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farm-fnb-tech · 3 months ago

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Poultry Welfare: Enhancing Well-being Through Housing System Reforms

Poultry welfare has emerged as a critical concern in modern agriculture and animal husbandry. The increasing global population and the growing demand for poultry products have led to intensive production systems that can sometimes compromise the well-being of these birds. This article delves into the multifaceted concept of poultry welfare, exploring its definition, significance, and the factors influencing it. We will examine the benefits of prioritizing poultry welfare, the goals to be achieved, and various strategies for improving it. Additionally, we will discuss the role of keywords like "poultry welfare" in promoting awareness and driving positive change.

Poultry welfare encompasses the physical, mental, and behavioral health of chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other domesticated birds raised for meat, eggs, or other products. It involves providing birds with suitable living conditions, nutrition, healthcare, and opportunities to exhibit natural behaviors. While the concept has gained prominence in recent years, it is essential to recognize that it is not merely an ethical consideration but also a practical one, as it directly impacts the productivity and overall sustainability of poultry farming.

The Importance of Poultry Welfare

Ethical Considerations: The treatment of animals is a fundamental ethical issue. Ensuring the well-being of poultry aligns with growing societal expectations and the desire for humane food production.

Animal Health and Productivity: Healthy and stress-free birds are more productive, with higher egg production rates, better feed conversion efficiency, and reduced disease incidence.

Product Quality: Poultry raised in good welfare conditions tend to produce higher-quality meat and eggs with improved taste and nutritional value.

Consumer Confidence: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the welfare of animals. By prioritizing poultry welfare, producers can build trust and loyalty among customers.

Public Image: A commitment to poultry welfare enhances the reputation of the poultry industry and fosters a positive image.

Sustainability: Poultry welfare is an integral part of sustainable agriculture. It promotes responsible resource management and minimizes environmental impact.

Goals of Poultry Welfare

The ultimate goal of poultry welfare is to enhance the quality of life for poultry. Specific objectives include:

Prevention of Suffering: Minimizing pain, distress, and fear experienced by birds.

Optimal Physical Health: Providing appropriate nutrition, housing, and healthcare to prevent diseases and injuries.

Behavioral Well-being: Creating environments that allow birds to express natural behaviors, such as foraging, dustbathing, and perching.

Good Mental State: Reducing stress and fear factors, ensuring adequate environmental enrichment.

Humane Slaughter: Implementing painless and stress-free methods of euthanasia.

Key Factors Affecting Poultry Welfare

Housing Systems: The type of housing significantly impacts poultry welfare. Cage-free, free-range, and organic systems generally offer better welfare conditions than conventional cages.

Stocking Density: Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and poor health. Adequate space is crucial for bird well-being.

Environmental Enrichment: Providing opportunities for exploration, foraging, and social interaction can improve mental and physical health.

Nutrition: A balanced diet is essential for growth, development, and overall health.

Biosecurity: Preventing the spread of diseases protects bird health and reduces the need for medication.

Genetics: Breeding for specific traits can affect bird welfare. Careful consideration of genetic selection is important.

Management Practices: Skilled and knowledgeable management is vital for ensuring good welfare practices.

Legislation and Standards: Clear and enforceable regulations and standards provide a framework for improving poultry welfare.

Strategies for Improving Poultry Welfare

Adopting Alternative Housing Systems: Transitioning to cage-free or free-range systems can significantly enhance welfare.

Reducing Stocking Density: Providing more space per bird allows for better movement and reduces stress.

Enriching the Environment: Incorporating natural materials, perches, and dustbathing areas can improve welfare.

Implementing Good Husbandry Practices: Proper nutrition, vaccination, and disease prevention are essential.

Monitoring Bird Behavior: Observing birds can provide valuable insights into their well-being.

Training and Education: Investing in training for farmers and workers can improve welfare practices.

Collaborating with Stakeholders: Working with industry, government, and NGOs can drive positive change.

Consumer Education: Raising awareness about poultry welfare among consumers can create demand for higher welfare products.

Poultry Welfare as a Keyword

The term "poultry welfare" has gained significant traction as a keyword in recent years. Its use in online searches, media, and academic publications reflects the growing public interest and concern for the well-being of poultry. By effectively utilizing this keyword, individuals and organizations can:

Increase Visibility: Enhance the reach of content related to poultry welfare.

Target Relevant Audiences: Attract people interested in animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and ethical consumption.

Drive Engagement: Foster discussions and debates about poultry welfare issues.

Promote Positive Change: Encourage the adoption of better practices by highlighting the importance of poultry welfare.

Challenges:

Economic Impact: The transition to alternative systems often involves higher initial investment costs due to infrastructure changes and potential reductions in production efficiency.

Disease Management: Cage-free and free-range systems can pose greater challenges in preventing the spread of diseases due to increased bird density and environmental factors.

Consumer Education: Raising consumer awareness about the benefits of higher welfare products and being willing to pay a premium price is crucial.

Labor Requirements: Alternative systems generally require more labor-intensive management practices.

Predation and Biosecurity: Free-range systems face risks from predators and increased exposure to pathogens.

Opportunities:

Improved Public Image: A commitment to higher welfare standards can enhance the industry's reputation and consumer trust.

Market Differentiation: Offering higher welfare products can create a competitive advantage and premium pricing opportunities.

Animal Health and Productivity: Better welfare conditions can lead to improved bird health, reduced mortality rates, and potentially higher productivity in the long term.

Innovation: The transition to alternative systems can stimulate innovation in poultry housing, management practices, and feed formulations.

Compliance with Regulations: Anticipating and adapting to evolving welfare regulations can help businesses stay ahead of the curve.

Factors Influencing the Transition

Several factors influence the pace and extent of the transition to alternative housing systems:

Consumer Demand: Growing consumer awareness of animal welfare and willingness to pay for higher welfare products drive the demand for alternative systems.

Government Regulations: Mandatory phase-out of conventional cages or incentives for adopting alternative systems can accelerate the transition.

Economic Viability: The profitability of alternative systems compared to conventional cages is a crucial factor.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in housing design, feed formulations, and disease prevention can facilitate the adoption of alternative systems.

Industry Collaboration: Cooperation between producers, retailers, and policymakers is essential for successful implementation.

Case Studies

European Union: The EU has implemented bans on conventional cages for laying hens, leading to a significant shift towards cage-free and free-range systems.

United States: While there is growing consumer interest in higher welfare eggs, the transition has been slower due to a lack of uniform national regulations.

Other Countries: Examining the experiences of countries with different approaches to poultry welfare can provide valuable insights.

Poultry welfare is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. By understanding the factors that influence bird well-being and implementing effective strategies, we can create a more humane and sustainable poultry industry. The use of keywords like "poultry welfare" is crucial in raising awareness and driving positive change. By working together, we can ensure that poultry are treated with respect and compassion.

#farm #poultry #https://farm.fnb.tech/poultry-welfare-enhancing-well-being-through-housing/

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chickencoopgpt · 1 year ago

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In this post, I will be sharing the top 6 chicken nest boxes that every poultry keeper should consider. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chicken enthusiast, having the right nest boxes is essential to ensure the comfort and well-being of your flock. From easy installation to durable construction, these nest boxes offer a range of features to meet the needs of your feathered friends. So, let's dive in and discover the best options available for chicken nest boxes![content-egg-block modules="AmazonNoApi" template="top_listing" groups="Roundup"]1Duncan's Chicken Nesting Boxes - 6 Hole Metal Poultry Nest Box[content-egg-block template=item_simple modules=AmazonNoApi products="us-B07K1R4G5P" hide="title,rating"]9.6Final Thoughts: Mixed ResultsDuncan's Chicken Nesting Boxes are well built and solid with large egg laying boxes and vented holes, but they lack an automatic mechanism for adjusting bars and have difficulty in removing nest bottoms for cleaning.ProsWell built and solid metal constructionEasy to assembleLarge egg laying boxes and vented holesWeaknessesDifficulty in removing nest bottoms for cleaningLack of automatic mechanism for adjusting bars at night and in the morningDuncan's Chicken Nesting Boxes are a premium product that showcases American-made excellence. Made with precision and built to last, these nesting boxes are constructed with rust-proofed metal, ensuring durability and longevity. The solid and sturdy metal construction sets them apart from flimsy alternatives in the market. While some customers have expressed a desire for easier cleaning with removable nest bottoms, overall, the reviews are positive, emphasizing the ease of assembly and the quality of the product. If you're seeking a reliable and efficient solution for your chickens, hens, or ducks, Duncan's Chicken Nesting Boxes are an excellent choice.Key Features of Duncan's Chicken Nesting BoxesAmerican madePremium craftsmanshipPrecision-built for safety and longevityRust-proofed constructionLarge egg laying boxesLarge vented holes[content-egg-block template=offers_logo products="us-B07K1R4G5P"]2Little Giant® Plastic Chicken Nesting Box[content-egg-block template=item_simple modules=AmazonNoApi products="us-B005CEQYJK" hide="title,rating"]9.1Durable and convenientThe Little Giant® Plastic Chicken Nesting Box is a versatile and easy-to-clean nesting box for laying hens. Made from high density polyethylene, it is rust-free and corrosion-resistant. It provides privacy for hens and has a fold-down perch, although it may not be suitable for hens that struggle with higher perches. However, it does not come with screws for installation. Overall, it offers a convenient and durable option for chicken coops.BenefitsVersatile useEasy to cleanProvides privacy for hensFold-down perchWeaknessesNot suitable for hens that have difficulty accessing higher perchesDoes not come with screws for installationThe Little Giant® Plastic Chicken Nesting Box is made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. Constructed with high-density, impact-resistant polyethylene, this nesting box is built to withstand weather conditions and will not rust, rot, or corrode over time. It can be securely mounted vertically or side by side, allowing for flexibility in placement within your chicken coop.One reviewer, the founder of a chicken and wildlife rescue and sanctuary, praised the nesting box for meeting the specific needs of hens. They highlighted the importance of privacy, darkness, and room for the hens to turn around and tend to their nests. The fold-down perch in front was also appreciated by both the reviewer and the hens. Easy cleaning was another bonus, as the smooth plastic surface does not retain dirt like wooden nesting boxes. The reviewer recommended purchasing screws separately for easy installation and happier hens.Another reviewer expressed their surprise at how much their hens loved this nesting box, despite previously favoring a metal one. With 22 eggs in the box, it was clear that the hens found it comfortable and appealing.

The ease of hanging the box was also mentioned as a positive aspect.A third reviewer mentioned the versatility of the nesting box and the option to hang it in a kennel or a larger coop. The adjustable height was appreciated, although it was noted that larger birds might have difficulty entering if the box is placed too high. The small drain in the back allows for easy cleaning, and correctly placed screws enable hassle-free removal for maintenance. Overall, the reviewer expressed their satisfaction with the product.In summary, the Little Giant® Plastic Chicken Nesting Box is a high-quality and versatile option for your chicken coop. Its durability and ease of cleaning make it a practical choice, while its design meets the preferences and needs of hens for privacy, comfort, and safety.Convenient and Durable DesignHigh density, impact-resistant polyethylene materialRust-free, rot-free, and corrosion-resistantVertical or side by side mounting optionsEasy-to-clean smooth plastic surfaceDoes not get as cold as other materials[content-egg-block template=offers_logo products="us-B005CEQYJK"]3Brower 410B Poultry Nest, Gray[content-egg-block template=item_simple modules=AmazonNoApi products="us-B009LH9Q1M" hide="title,rating"]8.9Overall Assessment: Reliable and functionalThe Brower 410B 10-Hole Poultry Nest in Gray is a durable and easy to assemble nest designed to provide privacy for nesting hens. With its high-quality galvanized steel construction, it allows for easy egg collection and can accommodate 50-60 hens. However, some users have reported a shortage of small bolts and nuts, and there is a possibility of hens pulling down perches if determined.Advantages of Brower 410BEasy to assembleDurable galvanized metal constructionProvides privacy for nesting hensEasy egg collection from front or rear hatch doorsWeaknessesShortage of small bolts and nutsPossibility of hens pulling down perches if determinedThe Brower 410B 10-Hole Poultry Nest is a high-quality galvanized steel nesting box designed to provide a comfortable and secure nesting space for your hens. With 10 holes in 2 tiers, it has a capacity of 50-60 hens, making it suitable for smaller production flocks. The nest bottoms are removable for easy cleaning and litter replacement, ensuring a hygienic environment for your chickens. The double bolted perches are hinged, allowing for easy closing, and the hangers are standard for convenient installation. The nests can be staggered back to back to prevent hens from passing between tiers. Overall, this nesting box is easy to assemble with just a screwdriver and wrench, and it offers both durability and functionality for chicken keepers. The reviews indicate that it is well-loved by both the chickens and the owners, with positive comments on ease of assembly, suitability for large breeds, and the option to collect eggs from the front or rear of the unit.Design and Durability10-hole design2-tier structureRemovable nest bottomsEasy assembly with basic toolsHigh-quality galvanized steel constructionSuitable for 50-60 hens[content-egg-block template=offers_logo products="us-B009LH9Q1M"]4Reversible Rollout Chicken Nest Box - Large[content-egg-block template=item_simple modules=AmazonNoApi products="us-B01ATN6G5K" hide="title,rating"]8.7Highly recommendedThe Best Nest Box Reversible Rollout Chicken Nest Box is a community style nest box made of galvanized steel with a rollaway egg tray, capable of holding up to 45 hens. It helps solve the issue of chickens eating their own eggs and results in cleaner eggs. Additionally, it is easy to assemble.Convenient and SpaciousHelps fix chickens eating their own eggsResults in cleaner eggsEasy to put togetherThe Best Nest Box Reversible Rollout Chicken Nest Box (Large - 48") is a community-style nest box made of galvanized steel, providing a durable and easy-to-assemble solution for chicken owners. With a 45 hen capacity, this nest box is designed to prevent chickens from eating their own eggs and to keep eggs clean and unbroken.

One of the standout features of this nest box is its reversible design, allowing you to collect eggs from inside or outside the coop. Additionally, the nest pad provides a comfortable and inviting space for your hens to lay their eggs. Customers who have purchased this product have praised its effectiveness in solving egg-eating issues, as well as its ability to produce clean eggs. Though some reviewers have noted a minor issue with the rail, it can be easily fixed using a simple support mechanism. Overall, the Best Nest Box Reversible Rollout Chicken Nest Box offers a high-quality and reliable solution for chicken owners looking for a convenient and efficient nesting space for their hens.Convenient and spacious nesting solutionCommunity style nest boxRollaway egg trayEasy to assembleMade of galvanized steelReversible box (front or rear egg tray)45 hen capacity[content-egg-block template=offers_logo products="us-B01ATN6G5K"]5Prec Pet Triple Nesting Box, Brown[content-egg-block template=item_simple modules=AmazonNoApi products="us-B01M4HBCL3" hide="title,rating"]7.8In Summary: Suitable for IndoorsThe Precision Pet Triple Nesting Box is an affordable and easy-to-assemble option for providing a place for chickens to lay eggs. While it is suitable for indoor use in a coop, it is not recommended for outdoor use and some parts may arrive broken or damaged.ProsAffordable priceEasy to assembleProvides a place for chickens to lay eggsSuitable for indoor use in a coopDrawbacksDrawbacks:Not suitable for outdoor useSome parts may arrive broken or damagedThe Precision Pet 7029288 Triple Nesting Box is a basic yet essential product for any chicken coop or house. It is designed for use both inside and outside of coops to help eliminate nest sharing among hens. The nesting box is available in single, double, and triple options. The package dimensions are 37.638" L X 12.795" W X 11.22" H. While it is not rated for outdoor use, customers have reported that the boxes have held up well indoors over a period of 2 years. Some assembly is required, but the process is relatively straightforward and takes about 5 minutes. However, there have been a few reports of parts breaking or splitting, but users have found simple fixes such as gluing the broken pieces or reinforcing them with tape. Overall, considering its price and functionality, the Precision Pet 7029288 Triple Nesting Box provides a convenient and affordable solution for chicken owners.Versatile nesting box for petsSuitable for use in or out of coopsHelps eliminate nest sharingAvailable in single, double, and triple nesting box optionsPackage dimensions: 37.638" L X 12.795" W X 11.22" H[content-egg-block template=offers_logo products="us-B01M4HBCL3"]6Metal Chicken Nesting Boxes with Lid Cover[content-egg-block template=item_simple modules=AmazonNoApi products="us-B0CCD8MMW3" hide="title,rating"]5.7Durable and rainproof solutionThe Chicken Nesting Boxes, 3 Hole Metal Chicken Egg Laying Box, are a sturdy and well-made product with a sloping red roof for rain protection. They are easy to assemble, although the instructions could be clearer. The boxes provide a clean and comfortable environment for chickens to lay eggs. However, some users have noted sharp edges on the inside. Overall, it is a good product for chicken coop owners looking for a durable and rainproof nesting box solution.BenefitsSturdy constructionSloping red roof for rain protectionEasy to put togetherNice quality materialsDisadvantagesSharp edges on the insideInstructions could be clearerThe Chicken Nesting Boxes, 3 Hole Metal Chicken Egg Laying Box, is a clean, rainproof, and durable nesting box that provides a comfortable and safe environment for hens to lay their eggs. It comes with three egg boxes and is easy to install with the provided instructions and installation tools. The sturdy construction and sloping red roof ensure that the eggs stay dry and protected from the rain. However, some reviewers have mentioned that the interior edges of the nesting box have sharp edges, and the instructions could be clearer.

