#Canned Cranberry Sauce Review

[bluepoodle7]

#Walmart #GreatValue #GreatValueWalmartJelliedCranberrySauce #CannedCranberrySauceReview

I tried the Great Value Walmart Jellied Cranberry Sauce and it was pretty good.

This was firm but jelly soft and had a light sweet cranberry taste.

This tasted like a fresh cranberry than artificial tasting.

This was lightly sweet to me.

I would eat this again.

Got at Walmart.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

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Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, familial judgement/bullying, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your mother invites a lonely coworker to Thanksgiving, a bit too lonely.

Characters: Andy Barber

Note: this is the second of my autumn fics as decided by all of you!

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me <3

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Asking for more or putting ‘part 2?’ is not feedback.

Love you all. You are appreciated and your are worthy. Treat yourself with care. 💖

The smell of nutmeg hits you as you enter the house. That and the garble of voices. You take your time as you unlace your boots, keeping your jacket on as the rack is already overflowing with the like. You mentally ready yourself to face your famiiy and their annual judging panel. 

You peek into the front room as you keep a firm hold of the boxed pies you grabbed from your favourite bakery in the city. You promised dessert and you brought it. You'll put them down before you wade in the deep end. 

You enter the kitchen, rehearsing your greeting for your mother, but you're met with a stranger's back. He stands at the counter, scraping cranberry sauce from a saucepan into a serving dish. His brown hair is combed back neatly, though you can only see the ends from your vantage, and he wears a pressed shirt too white for the task at hand. 

You hesitate. Where the heck is your mom? You can't see the man's face but you can tell he's a bit too young for her. Or so you would assume. He could be a cousin's boyfriend and yet he might be a bit above that. 

"Um, hi," you say as you approach the end of the island counter, well away from him, "I'm looking for my mom." 

"Your mom? Doris?" He wonders. 

"Yeah," you answer as you set the pies on the counter. "I know I'm a little late..." 

"She just went to grab something from the cellar," he explains. "I'm Andy--" 

"There she is," your mom sweeps in with her seasonal gravy dish. "Mm, I knew you'd bring store bought." 

"They're from a local bakery." 

"You never did like being in the kitchen," she reprimands. "Oh, Andrew, that looks perfect. Not too runny." 

You glance at the man. This strange man draws praise from her like honey from a comb, whereas you find the task as easy as squeezing juice from a stone. You let it roll off your back like you have for years. 

"I got pumpkin, apple crumble, and some pecan. They usually sell out of that." You say. 

"Ooh, pecan," the man, Andy, says. 

"Oh, Andrew, my younger daughter," your mother introduces you as an afterthought as she goes to wash the gravy boat, "The typist." 

"Typist? Mom, I'm an admin assistant," you counter. "I guess it doesn't matter." 

"Just her, I'm afraid," she shuts off the faucet. "And her pies. No grandkids from her yet." 

You see that this year is going to be just like the last. You're better off facing the rabble of aunts and uncles waiting for you in the front room. Heck, the kids' table might be the place for you. 

"Thirty this year," your mother adds. 

You force a tight-lipped smile. When you were a kid, it was your grades or the stubborn bit of hair at the back of your head or that your sister, Tia, did it better. Now you're an adult, it's your lack of ambition or lack of kids. You don't think you lack the former and you don't really want the latter. Life is what it is. You have a job that pays your bills and you don't need to add to your cost of living. 

"I work with your mom." He offers. You look at him again. 

He’s tall, blue-eyed, distinguished. He’s older but carries it well enough. The thin lines around his eyes only add to his looks, and his thick beard further defines his jaw. 

"Oh, the law firm?" 

"He's a new partner," your mother preens. "Oh, he gave your brother some good advice too. Hopefully he can move out of that public office soon enough." 

Right, Rodney does everything right. He got into law, just like your mother told him too, and he has a pretty house and a pretty wife and three spoiled brats. Tia only has the one and a husband who works out of town every weekend. They're real grown-ups but to you, growing up seems boring. 

Your life isn't glamourous. You do diamond art or catch-up on the last issue of your favourite comic when you're not too tired. You get takeout once a week, otherwise you put the ready-made meals in the microwave and eat it in front of the television. It's not special but it's your life. 

"Public defenders do a service to the community," Andy says. "I did it for twenty years. It's not bad work. He can move up." 

"Mm, and yet you moved to a private firm," your mother challenges him. 

"Maybe you should be partner," he chortles at her playfully as he wipes his hands on the tails of the borrowed apron tied around his torso. 

"My mom makes really good stuffing," you say, "I'm sure you'll enjoy it, even if you're not home for the holiday." You drag your feet along the tile, "I'm going to say hello to Auntie Toya." 

"Good luck. She's in one of her moods," your mother tuts. "Must be menopause." 

You leave before she can aim another snipe in your direction. She can't help but let the bullets fly and see where they hit. It might be thanksgiving, but you're struggling to find much to be grateful for. 

🍂

"Mandy has a Christmas recital. I'll be sending the invite in the family chat," Tia, your sister, proclaims. "If you can make it, she'd be so happy, huh, sweetie?" 

She pets behind her daughter's ear and makes her giggle. Every awes and cooes at the little girl. Just like when your sister was her age, she's the princess of the family. 

"I can try to bring the kids," Rodney says. "We're thinking to get Kelly into dance next year. I need to get used to those things." 

Everyone laughs. You're not very amused. You're happy the kids have hobbies, that they are doing interesting things, but you just don't care that much. Still, your happy to be able to fade into the background. 

"I'm sure your sister can make it," your mother says, bring you back into the universe, "she doesn't have anything else going on." 

Your eyes dart back and forth. Your mouth is full of potatoes. You gulp painfully. 

"I can set the date aside. I still have some vacation left," you choke out. You can't make up an excuse with a whole audience to call you out. 

You sink back into silence as Tia goes on about the show. They're doing The Nutcracker. Oh joy. You were never a fan. Why can't they do something fun, like The Grinch? 

"Don't think I'm included in that invite," Andrew says under his breath from your left shoulder. As the two loners at the table, you're put together. "Kinda awkward." 

He chuckles, trying to ease the tension. You shift and hide your embarrassment. You forgot there was a complete stranger here to witness your judgement. 

"Right, well... I'm sure you have enough going on," you say. 

"I'm sure you do too," he pokes at the yams. "Kids keep you busy but life is already hectic." 

"Sure," you agree dully. You don't want to be rude. "you have kids?" 

"One. A son. Grown. He went to his girlfriend's for the holiday and his mom... is not in town." 

"Bad timing," you take another bite of potatoes. Maybe next year you can come down with a timely case of the flu. 

