going once more; but Harrogate Railway had the bit between their teeth and weren’t going to let them off the hook. [I know...mixed metaphors there...but let's roll with it]

This was an enthralling fixture now, both teams capable of scoring with each attack, but wary when having to defend. The next goal would be crucial…and it was Fiona who got her second and The Rail’s third to edge the home team in front for the first time in the game.

A shot by Railway’s Tracey Flemming saw the visiting keeper desperately grabbing for the ball as it was going over the goal line. There were claims for a goal, but VAR confirmed the Ref’s view that the whole of the ball hadn’t actually gone over the line – and it was a great save in the end.

April Kennedy had been lively all afternoon, tormenting the visiting defenders, and it was April who got Harrogate Railway’s fourth with minutes left on the clock to make the result safe at 4-2.

Any thoughts that the reserves were finished for the afternoon were soon dispelled as Jade Webster joined the others on the scoresheet to make it 5-2 and deservedly crown a great performance by her.

The final whistle blew, and Harrogate Railway Reserves had scored five, earned three points and moved themselves up to third in the table, level on points with second-placed Skipton Town Devs and only three points behind Lower Hopton.

Last year, the reserves got started after Christmas with the first half of the season being rather difficult as they tried to settle into the league [being a newly formed team] – this year they have hit the ground running and will surely challenge for one of the two automatic promotion spots.

Well played both teams!

[definitionaudiovisual]

Sound System Installation Harrogate

Sound System Installation Harrogate – we were instructed to carry out a Sound System Installation in St Wilfrids church hall in Harrogate, North Yorkshire as they had the requirement for an installed sound system to use for small wedding events, conferences, parties and services in the main hall.

We opted to install a pair of Wharfedale Si12 Passive speakers in white either side of the stage on the walls at high level using Powerdrive wall arm brackets along with a flight case on stage to house all the sound equipment, the Allen and Heath ZED16FX mixer, five Audio Technica radio microphone systems, Apart Audio CD player, QSC stereo power amplifier and an Ampetronic hearing loop amplifier.

On stage we installed some XLR plug in points so that their customers can plug in musical instruments, ipods, or even the audio from a Laptop if they are doing a presentations giving them some flexibility with their sound system installation.

[britshops]

Sipping on Comfort: How Yorkshire Tea Can Improve Your Mood and Well-being

There's nothing quite like a good cup of tea to soothe the soul and lift your spirits, and when it comes to great-tasting brews, few can compare to Yorkshire Tea. This beloved British brand has been warming hearts (and tummies) for over 40 years with its rich, full-bodied flavour and comforting aroma. But did you know that Yorkshire Tea is more than just a delicious drink? Studies have shown that sipping this delightful beverage improves your mood and well-being! So whether you're feeling stressed out or need a pick-me-up, grab yourself a mug of Yorkshire Tea and discover how this humble brew can work wonders for both body and soul.

What is Yorkshire Tea?

Yorkshire Tea is a famous brand of tea that hails from the United Kingdom. It blends high-quality black teas from Kenya, India, and Sri Lanka. The result is a rich and robust flavour profile that has become synonymous with British tea culture. One thing that sets Yorkshire Tea apart from other brands is its commitment to sustainability. All of their tea bags are biodegradable, and they work closely with suppliers to ensure ethical sourcing practices. This means you can enjoy your cuppa knowing it was produced in an environmentally friendly way.

In addition to its classic black tea blend, yorkshire tea offers several other varieties, such as decaf, green tea, and herbal blends like peppermint and chamomile. They even offer unique seasonal blends for holidays like Christmas! So whether you're looking for a classic British brew or something more unique, there's sure to be a variety of Yorkshire Tea that will suit your taste buds!

The History of Yorkshire Tea

Yorkshire Tea is a famous brand of tea that millions around the world have enjoyed. But where did it all start? The story of Yorkshire Tea began in the late 1800s when Charles Taylor decided to set up his own tea company. Taylor was born and raised in Harrogate, a town in North Yorkshire known for its natural springs and spa waters. He had previously worked for other tea companies but decided to strike out independently. In 1886, he founded CE Taylor & Co. and blended his teas.