Overall, it is a good quality nesting box at a reasonable price.Durable and Practical DesignClean and rainproofRust-resistantEasy to cleanEasy to installComes with installation toolsProvides a clean and comfortable environment for laying eggs[content-egg-block template=offers_logo products="us-B0CCD8MMW3"]Other Nesting Options[content-egg-block template=offers_list group="Alternatives"]Pricing Information for Chicken Nest BoxesLow price range (under $50): These are typically basic, no-frills chicken nest boxes made from inexpensive materials such as plastic or simple wood. They may provide the basic functionality of a nesting area for chickens, but may not offer additional features like ventilation or easy cleaning optionsMid-range price range ($50 to $100): In this range, you can find chicken nest boxes that offer better quality construction, durability, and some additional features. These may include better ventilation, removable nest pads for easy cleaning, or nesting boxes with higher capacity to accommodate more hensHigh price range (over $100): The high-end chicken nest boxes in this range are often constructed from premium materials like solid wood or metal, ensuring their longevity. They are designed to offer superior comfort for your chickens, with features like multiple compartments, partitions, nesting pads, and better ventilation. These boxes may also have aesthetic appeal, such as stylish designs or custom finishesProfessional/Commercial grade (price varies): For those who are running larger chicken operations or need highly durable nest boxes for commercial purposes, professional-grade options are available. These can often be custom-made to fit specific requirements and may come with advanced features like automatic egg collection, integrated lighting, or remote monitoring systems. The price varies greatly depending on the specific needs and customization optionsIt's important to note that these price ranges are general estimates and can vary depending on factors like brand, materials used, size, and included features. Additionally, keep in mind that your location and the availability of certain products might impact the prices in your areaFrequently Asked Questions about Chicken Nest Boxes: Everything you need to knowShould nest boxes be covered or left open?Nest boxes should generally be left open rather than covered. Most bird species prefer open nests as they provide better ventilation and allow easy access for the birds. Covered nest boxes may trap heat and moisture, creating unhealthy conditions for the nesting birds. Additionally, an open nest box allows the birds to easily monitor their surroundings and defend against potential predators. However, it is always advisable to research the specific nesting requirements of the target bird species, as some may prefer or require partially covered or fully enclosed nest boxes in certain situations.Can multiple hens use the same nest box simultaneously?No, multiple hens cannot use the same nest box simultaneously. Nest boxes are designed for individual hens to have their own private space where they can lay their eggs. Allowing multiple hens to use the same nest box at the same time can lead to stress, aggression, and possible damage to the eggs. It is important to provide a sufficient number of nest boxes within the coop to ensure each hen has a comfortable and secluded area to lay her eggs.How can I make nest boxes more enticing for my chickens?To make nest boxes more enticing for chickens, there are several things you can do:Provide enough space: Ensure that your nest boxes are adequately sized to comfortably accommodate your chickens. Each box should be spacious enough for a hen to comfortably turn around and sit.Use comfortable bedding: Line the nest boxes with clean and dry bedding such as straw, hay, or shavings. This will provide a cozy and comfortable environment for the hens to lay their eggs.Keep the nesting area clean: Regularly clean out the nest boxes to remove any soiled bedding or debris.

This will help maintain a hygienic and inviting nesting environment.Add a fake egg or golf ball: Placing a fake egg or golf ball in each nest box can help stimulate the hens' natural nesting instincts. They will see the egg and be encouraged to lay their eggs in the boxes.Provide privacy and security: Chickens prefer a quiet and secluded area for laying eggs. Ensure that the nest boxes are placed in a quiet corner or area away from excessive noise, predators, and disturbances.Consider the height of the nest boxes: Chickens prefer to lay their eggs at slightly elevated positions. Place the nest boxes at a height that is comfortable for them to access but not too high that it becomes difficult for them to reach.

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clicked-in · 2 years ago

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Deliciously easy Keto Recipes by Rachel Roberts

Introduction

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The ketogenic diet or as like some people prefer to call it; the

A Keto diet or low-carb diet is about consuming a lot of protein and fats but fewer carbs. This diet makes the body send the fats that we consume to the liver, which the latter transforms it into energy to keep the body strong and active for a long time without feeling tired quickly.

The word ketogenic is derived from the word “ketosis” which means the state of the body when it doesn’t have enough glucose in it to turn it into energy, so it generates ketones that work as an amazing source of energy for both the body and the brain which makes it a great option for losing weight in a short term.

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The keto diet prevents you from consuming a lot of carbs which are the main reason for gaining weight because the sugar makes you hungry most of the time. When you consume carbs with small portions and focus more on protein and fat; your body doesn’t push you most of the time to eat; instead, it use those fats to satisfy your hunger and keep you active.

If you are looking for a diet that will help you lose weight in the very short term, the ketogenic diet is the perfect diet for you because it not only helps you achieve a great lean body; but also provides immense health benefits.

The Benefits of The Ketogenic Diet

So far, there are a lot of great benefits of the keto diet, but no negative effects have appeared yet at all; which makes it the delicious diet that fits everybody. Here are other health benefits of the keto diet:

1. Increases the level of HDL: One of the best aspects of the ketogenic diet is that it increases the level of HDL in the body, which is the good cholesterol that helps in lowering the risk of heart diseases.

2. Helps in Alleviating Diabetes Type 2: By removing carbs from your daily meals, you say goodbye to sugar and insulin because your body already has what it needs, and you won’t have to be worried about what you eat.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a catastrophe because it might lead to kidney failure, heart disease, and strokes... With this diet, you can say goodbye to all those worries and live a healthy life away from all those malignant diseases that threaten your life.

4. Gum Disease: Gum disease is one of the worst and most painful diseases which is commonly caused by the consumption of too much sugar. When you eliminate sugar from your daily meals, you can avoid gum diseases and toothaches.

While on the keto diet, most of your diet will consist of foods high in fats coupled with a measured intake of proteins and low carbohydrate intake. Some of the food categories allowed in this diet include:

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1. Proteins

Poultry: Free-range Cornish hen, quail, goose, pheasant, chicken, duck, and turkey.

Fish and Seafood: Cod, tuna, scrod, anchovies, mackerel, flounder, catfish, trout, mahi-mahi, halibut, sole, sardines, salmon, halibut, snapper, and calamari. Always opt for wild-caught fish to avoid toxins present in commercially reared fish.

Grass-fed Meat: These include beef, venison, goat, and lamb. Meat from wild animals are also acceptable; however, avoid sausages and meats that come with sugary sauces and those covered in breadcrumbs. Choose the chunks of meat with more fat since they contain less protein and more fat.

Pork: Boston butt, pork chops, ham pork, and loin. When choosing ham, be on the lookout for added sugar.

Bacon and Sausages: Preferably, you should buy these at specialty health food stores. If this is not possible, always read the labels to avoid those which contain fillers such as soy or sugars.

Canned Tuna and Salmon: Canned tuna and salmon are okay to consume while you are on the keto diet. However, avoid seafood rich in fillers, breaded seafood, and fried seafood.

Vegetable Protein Powders:Protein supplements such as whey protein, hemp protein, peas, and rice are acceptable.

Whole Eggs:This includes chicken eggs, and quail eggs which you can prepare through any means desired; fried, soft or hard-boiled, deviled, scrambled, or omelet style.

Shellfish: Oyster, mussels, lobster, shrimp, crab (not imitation crab that contains additives), clams, scallops, and squid.

2. Fats and Oils

Because these are your main sources of energy while you are on this diet, go for the types of fats and oils you enjoy. These may include:

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Omega 3 fatty acids from fish such as tuna, shellfish, and salmon

Fish supplements or krill

Monounsaturated fats such as egg yolks, avocado, and butter

Vegetable oils such as olive oil, coconut oil

Non-hydrogenated beef tallow, ghee, and lard.

Duck and chicken fat

In order to make it easier to stick to this diet, be aware of which types of fat your body can tolerate. Many people seem to have zero or very low tolerance for vegetable oils and mayo. This may be a good thing because most of these oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids - the kind that is bad for your body’s cholesterol levels.

In this case, work with the listed monounsaturated fats to reduce the inflammatory effect brought about by polyunsaturated fats. Nevertheless, work to balance both fats because you cannot survive on monounsaturated fats alone (You need a lot of fats and oils). Even then, avoid hydrogenated fats such as margarine to reduce the amount of trans-fats you eat.

3. Fresh Vegetables

For these foods, opt for organic ones or better yet, grow your own to avoid all pesticide toxins. Avoid starchy vegetables (corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and winter squash) that are high in carbs. Instead, opt for a moderate intake of sweet vegetables (squashes, peppers, tomatoes, and carrots). Vegetables that make it to the list are:

Celery

Collard Greens

Onions (high in sugar; moderate intake)

Alfalfa Sprouts

Beet Greens

Broccoli

Spinach

Dandelion Greens

Bamboo Shoots

Cabbage

Brussels sprouts

Garlic

Mushrooms

Shallots

Kale

Bok Choy

Sauerkraut

Chives

Celery Root

Swiss chard

Cauliflower

Snow Peas

Bean Sprouts

Olives

Cucumbers

Salad greens and lettuces: Romaine, Arugula, Fennel, BokChoy, Boston lettuce, Endive, Mache, Escarole, Sorrel, Radicchio, Chicory Water Chestnuts

Turnips

Scallions

Dill Pickles

Leeks

Radishes

Chard

Asparagus

4Dairy Products

Mascarpone cheese

Unsweetened whole milk yogurt (limit intake of this type

of yogurt because it is a little high in carbs)

All soft and hard cheeses

Cream cheese

Full-fat sour cream (do not forget to check for additives)

Full-fat cottage cheese

Heavy whipping cream In any case, always go for raw milk products and if you do not have easy access to them, go for the organic ones.

5. Beverages

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Bulletproof coffee

Decaf Tea

Flavored seltzer water

Decaf coffee

Water

Herbal tea

Lemon and lime juice (limit intake)

Clear broth or bouillon

6 Nuts and Seeds

Nuts: almonds, macadamias, pecans, and walnuts are the nuts with the lowest level of carbs meaning you can consume them in small amounts. Other nuts such as chestnuts, pistachios, and cashews contain a higher amount of carbs; thus, you should carefully monitor their intake. Nuts are best soaked for some time before roasted.

Nut flours: these are necessary because while you are on this diet, it does not mean baking no longer fits into your life. Nut flour such as almond flour will suffice.

7. Sweeteners Some options include:

Erythritol

Splendor-liquid

Inulin and Chicory root

Lo Han Guo

Liquid Stevia

Xylitol

Swerve

8. Spices

Here are the spices allowed on the keto diet:

Sea salt

Peppermint

Ginger

Basil

Chili pepper

Cloves

Thyme

Cilantro or coriander seeds

Rosemary

Black pepper

Cumin seeds

Oregano

Turmeric

Cayenne pepper

Cinnamon

Mustard seeds

Parsley

Dill

Sage

As you can see from the above very detailed list, the keto diet is NOT a highly-restrictive dieting lifestyle, it also offers you a variety of foods to choose from; thus, you should not feel overwhelmed.

However, there are foods you should avoid to achieve optimal ketosis as your body makes the switch from using glucose to synthesizing fats for ketones.

In the next section, we shall outline the foods you should avoid:

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Achieving Optimal Ketosis:

Foods to Avoid

If you stick to the food listed in the previous section, you do not have to worry about not achieving optimal ketosis. On the same note, as you increase your intake of those foods, you should also be on the lookout for the following foods that may hinder

01 ketosis:

Avoid all grains, wholemeal included (rye, wheat, oats, barley, corn, millet, rice sorghum and buckwheat). Also, avoid all products made from grains; these include foods such as crackers, pasta, pizza, and cookies.

Avoid refined fats and oils like sunflower, canola, grape seed, corn oil, soybean, and Trans-fats such as margarine.

Avoid milk (only full-fat raw milk is acceptable). For coffee, replace milk with reasonable amounts of cream.

Avoid tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, mango papaya, etc., and some high-carb fruit.

Avoid fruit juice.

Avoid factory-farmed pork and fish.

Avoid all artificial sweeteners containing Aspartame, Sucralose, Saccharine, etc.

Avoid alcoholic sweet drinks such as beer, and sweet wine

Avoid Soy products

Now that you know what to eat and what to avoid, is there a way to guarantee faster adoption of ketosis? The answer is yes. The following section illuminates such tips:

How to Get Into Ketosis ‘Fast’: Invaluable Tips

It takes 48 hours to get into ketosis. To get there, you must correctly adopt the keto diet. Below are tips that should help you do just that and get your body into ketosis faster:

Tip 1: To get into ketosis faster, eat less than 20g of carbs a day.

Tip 2: Drink water, about 100 ounces per day. Drink more to lose more.

Tip 3: Purchase some Ketosis. Getting some validation that the diet is actually working will be a great motivation to keep you on a diet considering the intimidating nature of the first few days of the diet.

Tip 4: Do not panic. Be aware of the keto flu coming your way.

The dizziness, irritability, and fatigue you will be feeling on the first three days may have you experiencing mood swings; but don’t give in just yet. Reward yourself with bacon and delicious keto-friendly foods as you crave for carbs and sugars. The craving will disappear as long as you’re full.

Tip 5: Consume more salt. This is really important. While on a keto diet, your body does not retain water as it normally would; hence, electrolytes like sodium quickly flush out of your body. Therefore, you need constant replenishing; otherwise, you will feel awful. As indicated earlier, opt for sea salt.

Tip 6: Never open the door to hunger. When you feel the tiniest bit of a hunger pang, immediately eat high-fat low-carb foods. The moment you get too hungry, it forms the temptation pathway. Remember: go simple. Do not over-plan things because when you do, you may end up making everything strict and less fun. The keto diet is fun; keep it so.

Tip 7: Remember: this is not a high-protein diet. The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb, and moderate-protein diet. Moderate is the keyword here.

Tip 8: Embrace the fat. Eat fat to lose fat that is your new motto. Do not shy away from the fat because it is your ticket to a healthier you.

Common Keto Diet Mistakes You Should Avoid Nobody is perfect, and no diet is perfect. As you adopt this diet for good health and weight loss, you are bound to make several mistakes; this is normal. The best way to avoid, or minimize the effects of mistakes is by learning and preparing for common mistakes. Below is a list of common keto diet mistakes dieters make:

Eating Too Many Carbs

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There is no exact definition of what ‘low carb’ means. Some would say it is simply anything under 100 to 150 grams a day simply because they get amazing results with this range. However, this may be excessive if your aim is to have plenty of ketones in your bloodstream. Most keto dieters go for under 50 grams of carbs per day to get into optimal ketosis. Anything beyond that is termed as excessive.

Eating Too Much Protein Remember: the keto diet is all about protein moderation.

Impatience

As you adopt a keto diet, you need patience: patience to get into ketosis and patience to adapt to ketosis. Understand that previously, your body’s main source of energy was carbs; now, it has to adapt to a new source of energy, fats. The body requires time to do this; therefore, be patient.

Obsessing Over The Scale

The number on your weigh scale should not determine your keto diet success. Let this be the least of your worries. Just live life and enjoy your diet. Weight loss will happen; do yourself a favor and keep away from that scale.

Not Eating Enough Fats

The unrestricted consumption of fats may seem excessive. However, the keto diet is a high-fat diet. Just trust keto and enjoy the fat. However, you should eat the right kind of fats, preferably monounsaturated and saturated fats.

Eating Processed Keto’ Foods

When you are on a keto diet, always think about it this way: the intention is to eat natural ingredients and not foods that come in wrappers such as Atkins bars and Quest bars. Although you can occasionally eat these, the idea is for a large portion of your diet (we are talking about 70-80% of your entire diet) to consist of natural ingredients.

Being After A Quick Fix

If this is your aim, do not start the diet. The Keto diet is more of a lifestyle change than a short-term diet plan. Dropping a few pounds and then going back to your normal bad eating habits will be a waste of time.

Indecisiveness

Half-heartedly adopting the keto diet could be the worst thing you could do to yourself because you are just wasting time. If you are not all in, you will not survive through the temporary effects that come with adopting the diet. Decide on what you want and think of everything you will gain by going keto to keep you motivated.

Breakfast Recipes

1. Egg Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients1/3 cup of finely minced white onion½ cup of mayonnaise12 large eggs1-teaspoon salt½-teaspoon ground mustard2 tablespoons melted butter1-teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Place eggs in a pot of water. Let this boil for 10 minutes, pour the water from the pot, and replace it with cold water. Let the eggs sit in the water for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Take out the eggs and peel them. Using an egg slicer, chop the eggs into ¼-inch pieces. Add the remaining ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve. Total carbs: 1g

2. Keto Porridge

Serves 1

Ingredients¼ cup of crushed almonds½ cup of hemp seeds1 tablespoon of xylitol1 cup of non-dairy milk2 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds¾-teaspoon pure vanilla extract½-teaspoon ground cinnamon1-tablespoon chia seedsTopping1 tablespoon of hemp seeds

Instructions

1. Mix ingredients except the topping and the almonds in a saucepan and stir well until they are properly mixed.

2. Heat this over medium heat until it begins to boil lightly. Stir once and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Remove from the heat, add in the ground almonds, and pour into a bowl. Add toppings then serve right away. Net carbs per serving: 4g

3. Avocado Salmon Breakfast

Serves 1

Ingredients60 grams of wild-caught smoked salmon2 tablespoons virgin olive oilCeltic sea saltJuice of 1 lemon30 grams of fresh, soft goat cheese1 ripe organic avocado

Instructions

1. Cut the avocado in half and remove the seed.

2. In a food processor, process the other ingredients until coarsely chopped.

3. Place the cream inside the avocados then serve. Alternatively, you could also cut the avocados into cubes and the salmon in small pieces and mix them up together. Add the rest of the ingredients with the goat cheese and mix well. Net carbs per serving: 4g Keto Main Meals.

4. Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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Serves 4

Ingredients

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste3 ounces of Italian salami, thinly sliced½ teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning4 tablespoons of butter½ cup of organic tomatoes, diced1 large spaghetti squash, halved and seeded1 cup of onion, dicedA handful of Italian flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped4 large pastured eggs2 cloves of garlic, minced½ cup of Kalamata olives, halved

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees and place spaghetti squash on the rimmed baking sheet, cut side up. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each half and sprinkle with black pepper and salt. Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

2. As the spaghetti bakes, heat a skillet and add the remaining butter to it. Once melted, add onions, garlic, pepper, and salt to taste. When the onion starts turning golden, add the salami and tomatoes.

3. Sauté for about 10 minutes and add in the olives.

4. Once done, scrape off the flesh from the spaghetti squash and mix it with the onion mixture. Create four wells in the mixture and crack an egg onto each.