"Don't be silly. She doesn't have a boyfriend. We'd all know," your mother trills with laughter. You pop your head up as the hairs on your neck tingle. You know she means you before you even catch her gaze. "It'd be such an achievement, she'd have to shout it from the rooftops." 

You lost track of the conversation and you're not sure how you became the butt of the joke, but you're tired. It's supposed to be a day for family but it just feels like you're being cast out of yours. You put your fork down. 

"I'm going to clear my plate. Think I had too big a snack on the drive here," you stand, gritting back your irritation. "As usual, stuffing's delicious." 

You get up and make your way along the table. The silence is dense. Oh well. If they want to make this painful, you can do the same. 

You go to the kitchen and find a container. You scrape your leftovers into it and shake your head. You suppose you are behind. You're thirty years old. Next year you'll be thirty-one and her chiding will be even louder. The ticking of the clock will only ger worse as the years go by. 

"You're right, stuffing's good," Andy says. 

You wince and glance over your shoulder. "Uh, yeah. Like I said, think my eyes were bigger than my stomach." 

He comes up next to you and rinses off his plate, "well, I think my stomach would be turning too after that." 

"It's whatever," you shrug. 

"Thirty isn't old. You got time," he says. 

"Thanks," you reply tersely. 

"Not that it's any of my business." 

You're silent. It isn't but you're not going to be rude enough to say that out loud. Unlike the rest of your family, you can keep your thoughts to yourself. They might think you're immature because you're not living behind a white picket fence, but at least you don't act like a teenager. 

"It's better to take your time. You know, you rush into big decisions and you can't undo them. They don't always turn the way people promise," he says. "You follow that road map, take one wrong turn and you're wife's spending Thanksgiving with her 'work husband' at a hotel." He opens the dishwasher and wedges his plate between the metal, "Work husband, secret boyfriend, you know..." 

You're struck by the revelation. You can hear the tension in his voice. The hurt, the anger. 

"Oh, I'm sorry," you utter dumbly. 

"You're sorry? She isn't," he reaches for your plate and rinses it next. "I'm not telling you because I want you to feel bad for me. I guess I'm trying to commiserate. It could be worse." He adds your plate to the washer, "you're doing nothing wrong. Being alone means you have choices. Being tied to someone... you have obligations." 

"Yeah, sounds about right," you say. "Well, thanks. Not to benefit off your pain but yeah." You put the lid on the tupperware and sidle along to put it in the fridge, "I think I'm going to get some fresh air. Getting a bit overcrowded in here." 

"A little," he agrees. 

You leave and hold your breath until you get to the front door. Who knew the stranger at the table would be the only one to make you feel welcome? 

You grab your coat from the guest room and push your feet into your boots at the front door. You go outside into the brisk air. It's actually nice. Refreshing almost. 

You sit on the porch bench. In the colder months, it's rarely used. It hasn't snowed yet but the frost glistening on the grass is foreboding. 

You tuck your hands into your sleeves and look along the street. The other houses with yellow windows, glowing with the warmth and shadow of happy families. This time of year has only ever been stressful to you. You're never a part of the fun, you're usually the source of it. 

The front door opens and you fight to keep your unease under wraps. You don't need your mom lecturing you. Again. Or Tia telling you not to be jealous. Whatever happens is always your fault. 

"Whew, it's cold," Andy's voice eases your nerves as it assures you it isn't who you fear. 

"Yep, I don't mind. It's the only thin I like about this time of year." 

"Really?" He nears and sits on the other end of the bench. "I'm a summer person, I guess. Used to be we'd go to some resort for New Years." He says. 

"Sounds nice," you say. 

"I know. I'm moaning about a luxury," he scoffs, "trust me, I get it. I got it all, what do I got to whine about?" 

"I wouldn't say that. You never know what people have going on." 

"Nope," he agrees and rubs his hands together. He's quiet as he leans forward, resting his elbows on his legs. He bends and unbends his fingers as he examines them then sits up again. "Brrr. Only good thing about this weather, snuggle weather." 

He laughs. You try to. It's an awkward joke. 

"Maybe I should get a cat," he suggests. 

"Maybe," you clutch your hands tight. You should go inside. You know he's being nice but he's ruined the moment. 

Your teeth chatter as you take a deep breath of the late autumn air. Just a little longer before you go back. You close your eyes. 

The bench creaks and you think he's getting up. He must get the hint. Instead, as you open your eyes, you feel a weight across your shoulders. You flinch and peek at him from the corner of your eye. 

"You're shivering," he says. 

You look at him then back to the road. You should pull away but you can't. It feels mean. 

"God, my hands are so cold," he grips your shoulder as he puts his other hand on your thigh. 

"Woah," you catch his thick fingers. 

"Come on, let's get warmed up," he breaks through your resistance and rubs your leg. 

"Alright, I don't know what you think--" 

"What's so wrong about it? Like trains passing through the night. My wife's cheating, you're single, we could have some fun," he purrs as he holds you against him. 

"Um, no thanks," you grab his fingers again. "I'm flattered but--" 

"Shh, shh," he peels his hand away from your leg, once more evading your grasp, and grabs your chin. "Your mom told me all about it. How you can't get a date--" 

"That's not--" you latch onto his wrist, "stop, please, Andy." 

"Come on," he turns your head and nuzzles your nose with his, "I'm so fucking lonely. My wife hasn't touched me in over a year." 

"Your wife-- Andy," you hiss. 

"Just kiss me, please? That's all I want. Just a little affection. To feel wanted." 

"You're-- stop. Let go of me," you try to dislodge his hold on you. He's too strong.  

He tilts his head and presses his lips to yours. You murmur and slep his chest with your other hands. He hooks his arm around you as he angles you toward him. You writhe and bite his lip. 

He gasps and pulls back, keeping you locked in his embrace, "listen, sweetheart, you wanna play hard-to-get," he squeezes your jaw until you whimper, "what's mom gonna think when she catches you all over her married coworker?" 

"No, that's not--" 

"I'm sure she'll believe you," he snarls and slides his hand down to your throat. 

"Why..." you croak. 

"Baby, please, it's not a bad thing," he moves you with him as he edges off the bench. He turns, one arm still around you, his other hand locked onto your neck. He bends and forces you onto your back as he settles over you. "I'm going to make you feel just as good as you make me feel." 

You wriggle and whine. What he says is just as scary as what he hasn't said. He'll make you feel as good as you do him, or as bad.