One of Taylor's early innovations was to create a blend specifically tailored to the hard water found in Yorkshire. This proved hugely popular with local customers who appreciated its full-bodied flavour and rich colour. Over time, CE Taylor & Co. grew into one of England's most prominent independent tea merchants, eventually becoming Bettys & Taylors Group Ltd., which still owns and operates Yorkshire Tea today. Despite many changes, including ownership changes during World War II and modernization efforts throughout the 20th century, Yorkshire Tea remains true to its roots as a high-quality blend made with care and attention to detail.

How Yorkshire Tea Can Improve Your Mood and Well-being

Yorkshire Tea is more than just a beverage, and it's a mood-lifter and an all-around comfort drink. Tea has been known to improve well-being in various ways, from reducing stress levels to providing energy boosts throughout the day. One of the reasons why Yorkshire Tea can improve your mood is because it contains L-theanine - an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. This substance also enhances alpha waves in the brain, which can help you calm down without feeling drowsy.

In addition to L-theanine, Yorkshire Tea also contains caffeine which provides a gentle boost of energy without causing jitters or crashing later on. This makes it ideal for those who want to stay productive while managing their stress levels. Furthermore, drinking Yorkshire Tea can also provide social benefits as people often bond over a cuppa. Taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with friends or family members over tea is relaxing and helps strengthen relationships.

The Different Types of Yorkshire Tea

Yorkshire Tea comes in different varieties to suit different tastes and preferences. The brand offers a range of flavours that cater to the varying palates of tea drinkers worldwide. One popular type is Yorkshire Gold, which features a smooth, rich taste with notes of caramel and malt. Yorkshire Strong Breakfast may be your cup of tea if you prefer more potent brews. It has a bold flavour that can give you the kick-start you need for the day ahead.

For those who like their tea less strong but still flavorful, there's Yorkshire Red - a classic blend made from top-quality Assam and African teas that produces a robust infusion with a malty character. If herbal infusions are more your thing, try out some of the brand’s fruit and herbal blends, such as Peppermint & Nettle or Lemon & Ginger - both caffeine-free options for any time of day. Whatever your preference or mood on any given day, there's sure to be a variety of Yorkshire Tea that can satisfy it with crisps!

How to Brew Yorkshire Tea

Brewing the perfect cup of Yorkshire Tea is an art form in itself. First, start with freshly drawn water and bring it to a rolling boil. Then, warm up your teapot by swirling some hot water inside before pouring it out. Next, add one teaspoon of tea leaves per person into the pot (or one tea bag). If you're using loose-leaf tea, let it steep for 4-5 minutes before straining it. For tea bags, leave them in the pot while brewing.

Once you've added your tea leaves or bags, pour in the boiling water and give it a quick stir. Let it brew for 4-5 minutes until its rich colour develops. When ready to serve, pour milk into your cup first (if desired) and then strain the brewed tea. This will prevent scalding any delicate flavours that might be present in milk. Finally, sit back and enjoy this comforting beverage, which will uplift your mood! The tea is now available at british store in Canada.

Conclusion

Yorkshire Tea is a delicious beverage with numerous benefits for your mood and well-being. From reducing stress to boosting your immune system, drinking tea can be a simple yet effective way to improve your health. Whether you prefer the classic taste of Yorkshire Gold or the rich flavour of Yorkshire Red, various options are available to suit every taste preference. Folhe proper brewing techniques and enjoying a cuppa regularly, you can experience all the beautiful benefits of this beloved British drink.

[destiesharrogate]

PICKS OF THE WEEK: ALL EIGHT EYES

Dark urban horror from the dangerous side of New York.

Vin isn't having the best week. Kicked out of his apartment, nowhere to go and suddenly aware of the Giant Spiders that nobody else seems to notice, let alone talk about.

What is going on? Who is the weird guy with the hammer bashing these outsized arachnids to death and more to the point, can Vin get the heck away from all this?

Quirky, creepy, and certain to have you questioning every movement you see out of the corner of your eye...