5. Place pan in oven and bake the egg whites cook through. Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley. Net carbs per serving: 13.25g

5. Tuna Salad

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Serves 1

Ingredients

1 tablespoon virgin olive oil

1 head lettuce

Salt taste1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice140g of tinned tuna2 tablespoons mayonnaise1 medium spring onion2 organic hard-boiled eggs

Directions1. Tear up the lettuce, wash, and then drain.2. Spread the leaves at the bottom of your serving bowl and place the shredded tuna on top.3. Place the mayo, fresh chopped onions, and the boiled egg on top. Mix well, drizzle with olive oil and enjoy. Net carbs per serving: 3.9g6. Ginger Beef

Serves 2

Ingredients2 sirloin steaks cut into strips1 clove of garlic, crushed1-tablespoon olive oil4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar1 small onionSalt and pepper1 teaspoon ground ginger2 small diced tomatoes

Instructions1. Add oil to a skillet and cook the steak over medium-high heat until brown.2. Once the steaks are well seared, add in tomatoes, onion, and garlic.3. In a bowl, stir ginger, pepper, vinegar and salt and stir.4. Cover, lower the heat and simmer until the liquid evaporates. Serve and enjoy. Net carbs per serving: 3g7. Keto Casserole

Serves 4

Ingredients1 package cream cheese½-cup low sugar ketchup½ pound corned beef2 cups Swiss cheese1 can sauerkraut½ teaspoon of caraway seeds2 tablespoons of pickle brine½ cup of mayo

Instructions1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.2. In low heat place pan, melt cream cheese; add ketchup and mayo.3. After a few minutes, add the sauerkraut, beef, and Swiss cheese. Mix until the cheese melts.4. Remove from the heat and mix with the pickle juice. Pour this into a greased dish and top with the remaining Swiss cheese.5. Garnish with caraway seeds. Place in the oven until the cheese melts and enjoy. Net carbs per serving: 6g

8. Keto Pork Chops

Serves 2

Ingredients1 medium star anise1 tablespoon of almond flour4 boneless pork chops½ teaspoon of five spice½ tablespoon of sugar-free ketchup1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce4 halved garlic cloves½ tablespoon of chili paste1 stalk of lemongrass½ teaspoon of peppercorns1-tablespoon fish sauce1-teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions1. Put the pork chops on a flat table and use a rolling pin wrapped in wax paper to pound the pork chops into ½-inch thick pieces.2. Grind peppercorns and anise in a blender (or mortar and pestle) to a fine powder.3. Add the garlic and lemongrass to the blender or pound to a puree.4. Add the fish sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and five-spice powder then mix well.5. Season the pork chops, place them on a tray, add the marinade, and then turn over to ensure the pork chops are well coated. Cover and leave for about 1 to 2 hours.6. Place a pan on high heat, add oil, and then coat the pork chops lightly with almond flour.7. Place the coated chops in the pan and cook both sides (about 2 minutes on each side).8. When done, cut the chops into several strips.9. To make the sauce, mix together sugar-free ketchup and chili paste. You can serve with Parmesan green beans. Net carbs per serving: 6g Keto Snacks

9. Zucchini HummusMakes 3 cupsIngredients½ cup of fresh lemon juice1½ teaspoons of cumin4 tablespoons of olive oil2 organic chopped zucchinis1 teaspoon of sea salt (or to taste)1 cup of raw tahini½ cup of raw sesame seeds

Instructions1. Start by soaking the sesame seeds for about four hours.2. Drain them and dump all the other ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed as you scrape the sides. Serve with carrot or vegetable sticks. Net carbs per cup: 3g10. Parsnip Chips Makes 4 cupsIngredients2 medium parsnips, peeled & sliced Salt Oil for frying (your choice)

Instructions1. Heat oil to 350 degrees and add parsnip chips in small chunks.2. Cook for 20 to 30 seconds until the chips are golden brown. Place on paper towels and sprinkle with sea salt and kosher.

Net carbs per cup: 4g

11. Sugar-Free Turtles

Makes 24

Ingredients½ cup of organic heavy whipping cream6 tablespoons of organic butter1 cup of Swerve confectioners2 dark chocolate bars, chopped finely24 whole pecans

Instructions1. Heat butter in a saucepan.2. Add cream and the swerve to the pan. Whisk until the sauce is smooth.3. Pour it into a glass mason jar and let it cool at room temperature. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.4. Once cooled a bit, place a tablespoon on a cluster of pecans and place in the fridge to set.5. Meanwhile, chop dark chocolate bars and heat in a doubleboiler until chocolate melts. Drizzle this over the cool caramel-covered pecans and enjoy.Net carbs per turtle: 3.7g12. Protein Bagel Makes 12 bagels Ingredients¼ teaspoon of Celtic sea salt¼ cup of melted coconut oil½ cup of vanilla egg white protein powder2 tablespoons of coconut flour½ teaspoon of guar gum2 teaspoons of blueberry extract1 teaspoon of baking powder10 eggs

Instructions1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.2. Mix ingredients in bowl3. Spoon the dough into a greased donut mold; place it on a cookie sheet and allow them to bake.Net carbs per bagel: 1g13. Kale Chips with Lime

Serves: 2

Ingredients1-teaspoon soy sauce1-teaspoon fish sauce2 tablespoons of olive oil1 tablespoon Sriracha1 bunch of kale, washed well

Juice of half a lime

Instructions1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.2. Chop the stem off the kale. Break them into chip-sizedpieces and thoroughly dry them.3. In bowl, combine lime juice, Sriracha, olive oil, fish sauce, and soy sauce and mix. Taste for saltiness and hotness and adjust as desired.4. Pour the dressing over the kale to coat the chips. Spread the leaves over 2 cookie sheets (greased) but do not overlap them.5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes as you monitor them.

Net carbs per serving: 6g

Keto Drinks

14. Raspberry Avocado Smoothie

Serves 2

Ingredients½ cup frozen unsweetened raspberries3 tablespoons of lemon juice2 packets swerve sweetener1 ripe avocado1 1/3 cups waterInstructions1. Add ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.Net carbs per serving: 4g15. Chocolate Green Smoothie

Serves 2

Ingredients¼ cup of cocoa powder1 tablespoon of granulated stevia (or sweetener of choice)½ cup of frozen boysenberries (or berries of choice)100g of spinach1 cup of coconut creamInstructions1. Add everything to a blender and blend.Net carbs per serving: 5.2g16. Vanilla Almond Milk Shake

Serves 1

Ingredients¾ cup of unsweetened almond milk¼ cup of vanilla protein powder½ cup of avocado1 cup of crushed ice2 tablespoons of cream cheese¼-teaspoon of mint extract4 tablespoons of Erythritol½ teaspoon of Celtic Sea Salt (for minerals)1 teaspoon of stevia glyceride

Instructions

1. Place ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Net carbs per serving: 2.1g

17. Detox Smoothie

Serves 4

Ingredients2 tablespoons of fresh parsley1 tablespoon of Swerve1 cup of raw cucumber, peeled then sliced½ cup of kiwi fruit, peeled then chopped1 cup of mixed berries4 cups of filtered water1 tablespoon of fresh ginger-peeled then chopped½ Hass avocado1 cup of romaine lettuce

Instructions1. Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.Serve cold.Net carbs per serving: 4g18. Green Tea ShakeServes 2Ingredients2 teaspoons of Swerve Sweetener or granulated Erythritol½ cup of Greek yogurt1 tablespoon of hot water1 teaspoon of match green tea powder½ medium avocado¼ cup of vanilla whey protein powder1 ¼ cups of unsweetened almond milk

Instructions

1. Place in a blender and blend until smooth.Net carbs per serving: 6.5g19. Almond Raspberry SmoothieServes 1Ingredients20 almonds½ cup red raspberries1 tablespoon protein powder2/3 cup almond milk

Instructions1. Combine the ingredients in a blender; pulse until smooth.2. You can add ice as you blend. Serve immediately.

Net carbs per serving: 6.3g

Conclusion

As you have seen, other than rapid fat loss, the keto diet also has many other health benefits. Most importantly, you now have multiple delicious recipes based on Top Keto Foods to try out anytime! Variety is the spice of life. With the variety of foods to choose from, you can easily get into the Keto Lifestyle in an easy, painless, and hassle-free manner. Making it a new way of life – For both physical and mental wellness.

Your journey to a leaner, healthier you is only one step away.

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meat-online-ipswich · 2 years ago

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Get Fresh, High-Quality Chicken Delivered to Your Door in Ipswich: A Guide to Buying Chicken Online

Purchasing chicken online in Ipswich is convenient and hassle-free to get fresh, high-quality poultry delivered right to your door. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for an easy way to stock your kitchen or a professional chef looking to source the best ingredients for your restaurant, several options are available.

Options for buying chicken online:

Purchasing from a local farm

One option for buying chicken online in Ipswich is to purchase from a local farm or ranch that raises chickens using sustainable, humane practices. Many of these farms offer various options, including whole chickens, chicken breasts, and chicken thighs, as well as a variety of other poultry products such as eggs and turkey. By purchasing from a local farm, you can be sure that you are supporting the local economy and helping to reduce your carbon footprint, as the chicken has not had to travel far to reach you. Many of these farms also offer home delivery or pickup options, making it easy to get the chicken you need without leaving the house.

Buy chicken online Ipswich from retailers.

Another option to buy chicken online Ipswich is to purchase from an online retailer specializing in high-quality poultry products. These retailers often offer a wide selection of chicken products, including organic and free-range options, as well as a variety of other poultry products, such as duck, quail, and turkey. Many of these retailers also offer convenient home delivery, making it easy to get the chicken you need without leaving the house. In addition, many of these retailers offer a wide range of other products, such as meat, seafood, and produce, allowing you to do all of your grocery shopping in one place.

Guide on how to buy chicken online Ipswich

When shopping for chicken online in Ipswich, it's important to research and ensure you are getting the best quality chicken possible. Look for farms and retailers that use sustainable, humane practices and offer various options to suit your needs and preferences. It would help if you also considered factors such as the price, convenience, and delivery options provided by each retailer or farm to ensure you get the best deal possible.

One important thing to keep in mind when buying chicken online is the issue of food safety. While most farms and retailers take great care to ensure that their products are safe for consumption, it's always a good idea to follow proper food safety guidelines when handling and preparing chicken. This includes washing your hands before and after taking the chicken, cooking it to a safe internal temperature, and storing it properly in the refrigerator or freezer.

Overall, buying chicken online in Ipswich is convenient and hassle-free to get high-quality poultry products delivered right to your door. Whether you're looking for whole chickens, chicken breasts, or a variety of other poultry products, you'll be able to find something to meet your needs and preferences by shopping online. If you're ready to enjoy the taste of fresh, high-quality chicken, check out the local farms and online retailers in Ipswich.

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drabbles-mc · 3 years ago

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📂 for Gemma teller

I really had to stop and step back for this one because there is so much about Gemma that I forcefully block out of my brain😂

I think so frequently about her and her birds, though. I feel like that was such an interesting little thread that never really went much of anywhere?

But I think that in a better, nicer, universe, she made it to the ranch with Nero and his son. And on top of all the other animals there, she gets to have her birds, too. And a greenhouse. And all the softer, more nurturing parts of her personality get to manifest themselves in ways that aren't insanely toxic. She gets to have her fancy and fun flowers, but they also grow like, actual farm plants and she gets to do that too.

And obviously she knows all about taking care of more exotic birds. But Nero showing her how to care for chickens? And the duck that's allowed to come into the house? What a sight that would be. Gemma Teller vs. The Free Range Chickens

Send me a "📂" for a random/useless headcanon!

#i wish that she could've been better for Nero tbh #i wanted her and Clay to fail but i hope there's a universe out there where her and Nero have a happy and healthy relationship #ask #asks #gemma teller #withmyteeth

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blinday · 3 years ago

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Welcome to my page!

This is my ATLA sideblog. I may do a art sideblog sometime.

Call me Blinday, I invented the name and am pretty proud of it, but I also go by Lavanda or Blin or Billy. I don't even know how to gender anymore at this point but I'm pretty sure I like boys. And girls. And everything in between. As for pronouns, I kinda like he/him sometimes? As well as she/her? That's a thing that is allowed apparently. And I liked it.

I like what I like and I won't apologize for it. Sue me. I will inflict my dumbassity on everyone within a range. I hyperfixate on random things and unless I make a specific sideblog for them they will be inflicted upon ye through this blog.

I tend to disappear at random times and then come back with like 100+ reblobs, but I WILL pop up outta nowhere if given an ask. I have 2 amazing kids, Spoons and Possum. (@gaybabything and @burning-cottage )

Catholic.

I am a multishipper and multifandom. I am the Avatar of shipping and I know how to bend my elements. And I use them for evil.

I'm not anti of anything in particular, don't feel like I'm in position to judge people based on tastes. You do you bro.

I absolutely ADORE to get asks and respond to them bc I'm a bit of an egomaniac sometimes and asks are the best way to ramble.

Sometimes I post art. With sometimes I mean very rarely. With very rarely I mean almost never. But I do draw, I just don't post it often.

Hamster. Cat. Raccoon. Shark. Turtle Otter. Duck. Chicken. Butterfly. Etc

I have like 4 sideblogs? And like 3 accounts bc i didnt know how to make a sideblig back then. They just pop up every now and again to see art from cool ppl. Dont use to interact much.

Thats pretty much it. Also I dont care for pronouns even tho I put them on my bio. I'm just more used to them. And I'm an adult so fuck yea. Welcome, feel free to look around or turn around.

#presentation #blinday stuff #chaoticcookie is another account I had because I didn't know how to make a sideblog and didn't want my email spammed with tumblr #tumblr shenanigans #i am the avatar of shipping #introduction #intro post

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doorsclosingslowly · 3 years ago

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No-one will ever call this bluff

When Obi-Wan and Ventress fight Maul and his apprentice on Raydonia, a crate breaks open. Inside: an airborne poison. 6.6k | TCW Episode 4.22 Revenge AU | warning for serious illness

“Down!” Ventress shouts. “Down, Kenobi!”

Blindly, Obi-Wan throws himself to the floor and only then he rolls and risks a glance over his shoulder. The miss was far too near. Obi-Wan’s unexpected ally intervened just in time: the lumbering Sith almost managed to drive his lightsaber into his back. In the crate a foot’s width behind Obi-Wan there is a smoking hole at chest-height that could have spelled his doom, but now, with wide swings of her ‘saber, Ventress forces Savage Opress away and towards another one of the myriad crates stacked here in this nondescript cargo hold that Obi-Wan woke up, in after Maul and his new accessory Opress beat him up.

Her next swing connects, though unfortunately the small flesh wound in the Sith’s dominant left arm won’t disable him. It just spews out strange green miasma, even though the cut should have been cauterized. The following strike cleaves a massive hole into a durasteel crate, because Opress apparently learned how to duck just in time. Whoever packed this freighter was not beholden to Republic safety standards, it seems, because the whole crate, besides being completely unsecured to the wall, is just stuffed full of some fine white powder that now plumes out, dusting the crouching Sith all over with its fine particles.

A warning in the force, just in time again, and Obi-Wan jumps up and parries Darth Maul’s attack with Ventress’ second lightsaber.

Maul does not press his advantage. He throws a curt glance in the direction of his apprentice, disapproving and disappointed. Obi-Wan almost hopes for Ventress’ cry of victory, but then the flurry of movement at the edge of Obi-Wan’s field of vision reveals that the massive zabrak must have regained his footing and is locked in his battle with Asajj Ventress once more.

It’s their distinct advantage, Obi-Wan realizes: he and Asajj have fought side-by-side in their weird alliance before, but for all that Opress appears to be beholden to his fellow zabrak, they do not seem to fight together. Opress kicked Obi-Wan around at Darth Maul’s direction—strange, too, that he would eschew the force for fists—but they’re not fighting as one. Just next to each other. Unless Maul gives the other zabrak direct orders, and even then, they are less than a seasoned team. A few weeks ago, Opress was still Dooku’s lackey, and back then he was just as lousy of a team player. He does not seem to have improved just because his new Master shares his species. We’re outmatched, Obi-Wan just told Ventress, but perhaps…

Perhaps…

Obi-Wan does not want to flee. He came here to Raydonia—at least presumably that’s where they still are, he hasn’t heard any tattletale vibration of engines—he came to this obvious trap at the behest of a long-buried monster, but also: for a mountain of corpses. He saw them in the holo, and before Savage beat him up and dragged him in here, he smelt them. He’s had a regrettably thorough acquaintance with the stench of burning flesh since becoming a frontline General of the GAR, but still, he fancies the Raydonia massacre even more horrendous, more pungent, for what it represents. Civilians, children, monstrously slaughtered, and for what reason? Simply as the holo message to the temple said: to draw him out?

He does not want to flee—he came here alone despite all the signs that that’s what his enemy expected—because this is Darth Maul. The unfinished business he thought done and dusted years ago. The death that merited his promotion to Master. The murderer of the halcyon Jedi Master, his beloved teacher Qui-Gon; the harbinger of the end of eons of Jedi supremacy over the Sith; the enemy that Obi-Wan cut apart. Quickly he was distracted away from his nightmares back then because he needed to keep up with his new whirlwind padawan, but there was one moment he could not forget. Sai tok. Bisection. That confused painful grimace. The sheer brutality that Obi-Wan used to dispatch his assailant on Naboo seared itself into his mind, never mind that it was rightly deserved then and a few hours ago proved to be far better than Maul deserves… Never mind that the monster somehow survived his mutilation…

He does not want to flee. Darth Maul murdered these people to draw out Obi-Wan. If he escapes, there’s every reason to believe he’ll do it again.

Besides, Obi-Wan was but a padawan when he bested Maul. In the intervening decade he has taught, studied, followed the force. He has led the GAR into battle. He can turn this fight to his advantage, especially with Ventress by his side; regardless of Maul’s acquisition of Dooku’s castoff acolyte he can now do it right and aim for the neck. They just need to be smarter about it. One against one is fine, but if they take out the weak link together and then focus their combined might on Maul… It’s worth a try.

So Obi-Wan strikes at Opress whenever he gets in range, and he tries to get in range as often as possible.

Savage Opress, rudely, seems exclusively preoccupied by Ventress; even when Obi-Wan manages to wound his other shoulder he quickly focuses all his attention, his growls, his attacks back onto her. The two have a history, though: and not just under Dooku, it seems from Opress’ growl in the beginning. A Dathomir witch—she betrayed me, he said. Whatever that means. He apparently can’t let go enough of his past to realize that in this fight, Obi-Wan is at least as deadly a foe. Despite this fact or maybe because of it, it doesn’t take long before the gargantuan Sith starts faltering. His attacks miss by wider margins; his feet barely find stable ground. Once, when Obi-Wan comes close, he can see the sweat beading on the zabrak’s brow, the feverish tinge to his yellow skin. He’s fighting for breath. Maul, meanwhile, doesn’t seem at all aware of the predicament his apprentice is in. Maybe Obi-Wan’s attacks, designed to make him dodge as far back as possible, have managed to distract him, or maybe he just doesn’t care.

Ventress, however, throws him an amused smirk. She’s moving in a perfect complement, pincer-like, subtly helping cage in the lesser Sith towards the cockpit of the ship.

Slash, stab, slash, and then—

Opress trips. He trips, or it’s the coughing fit that suddenly wracks his massive frame—whatever the cause, he tumbles to the floor, barely keeping hold of his ignited double ‘saber. Barely keeping hold and barely not cutting himself up with the still-burning energy blades, missing his own arm by a hair’s breadth when he tries to shield his chest with his hands out of some strange useless instinct and then he hits the ground, back-first and uncushioned. The access pad of the cockpit blinks red just meters to the right of him, and his face answers, flushed unhealthily pink and sweat-slick.