[xx-dinah-writing-xx]

hi, can you write a fluff about the Smiths' Christmas family tradition? like, do they watch 11th doctor's special for Christmas? or it is just one Christmas when Y/N is seized by a whim and wants to review one of Matt's film with kids on the Christmas eve and Matt's reaction to that... (hope that i fully deliver my message, my English isn't very good :)

Christmas Chaos

Matt Smith x reader

Fluff

The soft glow of Christmas lights filled the living room, and the crackling fireplace added a comforting warmth to the festive atmosphere. Snow fell lazily outside, covering the world in a blanket of white, while the “Doctor Who” Christmas special played in the background. Lilly and Jack were curled up on the couch, snug in matching reindeer Christmas pajamas, their eyes glued to the screen. Little Max, still too young to fully understand the story, sat cross-legged on the floor, clutching an action figure that vaguely resembled the Doctor.

In the kitchen, Yn rolled out cookie dough, the flour dusting her fingers and hair. The scent of roasted turkey wafted through the air, mingling with cinnamon and nutmeg from the mulled wine bubbling on the stove. Matt, nearby in a comically oversized apron that read “Kiss the Cook”, was halfway through stirring a questionable pot of cranberry sauce.

“Matt, I need the butter,” Yn said, brushing flour off her nose.

He frowned, looking down at the sugar container in his hands. “This isn’t butter?”

Yn sighed, trying not to laugh. “It’s in the fridge. Middle shelf.”

Matt opened the fridge, rooting around until he found it. “You’ve hidden it all the way in the back, haven’t you? Trying to sabotage my cranberry masterpiece?”

“Yes, Matt,” Yn teased, “because you’ve always been such a renowned chef.”

He grinned, tossing her the butter. Yn caught it with ease, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t kill me with that stick.”

He raised his brow with a smirk and chuckled. “What can I say? Living life on the edge is my specialty,” he quipped, leaning on the counter like he was a suave chef from a cooking show.

Yn rolled her eyes but smiled. “Why don’t you check on the kids before your ‘specialty’ burns down the kitchen?”

“I’ll have you know,” Matt said as he walked into the living room, “that this cranberry sauce is a culinary masterpiece in progress!”

Inside, Jack was enthusiastically narrating the episode to Lilly.

“And then the Doctor’s gonna swoop in and save everyone!” Jack said, bouncing on the couch.

Lilly rolled her eyes. “He always does. That’s the point of the show.”

Max looked up at Matt as he entered the room. “Daddy, that you?” he asked, pointing to the screen.

Matt crouched down next to him. “It sure is, buddy. But not really. It’s a pretend story.”

Max’s little brow furrowed. “Why you have much hair there?” he pointed to the tv again.

Matt gasped dramatically, putting a hand to his chest. “Excuse me? Are you saying I don’t have a lot of hair now?”

Jack chimed in, giggling. “You have less! You’re getting old, Daddy!”

“I am not old!” Matt cried, fluffing up his still thick, unruly hair. “This is premium, luxurious, fluffy hair! How dare you insult it!”

The kids collapsed into a fit of laughter, while Max reached up to pat Matt’s head. “Yes, fluffy Daddy.”

“Thank you, Max,” Matt said, pretending to wipe away a tear. “At least someone appreciates me.”

Back in the kitchen, Yn smirked as she overheard the conversation. “Matt, stop being so dramatic and bring the kids in to help with the cookies!”

A few minutes later, the kitchen descended into chaos as the kids eagerly grabbed cookie cutters and frosting. Lilly was determined to make a star, Jack was focused on trees, and Max insisted on creating a snowman.

“Mine looks perfect!” Lilly declared, holding up her star proudly.

“It’s a blob,” Jack teased, poking at it with a toothpick.

“Yours looks like a mushroom,” Lilly shot back, sticking her tongue out.

Meanwhile, Max, in his excitement, had managed to smear frosting all over his snowman—and his face. Matt laughed, crouching down to wipe his cheek. “Buddy, the frosting goes on the cookie, not on you.”

“But it tasty!” Max giggled, licking a bit off his finger.

Yn turned to see Jack attempting to sprinkle sugar over the tray, only to knock over the entire container. A mountain of glittering sugar coated the counter and some of the cookies.

“Oops,” Jack said sheepishly.

“Jack!” Lilly cried, though she couldn’t help laughing.

Yn and Matt exchanged a look, both trying not to burst out laughing themselves. “Well,” Yn said finally, “these cookies are going to be… unique.”

“Festive, I love it.” Matt added, holding up a tree-shaped cookie that looked more like a bush.

Despite the mess, the kids were beaming with pride as they placed their creations on a tray for the oven. As the cookies baked, the chaos didn’t end—Max tried to eat raw dough, Jack started a sprinkle fight, and Lilly declared herself the frosting queen. Yet, Matt and Yn wouldn’t have had it any other way.

[whentherewerebicycles]

owen’s reviews of thanksgiving foods:

turkey purée: 9/10. he was so intrigued by the flavor he had to grab the spoon out of my hand and feed himself. nom nom nom

mashed potatoes: 11/10. he ate with incredible gusto and wept bitterly when I took the spoon away. fortunately he’d had the foresight to smear extras all over his face, shirt, and vest for safekeeping so he could continue to snack

cranberry sauce: 4/10. too tart (he made a face of great surprise and shock when he tasted it) but he can absolutely see the merits of coating fruit in a sugary syrup

green bean casserole: 0/10. he tasted it and became hysterical. the only thing that would console him was a cuddle and a little more turkey purée

apple crisp: no score for now (he sniffed it but was not in the mood after his bottle)

[alchemistdetective]

"Morning Cress, here's today's delivery of sandwich bread~"

Nyalter's plonking a basket of freshly-baked bread onto the counter for Crescent. Just getting it in before opening time for both of them.

"By the way, I messed around with one of my recipes and came up with something interesting... Not sure how well it'll work out well for different tastes, but I thought it was good."

"Basically, it's a chicken sandwich, with grilled chicken shredded into more manageable chunks. You add some salad - not too watery, or it'll mess it up. Then you mix avocado and mayonnaise, add a little bit of cranberry, and use that as a sauce-spread on the bread before putting the chicken and salad in it~"

She was just messing around, she's still working on the recipe, but maybe Crescent can try it...

"Oh, thanks! Just enough for today too! Here's your payment."

She's going to slide the usual amount onto Nyalter, before putting the sandwich bread onto it's usual spot.

Still, a new recipe? This, she's got to see.

Looking at her new invention, Crescent notes what she mentioned. Grilled chicken, salad, mixed with avocado and mayonaise...cranberry, and using Nyalter's secret sauce...

... Well, Nyalter may be messing around, but the fairy surely isn't. Sitting on it, she flicks a pen, writes down what she mentioned, and...

nom!

......