#Comics#Harrogate#HarrogateComicShop

[harrogatelifestyleapartments]

Harrogate Accommodation with Parking Convenience and Comfort Combined

With easy on-site parking, take pleasure in stress-free stays at our Harrogate Accommodation With Parking. Our tastefully furnished rooms and apartments are perfect for tourists, providing contemporary conveniences, a convenient location, and convenient parking to guarantee a smooth stay. With Harrogate's main attractions only a short distance away, you can unwind knowing your car is safe. Ideal for business or pleasure travel, make your reservation right away for a hassle-free stay

[high-functioning-fang1rl]

Andy’s Birthday!

In honor of the amazing Alex Vincent’s birthday, here’s a Headcanon for Andy!!!

*****

The first birthday Andy has after he and Nica get together is a little rough.

Birthdays for Andy are usually spent trying to forget; flashes of his Aunt, policemen interrogating him, hospital rooms, and the sound of the alluring, manipulative voice of his lifelong tormentor were always close to the surface around that day.

Sometimes Andy thinks of his birthday as more of an Anniversary of the worst day of his life- when his life changed forever- than a day to celebrate. It’s just another year he hasn’t died yet, when he probably should have long ago.

He grins and bears it when Nica cooks him a special dinner, bringing out a cake and presents for him after. He doesn’t want to take away from her excitement or watch her face fall when she realizes he doesn’t celebrate turning a year older anymore. But Nica is perceptive, and Karen and Mike’s call helps cement her suspicion.

The wheels in her head start turning immediately, and a week later Andy is surprised to find a gigantic stack of cards on his desk, tied together with a pretty bow.

“What’s this?”

Nica just smiles. “Just read them!”

He sees there are cards from all of the kids; Junior, Jake, Devon, Lexy- even Glen and Glenda, Rachel sent one with the kids, and Kyle…but to his shock he doesn’t recognize a lot of the names on the envelopes- until he opens the cards.

The family in South Carolina.

Mike’s former partner.

The nurse from Harrogate that helped him out.

The homes he and Kyle went to searching for Chucky.

All of the people he’s saved or suffered with. Sending him ‘thanks yous’ and birthday wishes.

By the time he’s finished reading, tears are streaming down his face. Behind him, Nica just wraps her arms around his shoulders and kisses his hair.

“I know it may not be the best day, but I’m really glad you were born…And I’m not the only one. I don’t want the bad memories to make you forget how much good you’ve done in a world that’s been very cruel to you. You more than anyone deserve to see that your birthday is special because YOU’RE special, even if something awful happened on it. And if you ever can’t remember that, I’m here to remind you. Happy Birthday, Andy.” She tells him softly.

By the next year, the cabin has grown and all of his kids live in or have their own space there, and they all throw a party for him, complete with a birthday hat and piñata (that quickly gets beaten apart by Junior).

But he notices that another stack of cards waits for him on his beside table when he finally goes to bed that night. And he’ll find the tradition continues with every year that passes.

Some days and years are better than others, but Andy starts to hate his birthday a little less.

****

This made me emotional to write omg I love him so much 🥰😭😍 Hope you enjoyed! 💙

[smileygoth]

29. Before the Darkness (WODtober 2023)

Part 29 of my WODtober story. Taking the daily prompts and trying to weave a vampire story from them! In this chapter, Imogen/Eliza and their allies gather to make plans for the future.

Word Count: 1289 words.

CW: None that I can think of.

Image found on Google.

Find the previous chapters here!

The lobby of Harrogate’s building was pristine. All the broken glass and spilled blood had been cleaned up and replaced so that no one would ever know that a dozen people had been torn apart there. Imogen marvelled at it as Eliza walked them through to the elevator. Emily had messaged them with the floor number and to tell them they could walk straight through. No one was at the security desk, but presumably they were being watched through the cameras.

Eliza had relinquished control to Imogen once they’d returned to Imogen’s haven the previous night. But once back in her skin, Imogen became horribly conscious of the new power that was flowing though her veins. It felt alien to her, and wrong. Not to mention the strange shadowy sensation of not being alone - even more so than with knowing Eliza was there. She didn’t know if it was psychosomatic - some kind of dread at having diablerised following what she’d been through with Eliza - or if it was a real part of the process of absorbing another creature’s soul. Whichever it was, she had it. When they had risen the next night, she had happily given control back to Eliza.