“Gotcha.” Ventress raises her ‘saber—

A sudden whirlwind of naked tattoos and metal chicken legs, Maul parries her.

The sound is so quiet behind the whirr of the lightsabers that Obi-Wan almost thinks he hallucinated it, but why would he? No, that sounded like Opress, and it sounded like… “Didn’t let him free. Not allowed to take two mates. Not him too.” Gibberish, and he has no time to decipher it, curious as he may be as to the fatuous Sith’s motivations.

Darth Maul sets his hand down on Opress’ head to steady himself—Ventress’ strike must have been strong enough to unbalance him, or he chose the wrong footing in his rush—and then he wipes it against his own head: leaving a stripe of white powdered residue. He raises his lightsaber. He grins. “Two against one. That brings back some memories, does it not, Kenobi?”

“This time when I dismember you, I’ll remember you’re a cockroach,” Obi-Wan replies.

A dismissive shrug is all he receives in answer. “Feel free to join me when you’ve finished your midday nap, apprentice,” Maul throws over his shoulder, and then he starts feinting and stabbing tirelessly until both Ventress and Obi-Wan have retreated several tens of meters back across the cargo hold. He’s as acrobatic and cocksure as he was on Naboo back then, guarding the whole width of the cargo hold against both of them. Guarding. Yes, that is the word, Obi-Wan suddenly realizes. Flashy as they may be, his strikes are defensive in nature: designed to keep them occupied and retreating, but barring a gross mistake none would be the kind to wound. And yet, Darth Maul lured Obi-Wan here, presumably to murder him. You will suffer as I have suffered was the threat if he recalls correctly. This is not suffering. He’s abandoned his original aims, then. Opress’ sudden dizzy spell seems to have unsettled Maul.

Maul is far more hardy than his apprentice was, but even he has his limits—after what feels like an hour of Maul jabbing and both of them dodging, and Opress’ pleas to various family members (mother, brother, sister, brother again), his face is shining with sweat just as Savage Opress is, though with his red coloring there’s no way to see the red tinge that is probably present as well. Barely, he dances out of the way of Ventress’ strike before trying to drive her back again. It shouldn’t give Obi-Wan any pleasure to realize this—and it doesn’t—but the defeat on Naboo seems to have robbed Maul of much of his grace, his skill, even though it has only made him more bloodthirsty.

He won’t be able to wage this battle forever. Obi-Wan rejoices in his instincts, and in the force, that told him not to flee: even if Maul decides to give up on this battle now and manages to escape, his brutish companion hasn’t moved from his spot except to jab listlessly at the imaginary girlfriend he’s been whimpering to. He’ll be easy prey. Maul is the diseased brain, and taking him out would benefit the galaxy far more—but in a pinch Obi-Wan will settle for his new stooge.

He’ll—

The thin hairs on Obi-Wan’s arms raise with electric static, and then thunder shakes the cargo hold. The walls bob and drop like those of a capsule on a water planet in storm; more crates drop, releasing their miscellaneous contents, spreading mealpacks and hydrosacks and another burst of white powder and holopads and sundry more items all over the floor; and Ventress grabs Obi-Wan’s shoulder to steady both herself and him. Maul has no such luck, no such compatriot, and he keels over sideways.

There’s no breach on the hull of the cargo hold, at least, as far as Obi-Wan can make out. It sounded like a small laser cannon, the blast, but though it definitely hit—and who knew the impact in a landed ship would feel like this—it wasn’t strong enough to penetrate, or the ship’s defenses haven’t yet given out. That will probably change with a few more blasts, if whoever attacked them keeps up their assault. They’ve got another problem.

Ventress strides over to the window next to the loading bay, obviously preferring survival over a continuation of the fight, and Obi-Wan follows her. He keeps his eyes locked on Maul, though, who winces when he pushes himself up with his hands—should have taken a second to decapitate him, missed chance—and looks just as disquieted as Obi-Wan feels. Not one of his plans, then.

There are people outside the window. A few of them are pulling charred bodies off Maul’s victim pile, some are inspecting Obi-Wan’s ship—still there, luckily, though far enough he’ll have to run for a few minutes to reach it—and most of them are hauling around a small fighter ship using massive ropes. They’re shouting something that’s inaudible through the thick transparisteel pane of the window, but looks incredibly angry, and then Obi-Wan’s hairs raise again. He and Ventress grab for the cross bar behind them, and—shake.

“Villagers,” Ventress hisses.

“Quite.” Obi-Wan raises his voice. Wherever Darth Maul and his delirious lackey are right now, they’ll be able to hear him. “They have come to avenge their families murdered by a broken, unbalanced monster.”

“And kill us, too.”

“Now, I’m sure that once I tell them I’m a Jedi sent in to bring their murderer to justice they’ll—”

“Duck.”

Obi-Wan glances out of the window again, and outside, the people must have noticed them: they gesticulate wildly towards the window, and their towed ship’s laser cannon is pointed right at—

His knees ache. They’ve hit the floor hard, because Ventress has pulled him down with impressive force, and another boom shakes the freighter.

“What about the word ‘duck’ do you not understand?” Ventress gets up again and inspects the window, which hasn’t—yet—shattered. “I’m disappointed, Kenobi. I thought I’d taught you how to obey my commands.”

“My ship is out there, but we won’t make it that far.”

Ventress sighs. “Well aware. Our only way out is the freighter, and…”

Obi-Wan follows the direction of her eyes. Maul has made his way back to his apprentice. Back where the cockpit is. He must have reached the same conclusion. He’s whispering something inaudible and trying to pull the other zabrak onto his feet. Even with his chicken legs compensating for their height difference, though, he’s not strong enough, not when Opress isn’t cooperating at all. They’re only tens of meters away from the salvation of the cockpit door, a distance the sickened Sith apparently cannot crawl anymore and is too heavy to be dragged.

“Help me, brother, help me,” the big Sith moans weakly. He’s attempting to push Maul’s hands away, completely ineffectively, lightsaber forgotten. “I don’t want—please don’t—Sister don’t—”

Ventress looks over at him, an unreadable expression on her face, before she says, “If they get into the cockpit before us, we have a problem. But they’re both exhausted. As long as they don’t manage to close the door, we can make it.”

As soon as Obi-Wan and Ventress approach, though, Darth Maul drops his feverish apprentice with little care—Savage’s head hits the wall with a clang, though he has little brain to even lose from traumatic brain injury—and strides a few meters forward, lightsaber ignited. He looks more focused now after the break in battle, even if still sweat-drenched and trembling, and the barrage of laser strikes that hits the freighter doesn’t keel him over the way the first attack did.

“You have decided to return and die, then,” Maul says.

Ventress sneers. “You barely managed to hold the two of us back.”

Another volley of shots. The villagers are firing more and more often, and however well-armored this freighter may be, it won’t hold out forever. Every attack could be their end. With dawning dread, Obi-Wan realizes they might not even have timeto fight a newly revitalized Maul for the cockpit. And that means…

“In their drive for righteous vengeance against you, the Raydonians will kill us all if we stay here. And soon. You cannot get into the cockpit without giving us an opportunity to attack; we cannot defeat you fast enough. I therefore propose a temporary truce for our mutual survival.” The words are bile on his tongue, proposing a deal with a mass murderer to help him escape his victims, but needs must. Obi-Wan is a General of the GAR, and more battlefields than this one require his guidance. Maul is but a single washed-up revenant of a Sith, and he’ll find death sooner or later.

He takes a step towards the cockpit. Savage Opress shudders.

Ventress catches up to him, and Opress winces and curls into a ball.

“No,” Darth Maul says.

“If we do not take off soon, you’ll die!”

Opress, on the floor, uncurls and coughs. Flecks of something come out and hit the floor, red—blood. Instinctively, Obi-Wan moves closer.

The feverish Sith, mid-coughing fit, pushes himself up with trembling arms. Glowering, he forces out, “You won’t—” cough— “hurt him, now, I’ll—” cough, cough, cough, and more blood spraying towards Obi-Wan. There’s a visible sore on the zabrak’s shoulder from this vantage point, right where Ventress managed to injure him, massive and red and swollen with a necrotic black center. A clue towards his mysterious illness, if Maul’s irrational desire to let them all die before cooperating wasn’t far more pressing.

“My apprentice is right,” Maul says. He’s sweating profusely, probably feverish, and subtly bracing himself on an upended crate, but he’s probably no less lethal when cornered. “We do not trust you.”

“I give you my word as a Jedi Master.”

Maul’s eyes go crazed suddenly, wide and burning, as he howls, “Your word? Your word? I fought with honor. I could have booby-trapped that palace, and yet I did not. I fought honorably, two against one, and yet you would not even give me death, you—”

“I thought you’d died—”

“You gave me pain, pain, pain! For a decade I crawled in refuse and I fed on nothing but hatred for the Jedi who would not even grant his honorable enemy an honorable death!”

“I really thought you’d died,” Obi-Wan repeats weakly. “How was I to know you could survive a sai tok?”

“Here is what I think of your honor, Jedi.” Maul spits on the ground. Is it Obi-Wan’s imagination or is there blood speckled in…

Another blast hits the freighter. They’re running out of time.

“Ventress, then,” Obi-Wan offers. “She is of the dark side, just like you. I trust that’s more agreeable?”

She’s flushed red and sweating slightly, too—just what kind of contagious illness is this?—but she nods in Obi-Wan’s direction and stalks forward.

Again, Savage Opress starts whimpering as soon as he sees her face, and that’s Maul’s cue to block the path with his ignited lightsaber.

“What is it now?” Obi-Wan is the Negotiator, but even he can be forgiven for his lapse in tone now, as he tries to convince an obviously insane murderer to choose his own survival—and that of his apprentice, too. His apprentice… Perhaps… But no, Maul has never shown care for a living being beside himself, so appealing for the preservation of his fellow zabrak would be pointless. There must be a better argument. If only he knew… “What do you have against Ventress? She may have chosen to help me this time, but I promise you, we are at best friendly enemies.”

“My apprentice is afraid of her. I am more inclined to trust his judgment than yours,” Maul says, as if the shudders of a delusional feverish oaf of a Sith was enough reason to condemn them all to death by village mob. Without more information, this is a knot impossible to untangle.

“Ventress, do you—”

“Leave it.”

“—do you know why Savage Opress is scared?”

There is no answer. Asajj Ventress strides back towards the cargo bay.

Maul has retreated to his apprentice, perhaps having decided that Obi-Wan currently won’t instigate a fight. He’s squatting in front of him on his ludicrous chicken legs, a critical eye turned back over his shoulder on the other zabrak. “You’re burning up,” he says quietly. Obi-Wan is barely close enough still to hear him. “And as for the violent coughs… the armor is not helping.”

Savage swallows and shudders and presses his hands to his covered belly.

“You are of no use to me dead.”

No answer. The other Sith coughs out blood and then curls up again, the very picture of misery.

“I shall keep them away from you.”

“From you,” Savage rasps. “Keep them from… I am—” cough— “already lost. They must not hurt you.”

“If you die, you are of no use to me,” Maul repeats. His lip curls, though it’s impossible to tell whether from impatience or cruelty or worry. “You promised to protect me. How will you do that, apprentice, if you are dead?”

It seems to have worked. The word ‘protect’—a revelation Obi-Wan should perhaps have seen coming, but who would expect anyone to look at Darth Maul and see a creature worth protecting, a person in needof protection?—it rouses Opress into a weak kneeling position. He paws at the right shoulder pad of his armor, again and again, but…

“No-one told you how to take it off.” Maul’s voice is entirely flat, and Obi-Wan’s almost offended by his lack of shock. Who—how—why would someone wear an armor they could not remove? “Be still, then, apprentice.”

He raises his lightsaber and cuts, carefully—pausing twice just before a coughing fit wracks Savage’s frame—first through one shoulder pad and then the next, and the pauldron too. The undershirt beneath is dotted with burnt holes, and Darth Maul pulls it away from his apprentice’s body and cuts it as well. Opress is heavily scarred, shiny burn scars all over his shoulders and torso beneath the armor, and a massive overlay of lichtenberg figures down his back—but beside the lesion of the infected wound on his shoulder from Ventress’ attack which has engulfed his whole arm now, they’re all healed enough to be at least a few weeks old. Maul directs him to pull off his boots, too, but allows him to keep his skirt.

“This armor was useless against anything but blasters, anyway,” Maul says. “And it’s obvious that you are not used to moving with its weight. Whoever gave it to you did not act in the interest of—”

“Don’t let me interrupt, boys.” Ventress smirks as Maul’s head whips up. The Sith looks panicked and strangely guilty. “But the mob outside has found another ship with a bigger cannon. We should probably get going.”

Savage’s head clanks against the floor again, Maul’s uncharacteristic tenderness forgotten as soon as he remembers his audience. Lightsaber raised in a defensive position, Maul repeats, “No.”

“Ventress can take the ship, and I’ll stay here as collateral—she won’t decouple the cockpit.”

“No.”

“You really want to die here?”

Maul turns his face away. His arm is trembling.

You cannot imagine the depths I would go to to stay alive, he said when he attacked Obi-Wan. And the depths he’ll go to to kill Obi-Wan, apparently, including mulishly waiting for his own death, and the miserable demise of his own apprentice as well.

“Savage is sick,” Obi-Wan tries. The guarding, the careful removal of his armor—the relationship has to count for something. Even Darth Maul would not sink as low. “He needs medical care. By your stubborn refusal, you condemn him to death. Your apprentice will die here.”

Maul’s eyes are pools of fire and darkness. Vicious and dead. His voice is flat, empty, when he says, “There is no mercy for the weak. No mercy. There never was.”

Laser blasts shake the freighter again, and all Obi-Wan’s negotiation attempts have come to nothing. Trapped with a madman. He’ll just let all of them die, and for what? Stubborn Sith suspicion? If he will not yield, then… Desperately, he suggests, “Take the cockpit yourself, then. You do not trust either of us, but I am prepared to stake mine and her lives on your—on your honor. You insist you fight with honor. Prove it. We need to take off, or we all die.”

Down on the floor, Opress mumbles something that almost sounds like assent. He’s always looked vacuous and inexpressive to Obi-Wan, barely reacting to what should have been pain or mortal danger, but whether it’s the infection or the situation—he’s grabbed onto the ruined pauldron and tries to shield his bare torso. He’s swallowing, painfully, but he cannot force down his expression of sheer unadulterated dread.

There’s something more going on, something far beyond anything Obi-Wan could have suspected when he chose to come to Raydonia. This fear… Opress appears convinced that despite the laser cannons barraging their shelter, despite the mysterious onset of his brutal illness, it’s Obi-Wan and Ventress who pose a danger beyond his wildest nightmares. And Darth Maul…

“No,” Maul says. “I will not leave him for you to swallow his mind and carve up his body.”

It’s madness.

Mystifying. Hopeless. Madness.

Obi-Wan kicks one of the scattered meal packs on his way back to the cargo bay for another, probably fruitless, check on his own cruiser. Ventress stays behind, coughing softly. It’s no use escaping, though, just as Obi-Wan predicted—the sky is dark and the mob of villagers have probably mostly gone to sleep, but they’ve posted guards at the doors of the freighter and there’s no question they’ll spot Obi-Wan on his run, and if Ventress starts succumbing more deeply to the mysterious illness too… she won’t make it, and duty to the galaxy and the Republic would demand he leave anyway to rejoin his place at the GAR’s helm, but she came here to rescue him. He might have died at Maul’s hands—the sickness might not have broken out at all—if she hadn’t come. Whatever Maul thinks happened on Naboo, Obi-Wan knows honor. He won’t leave her behind.

He meanders back slowly, wracking his mind for any possible course of action, and suddenly his boot kicks up white dust. The crate! That innocuous crate that broke open, and unleashed its mysterious ills. He probably shouldn’t touch anything or even breathe here—but then he’s weathered this infection much better thus far than either of the zabraks or Ventress, he’s feeling as fine physically as he ever did after a drag-out ‘saberfight, and perhaps a clue as to the cause of the malady or a possible cure would give him leverage over Darth Maul. If it doesn’t, well… if he can’t find a way to the cockpit, he’ll get blown apart or dragged out by the angry mob he came here to avenge. He’ll die anyway.

There’s nothing at all helpful about the crate, though. It doesn’t even have a Caution! Do Not Break! marking or a biohazard or toxic warning. No, only an impressed and dirt-crusted set of numbers that may well have been there since the crate’s manufacture, and a mysterious stencil proclaiming the vendor one S.I. Rosenfeld. A custom-exemption stamp for Iridonia. The powder itself smells of nothing. It tastes of—well, whatever it tastes of, even in this desperation Obi-Wan refuses to put it in his mouth.

Hunt for clues abandoned, he instead carries back four hydrosacks.

A token of goodwill, at least. Obi-Wan himself is parched after the battle, and with how feverish Ventress and Darth Maul look, not to mention delirious Savage Opress… it’s worth an attempt, at the very least. But whereas Ventress takes her water gratefully, Maul only stares at the sacks that Obi-Wan kicks his way, even after Obi-Wan demonstratively drinks from his own. When Opress blindly reaches for one of the hydrosacks, one of Darth Maul’s chicken claws forces his hand back down.

Back to the standoff, then. Ventress periodically dis- and reappears with new sacks of water. Obi-Wan meditates. Darth Maul, meanwhile, paces in front of his sick partner, waiting for…

Whatever he is waiting for, it doesn’t come.

“You’re growing weaker, apprentice.” There’s no inflection in Maul’s voice now, nothing like the unhinged raving he directed at Obi-Wan earlier, and yet… “The dark side will give you the strength to survive. It is the only path.”

He reaches towards the other zabrak’s face, not the top of his head the way he braced himself up before but cupping one of his cheeks: a tenderness that hours before, Obi-Wan would not have thought possible.

Opress cringes away. He’s more lucid now, at least, but his breath is shallow and wheezing. “Brother,” he begs. “I would not… survive the lightning now. I can’t. I never could.”

A flinch answers him, tiny, almost invisible if Obi-Wan had not been watching the revenant nightmare for hours now, and then Maul whispers, “There is no lightning.”

“Master Dooku said—"

“Dooku was a liar and a fraud. He is a Jedi pretender, not a true Sith as we are, apprentice. In his refusal to credit you with interiority he overlooked the suffering he could have utilized, and so he had to cheat. The genuine test of the dark is that which already lies within, I have learnt.” Maul’s bright yellow eyes gleam over at Obi-Wan. He pauses. Considering, perhaps, what he should reveal before his audience.