"Not bad. But you may be a bit too generous again, Nyalter. Let's review what you put. You added..."

Salad

Avocado

Mayonaise

Cranberry

Sauce

Grilled Chicken

On top of two pieces of bread.

"Avocado and Mayonaise are already both extremely creamy, so try not to use so much. Also, go easy on the cranberries, it might overwhelm the entire flavor too."

"But you must absolutely be sure to toast it so the creamy ingredients hold on, otherwise the bread will fall through the weight. Got it? I would pay 500 yen for this, which is about the higher range in Gensokyo for a sandwich."

[meika-kuna]

Christmas Catering: How to Plan the Perfect Holiday Feast?

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and delicious food. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, an office party, or a festive event, Christmas catering can make your holiday feast stress-free and memorable. With the right planning and professional service, you can enjoy a hassle-free Christmas meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In this guide, we will explore how to plan the perfect holiday feast with Christmas catering, covering everything from choosing the right caterer to creating a festive menu.

Choosing the Right Christmas Caterer

Selecting a reliable and experienced caterer is the first step to ensuring a successful holiday feast. Look for caterers who specialize in Christmas catering and offer a variety of festive menu options. Consider the following factors when making your choice:

Reputation and Reviews: Check customer reviews and testimonials to ensure the caterer has a good track record.

Menu Variety: A great Christmas catering service should offer a diverse menu with traditional and modern holiday dishes.

Dietary Accommodations: Ensure the caterer can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options.

Budget Considerations: Compare pricing and packages to find a caterer that fits your budget while maintaining quality.

Flexibility and Customization: Some caterers allow you to customize the menu according to your preferences, making the experience more personalized.

Designing the Perfect Christmas Catering Menu

A well-planned Christmas catering menu is the highlight of any holiday gathering. It should include a mix of traditional favorites, seasonal specialties, and crowd-pleasing dishes. Here’s a breakdown of essential menu items:

1. Appetizers and Starters

Start the meal with a selection of festive appetizers that set the tone for the feast:

Stuffed mushrooms with cheese and herbs

Prawn cocktail with a tangy sauce

Mini beef Wellington bites

Cranberry and brie puff pastry bites

Roasted chestnut and butternut squash soup

2. Main Course

The centerpiece of your Christmas catering should be a flavorful main course. Traditional and contemporary options include:

Roast Turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy

Honey-Glazed Ham with cloves and maple syrup

Beef Wellington with a crispy puff pastry crust

Vegetarian Nut Roast with seasonal herbs and spices

Salmon en Croute for seafood lovers

3. Side Dishes

Complement the main dishes with a variety of delicious sides:

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic butter

Candied sweet potatoes with pecans

Yorkshire puddings with onion gravy

Sautéed green beans with almonds

4. Desserts

No Christmas catering menu is complete without indulgent desserts. Some classic options include:

Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce

Yule log cake with chocolate ganache

Mince pies with spiced fruit filling

Gingerbread cookies with festive decorations

Eggnog cheesecake with a graham cracker crust

5. Drinks and Beverages

Offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to complement the feast:

Mulled wine with cinnamon and oranges

Classic eggnog with nutmeg

Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Spiced apple cider

Festive mocktails with cranberries and mint

Presentation and Festive Ambience

Beyond delicious food, the presentation and ambiance play a key role in a successful Christmas catering experience. Consider the following tips:

Table Setting: Use festive tableware, napkins, and centerpieces to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Lighting: Soft, warm lighting enhances the holiday mood. Candles and fairy lights add a magical touch.

Decorations: Incorporate holiday elements like wreaths, garlands, and ornaments to elevate the festive vibe.

Serving Style: Decide between buffet-style catering for a casual gathering or plated service for a more elegant experience.

Benefits of Christmas Catering

Opting for Christmas catering offers several benefits, making your holiday celebration smooth and enjoyable:

Saves Time and Effort: Avoid the stress of meal preparation and focus on spending time with loved ones.

Professional Quality: Experienced caterers provide high-quality food and presentation.

Customizable Menus: Tailor the menu to fit your preferences and dietary needs.

Hassle-Free Cleanup: Many catering services offer cleanup options, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities.

Variety and Creativity: Explore diverse flavors and dishes beyond what you’d normally cook at home.

Conclusion

Christmas catering is the perfect solution for hosting a stress-free and memorable holiday feast. From choosing a reputable caterer to designing a festive menu, every detail contributes to a successful celebration. With delicious food, beautiful presentation, and a joyful ambiance, your guests will have an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a large gathering, professional Christmas catering allows you to relax and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest. Make this Christmas special by embracing the convenience and elegance of catered holiday dining.

[frogsandfries]

Y'know what? Those authors of the philosophy "do substances and then do writing" are abso-fucking-lutely correct.

Unfortunately, they didn't account for also writing at the right time of day. Which is also a charm.

So I personally hated chapter two; I was working within the source material. But chapter two was the train ride, chapter three will be either the journey to the Sorting or that plus the Sorting feast, depending on where I can break things. Chapter four might end up being leaving the Great Hall for the common room. At this point, I haven't really had any opportunities to really diverge from the source material, but if I remember correctly, Hermione is kind of a loner for the first several weeks of term. What if she was already working on a justice project? Maybe she barely even noticed the passage of time because she was busy studying and working on this project?

It is unfortunate that the right time of day for me is only about 10 or 11pm till about 1am. At least while I'm sick, I can't really stay up that late, otherwise it would probably be more like two or three in the morning. I don't sleep well, so I'm kind of forced to sleep more.

My sister was doing something with the freezer and found this salmon that I thought had been eaten. I had some teriyaki sauce left over, so I had that with the rice I made yesterday, and some frozen veggies. With something like chicken, which I had yesterday, the recipe of teriyaki sauce I made was really ginger-y, but with the fish, it was excellent. Then I had to have some pretzel bits, and ice cream. I haven't really been eating because I don't really want to gag up my dinner (that's happened before), and there isn't really anything in the house easy to eat to save me the energy and effort.

Tomorrow, I want to try to make these orange scone cookies, probably with cranberries somehow (we have dried and canned), and definitely some kind of icing (ideally orange, but we'll see). The dining room really needs to be cleaned, and the living room sure could do with a clean. The upstairs hall, all the way down the stairs needs to be cleaned too. The seat I like to use needs to be vacuumed because it keeps making me allergic. The shower curtain should be washed. There's a lot to be done and not enough spoons to go around. With my NM business delayed, I can get to the ER earlier than I expected and try to get something I'm not allergic to, to help with my asthma.

I'm also expecting some follow up information about exactly what happened in NM, plus maybe some contact on some other business I'm trying to get sorted.