‘I wish you’d told me you were planning on doing it,’ she’d said to Eliza before they switched. ‘How does it work, anyway? Will we both be bouncing around in your mind?’

The stronger will always prevails in the end, Eliza replied.

‘And how do you know you’ll be the one who prevails?’

She felt Eliza smirk. I am confident that I am the stronger, she replied.

‘You weren’t stronger than me.’

You I didn’t know. I know Harrogate. It is a much more calculated risk.

Imogen had wanted to ask again about what happens to the weaker ones, but her courage had failed her. She had already given up too much of her power to Eliza to be able to fight her any more; better that she didn’t pry any more. Maybe it would be just as Eliza had promised, and she’d slip into a memory and live there. Or maybe she’d just cease to exist. Most likely, even Eliza didn’t know for sure.

The elevator ride was so smooth Imogen couldn’t even feel the carriage rising. At the top, the doors opened up into a plushly carpeted reception area, where  young mortal woman stood stiffly behind a desk. The pallour of her face and the rapid beating of her heart implied that she knew exactly what they were. Still, she smiled and greeted them in a smooth, professional manner and ushered them into the room beyond.

Harrogate’s office was a large, perfectly square room with one wall, behind the desk, entirely taken up with floor-to-ceiling windows. The other walls had built-in shelves holding expensive looking books, ledgers, pieces of art and framed photographs. Imogen wanted to look at the photographs, but Eliza went straight to the desk, beind which was seated Miranda, Harrogate’s ghoul. On their side, taking up two of three chairs, were Emily and Ed. All three smiled and stood up as Eliza entered.

‘This is interesting’, Eliza remarked as they all sat down. ‘The ghoul behind the desk and the vampires in front of it.’

Miranda laughed nervously. ‘A temporary arrangement, I’m sure,’ she replied.

‘Have you and these two come to terms?’

Emily smiled. ‘We have,’ she said. ‘Miranda has agreed to sign over the entire business to us, assist us in liquidating all of Harrogate’s assets and turn them to our own ends. In return, once it’s all official, I’m going to embrace her.’

Miranda nodded, smiling. ‘I’ve also already taken the liberty of hiring a new team to clear the construction site,’ she said. ‘They have clear instructions to excavate your tomb first and to take extra special care doing it. You should be able to get into it by the end of tonight.’

Eliza smiled. ‘That’s very thoughtful of you,’ she remarked.

Miranda shrugged. ‘As you said last night, being in the good graces of a vampire as old as you is a good place to be.’  She paused, then added: ‘The fact that it would make Harrogate turn in his grave - if he had one - is just a bonus.’

Emily sniggered. ‘Turns out Harrogate wasn’t a very nice person to work for,’ she said. ‘In any capacity.’

‘I’m not surprised.’ Eliza leaned forward. ‘So what is the plan for returning my land to me?’

‘I have the papers here ready for you to sign,’ Miranda replied. ‘We can turn it over to you before we deal with the rest of the business. Once they’re signed and filed with the authorities, the land is legally yours. I’d advise you put it into a trust to keep it in the hands of your ‘relatives’ for the coming decades. I can help you with that too, if you wish.’

‘And the construction?’

‘There’s a clause in the agreement stating that Harrogate Enterprises will arrange and pay for the land to be cleared,’ Miranda replied. ‘After that, it’s up to you.’

Can it really be this simple? And quick? Imogen wondered. Eliza, hearing her, repeated the question aloud.

‘We’re moving fast while the Prince is looking the other way,’ Ed replied. ‘Once he starts paying attention again, it could get a lot trickier if he decides he doesn’t like what we’re up to.’

‘Once we have control of the money, we’re going to give a portion of it towards restoring your home,’ Emily said. ‘We’d be happy to help you with that, too. The amount of contacts Harrogate had is astounding. Miranda here can probably get anything arranged. Do you know what you want to do? We could turn it into a park, or a historical site, or-’

‘A nature reserve,’ Eliza cut in. ‘A private nature reserve.’