Obi-Wan crosses his arms, extinguished lightsaber still at the ready. He won’t turn away. For now, though, he won’t interrupt either—something tells him to pause, though when he reaches to the force for guidance, all he feels is the cold and the unfathomable deep.

Opess moans in pain again.

Whatever misgivings Maul might have had, the sound wipes them away. “You’re in agony now, aren’t you?” he murmurs, an alien gleam in his rich genteel voice. “You feel the infection take hold of you more with every passing beat of your hearts. The fever, the ache. You can hardly breathe. It has colonized all of your vital systems. You are your body, and your body is pain. One careless moment, and he caught you, and now nothing exists but agony and dread and terrible thirst. Feel it. Sink into it. Luxuriate in your misery.”

Savage Opress, blood dribbling from his mouth onto his brother’s thumb, closes his fever-bright eyes.

“I have felt this, and yet I survived. You’re terrified, and in mourning for the life they stole from you. That he… that she—” and he looks up at Ventress—“that she stole. You hate her for the brother she took, for the mind she enslaved, for the involuntary shudder of your body whenever you recall her touch. That is enough, apprentice. That is enough for the dark. You know it is worse than any lightning that amateur could throw at you. Terror, pain, betrayal and loss and burning rage… Peace is a lie. There is only passion. Through passion I gain strength. Through strength I gain power. Through power I gain victory. Through victory my chains are broken. The force shall free me. Repeat these words, as I did in the putrid chasm. They are a mantra gliding through your fingers while you feel.”

More hacking coughs, and in-between, the movement of lips. Obi-Wan should interrupt this—this venal induction into the dark side of the force, and yet… Opress fell already, and he is almost dead now.

The force pushes in through every orifice, every pore, pushes and pushes, a static pressure unlike anything he’s ever felt from the light. There is no sound but Maul’s voice and the bloody gasps for air, and even if a cannon hit the freighter right now, it would not penetrate air that is suddenly as thick as ocean floor water.

“You feel,” Maul encourages. “You feel. You will not die here in front of this woman who enslaved you, who forced you to murder your own brother. You will not. You hate her, don’t you? You are not allowed to hate her because she owns you, but you do. You hate her every look. Every unwanted touch. Every breath she takes, and every second she could try to kill the only brother you have left…”

In shock, Obi-Wan tries to meet Ventress’ eyes—he knew she was of the dark, but this cannot be truth—but she’s hardly better off than the yellow zabrak, fever-flushed and coughing on her own in the shadow of an unopened crate.

Maul is almost in a trance now, purring, as if there was no-one present but him and his apprentice and the sudden icy waves in the enclosed cargo hold, “She might impel you to kill me with your bare hands. You hate her.”

You cannot imagine the depths I would go to to stay alive, Maul ranted. Fueled by my singular hatred for you.

Are these the depths?

Is this how he managed to survive Naboo?

“You hate her, and you hate yourself—because you were weak enough to let it happen. You will not be weak now. You are Sith, apprentice. You are not weak. You will not submit to another nightsister. You will not kneel before another Dooku. Whatever it takes to gain power, you will do. However vile you need to become, you will. You do not belong to her. You do not belong to your sickness. You belong to the force, and it will devour your agony and your dread and your fever. It will devour you,” and Darth Maul bites the solid air with his rotten teeth.

“But you are strong. And you will wrest that which eats you into yourself and sink your teeth into its frozen innards. Feast on the force, apprentice. Feast on the force, and feed it pain and terror, and it will keep you alive until it grows fat on the misery of the entire galaxy.”

Opress lies still. Quiet. His bare torso is exposed to air so cold Obi-Wan expects to see hoarfrost cover every surface, but he does not cough, does not bleed. He does not fight against Maul’s hand, one bracing the back of his head and the other against his cheek still—

Against his cheek, and then digging in with pungent anger that bleeds into the force like the blood welling under Maul’s fingernails.

The sudden pressure spike threatens to implode Obi-Wan’s eyeballs. With his fingers massaging his closed lids and through eardrums thickly waterlogged, he hears Maul hiss, “Surely you did not expect to leave your path this quickly, apprentice? Mother Talzin sent you after me, but you followed me off Dathomir, and in that moment, you were mine. You left your brother behind and dead on the ground but you will not abandon me.”

A soft keen is all that answers his tirade at first, and then follows a river of anguished moans and scuffling on the ground and the pitter of—of blood, scratching, mangling. Obi-Wan startles and only when he trips over a clattering something in the pitch dark does he realize he just tried to protect Opress—protect Savage Opress!—from Darth Maul. The Sith is beyond mindless now, howling as he did when he blamed Obi-Wan for all his ills, all traces of the strange tenderness forgotten, and yet—Obi-Wan pauses. This is desperation. This is grief.

As cruel and insane as his words are; as blasphemous as the dark powers he is beseeching—this is not a monster.

This is the pure madness of attachment.

“You swore you would never betray me,” Maul wails in the deep and frozen dark of a trashed freight ship. “Did you trick me, brother? Was this your play? To pretend at kindness when I was weak so I would unlearn the most elementary of lessons? And I did.”

An answering gurgle that sounds like brother, no.

“You are leaving—”

Another barrage of wheezes—

“—but if you are still even capable of loyalty after you murdered your brother… I trusted you.” Maul’s eyes gleam in the pitch dark, not plain Sith yellow but—wet. They beckon, call, howl; they are the last thing that seems to exist. “I trusted you. You called yourself my brother. I trusted you. I learned to despise the world, and yet, somehow, I trusted…”

The wails lose all coherence after that. In the primordial calm of the freezing cargo hold, Obi-Wan holds his breath, for any sign of Savage’s life, for another gambit, another invocation of the dark force, for anything at all.

The pressure plummets as quickly as it appeared. A far too quick resurfacing, and it dizzies Obi-Wan, but Maul… Maul sinks down onto the floor softly, his chicken legs collapsing in a way even chicken legs shouldn’t, still holding onto Savage and clutching his brother’s head like a doll against his chest. The handle of the ‘saber clatters from the fist he presses against Savage’s back. The red Sith is not sweating anymore, but the ordeal seems to have exhausted him: he blinks his lighthouse eyes open, and open, and open, and then he doesn’t.

Obi-Wan drops to the floor. He doesn’t know what he’s waiting for now. For the true horror of the Sith power that he just witnessed to reveal itself? The pressure and the gloom are all but gone now, and even the unnatural icy wind is beginning to dissipate. And yet, this cannot be the end. If this was the dark side of the force, it is far beyond anything he felt in his deepest meditations, and it shouldn’t just… go back to sleep.

Or maybe, he’s waiting for Maul to rise up and attack him? But the Sith looks more peaceful than he ever did, wrapped tight around his—brother, his brother, whom he somehow cares for and mourns.

Or—he’s waiting for Obi-Wan himself, who came to finally kill the Sith?

That is his task, and his duty to the galaxy and the Jedi and to Raydonia, to Qui-Gon, but after this moment… it feels profane, impossible, to kill Maul who is vulnerable now because he chose to beg for his brother’s life. The monster displayed a tenderness, a humanity that Obi-Wan would never have thought him capable of, and though it is deeply irrational, Obi-Wan walks past the spot where unmoving Sith cling to each other and into the cockpit.

He pilots the freighter to the nearest planet with an advanced toxicology medcenter.

He carries Asajj Ventress inside, paler than she has ever been and gone passive with bloodloss. Regardless of what he might have learned—and he is still not sure what to make of the fragments whispered by a lying Sith—she came to his rescue, and silently he prays that the force does not will her death. He is quarantined as well, despite his pleas—there are Sith, night-dead but Sith, up on the rooftop landing bay, and if they won’t call the Jedi Order to dispatch them they should know (and he pauses, but he just can’t) they should know the Sith are also grievously ill—and he gives the healers all the clues he picked up, the symptoms and the white powder and the name on the unprepossessing crate, and they give him nothing in return. No information on Ventress’ status (she will cross his path in a few months, and she will not answer his questions) and no audience with the Iridonian in ambassadorial robes frowning through the durasteel window of his isolation room, and no heads up on the squad of anti-bioterrorism police droids they sent to the freighter.

No warning that the ship has disappeared.

That, he finds out from Master Windu who retrieves him from his quarantine cell after two days of manic pacing.

Maul, at the very least, must have survived, and Obi-Wan could have killed him when he passed out cradling his brother. Maul has survived, and taken the ship and its murderous infective powder away with him. Maul has survived, and Obi-Wan will bear the weight of every person he kills hereafter. Will bear the pressure and the dread and the pleading in his ears.

Savage Opress is still by Darth Maul’s side when they attack Florrum and murders Master Adi Gallia, and Obi-Wan can’t catalogue the emotion he feels.

#darth maul #savage opress #savage oppress #obi-wan kenobi #asajj ventress #dimtraces makes things

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purgatorypoetry · 4 years ago

Text

Merely Christmas

(Part I: The Beginninging)

It is approximately 4pm, the day after Christmas (or 1600 on boxing day for any of you weirdos out there). Santa has not been to Purgatory's Home for Orphan Poets yet but that's not because he doesn't like orphans. In fact, he loves orphans (especially slow roasted) but Santa hates poetry. It reminds him hes dead.

Purgatory's Home for Orphan Poets sits precariously upon the edge of a great bog. It smells ghastly here. Ghastlier still, the countenance of the caretaker as he holds a telephone to his ear. The reader should know by the irritated stare this is not the caretaker's first attempted call. A groggy voice finally answers, the smell of whiskey lofting heavily through the handset -

"There are some disappointed children here" the caretaker barks. The sound of a choir of weeping children echoes through the halls and out into the foul marsh outside. "seems SANTA" the word is wielded like a blade, deftly "missed a stop on his rounds last night."

A sound like a sleeping bag full of raw chickens being slammed into the floor above thunders through the empty halls. The weeping ceases and eyes gaze fearfully upward as dull thuds continue across the ceiling. The unmistakeable sound of an empty scotch bottle descending a flight of stairs harmonizes with muttered profanity growing louder before both sounds yield to the stampeding thumps of a grown man tumbling head-over-ass down the same stairs. A group gathers at the base of the stairs and parts to allow the rolling mass of red and white to pass through their ranks. No children can be seen anywhere as a spindly, jack skellington lookin mfer comes to a splayed rest on the floor with a bulging red sack clutched in one hand and a broken bottle in the other. The group circles round as the figure stands and attempts to drink from the broken bottle numerous times before tossing it behind him. @fakesurprise ducks out of the way as the missile lobs past his face.

"Cockadoodledoo" the figure states calmly while adjusting an extremely ill fitting santa costume. The pants are at least two sizes too large but the "coat" looks like it might actually be half of a sexy christmas outfit and is also much too large. There is no hat. The ghastly caretaker whispers into the figure's ear as he adjusts a poorly homemade beard to reveal an equally poor, albeit real, red beard underneath. "Mmm" the 'Santa' replies as the caretaker steps away.

"Ha! Ha! Ha!" The 'Santa' says proudly. Now beaming a smile and thumbs up toward the caretaker who gives a disapproving nod as he slinks away. "Santa got a little caught up with....uhh.... checking his list and shit and also it was really, really cold last night but hey I'm here now!" The figure turns to the first of the group and fumbles around the bulging red sack with his free hand.

(Now Part II: The Giftening)

Ah, little @purplemonkeysexgod69, you werent quite a good boy this year but your arsons were down (checks notes) 7.3%. Better is better than bad, right? (A slender, inexplicably blurred form approximately three feet in length is pulled from the sack. It twitches unnervingly)

And for @trixclibrarian (blind fumble within the sack) A goose! For the flock. This one lays cadbury eggs and is NOT housebroken.

For @randomlyjay (ok there was a kid here) - Its ear protectors! For adventures at shooting ranges and airport runways and any time you're within earshot of ol' St. Nock here.

@drearydaffodil gets a lantern. Its like a mood lantern but it glows brighter when you feel darker. Keep well away from flammable blankets.

@kittygory gets a paintball gun for the next time her neighbors are out and about.

@jvstagirl8 - handcuffs, obviously

@teaspirationss - four extra quiet hours in your day

@aubriestar - a fully grown birch tree

@fakesurprise - you already got yours!

@haikkun - a hairbrush. The ouch-free kind

@quaintobsessions - an actual, no-shit halo

-------------

If i missed you reply to this and ill drop something down your chimney.

#merry xmas #who wants presents?

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tigerkirby215 · 4 years ago

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5e Azir, the Emperor of the Sands build (League of Legends)

(Artwork by Bo Lu. Made for Riot Games.)

SHURIMA WILL RISE

BOTTOM TEXT

From the empress to the emperor: king chicken himself, bottom of the top, and lord of nerfs. Truthfully there’s a lot to be said for such a unique champion as Azir but all that’s shadowed by Riot’s insistence on having him be absolute bottom tier forever more. Well at least he’s pretty alright in Legends of Runeterra.

GOALS

My soldiers march on - The most important feature of Azir is of course his Sand Soldiers, allowing you to be everywhere at once as you command a legion of one to fight for you.

You need not follow me, but you cannot stop me - Can’t have the sand chicken be a sitting duck; we need to be able to dash to our soldiers for protection at a moment’s notice.

My city lives on - We need to be able to summon turrets... I guess? Look all Azir really does is summon soldiers so I don’t really have much to work with.

RACE

Azir may look like a bird but he can’t fly, so we’re not going to be taking any of the bird races. What Azir truly is however is a sand zombie reanimated by his distant daughter’s blood. With that being said we’re going to be going for a Reborn; a race lineage currently in UA that shall soon be published in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft.

You can increase one ability score of your choice by 2 and another one by 1: give yourself +2 Intelligence and +1 Dexterity. You also learn a language of your choice: take Celestial to speak like an Ascended! Your Creature Type is both Humanoid and Undead (or Construct, but you were reanimated from the dead so...) and can choose to be either Medium or Small. (You are Medium because you were once human.)

You have Darkvision (which I may as well mention because this lineage doesn’t have much) and your Deathless Nature means that you have a lot of benefits to resist mortal problems like sleep, food, disease, poison, or death saving throws. But your main feature is Knowledge from a Past Life, letting you add a d6 to skill checks you make as you remember something Nasus taught you. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and regain all expended uses at the end of a Long Rest.

IF REBORN ISN’T ALLOWED: This build doesn’t really require a particular race / lineage; Reborn just made the most sense. Feel free to play Azir however you want: his build is very generalized and doesn’t require anything specific.

ABILITY SCORES

15; DEXTERITY - The main reason we’re opting for DEX over STR is because you need to be able to make ranged attacks when you don’t have Sand Soldiers, but your armor does seem rather light.

14; INTELLIGENCE - Military tactics would be Intelligence, as well as magic which yeah: the guy who summons soldiers made of tiny rocks is in fact a mage.

13; CONSTITUTION - Azir is squishy in-game, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have good health for this build.

12; CHARISMA - You need Charisma to lead a nation.

10; WISDOM - Not saying that Azir is dumb, but you did think that freeing the slaves would be a good birthday gift for your super best friend Xerath.

8; STRENGTH - Sand and dust: they both struggle to pick up big weapons.

BACKGROUND

Shurima may be gone, but it won’t take long for you to be recognized as its Noble Emperor once again. With the Noble background you get proficiency with History and Persuasion as well as a Gaming set of your choice (Dragonchess makes sense for a tactician) and a language of your choice (pick your poison.)

You were born into a Position of Privilege, and even if your legacy was lost to the sand most still know to honor your name. You can even use that honor for some political meetings.

(Artwork by SIXMOREVODKA Studios. Made for Riot Games.)

THE BUILD

LEVEL 1 - FIGHTER 1

Making people fight for you is a type of fighting, right? Regardless as a Fighter you get proficiency in two skills from the Fighter list: Acrobatics is good for survival, and Insight is good to know if your slave BFF is starting to harbor resentment for you as the emperor of a nation run by slaves. You also get a Fighting Style at level 1: you need only one hand for your “spear” so Dueling will make that “spear” do more damage.

ABOUT AZIR’S WEAPON (and his Sand Soldiers): Grab a Rapier and a Shield for a DEX-based spear-like weapon... and a shield. This will be your loadout to keep alive as well as the loadout of your Sand Soldiers, which we will get soon.

In addition to survive mid lane you can take the Second Wind rune to heal yourself for a d10 plus your Fighter level as a Bonus Action. Does Azir take Second Wind? Does it look like I know how to play Azir?

LEVEL 2 - FIGHTER 2

Second level Fighters can grab some attack speed with Action Surge, allowing them to take an extra action on their turn for some pro plays!

LEVEL 3 - FIGHTER 3

Third level Fighters get to choose their Martial Archetype. Do you wish to harness the echoes of your nation? Then Echo Knight is a very good bet! As an Echo Knight you can Manifest Echo to create a Sand Soldier as a Bonus Action. The Sand Soldier (which is what I’ll be referring to your Echoes as in this build) has the following stats:

AC equal to 14 + your proficiency bonus

1 HP

Immunity to all conditions

The same saving throws as you

The same size as you

The ability to occupy a space

The appearance of a Sand Soldier (so its definitely not human)

You can move your Sand Soldier up to 30 feet without spending an action or bonus action. With your soldier in its location you have the following abilities:

You can “dash�� (IE teleport) to your soldier and swap places with it as a bonus action, taking 15 feet of your movement (regardless of how far you “dashed.”)

When you take the attack action it can come from your soldier’s location.

If someone walks past your soldier you can make an attack of opportunity against them as if you were in the soldier’s location!

In a big nutshell the Sand Soldier acts like an extension of you, and can do basically everything you can. And you can take an additional attack from your Soldier’s location after attacking thanks to Unleash Incarnation, which has a limited number of uses equal to your Constitution modifier.

LEVEL 4 - FIGHTER 4

4th level Fighters get the first of many Ability Score Improvements. Dexterity is tied to most of what we do currently so increasing that by 2 would be beneficial.

LEVEL 5 - FIGHTER 5

5th level Fighters can increase their attack speed and make an Extra Attack with their action. This means two attacks in an action, four with Action Surge, and one extra with Unleash Incarnation. All from either your location or the location of your Sand Soldier.

(Artwork by Alex “alexplank” Flores. Made for Riot Games.)