I love when I'm really in my groove in my notes/original draft. Who doesn't love the feeling of just absolutely flying through scene after scene? And then, while you're recharging, you go back and start to review your material, go back and start your first draft (I was raised to believe in the Zero Draft, so for me, the first draft is what you get after you've vomited all over your physical or digital paper). And if you don't have enough runway to do that, you start to pick at your second draft, and then hell, it's just a fanfic, mechanically I'm a good enough writer, I just type it right up for AO3. Who needs to put the draft away to cure for six months? Pffftt not me! (I am absolutely just kidding; I absolutely will get to the end of some point and go back and reflect on this first part--no, I haven't decided if I might break this story down by the school year.)

Plus, I really would like to get this project out of my way. Which is hysterical of me to say. I wonder how long it's actually going to take (and how long until I get a job finally, and how that's going to slow me down). Luckily, about 30% of the material is already written. I think it's 30%..........maybe once I get more into what Hermione gets up to without the boys......

[jaisarchu]

Top Picks: Dining at the Best Restaurants in Zakopane

Introduction: Zakopane, nestled in the scenic Tatra Mountains of Poland, is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its vibrant culinary scene. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a casual diner, Zakopane offers a plethora of dining options to tantalize your taste buds. In this blog, we'll explore the top restaurants in Zakopane that promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Discovering the Best Restaurant in Zakopane When it comes to dining in Zakopane, finding the best restaurant can be a delightful adventure. From cozy mountain lodges to chic eateries, Zakopane caters to every palate and preference.

The Culinary Landscape of Zakopane Zakopane's culinary landscape is a melting pot of traditional Polish cuisine, regional specialties, and international flavors. Whether you crave pierogi filled with savory fillings or hearty mountain stews, Zakopane has something for everyone.

Exploring Traditional Polish Fare For an authentic culinary experience, venture into Zakopane's traditional Polish restaurants. Indulge in classics like "oscypek" (smoked cheese) served with cranberry sauce or "kwasnica" (sauerkraut soup) brimming with flavor.

Fine Dining Amidst Nature's Splendor Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Zakopane while dining at its finest restaurants. Picture-perfect views of the Tatra Mountains serve as the backdrop for upscale dining experiences that elevate your gastronomic journey.

International Flavors and Fusion Cuisine Zakopane's dining scene isn't limited to Polish cuisine; it also boasts a diverse array of international flavors and fusion dishes. From Italian trattorias to Asian-inspired bistros, explore a world of culinary delights without leaving Zakopane.

 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Restaurant With so many dining options available, it's essential to consider several factors when selecting the best restaurant in Zakopane. Factors such as cuisine type, ambiance, location, and customer reviews can influence your dining experience.

Location and Ambiance Choose a restaurant that aligns with your preferences, whether you prefer a cozy mountain chalet nestled amidst pine trees or a trendy bistro in the heart of Zakopane's bustling town center.

Cuisine and Menu Selection Consider your culinary preferences and dietary restrictions when browsing restaurant menus. Opt for establishments that offer a diverse selection of dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Customer Reviews and Recommendations Seek out recommendations from fellow travelers and locals to discover hidden gems and must-visit eateries in Zakopane. Online review platforms and travel guides can provide valuable insights into the dining experiences offered by various restaurants.

Conclusion: Dining at the best restaurants in Zakopane is a culinary journey that promises to delight and satisfy your appetite. Whether you're savoring traditional Polish fare or indulging in international flavors, Zakopane's dining scene offers something for every palate. By considering factors such as cuisine type, ambiance, and customer reviews, you can ensure a memorable dining experience that showcases the rich culinary heritage of this charming mountain town.

[alsamara]

December In Review

Well let’s start off with I’m stealing Li’s template.

What’s In My Cup?

AM: As of late I’ve been drinking black/earl grey tea w/ honey or drip coffee because too much caffeine has been giving me massive anxiety and OCD tics which we don’t even want to get into. I add 1 scoop of Agent Nateur’s holi(mane) which is just collagen powder w/ pearl powder. It actually really helps the evenness of my complexion in my skin. Then I add some hazelnut, english toffee, or vanilla stevia drops depending on the vibe I’m in each day and then my nut pod creamer. Also, you guys I’ve been putting my warm drinks in my ember cup I got for Christmas and it keeps it to the temperature I want for so long, I can shower, do my skincare, whatever and it’s still the same temp. 😭 life changing.

During the day: I’m drinking water with silica drops for thicker and healthier hair, ultima electrolytes in lemonade, and trace mineral drops. I rly want to try the LMNT??? Element??? (Idk..) electrolytes, but why do all the flavors sound like they taste bad.

During the holidays I have been partaking in an occasional sprite that I mix with white peach cranberry juice, cranberry sauce, frozen cranberries, and a sprig of rosemarry as a little mocktail vibe.

PM: I’ve been drinking teas. My favorites have been spearmint, hibiscus tea w/ honey, or elderberry healer by the company rishi.

What’s On My Plate?

AM: smoothies are my go to.. usually strawberry & banana with almond milk, cacao powder, inulin, flax seed, chia seeds, rice bran, pearl powder, chocolate protein powder, cacao nibs, and honey to make it taste like a chocolate covered banana/strawberry.

Pm: I have been rly into a couple things that I’m just rotating…

1. smash burgers on corn tortillas that have been all over TikTok lately. They’re just easy and take such little planning.

2. I marinate boneless, skinless chicken thighs in coconut aminos, salt, minced garlic and minced ginger from a jar and cook it in a pan with all the sauce from marinating. Add it as a dressing on top of a bed of lettuce, cilantro, green onions, sugar snap peas, cabbage slaw mix, and add vermicelli noodles if I’m feeling like I want some carbs.

3. Another one is chicken thighs skin rubbed w/ salt & garlic, fry up the chickens and then remove them from the pan add in black rice (super high in antioxidants) with minced ginger, garlic, let it soak in all the oils and then I add chicken stock, a can of coconut milk and lemongrass smashed. Then add the chicken back in and ignore it for 40 mins. ( this is just a recipe from Gwyneth Paltrow clean plate book which I kind of die for)

My mom and I made Julia Childs lamb for Christmas with green beans and an endive salad.

What’s On My Bookshelf?

Currently reading the 4th book in the “Magnolia Parks Universe” It’s called “The Great Undoing” the series starts out with a book about Magnolia Parks and BJ which is the most toxic but addicting love affair we’ve all had and the 2nd book goes on to Daisy Haites which is like crime lord familia, brother steals paintings from the louve type vibe with more love triangles between both worlds from different perspectives and the 3rd book goes back to Magnolia Parks and the 4th is now back to Daisy Haites.