Emily looked at Ed, who nodded. ‘Sure, we could build an artificial habitat,’ he mused. ‘Seed the flora, get some saplings planted to restore the forest, dig out and fill in a lake. It’ll take a while for it to really settle in and for the animals and everything to come back, but…’ He looked at Eliza appraisingly. ‘I imagine you have ways of helping all that along.’

Eliza smiled. ‘You imagine correctly.’ With a sigh, she went on: ‘I am tired after the past few weeks. I need to rest. Is this all something you could arrange and oversee for me?’

Ed looked surprised. ‘If you’re happy to trust us with it … sure. No problem at all.’

Eliza looked at her hands. ‘Trust is … difficult for me,’ she said. ‘But these nights, I find it more difficult to get along on my own. Things change so quickly.’ She looked up again. ‘As I said to Miranda, if you will prove yourselves trustworthy to me, I will be a useful ally to you in return.’

‘Imagine us, having a centuries-old Lhiannan as an ally,’ Emily chuckled. ‘If you’d suggested it to me a month ago I’d have called you crazy.’

‘So we have an agreement?’ Eliza asked.

‘Better than that,’ Miranda replied, holding up a pen. ‘Once all the papers are signed, we have a legally binding contract.’

Ed and Emily exchanged an exasperated glance. ‘We gotta get the Ventrue out of you,’ Ed groaned.

Miranda reddened and put the pen down.

Don’t be mean to her, Imogen urged. She’s trying so hard to be helpful.

Eliza chuckled and held out her hand. ‘Give me the pen,’ she said. ‘And then once this is all done, if you don’t mind, I would like to go home.’

Miranda grinned and passed her the pen. ‘I’ll have a car waiting for you outside,’ she replied.

[adamfinchley]

The brain and gut are not so far apart

The Victorian gentry clearly had more money than sense. The earlier Industrial Revolution created many working class people made good. No longer were the royals and ennobled necessarily the only landed toffs with money to spare. New companies like Thomas Cook, discovered the potential for travel and created day trips by train in England and the Continent. Some of these early trips were for a day at a Spa town. Bath, Leamington and Epsom were three of the most popular southern ones, and each had a speciality, with Epsom famous for the salts. Further north, Harrogate had the Victorians flocking to partake of something called the 'Harrogate System of Intestinal Lavage.' It sounds pretty invasive, and so it is. Today we might just call it colonic irrigation. Either way, the object is a colon wash and that's not for the shy. We cannot blame the Victorians for their lack of knowledge over the existence of our essential gut culture. Washing away all our gut bacteria, is not recommended these days. The idea of cleaning the intestines to relieve all those irritating problems we all get, such as bloating, excess wind, cramps and IBS to name just a few, can probably best be achieved through other methods. The first step to take is to look at diet. The trillions of bacteria that live within, and on us, are there for a purpose. It's startling to think there are more of these tiny single cell organisms in our digestive tract, than we have human cells. These trillions are classified into about one thousand types. Many useful ones have been identified and can be cultured in laboratories. If we need a boost, they can be found in supplements such as Threelac amongst others.

This supplement delivers three good gut bacteria and along with the encapsulated oxygen, becomes an agitator that helps loosen any sluggish waste. Research is uncovering more about the importance of good digestion and balanced bacteria. In particular, the health of our gut has a profound effect on our brain health. This is found to be such a strong  connection that some professionals reckon the gut bacteria is part of the brain. At least one professor of cell biology and pathology, considers himself to be a leader in the new profession of neurogastroenterology. The word has entered the dictionary and is becoming more relevant by the day. An unhappy digestive system with sluggish movement and the resultant reduction of nutrient absorption, is recognised by the oxygen starved brain. This may result in a mild headache, irritable moods, tiredness and other slight neurological conditions. Recent research on people with serious psychiatric conditions has revealed they usually have a very unusual set of gut microbes. Other medical conditions that are under serious research involves a possible connection between the gut microbiome and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis development.

Who knows where it might all lead? But wherever it goes; it meanwhile makes sense for us to keep our gut healthy with a good balanced diet.

[ouiphasakorn]

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