LEVEL 6 - ARTIFICER 1

So I kinda got all I wanted from Fighter? And honestly if you’re playing in a low level campaign investing fully in Echo Knight is a great way to replicate Azir. But I can’t just cop out and say “Echo Knight 20 lol” for a champion like Azir so... Empires are built on invention. As an Artificer you get Magical Tinkering which is like Prestidigitation but bad. You can make an object glow slightly, make sounds, smell nice: all the sort of things that the magic of the Sun Disk provided Shurimans with daily.

But of course what we’re really here for is Spellcasting! You get two cantrips from the Artificer spell list: Prestidigitation proper will let you do better sand magic, and Guidance will help you help yourself to guide your nation.

You can also prepare a number of spells equal to your Intelligence modifier plus half your Artificer level, which means you can prepare three for now:

Absorb Elements will let you soak up some damage from the enemy laner before dishing it back out!

Faerie Fire will let you light up a target for your soldiers (IE yourself) to strike.

And Detect Magic will let you... detect magic...

LEVEL 7 - ARTIFICER 2

Second level Artificers get Infusions; ancient Shuriman artifacts that you acquired from the ruins to serve yourself. (Though you do have to apply them to existing items.)

Enhanced Weapon will let you make your Soldiers do magic damage, as well as yourself!

Grabbing a Repeating Shot weapon (probably a Hand Crossbow) will let you attack at range from both your own location and your Echo’s location.

The Mind Sharpener is kinda uhhh... dumb? But why shouldn’t an emperor be entitled to succeed their Concentration checks?

An Alchemy Jug will let you bring the waters back to Shurima... or potentially mayonnaise.

Additionally you can prepare another spell, and use those chicken feathers of yours to Feather Fall.

LEVEL 8 - ARTIFICER 3

Third level Artificers can make The Right Tool for the Job from the sands with an hour of work, allowing you to create a set of Artisan’s tools (or Thieves’ Tools) for whatever purpose you need. "You cannot topple Shurima."

But come on: we both know we’re here for our subclass. Now what Artificer subclass is capable of summoning artillery... Artillerist might work? Along with gaining Wood Carver’s Tools proficiency you can summon an Eldritch Cannon as an action. The cannon is either small or tiny: a small one occupies its space and is summoned within 5 feet of you, and you can hold a tiny cannon in your hand. You can create one cannon for free per Long Rest, but summoning additional cannons requires a spell slot of first level or higher.

The cannon has an AC of 18 and five times your Artificer level in hitpoints. It is immune to poison damage and psychic damage, and has 10 in all stats (for the sake of saving throws.) You can also heal it with Mending... which we don’t have. Oops. It’s almost like Artificers only get 2 cantrips.

Regardless: when you create the cannon you determine its appearance, if it can move, and its type. A Flamethrower turret shoots fire (duh) in a cone, forcing a DEX save to deal fire damage to everyone in the area. A Force Balista turret is like a regular Summoner’s Rift turret, shooting at one target within range to deal a good chunk of damage and push them back slightly. And to shield your army a Protector turret grants temporary hitpoints to everyone in its area of effect. Regardless of what turret you create activating it takes a Bonus Action. You can make the turret move up to 15 feet with that bonus action, and can’t activate the turret if you’re more than 60 feet away.

Additionally you get Shield and Thunderwave as Artillerist Spells, to protect yourself or deal some damage.

LEVEL 9 - ARTIFICER 4

4th level Artificers get another Ability Score Improvement. Generally speaking packing Flash is a good idea, so we’ll be grabbing the Fey Touched feat to increase our Intelligence by 1 and get the Misty Step spell added to our spell list (even if we don’t have second level spell slots yet.)

You can also add a Divination or Enchantment spell to your list as well and I’m going to recommend Hex to further increase your damage to whatever target you focus with your soldiers. You can cast both Misty Step and Hex once per Long Rest without using a spell slot, and can cast the spell more times by using the respective spell slot. Speaking of spells you would be able to prepare more of them but I’m going to wait for...

LEVEL 10 - ARTIFICER 5

5th level Artificers can turn a staff (or a wand or a rod, but realistically you’d use a staff) into an Arcane Firearm. When casting Artificer spells through the Arcane Firearm you gain a d8 bonus to one damage roll of the spell...

I’m going to be honest: you’re primarily a Fighter, and especially if you walk around with both a Shield and a Rapier Spear you probably won’t have a free hand for the Arcane Firearm anyways. Talk to your DM to see if they’ll let you add a d8 to your spells anyways. And if not? ...Nothing much lost by ignoring it.

But 5th level Artificers also get second level spell slots which means that they can prepare second level spells! You get both Scorching Ray and Shatter as Artillerist Spells, and can prepare Aid to boost your army for battle!

(Artwork by Zuoan Dong and Kudos Productions. Made for Riot Games.)

LEVEL 11 - ARTIFICER 6

6th level Artificers get Tool Expertise, which is exactly what it sounds like: double your proficiency with tool checks. But more importantly you get more infusions such as the Spell-Refueling Ring to actually be a Mage, and a Repulsion Shield to recreate the push from Emperor's Divide and further break your AC.

You can also prepare another spell like Enhance Ability, so your subjects can build up your civilization! ...But not slaves, obviously.

LEVEL 12 - ARTIFICER 7

7th level emperors can direct their soldiers as a reaction with a Flash of Genius, letting you boost one of their Ability Checks or Saving Throws by an amount equal to your Intelligence modifier. The ability has a limited number of uses but both its number of uses and its total strength increases with your Intelligence modifier. Speaking of which...

LEVEL 13 - ARTIFICER 8

An Ability Score Improvement means we can finally round out that uneven Intelligence score, as well as your uneven Constitution. Nice round number will help you rule over yourself, which will make it easier to rule over a nation.

More Intelligence does also mean more prepared spells, but you’ll have to be patient for...

LEVEL 14 - ARTIFICER 9

9th level Artillerists can make their turret Self Destruct, as the Explosive Cannon causes each creature within 20 feet of it to make a Dexterity saving throw or take 3d8 force damage as the tower self-destructs, only taking half on a success. In addition your turrets deal an extra d8 of damage, or Temp HP shielding if you swing that way.

But to top it off you learn third level spells now! Wind Wall from the Artillerist Spells list will actually serve as Emperor's Divide, since while it does work like Yasuo’s Wind Wall it also pushes people back and stops them from going through it (to an extent.) As for Fireball well... it’s Fireball! Not everything needs to be justified.

Other than that you can prepare Haste to truly go to war (as long as you’re fine with leaving yourself vulnerable if you lose spell focus), and Create Food and Water to... create food and water. A great emperor must care for his people, especially his best friend.

(Artwork by Pang Chengwei. Made for Riot Games.)

LEVEL 15 - FIGHTER 6

Hey Ability Score Improvements are fun! Dexterity is still kinda our ��main” stat, since it’s used both for attacking and AC. So increasing DEX by 2 would be the best plan of action!

LEVEL 16 - FIGHTER 7

7th level Echo Knights see everything on their sands thanks to Echo Avatar. As an action you can see through your Sand Soldier, to direct them through espionage. You yourself can not see or hear during this time, and you can end this effect at any time as an action.

While spying through your sand soldier, it can be up to 1000 feet away from you without being destroyed. This does mean that you can swap places with it to get somewhere up to 1000 feet away!

LEVEL 17 - FIGHTER 8

Fighters are fun because while they get they get Ability Score Improvements in some of the places where other classes don’t they still get the standard ASIs at the standard levels. Cap off your Intelligence to have the best of both magic damage and attack speed!

(Artwork by SIXMOREVODKA Studios. Made for Riot Games.)

LEVEL 18 - FIGHTER 9

9th level Fighters can survive with Ascended strength, as Indomitable lets them reroll one failed Saving Throw per Long Rest. You can still fail however so I’d perhaps only use this on the skills you have a good chance of succeeding in; even the Ascended have their limits.

LEVEL 19 - FIGHTER 10

At level 10 your Sand Soldiers will always be there to defend you, as Shadow Martyr allows your soldiers to defend an ally you can see with your reaction. Your soldier moves within 5 feet of the ally, and the attack is directed towards your soldier instead of your ally. "Nothing is beyond my reach."

LEVEL 20 - FIGHTER 11

Our final level is the 11th level of Fighter for another Extra Attack, resulting in three attacks total or six with Action Surge! Finally six-slotted for max Attack Speed!

FINAL BUILD

PROS

Soldiers, onward! - You can deal tons of damage without ever getting close to the danger between your Sand Soldiers and your cannon, both of which can do the fighting for you as you stay back and direct their attacks.

Challenge Shurima; challenge fate - You also have plenty of utility in both your magic and your soldiers, notably an extreme level of mobility to escape if anyone does actually try to kill you. And in a worse case scenario your infusions can provide you with even more tools to rebuild your empire.

Emperors never die - It was not my intention but... Hey turns out that Fighter and Artificer are both very good at keeping themselves alive. Above average HP, strong saving throws (proficiency in the saves for your low stats help a lot!), and notably some damn high AC by walking around with a spear and shield. 19 AC with Studded Leather and a Shield which can be further increased with infusions.

CONS

My empire lives in every grain of sand - It takes quite awhile to prepare everything for combat. An action to summon your cannon, a bonus action to summon your echo, and then a Bonus Action every turn as long as you have your cannon up.

I will shift as the sands - A general you may be but a scholar you are not. With the exception of Acrobatics and History your skill checks are generally poor, and your ability scores overall leave a lot to be desired. Sure +5 to Religion or Arcana is nice but it’s not going to shatter the sun.

The bounty of Shurima still flows - One thing an emperor must manage is the resources of their kingdom, and you have plenty of limited tools that only come back after Long Rests. Some of them (mostly your Fighter stuff) come back on a Short Rest yes but you have limited spell slots, cannons, Flashes of Genius to protect your allies, and only one use of Indominable per Long Rest. Ration yourself wisely.

But an empire is built upon sacrifice. Conqueror with your soldiers before rebuilding. A nation as great as Shurima can not truly remain gone. But perhaps this time you should pay your workers? Especially if your best friend is the head of the union.

(Artwork by SIXMOREVODKA Studios. Made for Riot Games.)

#dnd #dnd build #dnd guide #League of Legends #League of Legends Azir #SHURIMA #WILL #RISE #dnd fighter #dnd artificer #egypt #gods of egypt #ancient egypt

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khabibsworld · 14 days ago

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Hightop Poultry Equipment Supplier -Chicken Farming Equipment Manufacturer

Poultry farming is a significant part of the global agricultural sector, providing a reliable source of protein, income, and employment opportunities worldwide. This article will cover essential aspects of poultry farming, including its types, setup, best practices, challenges, and tips for success.

Types of Poultry Farming

Poultry farming generally focuses on two main types: egg production and meat production, though it may include a variety of poultry types. Here’s a look at the primary types of poultry farming:

Broiler Farming: This involves raising chickens specifically for meat production. Broilers grow quickly, reaching market weight within 6-8 weeks, making this type of farming profitable in a short time.

Layer Farming: This type of farming focuses on producing eggs. Layers are typically hens bred for high egg productivity. They require specific diets, lighting, and care to ensure continuous egg production.

Free-Range and Organic Poultry Farming: Free-range poultry farming allows birds to roam freely outdoors, giving them access to fresh air, sunlight, and pasture. Organic poultry farming follows similar principles but also adheres to strict organic feed and management practices.

Duck and Turkey Farming: In addition to chickens, ducks and turkeys are raised for meat and egg production. Duck and turkey farming require different care practices, and they can cater to niche markets, especially during holiday seasons.

Other Specialized Poultry Farming: This includes raising guinea fowl, quail, and geese, which have unique care needs and can serve specialty markets.

Steps to Starting a Poultry Farm

Starting a poultry farm requires careful planning and investment. Here are some fundamental steps:

Market Research: Understanding the demand for poultry products in your area helps identify potential customers and competitors. This also helps determine whether to focus on broilers, layers, or other poultry types.

Selecting a Location: The location should have ample space, good drainage, and easy access to water and feed. Farms should be positioned to minimize disease risks by being isolated from other livestock and poultry farms.

Choosing the Right Breed: The breed choice depends on the type of poultry farming (broiler or layer). Common breeds for broilers include Cornish Cross, while Isa Brown and White Leghorn are popular among layers.

Housing Setup: Poultry housing should provide adequate ventilation, space, lighting, and protection from predators. For layers, housing should include nesting boxes, while broilers require ample floor space for movement.

Acquiring Equipment: Essential equipment includes feeders, waterers, lighting, egg trays, and brooder units for chicks. Automated equipment can improve efficiency, especially in larger operations.

Feed and Nutrition: Balanced nutrition is crucial for poultry health and productivity. Feed should meet the birds’ needs based on their growth stage (starter, grower, finisher) or production phase (egg-laying).

Best Practices in Poultry Farming

Health Management and Vaccination: Regular vaccination and biosecurity measures protect birds from common diseases like avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis. Regular health checks help detect any illness early.

Environmental Control: Temperature, humidity, and lighting play a crucial role in poultry comfort and productivity. Layers benefit from controlled lighting, while broilers require optimal temperatures to promote growth.

Waste Management: Proper disposal and management of poultry waste reduce the risk of contamination and diseases. Manure can be composted and used as fertilizer, making waste management beneficial and environmentally friendly.

Record Keeping: Keeping records of feed usage, mortality, vaccination schedules, and egg or meat production helps track farm performance, optimize costs, and maintain profitability.

Sustainable Practices: Implementing sustainable practices such as using renewable energy, conserving water, and minimizing chemical use can improve environmental impact and often reduce operational costs.

Challenges in Poultry Farming

Despite its potential profitability, poultry farming faces several challenges:

Disease Outbreaks: Poultry is susceptible to diseases that can lead to large-scale losses. Prevention through biosecurity and vaccination is essential but can be costly and labor-intensive.

Feed Costs: Feed constitutes a significant portion of production costs. Fluctuations in feed prices can impact profitability, making it essential to source quality feed at competitive prices.

Market Fluctuations: Poultry product prices vary due to seasonality, market supply, and consumer demand. Farmers must plan production cycles and manage costs to remain profitable.

Labor and Expertise: Skilled labor is necessary for efficient poultry farm management. Training employees and staying updated with industry knowledge improves farm productivity and bird welfare.

Regulatory Compliance: Regulations on animal welfare, waste management, and biosecurity vary across regions and must be strictly followed to ensure legal and ethical operations.

Tips for Success in Poultry Farming

Develop a Business Plan: A well-thought-out business plan helps you identify your target market, expenses, and revenue sources. Financial planning aids in preparing for future expansion and dealing with unforeseen costs.

Quality Over Quantity: Maintaining high-quality care standards ensures healthier birds and better production rates. Investing in quality feed, hygiene, and proper housing improves profitability in the long run.

Networking and Marketing: Building relationships with local vendors, feed suppliers, and veterinarians can help reduce costs. Marketing strategies, such as branding, direct sales to consumers, or supplying to restaurants and stores, can increase market presence.

Adapt to Changing Trends: Consumer preferences are shifting towards organic and free-range poultry. Incorporating sustainable, ethical practices can attract new customers and enable premium pricing.

Invest in Technology: Automated systems for feeding, watering, and monitoring temperature and humidity can save time and reduce labor costs. Some poultry farms even use software to manage flock records, feed conversion ratios, and production data.

Conclusion

Poultry farming offers an accessible and rewarding opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in animal husbandry and agriculture. By implementing best practices, focusing on quality, and maintaining strong business acumen, poultry farmers can achieve a sustainable and profitable operation that meets the growing demand for poultry products.

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tech-mobilereviews · 4 years ago

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Best Deliciously Easy keto Recipes

Introduction

The ketogenic diet or as like some people prefer to call it; the Keto diet or low carb diet is about consuming a lot of protein and fats but fewer carbs. This diet makes the body send the fats that we consume to the liver, which the latter transform it into energy to keep the body strong and active for a long time without feeling tired quickly.

The keto diet prevents you from consuming the lot for carbs that are the main reason of gaining weight because the sugar makes you hungry most of the time. When you consume carbs with small portions and focus more on protein and fat; your body doesn’t push you most of the time to eat; instead, it uses those fats to satisfy your hunger and keep you active.

If you are looking for a diet that will help you lose weight in a very short term, the ketogenic diet is the perfect diet for you because it not only helps you achieve great lean body; but also provides immense health benefits.

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The Benefits of The Ketogenic Diet

1. Increases the level of HDL:

One of the best aspects of the ketogenic diet is that it increases the level of HDL in the body, which is the good cholesterol that helps in lowering the risk of heart diseases.

2. Helps in Alleviating Diabetes Type 2:

By removing carbs from your daily meals, you say goodbye to sugar and insulin because your body already has what it needs, and you won’t have to be worried about what you eat.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure is a catastrophe because it might lead to kidney failure, heart diseases, strokes...

With this diet, you can say goodbye to all those worries and live a healthy life away from all those malignant diseases that threaten your life.

4. Gum Disease:

Gum disease is one of the worst and most painful diseases which is commonly caused by the consumption of too much sugar. When you eliminate sugar from your daily meals, you can avoid gum diseases and toothaches.

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1. Proteins

Poultry: Free-range Cornish hen, quail, goose, pheasant, chicken, duck, and turkey.

Fish and Seafood: Cod, tuna, scrod, anchovies, mackerel, flounder, catfish, trout, mahi-mahi, halibut, sole, sardines, salmon, halibut, snapper, and calamari. Always opt for wild caught fish to avoid toxins present in commercially reared fish.

Pork: Boston butt, pork chops, ham pork, and loin. When choosing ham, be on the lookout for added sugar.

Bacon and Sausages: Preferably, you should buy these at specialty health food stores. If this is not possible, always read the labels to avoid those which contain fillers such as soy or sugars.

Canned Tuna and Salmon: Canned tuna and salmon are okay to consume while you are on the keto diet. However, avoid seafood rich in fillers, breaded seafood, and fried seafood.

Vegetable Protein Powders: Protein supplements such as whey protein, hemp protein, pea, and rice are acceptable.

Whole Eggs: This includes chicken eggs, and quail eggs which you can prepare through any mean desired; fried, soft or hard boiled, deviled, scrambled, or omelet style.

Shellfish: Oyster, mussels, lobster, shrimp, crab (not imitation crab that contains additives), clams, scallops, and squid.

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2. Fats and Oils

Because these are your main sources of energy while you are on this diet, go for the types of fats and oils you enjoy. These may include:

* Omega 3 fatty acids from fish such as tuna, shellfish, and salmon

* Fish supplements or krill

* Monounsaturated fats such as egg yolks, avocado, and butter

* Vegetable oils such as olive oil, coconut oil

* Non-hydrogenated beef tallow, ghee, and lard.