What’s In My Playlist?

I’ve been into classical music or scores that have been evoking feelings of a past life or have been allowing me to just feel my feels. If not that I’m rly into the song High by Steven Sanchez .. hawt 🫡

What I’ve Been Up To?

I was going crazy for Christmas decorating I wanted it to feel like the North Pole, but honestly it also made me kind of depresssed. My expectations are always high for holidays. My sister never comes home for ANY holiday and always spends it with Lara’s dad side. We used to always spend Christmas night at my grandparents on my Dad’s side of the family and I think that makes the holiday feel lonely now that they’re gone and my uncle is in Boston. Usually we go over to my neighbors on Christmas Eve and she has this huge pasta party, but she cancelled cause she had a pinched nerve in her back and we ended up cooking her a huge lasagna and taking over chicken pot pies for her Christmas Eve + Christmas. I was over stimulated but not with Christmas joy. Happy to help, but I’m feeling exhausted. I enjoyed spending time with my parents and surprising my mom with a gift for her business my dad and I snuck around to get, but as sad as it is to say… I feel relief that Christmas is over and it’s time to bring in a new year.

I am severely dedicated to my physical therapy and my body now that I’m stationary and not traveling around. 3 days out of the week I’m at the clinic in tractions. One where I’m strapped in to the wall pulling my neck to the left and one with 25lbs pulling my neck forward and 20lbs pulling my head back to reintroduce the C curve into my spine. Then I have a ton of at home exercises they have me doing for my knees/ankles and spine as well everyday. It’s a holistic clinic so I’m going to see their nutritionist in January and go further cutting out foods and getting clear on what my body needs to be its highest and best self.

I got a pill organizer from Amazon cause I’m trying to be better about my supplements… it’s been life changing. I’ve been taking saffron 3 times a day to help mood stabilize and gaba to help calm my brain ( both life changing ), chlorophyll, heavy doses of omegas, vitamin d3k2, zinc, glycine which is a building block for collagen, pumpkin seed oil for long hair, and a lot of Bach essences to keep my brain as peaceful as possible.

I’m spending lots of time with my animals. One of my ducks is being a bully so we had to separate berry cause her leg is hurt and cherry won’t stop standing on her back pulling her feathers. We’re collecting about 7 eggs from our ducks and chickens per day.. which is crazy cause I can’t eat eggs anymore, so we’re over flowing with eggs. We have 2 strays in our basements that we are taming to hopefully adopt out or have as outdoor cats that come inside at night… only time will tell.

I finally bought an air doctor for Christmas and I feel like I’m in a pure oxygen tank the air feels so clean (I found a coupon code for $300 off if anyone is interested)

I’ve deep diving into astrology and doing moon rituals.

Every first of the month I’ve been blowing cinnamon through my door which I highly suggest for an abundance practice and washing your cards with cinnamon water.

Skin & Hair Saviors

Face reality is my tried and true. I’m afraid of anything else but I rly want to venture out. I’m going to start micro needling at home to help plump my skin & get rid of acne scars.

My red light/blue light therapy wand + my near infrared/red light therapy panel are saviors.

I use golabs rosemary hair oil any chance I have to let it sit and chill and I use her other oil on my ends and then pop it in a shower cap and let it simmer for at least an hour.

Virtue hair oil with keratin has been my go to before I braid my hair every night.

I’ve been using a ph balanced shampoo by k18 & a rice water conditioner called mykirei..

I also do a apple cider water rise on my scalp to balance PH after I shampoo and condition ( 4 parts water, 1 part acv)

Miss & love you all

Aly 💗

[yukipri]

Galaxy's Edge Foodstuffs & Drinkstuffs Reviews!

So last month, I was able to finally visit Black Spire Outpost, aka Batuu, aka Galaxy's Edge, aka Star Wars Land @ Disneyland!

This is a roundup of photos + reviews of all the themed foods & beverages that mum and I enjoyed during our trip.

Note that I visited Batuu West, in Disneyland California. Florida may have slightly different menus, and I know that menus change seasonally too! My visit was in January, 2023.

The rest of the photos + reviews under the cut!

Oga's Cantina

In the early morning on the very first day, we stopped by Oga's! We got some non-alcoholic drinks + some small eats to start the day off.

Non-Alcoholic drinks:

Memory's foggy, but I *think* the drinks are: 

Blurrgfire: Minute Maid® Lemonade, Pomegranate Juice, and Habanero-Lime

Review: Mildly zingy? but otherwise a pleasant juice drink.

Black Spire Brew: Cold Brew Joffrey's Coffee®, Honey, Falernum, Passion Fruit, and Citrus

Review: Probably the most questionable drink we had, but glad we tried it! The coffee + citrus gave it a sorta...sour? taste? and I'm not sure how I felt about that in my coffee! But it was certainly unique.

Blue Bantha: Blue Milk served chilled with Bantha-inspired Brown Butter Chocolate Chip and Coconut Cookie

Review: Realizing now we didn't get the cookie, sad ;_; It was ok, but idk it felt like it tasted a lot better from the Milk Stand! It was also kinda room temperature, though we *were* in the very first early morning round of people. Overall didn't stand out too much, but wasn't bad either!

Jabba Juice: Simply Orange® with Pineapple, Kiwi, Cantaloupe, and Blueberry Flavor-filled Boba

Review: A slightly mixed-juice but mostly orange juice with some blue popping boba! Was good in a normal, could probably make it at home sorta way.

Food stuffs:

Five-blossom Bread: Warm Pretzel Knot with Hawaiian Black Sea Salt, served with Calabrian Cheese Sauce

Review: It was super warm 'n toasty, surprisingly filling! It was a pretty normal pretzel and the sauce was a pretty normal slightly spicy cheese sauce, but it was still delicious!

Spiced Wroshyr Pods: Seasoned Edamame, Sliced Cucumbers, spicy Citrus-Gochujang Dip

Review: Ngl, these were just straight up plain edamame ^ ^;;; BUT the sauce was really good, preferred it to the pretzel sauce even!

I had another reservation at Oga's on a different night, and this time we tried some alcohol. Now, tbh I am not a huge fan of alcohol; I can drink it, but I just don't really like the flavor, and have never gotten drunk (nor do I really want to), and all it makes me feel is the vague urge to pee. But, I felt obligated to try something alcoholic at the cantina, so here's what I *think* we got!