* Duck and chicken fat

In order to make it easier to stick to this diet, be aware of which types of fat your body can tolerate. Many people seem to have zero or very low tolerance of vegetable oils and mayo. This may be a good thing because most of these oils are rich in omega 6 fatty acids - the kind that is bad for your body’s cholesterol levels.

3. Fresh Vegetables

For these foods, opt for organic ones or better yet, grow your own to avoid all pesticide toxins. Avoid starchy vegetables (corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and winter squash) that are high in carbs. Instead, opt for moderate intake of sweet vegetables (squashes, peppers, tomatoes, and carrots). Vegetables that make it to the list are:

Celery

Collard Greens

Onions (high in sugar; moderate intake)

Alfalfa Sprouts

Beet Greens

Broccoli

Spinach

Dandelion Greens

Bamboo Shoots

Cabbage

Brussels sprouts

Garlic

Mushrooms

Shallots

Kale

Bok Choy

Sauerkraut

Chives

Celery Root

Swiss chard

Cauliflower

Snow Peas

Bean Sprouts

Olives

Cucumbers

Salad greens and lettuces: Romaine, Arugula, Fennel, Bok Choy, Boston lettuce, Endive, Mache, Escarole, Sorrel, Radicchio, Chicory Water Chestnuts

Turnips

Scallions

Dill Pickles

Leeks

Radishes

Chard

Asparagus

4. Dairy Products

Mascarpone cheese

Unsweetened whole milk yogurt (limit intake of this type of yogurt because it is a little high in carbs)

All soft and hard cheeses

Cream cheese

Full fat sour cream (do not forget to check for additives)

Full fat cottage cheese

Heavy whipping cream

In any case, always go for raw milk products and if you do not have easy access to them, go for the organic ones.

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5. Beverages

Bulletproof coffee

Decaf Tea

Flavored seltzer water

Decaf coffee

Water

Herbal tea

Lemon and lime juice (limit intake)

Clear broth or bouillon

6. Nuts and Seeds

Nut flours: these are necessary because while you are on this diet, it does not mean baking no longer fits into your life. Nut flours such as almond flour will suffice.

7. Sweeteners

Some options include:

Erythritol

Splendor-liquid

Inulin and Chicory root

Lo Han Guo

Liquid Stevia

Xylitol

Swerve

8. Spices

Here are spices allowed on the keto diet:

Sea salt

Peppermint

Ginger

Basil

Chili pepper

Cloves

Thyme

Cilantro or coriander seeds

Rosemary

Black pepper

Cumin seeds

Oregano

Turmeric

Cayenne pepper

Cinnamon

Mustard seeds

Parsley

Dill

Sage

As you can see from the above very detailed list, keto diet is NOT a highly-restrictive dieting lifestyle, it also offers you a variety of foods to choose from; thus, you should not feel overwhelmed.

However, there are foods you should avoid to achieve optimal ketosis as your body makes the switch from using glucose to synthesizing fats for ketones.

In the next section, we shall outline the foods you should avoid:

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Achieving Optimal Ketosis: Foods to Avoid

If you stick to the food listed in the previous section, you do not have to worry about not achieving optimal ketosis. On the same note, as you increase intake of those foods, you should also be on the lookout for the following foods that may hinder ketosis:

Avoid all grains, whole meal included (rye, wheat, oats, barley, corn, millet, rice sorghum and buckwheat). Also, avoid all products made from grains; these include foods such as crackers, pasta, pizza, and cookies.

Avoid refined fats and oils like sunflower, canola, grape seed, corn oil, soybean, and Trans-fats such as margarine.

Avoid milk (only full-fat raw milk is acceptable). For coffee, replace milk with reasonable amounts of cream.

Avoid tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, mango papaya, etc., and some high carb fruit.

Avoid fruit juice.

Avoid factory-farmed pork and fish.

Avoid all artificial sweeteners containing Aspartame, Sucralose, Saccharine, etc.

Avoid alcoholic sweet drinks such as beer, and sweet wine

Avoid Soy products

Now that you know what to eat and what to avoid, is there a way to guarantee faster adoption of ketosis? The answer is yes. The following section illuminates such tips:

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How to Get Into Ketosis ‘Fast’: Invaluable Tips

It takes 48 hours to get into ketosis. To get there, you must correctly adapt the keto diet. Below are tips that should help you do just that and get your body into ketosis faster:

Tip 1: To get into ketosis faster, eat less than 20g of carbs a day.

Tip 2: Drink water, about 100 ounces per day. Drink more to lose more.

Tip 4: Do not panic. Be aware of the keto flu coming your way. The dizziness, the irritability, and fatigue you will be feeling on the first three days may have you experiencing mood swings; but don’t give in just yet. Reward yourself with bacon and delicious keto friendly foods as you crave for carbs and sugars. The craving will disappear as long as you’re full.

Tip 6: Never open the door to hunger. When you feel the tiniest bit of a hunger pang, immediately eat high-fat low-carb foods. The moment you get too hungry, it forms the temptation pathway. Remember: go simple. Do not over plan things because when you do, you may end up making everything strict and less fun. The keto diet is fun; keep it so.

Tip 7: Remember: this is not a high protein diet. The keto diet is high fat, low carb, and moderate protein diet. Moderate is the key word here.

Tip 8: Embrace the fat. Eat fat to lose fat that is your new motto. Do not shy away from the fat because it is your ticket to a healthier you.

Common Keto Diet Mistakes You Should Avoid

Nobody is perfect, and no diet is perfect. As you adopt this diet for good health and weight loss, you are bound to make several mistakes; this is normal. The best way to avoid, or minimize the effects of mistakes is by learning and preparing for common mistakes. Below is a list of common keto diet mistakes dieters make:

Eating Too Many Carbs

There is no exact definition of what ‘low carb’ means. Some would say it is simply anything under 100 to 150 grams a day simply because they get amazing results with this range. However, this may be excessive if your aim is to have plenty of ketones in your bloodstream. Most keto dieters go for under 50-grams of carbs per day to get into optimal ketosis. Anything beyond that is termed as excessive.

Eating Too Much Protein

Remember: the keto diet is all about protein moderation.

Impatience

Obsessing Over The Scale

Not Eating Enough Fats

Eating Processed Keto’ Foods

Being After A Quick Fix

Indecisiveness

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Product Information

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We use scientific research and proven studies to create personalized ketogenic diet plans that maximize fat burning via the correct calories and macronutrients for each individual.

The customers keto diet plan is available to access immediately after payment.

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ma-worm · 5 years ago

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy fuck Columbus day everyone(fuck all colonizers actually but this is specifically pertaining to the Americas for the holiday and he’s the most glorified sob), in celebration I'll give some fun information I researched. Credit to @fuckyeahfoodfantasy for the edits of tequila, margarita, brownie, and chocolate, thank you for making these characters more accurate to their birthplaces and/or not grey. Chocolate: The word "chocolate" comes from the Nahuatl word chocolātl and the food/drink is made from the bean/seed from the fruit of Cacao tree native to southern Mexico and Central America. Chocolate was recorded to be important to the Aztec culture, they were said to believe cacao beans were the gift of Quetzalcoatl and they had so much value that they were a form of currency.

Originally prepared as a drink, chocolate was served as a bitter liquid, mixed with spices or corn puree. It was believed to be an aphrodisiac and to give the drinker strength. Today, such drinks are also known as "Chilate" and are still made by locals in the South of Mexico. Only after it was imported to Europe did people start adding sugar and milk to chocolate.

Cacao was also used by other Mesoamerican cultures such as the Olmecs and the Maya people, and each culture had its own preparation and occasions for it that are certainly worth looking into further. Tequila: Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila and in the Jaliscan Highlands (Los Altos de Jalisco) of the central-western Mexican state of Jalisco. It is the most popular type of mezcal(distilled alcoholic drinks made from agave). Mexican laws state that tequila can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Tequila was first produced in the 1500s near the location of the city of Tequila, which was not officially established until 1666.

A predecessor to tequila is a fermented beverage from the agave plant called pulque. When conquistadors ran out of brandy, agave began to be distilled to create mezcal and tequila. Planting, tending, and harvesting the agave plant remains a manual effort, largely unchanged by modern farm machinery and relying on centuries-old know-how passed down through generations of farmers called jimadores.

Margarita: The margarita is a popular Mexican and American drink, the Daisy (margarita is Spanish for "daisy"), remade with tequila instead of brandy. This drink became popular during Prohibition as people drifted over the U.S./Mexico border for alcohol. There are many creation stories for the margarita although none of them can be proven for sure, partially because the drink may have been invented in multiple places around the same time period do to its simple concept and appeal.

In a classic margarita, you can expect to find tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice often served with salt on the rim of the glass. It can be served in many glasses although the most traditional would be the eponymous margarita glass. There are many variations on this recipe including things like flavored tequilas, different liqueurs, or even freezing and blending the margarita into a slush. Cornbread: Native Americans had been using ground maize as food for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans. Corn, as we know it today, was actually the English word for any grain although maize was the one that retained the general term in modern times.

Native Americans, specifically the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek tribes gave recipes for maize dishes to the southern colonists and adapted as it became a southern staple food. there are many types of cornbread these days, baked, fried, pone, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe. Pozole, otherwise known as Hominy, which is swelled and softened kernels of maize can also be used in cornbread instead of cornmeal, as well as many other traditional dishes native to the Americas. Brownie: The brownie is a sheet cookie developed in the United States in the late 1800s. Originally it was most likely meant to be a more convenient type of cake developed by the upper class’s chefs. While this is a more European styled use for chocolate, recipes have been developed using more traditional means, such as the addition of chile, the removal of dairy and processed sugars, and/or using different cooking methods.

Turkey: Turkey meat has been eaten by indigenous people from Mexico, Central America, and the southern tier of the United States since before our records of those regions. Turkeys were once so abundant in the wild that they were eaten throughout the year, the food considered commonplace. Turkey with mole sauce is regarded as Mexico's national dish.

Turkeys were domesticated in ancient Mexico, for food and/or for their cultural and symbolic significance. The Aztecs, for example, had a name for the turkey, wueh-xōlō-tl (guajolote in Spanish), a word still used in modern Mexico in addition to the general term pavo. There’s plenty of evidence that Mayans and other Native American groups had been domesticating turkeys over a very long time as well.

The character in-game has many Eurasian elements despite this and I am not actually sure why, from his clothing to the apple in his basic art. It would be nice to see a redesign more faithful to Turkey’s roots but I did not have the time or funds to arrange for that for this project.

Popcorn: Popcorn is a way of processing maize that predates many if not all other forms, an archeological find known as Bat Cave finding samples of it that have been dated back to about 5,600 years ago.

Popcorn, or momochitl, seems to have been both a religious element (art and accounts from conquistadors describing it being used for ceremonial headdresses, ornaments, components, and necklaces) and as a staple food. Zapotec, pre-Inca Peruvian, Pueblo, and Iroquois native Americans were all documented to have uses and recipes for and with popcorn, and it speculated that even more groups of people had access to it and simply didn’t record it since it was such a normal food for them.

Popcorn would be given as a token of goodwill during peace negotiations and settlers were taught how to make it, it was almost exclusively American food since it would not keep during overseas trips. During the Great Depression, it became more popular in America as a snack food thanks to its low cost and has maintained that reputation.

Popcorn’s in-game design reflects the more modern fanciful decoration and uses, due to the color of popcorn, the sheer range, and mostly the fact that the in-game Popcorn could just be albino I chose not to try to adjust his design to be more regionally accurate. Pudding: Pudding, more specifically Flan as I believe the game’s character is designed after, is a dish brought to the Americas by Europeans. However, Flan has become an incredibly popular dish especially in Central and South America, to the extent that there are varieties specific to regions. This is possibly reflected in part by the character’s bolo tie.

While Flan is not a dish native to the Americas it has been raised to new levels and enjoyed greatly by the people so he was allowed to stay. Honorable mentions -

Turducken: Turducken is a dish invented and made popular in the United States. Her backstory does talk about the history of Mado, specifically, it’s colonization, but her role in everything is actually more related to dealing with the aftermath. She frees the trapped and suffering souls, she was summoned after the primary point of conflict. Similarly, the dish Turducken was invented post-colonization, in more modern times specifically by Paul Prudhomme in the 1970s in Louisiana. Additionally, the ingredients of a Turducken(Turkey, Chicken, and Duck) are not all American. While Turkeys and Ducks can be found in North America, Chickens are native to Southeast Asia and brought to the Americas by European settlers. Steak: While steak is a popular food in the Americas and a native bovine, bison, can certainly be used to make steaks, what we know as a steak is not a traditional food of the Americas. Furthermore, the character has many more European elements to his design, and his horns are definitely not those of bison, so I feel safe saying he doesn’t qualify for this specific list. Hotdog, Hamburger, B-52, and Cola: While these are accepted foods common in the Americas, they were invented in modern times and definitely aren’t traditional foods by any means. Regardless, they still get a mention Boston Lobster: While lobsters are a crustacean found on American coasts and there are accounts of Native Americans eating and using them, I do not believe this is the same as the food soul. Lobsters can be found all over the world and the name in the CN version of the game "麻辣小龙虾" translates to spicy crayfish which is going to be closer to the intended dish. While you can also find spicy crayfish in the americas it would be more accurate to assume it means the popular dish in southern China, considering his relations to Rice and Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp, rather than the Cajun style. Additionally, his clothing is definitely not designed with the Americas in mind. That's all folks, happy holiday, colonizers have no rights. this was pretty fun to make and a lot of research went into it, I wholeheartedly encourage looking more into these foods and the history of the original American people if you liked this. Worm out

#food fantasy #FF Edits #ff chocolate #ff tequila #FF Margarita #ff cornbread #ff brownie #ff turkey #ff popcorn #ff pudding #ff turducken #ff steak #ff hotdog #ff hamburger #ff b-52 #ff cola #ff boston lobster #happy holiday everyone #ff history bits

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saintheartwing · 4 years ago

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Undertales of Friendship: Beware the Man Who Speaks in Hands

Frisk was not having very good dreams.

Over and over, he would find himself descending down, down into the dark recesses of the "True" Laboratory beneath the normal place where Alphys had worked in the underground. The walls a dark green, a chill running through the air, a faint fog all around his feet as he nervously stepped past patient chair after patient chair. Over and over again he'd approach the sinks in the back of the room, turning them on to get the key one of them had inside them, hoping to flood the sinks and for the key to either float up, or the pipes beneath to burst open to get what he wanted. Yet that always gave way to the sight of that...THING coming out of the third sink.

A cute little round, cheery face, twisting and bulging and morphing into a monstrosity with a horrific laugh, large black eyes with pinprick white pupils gazing back. A tongue lagging out of one of many mouths, eternally crying and bleeding-black eyes on a whispy, curved tail like a scythe. This...this odd, strange, faintly melted specter of many faces looking back at him, three in a row all rising up from the sinks, mouths opening and closing and all speaking at once, and saying the same phrase again and again.

"LOREM IPSUM DOCET.

LOREM IPSUM DOCET.

LOREM IPSUM DOCET."

Frisk knew what it meant. Sorrow itself teaches. And he knew what these things were. Pieces of what had once been the Royal Scientist of the Underground, WingDinG Aster, aka Gaster, as he preferred to be called. More bestial and darker traits had risen up in this little "Mini-Me" of Gaster, and they were really only interested in one thing.

"Come join the fun."

"It's a real get together!"

"Become one of us! One of us!"

"You'll be with us soon." The Memoryheads intoned, as more heads sprang up around Frisk, knocking him back as they bulged and popped, Frisk shivering as the Memoryhead closest to him intoned in a dark voice.

"Sorrow itself teaches."

"Teaches what?" Frisk asked. And again the Memoryheads would get closer...closer. "Look, I-I don't want to join in the fun!" He insisted. How many times had he done this before, only to be ignored as they leapt on him and-

But now it was different. Now they merged together, popping and squishing into one, growing larger and larger as an enormous black maw opened slowly and a voice faintly echoey in tone rang out.

"I only want what's mine. And you have a part of it."

"Wh-what's that?" Frisk asked, a gigantic head now staring down at him, white pupils gazing deeper and deeper into him as Frisk found himself sinking, going further into the endless black that was engulfing him-

And then he awoke, Fluttershy the Pegasus gently dabbing a cloth over his head as he sat up on her couch, glancing about her little cottage. "Wh-what happened?"

"Oh, Frisk, sweetie, you fainted in the middle of feeding the chickens outside. Is it too hot for you? I don't know why you always wear a long-sleeve shirt." Fluttershy sighed a little, waving a hoof in the air. "I mean, blue does bring out your eyes, but you must get very hot."

"No, it...it isn't that." Frisk muttered, holding a hand to his head as he cringed. "I keep having these bad dreams and I haven't slept well lately."

"...dreams?" Fluttershy murmured. "Hmm. You know, I think I know someone who could help with bad dreams." She offered with a gentle smile, clasping her hooves together and beaming.

And indeed, a quick letter from Spike was sent out, and Princess Luna of Equestria was soon back in Ponyville, happily meeting with Frisk as the tired, ragged-faced, scarcely-able-to-keep-his-eyes-open child moaned, rubbing his head as he laid on the couch in Fluttershy's home. Fluttershy handed him some golden flower tea, another very popular dish brought up from the Underground thanks to the kindhearted Toriel, and Luna thoughtfully looked him over, dark blue eyes gazing intently at him as Sans, who was also there to look after the kid, gave the kid a hot dog. Or rather, a hot cat.

"Ugghhh. I'm sorry, Sans. I don't feel like eating it."

"geez. ain't even hungry enough to have one of my specialties? now I KNOW somethin' ain't right with you." Sans said, shaking his bony head back and forth. "maybe a joke'll cheer you up. what do you call a guy who gets run over? tired."

Fluttershy, Luna and Frisk all slooooowly turned their heads to directly look at each other, then at Sans, saying absolutely nothing. "..."

"...wow, something IS wrong with you. not even a chuckle." Sans commented with a surprised look on his face.

"I can see his soul's aura. It is plagued with bad dreams. Something has a grip on him." She reasoned aloud. "Frisk, I ask of you. Tell me EVERYTHING thou dost remember of thy dreams. It's most imperative."

"I'm dreaming of these...amalgamates. Melted-together things, pieces of a person that used to be. They're called Memoryheads because they're...well, they're like living heads that are the embodiment of a memory of a man." Frisk said, his tone sounding just as exhausted as the child looked. "A man named Dr. Gaster. He used to be the Monster Kingdom's Royal Scientist...and he was Sans and Papyrus's big brother."

"Whatever happened to him?" Fluttershy softly inquired.