Jedi Mind Trick (alcoholic): Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose Vodka, John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Bols Blue Curaçao, White Grape Juice, Lime Juice, and Grapefruit Bitters

Review: It was defs sweet? Fruity? But alas, Alcohol taste was strong for me ;_;

Hyperdrive (Punch It!) (Non-alcoholic): Powerade® Mountain Berry Blast, White Cranberry Juice, Black Cherry Purée, and Sprite®

Review: Got one non-alcoholic drink, and ngl it was definitely my fav drink out of the 3 ^ ^; Unfortunately don't remember much of it, other than that I was using it to cleanse the alcohol flavor...

Fuzzy Tauntaun: Cîroc Peach Vodka, Bols Peach Schnapps, and Simply Orange® topped with Tangerine, Pure Cane Sugar, "Buzz Button Tingling" Foam

Review: This was the most recommended drink by people we spoke to + blogs I read, so I figured hey let's try it. Other people have described the foam as "tingly," but tbh...neither mum nor I really felt it? It was very foam for sure, messy, hard to get at the drink without getting foam all over your face. Taste was pretty mild (+ alcohol, LMAO).

In conclusion: Kazu, u know u don't like alcohol, plus it's expensive. Let's just stick to non-alcohol next time and save our credits, yeah? ^ ^;

Docking Bay 7

I LOVED Docking Bay 7! It was surprisingly spacious, and perhaps because we went when it wasn't too busy, but there was never any trouble getting seating. With mobile pickup food was ready almost instantaneous, and the whole interior had such an awesome aesthetic with tons of cool design details!

Trandoshan-style Pasta with Braised Bantha: Chile-braised Beef, Buttered Garlic Cavatelli, Seasonal Vegetables, Zesty Avocado Sauce, Balsamic Glaze

Review: This is the green-lookin' dish! I LOVED this one, so much I went and got it again on a different day. It's pasta, which I'm naturally biased towards, but also a lotta meat and veggies too, and pleasantly spiced. It felt like a Good Food, while also being unique and interesting enough it felt sorta Star Wars, I really enjoyed it!

Endorian Fried Chicken Tip-Yip: Crispy Chicken, Roasted Vegetable Potato Mash with Green Gravy

Review: Also good! But tasted a lot more "normal." It's a nice piece o' chickin floating in a ton of mashed potato gravy. Warm and filling, but didn't really feel as themed.

Drinks!

Moof Juice: Simply Fruit Punch®, Simply Orange® with Pineapple, Chipotle-Pineapple

Review: Another pleasant fruit juice! Gosh there are so many fruit juice mixes here! Not complaining bc I love them. Don't really remember too much about this other than "sweet."

Phattro: Gold Peak® Unsweetened Tea, Minute Maid® Lemonade, Desert Pear

Review: Another mixed juice drink, mum and I could only tell it apart from Moof Juice bc this one was mildly less sweet, more tea. Both were good!

Cold Brew Black Caf: Cold Brew Coffee topped with Sweet Cream Cheese and Chocolate Puffs

Review: I actually really enjoyed this one!! Much more than the questionable coffee at Oga's. It's got literal cereal floating on top! One thing that we found was that it wasn't as sweet or well mixed right after picking it up (no duh), but if you wait for the cream cheese and cocoa puffs dust to trickle down (or just mix it), it's a lot sweeter and so much yummier!

Also from the Docking Bay:

Vintian Mineral Mousse: Banana Brûlée-centered Dark Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Mousse, Vanilla Chantilly, Chocolate Crumble, Cherry Garnish

Review: THIS THING. Y'all, if I had to pick just one food item to recommend from all of Galaxy's Edge, it would be this. Wasn't really sure what it was at first, and almost didn't order because I'm not a huge fan of banana flavor, but I'm SO glad that we did. Each of the blobs is a different flavored mousse, the banana being the largest, and i *think* the blue was Vanilla, pink strawberry, though those may be flipped. They each had a sorta shell like covering with soft mouse inside. They all tasted incredibly fancy and delicate, like very expensive patisserie quality, and each blob was so distinctive so you never got bored. I even liked the banana one, though I preferred the other two. The best way to eat is to take a spoonfull, and then scoop through the crumble to pick up as much of it as possible. The added crunch makes it even better!

Overall, this not only tasted phenomenal, but it had gorgeous and distinctively "Star Wars" visual presentation, and overall was so unique!

Moving on,

Milk Stand + Ronto Roasters

While the Milk Stand and Ronto Roasters are completely different shops and aren't even close, I picked up drinks from the Milk Stand for breakfast on our second day, so reviewing them together!

Blue Milk: Plant-based blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with alluring fruity characteristics

Review: The Iconic Drink. I hear that people have mixed opinions about this, but I actually really liked it—and it also tasted SUPER familiar. If any of you have had ramune before, the Japanese soda drink in a funky glass bottle that you can find at most Asian markets, it tasted SUPER similar. Perhaps part of me is biased bc my Japanese ass associates blue = ramune, but really, if someone made a ramune slush and maybe added a wee bit more citrus, this would be it. I also happen to love ramune, and slushes, so of course this was a win! If you want to taste ramune to see what Blue Milk tastes like (at least in my own humble opinion, backed by mum), make sure to pick up the "original" flavor! Overall this was super chilled and refreshing, I loved it!

Green Milk: Plant-based blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with zippy citrus and tropical characteristics

Review: I read some reviews that this was nasty, but I didn't think so, it was also pleasant. There was a bit of a strange, possibly slightly medicinal aftertaste, and it was also "milkier" than the blue so it felt less refreshing. Of the two, I definitely prefer blue, but enjoyed my cup of the green too!

Ronto Morning Wrap: Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Pork Sausage, Shredded Cheddar, Peppercorn Sauce, wrapped in Pita

Review: A very yummy wrap from Ronto's, only available in the morning! I felt like of the 3 wraps, this one was the richest, with a lotta cheese, egg, sausage. It was filling and super good! I wouldn't say that the food item itself felt particularly unique, but Ronto's has a super cool setup, so just being able to eat in the vicinity puts you into the universe.

Evening on a different day, we tried the other wraps!

Ronto Wrap: Roasted Pork, Grilled Pork Sausage, Peppercorn Sauce, tangy Slaw, wrapped in Pita

Review: The classic. I was expecting to like this one the most, and while it didn't disappoint, the others were actually so good they all sorta evened out? For being the meat option, it had a lotta veggies and didn't feel unhealthy, at least compared to my usual diet LMAO. I liked this a lot, and like the morning wrap, it was very tasty in a normal food sorta way!

Ronto-less Garden Wrap: Plant-based Sausage, spicy Kimchi Slaw, sweet Pickled Cucumber, Plant-based Gochujang Spread, wrapped in Pita

Review: Usually not a huge fan of fake meat, but this vegetarian option was actually really good! Of the 3, I think I might have even liked the flavoring best? It had a bit of zing to it, possibly due to the kimchi. Either way, I'm glad I was able to split these with mum!