"He fell into his machine, into the time/space continuum and now's in pieces."

"what Frisk here means is that he's at a PIECE conference." Sans remarked wryly.

Many, many, MANY miles away, something stirred. A very furious growl turned into a roar as a cracked face snarled out high and loud enough to crack every glass window in Canterlot. Which it DID.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT BONEHEAD SAID THAT!"

"OW. OW. Sans, that joke was so bad it's physically hurting me, OWWW." Frisk moaned out, Luna whacking her head against the nearby wall over and over again, Fluttershy covering her face with one hoof as Sans nonchalantly shrugged.

"maybe you're right. guess I should leave and make sure you get some-"

"DON'T YOU DARE-"

"PIECE and quiet."

"OHHHHH." Frisk groaned, writhing on the couch as Sans exited the house, laughing uproariously as another pained groan echoed out from miles away in Canterlot.

"Ugggghhhhh. How detestible. He should put more backbone into his pu-" Princess Luna began to say before cringing. "Oh sonofa-"

"HA!" Sans laughed.

Unbeknownst to them, it wasn't Frisk who was in the most danger. No, that dubious honor went to Papyrus, who was hard at work in his new job as a guard for Princess Celestia in her palace at Canterlot. Well, "work" is a strong word. Because currently, he was, along with the other guards, enjoying a nice game of charades with her. Celestia was pantomining a clown to demonstrate the circus, though the guards couldn't quite pick up on that, least of all Papyrus. Then again, perhaps the other guards DID realize it, they just couldn't speak over Pap's VERY loud voice.

"OH! OH, YOU ARE A FLOWER! NO, NO WAIT, YOU ARE A PATIENT FROM AN INSANE ASYLUM! NO, NO WAIT! A MAGICIAN! YES, I AM CERTAIN YOU ARE A MAGICIAN! IS THE WORD MAGIC?"

Celestia chuckled a little, Papyrus happily bouncing up and down in the throne room as she cheerily smiled back, some of the other guards jabbing each other in the side, snickering a bit at his childish exeuberance. It was really quite adorable.

But then the room began to get dark and cold, a chill settling in as Celestia realized that she could see her breath right in front of her. She gasped, quickly looking around the room as the expanse all about her began to convert into utter shadows, and she narrowed her eyes. Was this Discord playing a prank? It couldn't be Sombra, he wasn't around anymore! What was going on?

"...PaPyRuS..." A voice whispered, its voice haunting and echoing as Papyrus stiffened in shock, Celestia looking over in his direction before inky blackness began to swell around him, Papyrus struggling to get free of the darkness that was engulfing him. He let out a gasp, trying to push the other guards away so they wouldn't get sucked in, Celestia racing towards him.

"NO! PRINCESS, STAY BACK! I DO NOT WISH YOU HARMED!" Papyrus insisted, the blackness carefully pinning his arms to his sides as a form rose out of the black, its face skeletal, one black crack running up its right eye, another running down towards its mouth on the left as it gazed over Papyrus, bony hand clasping Papyrus's cheek. "DO...DO I KNOW YOU?"

"You don't remember, Papyrus?" It spoke. "I remember everything about you. Everything."

Papyrus's mouth gaped open slightly, Celestia taking a step forward, eyes intently narrowed as her horn glowed. "You release him NOW. I will not allow you to harm an innocent."

"I only want what's mine." The being said. "I need...to make USE of you." It told Papyrus.

And with that, the inky blackness exploded outward like a bomb, Celestia reeling back along with the guards as she gasped, glancing around...

Papyrus was gone.

AN HOUR LATER...

Sans was calmly sitting on a bench in the park, leaning back and doing nothing. Just the way he liked things. Calmly sighing, he looked up at the sky, and the clouds idly passing by as he saw Papyrus approaching off in the distance, dressed in his normal attire and eagerly sitting down next to him. "WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?" Papyrus asked Sans.

"well, i like to watch shapes in the clouds. that one looks like a flying dragon, see?" Sans said, pointing with a bony finger up at a draconic-shaped puffy cloud that looked like it was belching out 'flames', Papyrus nodding in agreement.

"OH, YES, IT DOES INDEED."

"and that lil' one over there looks like a mother duck, and the other ones after it are lil' ducklings."

"LIKE THAT CUTE LITTLE BIRD THAT LOVES TO CARRY PEOPLE OVER RIVERS?" Papyrus inquired.

"yeah. we gotta treasure that bird." Sans agreed with a calm, respectful nod.

"MAY I TRY ONE?"

"of course, paps." Sans said with a wink, Papyrus rubbing his long chin before pointing upward with a red-gloved hand.

"OOH! THAT ONE LOOKS LIKE A WOUNDED DERPY WITH SMOKE COMING OFF OF HER WINGS-"

KRAKKA-THROOOOOM! Derpy Hooves crashed hard into the market, a cry of "MY CABBAGES" echoing out through the air as a loud "Sorry' echoed out soon after, Derpy limping by them, angrily holding up an exploded mailbag, complete with the shredded remains of what had been a suspicious package and cake frosting and cabbages all over her body, Sans raising a nonexistent eyebrow as he looked her over.

"what happened?"

"It's a SICK world we live in with SICK PONIES!" Derpy shrieked, grumbling darkly as Papyrus shook his head back and forth.

"WHAT A SHAME. THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER SEND MAIL THROUGH THE POSTAL SYSTEM."

"yeah. i'm guessing that was a Boom Boom Cake of Pinkie Pie's."

"HOW CAN YOU TELL?"

"cuz she's got a real explosive personality."

Silence for a long, long time before Papyrus wryly remarked "...I HATE TO TELL YOU THIS, BROTHER, BUT YOUR JOKE JUST...BOMBED."

Sans stiffened a little, slowly turning his head, as if truly seeing Papyrus for the first time, his mouth agape in surprise as Papyrus put a hand on his shoulder...with incredible weight behind it. "you're not paps."

"NO...I'm not." The being that was not Papyrus said. "You know who I am, Sans. And you know why I'm here. You understand why."

"gaster, come on, he's just a child-" Sans began to say, Gaster's stolen form shaking its head back and forth solemnly.

"I'm not going to harm him anymore than I've harmed Papyrus. Or that I'll harm you. I only want what's mine." Gaster explained."Now come. It's time for all of us to be one big family, Sans. The way it should be." He intoned kindly, as Sans felt a large embrace engulf him, the shadows swallowing his form as he fell deeper, deeper, deeper into the abyssal black around him...

And then, within a few moments, there was only what appeared to be Sans on the bench as he made his way back towards Fluttershy's cottage. "now then...third time is the charm."

...

...Frisk was still on the couch, fast asleep as Luna held a hoof to his head, focusing intently, her lips slightly pursed. Fluttershy stood nearby, biting her lip as the light softly filtered in through the window, bathing over Frisk in soft golden light as Luna cringed.

"This is serious. An immense block is inside his mind. Whatever's inside him has placed a mental barrier that I cannot easily break through. I will need additional help, Fluttershy." Luna sighed at last, removing her hoof from Frisk's forehead before steepling her hooves, lying back in the chair she was sitting on. "He will have to be taken to Zecora."

"taken to ol' stripeybutt, huh?" Sans's voice rang out as they turned, seeing he was stepping out of the closet, Fluttershy gasping as she slightly jumped up in the air. "what? c'mon, Fluttershy. nothing wrong with a couple skeletons in your closet. everybody has 'em."

"I take it you could simply...shortcut your way to Zecora?" Princess Luna mused aloud as he looked Sans over, the skeleton giving a cute little wink, showing off a faintly royal blue glowing eye as Frisk was softly hovered through the air and over towards him. "However are you able to do that?"

"ahhh, blue magic runs in the family, really." Sans the Skeleton remarked with a shrug. "both my brothers got different mastery over it. But Paps's spirit's tied to the trait of Bravery, so his magic comes off more orange. Me, I'm patient, so mine's light blue." He remarked with a shrug, unzipping his blue jacket as the sleeping Frisk was caaaarefully lowered down, down, and soon, was perfectly positoned right in front of Sans's form. With a little smile, Sans zipped his jacket back up, Frisk now warmly tucked away in the jacket almost like a mother kangaroo with her baby joey, as Sans patted the sleeping child on the head. "theeeere we go. all snug as a bug in a rug."

"You've been waiting to do that to him for a while, haven't you?" Fluttershy asked with a smile. "I can tell."

Sans gave her a big grin. "oh, you've no idea." He said, reopening the closet. "i'll see you two later. got a lot to do." he remarked before popping into the closet again, Fluttershy smiling before suddenly stiffening up. Something hadn't been right. What had he said? "My magic's light blue".

...but Frisk had been surrounded in a royal blue light.

"Princess Luna, I think something terrible has just happened." She realized aloud, wheeling around and looking into Luna's eyes. "We need to find Ms. Toriel immediately."

Meanwhile, Frisk was still tucked away inside the jacket as Gaster-Sans calmly walked down the forest path, heading to the abandoned Castle of the Two Sisters, the old castle of Princess Luna and Celestia. The castle was long overgrown, its steeples crumbling and cracked with trees around it drooping and saddened, everything about it giving off the air of dejection and abandonment as Gaster's borrowed form approached the front of the castle and pushed the doors open. Little Frisk was still fast asleep, Gaster's stolen form looking quietly down at Frisk, biting into a lack of bony lip.

He felt guilt. Frisk had been nothing but kind and loving to monsters like him. He'd freed his kind, he'd given his brothers something to live for again. Such a dear child.

"I..." He hesitated, gently stroking Frisk's brown-haired head. He just looked so cute, all tucked away tight and warm and safe in his jacketed body. "...he's just a child..." He murmured.

But he wanted to be whole again so dearly. To just be himself. Before he'd only been able to hold onto the material world in little bits and pieces, barely able to manifest for more than five minutes. But now with Sans and Papyrus sampled...

And soon it would be three with Frisk. Out of everyone in the Underground, four had the strongest physical connection to him. He'd been scattered in pieces across the Underground, and had barely managed to scrape enough of himself together for this wild, desperate plan. He needed four souls, and the pieces of himself within them: Sans, Papyrus, Frisk and Alphys. With Papyrus, his physical form would become more stable. With Sans, his mind would get more stable. With Alphys, he could get back his Soul. And with Frisk would come his heart, his compassion. He needed that. He needed to feel again. To just love someone.

"You're only feeling remnants of a man who once was." He murmured to himself, gently taking Frisk's sleeping form out of his jacket and laying him on a table as his visage began to shift, growing taller and darker. "You don't truly feel guilty. All you feel is a shell. Intellectually, you know you should feel disgusted. But you don't truly feel it. With the child claimed, you will. With the child claimed, you will feel again. Be almost utterly whole again. It's everything you want, isn't it?"

He now stood tall, a large skeleton in a dark cloaked robe with a silver undershirt, his form lean and faintly thin. A black crack ran up his eye, another running down to his mouth from the other eye, his skeletal hands having large holes in the center as he gently laid one on Frisk's head. "Believe me." He spoke softly to Frisk. "I'm truly grateful. With this, I'll be whole again. And you'll never be alone." He offered, shadows beginning to rise around Frisk as his SOUL was exposed...

Gaster flinching as he reeled back, cringing as he clutched at his chest, feeling his remnant of a Soul, his pale imitation flinching. Damn. The soft light of Sans and Papyrus within him were objecting. They were almost utterly overpowering him. Perhaps he couldn't claim the child yet. He'd need more raw power. Perhaps Alphys would do. Her Soul was rather weak-willed in comparison, and would provide the boost needed.

Ah, well. For now he could at least do one thing with the child. Carefully lifting the child up, he placed him between the folds of his coat as he buttoned it up more, the little one nicely tucked away inside him as he softly enjoyed the gentle movements of Frisk turning ever-so-slightly in a peaceful slumber. Sighing, Gaster sat down against a nearby wall, and softly drifted off to sleep himself to join the child in dreamland...

TO BE CONTINUED...

#Undertale #undertales #My Little Pony #My Litte Pony Friendship is Magic #crossover #fanfiction #fanfic #adventure #wd gaster #gaster #Frisk #Sans

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yes3racha · 4 years ago

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The Best Vacation Gifts For Dogs To Eat!

We've spent the last couple months testing and curating the best holiday presents for dogs (and their individuals)-- and also today's referrals are all gifts for your dog to EAT! If I needed to think, I believe today's most likely our dogs' favorite day of the gift overview!

When it pertains to screening edibles, I don't rely upon the dogs. They do not have the most critical tastes buds. My initial step is to assess active ingredients to see if it's something I really feel comfortable giving them. Currently, I'm not a person who's "all health and wellness, all the time." I such as to stabilize a bit of junk food once in a while. These winners, though, all rank really highly for being nutritious-- as well as I included our preferred supplements to balance out a lot of Christmas cookies. I had a difficult time tightening it down, so here are our favorite 7 finest holiday gifts for dogs that they can EAT!

DGP

Allow's kick this off with our supplement fave. I've written about this before, as well as if you have a dog with joint problems or you just desire preventative care, this is the one for you. DGP is all about supporting mobility and also versatility, as well as if your dog is already on a glucosamine-type supplement, it can be included in offer additional support. Lucas has bad hips, and he's starting to obtain a little bit older-- though he seems uninformed of that-- as well as enjoys to dip into doggy day care eventually a week. It was taking its toll on his joints, however with the DGP, he currently seems to be rather solid. I'm SUPER satisfied with this supplement, and also my big young boy is going to remain on it for sure!

Indigo Triple Chews

Oral wellness is essential, but we aren't terrific regarding cleaning these guys' teeth. We look for oral items that keep their teeth tidy and their mouths healthy and balanced. The Indigo Triple Chews are without a doubt our faves. They're absorbable and also grain-free. They incorporate benefits by including antioxidants as well as probiotics with the oral treatment. But why we like them: They actually are lasting. We've tried every type of oral chew, as well as they complete them SO quickly. As well quick for just how pricey they are. These seriously last longer than any other we attempted. I desired a statistics, so I gave one to Lucas before I took a seat to compose today. It took him from 3:24 till 3:51. In my house, that's a Christmas miracle.

Fruitables Holiday Edition: Vanilla Snowflake Flavor

So, these treats have by FAR the best tale to them. They are made with actual snows! Seriously! You can view a video of them gathering the snow. These are little, crunchy treats that are made with 300 snows in every bag. Exactly how amusing and also charming is that?! The ingredients are pretty allergy-friendly, too. The deals with do not consist of any kind of wheat, corn, soy, fabricated colors, or preservatives. While the young boys don't care way too much concerning those factors, they did swallow them up! I definitely like the tale and also assume these would certainly make a very wonderful equipping stuffer for any kind of lucky dog!

Zuke's.

Complete disclosure: If you have a dog who is as food sensitive as Cooper is, Zuke's have actually not been the most effective treats for him. For some reason, they actually intensify his sensitive stomach. The big children, on the other hand, couldn't. get. enough. We enjoy Zuke's for training due to the fact that they have a solid scent and are quickly burglarized bits. These jerky ones, though, have a lamb that we're trying with Coop, and so far, so good! The other flavors are wonderful for the various other dogs. There are a pair various beef options as well as turkey, as well. These jerky deals with-- made from totally risk-free meat sourced in the US as well as New Zealand, rather than China-- include genuine meat, carrots, blueberries, apples, and antioxidant-rich herbs. We damage them into tiny pieces to utilize when we're collaborating with the dogs outside since the strong scent keeps them involved. These are treats we NEVER intend to lack!

Train-Me Treats.

We do a great deal of training around below, and we use treats for practically everything from normal walks around the block to teaching new tricks to dealing with whatever Cooper's brand-new fear-of-the-moment is. To keep them interested, we need to mix up the rewards. These training treats from Crazy Dog were brand-new to me, and they've been functioning so well. They're soft-- so much far better than crispy when training-- and all listing meat as the very first active ingredient. They are available in bacon, hen, and beef flavors and also either 4-ounce or 6-ounce bags.

Pet Naturals of Vermont supplements.

Many years earlier, we drove from DC to Indiana. Then, later on, from Indiana to Louisiana. Then, once more later on, from Louisiana to Indiana. Sigh. All those miles with the dogs is pretty stressful, so we had actually been acquiring Pet Naturals of Vermont calming treats. They have a HUGE range of supplements past the preferred soothing deals with, however, and also we've been using the Daily Best for Emmett (although, I assume possibly he needs the senior formula) and also the Skin + Coat. They're well-formulated as well as definitely have a good taste-- the boys swallow them up. Bonus offer for anyone with an allergy-prone dog: The Skin + Coat variation is flavored with duck, making it much more commonly endured!

PetSafe 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder.

If you reside in a multi-pet family, this may not be the Christmas gift for you (unless you have a cat who has separate accessibility from your dog or something). My herd insists on being fed at a certain time. Every. Solitary. Day. Morning meal goes to 7. Dinner is at 5. I understand not everybody has animals so persistent concerning their feeding times, however these guys urge. For some time, Coop was likewise eating lunch. As well as, actually, Newt obtains a problem plaything mid-day. Anyhow, this item would be a dream if you needed to do a mid-day feeding or if you had a late meeting or dinner strategies as well as wanted to feed your pet dog in a timely manner. For a dog like Emmett-- who takes, approximately, 15 tablets a day a few of which have to be timed with meals-- this would certainly be a lifesaver if you needed to leave early/come residence late. All you do is load the feeder, set a timer, as well as TA DA! Your animal is fed the right amount at the right time, even if you need to head out or are running late! $34.95 for the 2-Meal (1.5 cups per side) variation (HINT: The five mug variation is coming later in the week!).

Barker Kitsen treat array-- No much longer readily available.

You individuals, I'm in love. Can you be in love with a pet merchant? I sure am! This online shop is dedicated to "under-the-radar items," which indicates you're going to find something NEW in their store. I seriously liked poking around, and I take a look at pet products all-the-live-long day! From their goal: "The firm's mission is to assist quality-minded pet dog owners make exceptional product selections to maintain their pet dogs healthy and satisfied, while providing arising as well as unknown brands national direct exposure as a distribution source for their products." As I stated, I'm in love! They sent us a bunch of treats to attempt: Raw Bistro free-range bison liver and also flaxseed treats, natural pleasant potato treats from 2 Dogs Treats, Bixbi's Skin and Coat chicken breast jerky, and Scrappy Moo deals with. Not one of those deals with was a flop. We liked them ALL. (Cooper might also consume the bison! Yippee!) And the product packaging is very adorable. Integrated with the excellent mission, I'm head over heels!

#dog food #sensitive stomach

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