Hard to say which of the wraps I liked most, I think I liked all of them around the same! None of them stuck out as Exceptional, but they were all good!

Drinks from Ronto:

Tatooine Sunset: Gold Peak® Unsweetened Tea, Minute Maid® Lemonade with Melon and Blueberry

Review: Yet another pleasant fruity drink! Don't remember much about it, other than that I liked it, and it once leaned mildly less sweet than the other one ^ ^;

Meiloorun Juice: Pineapple Juice, Minute Maid® Lemonade, with Blueberry, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, and Desert Pear

Review: THIS ONE. If I had to choose ONE fruit juice out of the tons I had, this one is my favorite. I want to say that "Meiloorun" in the name isn't biasing me (it may be), but no really, this one was genuinely so good. It felt denser? than the others, really citrusy but the flavors were really well mixed so it tasted like an all-new fruit, exactly what I'd expect a Meiloorun to be like! I chugged two of these lmao.

Got this on the final day, also from Ronto:

Destran Ice Cap: Sprite®, Orange-Tangerine Syrup, topped with Sweet Cream Cheese

Review: Wasn't sure about the whole "cream cheese in soda," but I'm glad I tried this because I actually really liked it! The cream cheese added a pleasant, well, creaminess to the orange soda of the rest of it, giving it a sort of ice cream float-like feel without the ice cream. Would defs get again!

Lastly,

Kat Saka's Kettle

Picked this up on the last day!

Outpost Mix: colorful blend of seasonal flavors (blend of Caramel and Chocolate-glazed Popcorn)

Review: Honestly just a pleasant popcorn mix! It was good, flavor wasn't too strong, pretty mild. Was a nice easily consumable crunchy snack. It says caramel + chocolate, but tbh I mostly just tasted "mildly sweet." I was hoping for the brightly colored purple/red mix that at least looks a bit unique, but perhaps that's for a different season? Either way, yeah, I enjoyed this but didn't feel it was particularly special ^ ^;

~~

Aaaaand that's my review! I didn't quite eat *everything* at Galaxy's Edge, but I tried a darn good majority.

Overall, the vast majority of food/drink was super darn good and well worth the money! Some was more unique than others, but the quality was consistently high throughout. I did not eat outside of Galaxy's Edge my entire trip and felt very satisfied with that!

My standout favorites were: the pasta & mousse dessert from Docking Bay 7, blue milk from the Milk Stand, and Meiloorun juice from Ronto's!

I also got all 3 of the thermal detonator-shaped water bottles, but well, the flavor inside was just your regular Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. Still cool souvenirs!

But yes, in general, just so many fruit juices haha. Luckily I do love fruit juices, and also I'm glad that all of the bathrooms in Batuu were both clean, spacious, *never* had lines, and were also super cool-looking. Because given the amount of sugar water I was chugging, yeah. I visited them a lot!

While there's a good variety of food on Batuu and I think they did a great job with the menu, there were a few things that I hope they expand on in the future.

First, while there were some options for folks with dietary restrictions, they were extremely limited. Unsurprising, as most of the food shops already have an extremely limited menu with single digit menu items total. But it would still be nice to see these menus be expanded in the future, or possibly adding additional shops so that something, somewhere might work.

Next, I felt myself wishing for more take-home souvenir-type food. Liked boxed cookies, chocolates, y'know? Sure, you could technically take home the popcorn, but it's just in a brown bag. I'm genuinely shocked they didn't have Grogu's blue macaron cookies, I'm sure those would sell insanely well. Mouse-man, u listening?

Again, I know a lot of food menu items are seasonal/limited, so I hope I can visit again when things have switched around!

If you've been to Batuu, what were your favorite things to taste there?? Any hot items I missed?

Anyway, I hope you found this review to be interesting! Thanks for reading!!

[devinsturk]

My latest poem has just been published online by The Baltimore Review! You can also access an audio recording of the piece read by yours truly.

Junk Drawer by Devin S. Turk

I keep a collection of keys that unlock nothing looped together, tarnished neighbors on a lanyard and I imagine that they floss their metal teeth with junk drawer gossip. Sifting my fingers through the jar of spare buttons, I wonder if they whisper to each other in plastic voices and reminisce about the favorite shirt at last Thanksgiving’s dinner before the incident involving splattered cranberry sauce. I think the Monopoly piece holds a grudge against me, still considers itself a thief’s prize, but it is the only battleship I can hold in the palm of my hand, so it stays. Once, I inherited a pocket watch with a broken latch and I treasured the thing, would hold it up to my ears as a kid just to listen though I knew it wouldn’t tick. I suspect that when I turn away, its timeless arms reach for one another.

Devin S. Turk writes from personal experience about Autism, transness, and madness in the Mid-Atlantic United States, often with a cat in their lap. They have work published in Short Édition’s Short Circuit, Strange Horizons Magazine, and Disability Rights Washington’s blog, Rooted in Rights. Links to their writing and social media can be found on their Twitter, where they are active @DevinSTurk.

[popculturebuffet]

House of Mouse Double Feature: House of Scrooge and House of Turkey Review  (Patreon Reviews for WeirdKev27)

Happy Thanksgiving All You Happy People! I”m Jake, I review stuff, and today we got a hot and fresh set of Patreon reviews. I had a busy weekend so I simply pushed my House of Scrooge back a bit from the week of his birthday to Thanksgiving week, since what says Black Friday more than a greedy old man trying to suck the life out of a buisness? Well okay this... this says it more

I”ll get to THAT  next year, and unlike some review promises i’ve made i’m sticking to this one.  But still, it fits enough I can justify this so it’s time to come on in to the House of Mouse for what’s one of the FINAL times this year. Next Year while i’ll likely visit again, with Kev now putting his patreon reviews to Watchmen and whatever pops into his head, this year long House of Mouse Marathon is coming to a close, cumilating in the second and final film, Snowed in at the House of Mouse. 

So come on in for some heaping helpings of the plot not making any sense, scrooge’s greed nearly destroying a functioning business (So an average Monday for him then), Shakespeare, Attempted Turkey Murder, Cranberry Sauce Machine Guns, and Mickey’s Nuts. It’s a nice plateful under the cut. 

Since House of Mouse is short based, that makes combining the two easy. In reverse of my usual i’ll do the wraparound FIRST, that way it makes it clear when we shift from House of Scrooge to House of Turkey. 

Okay then

House of Scrooge:

So this wraparound is a mixed bag. I remember back when I was a kid hating this wraparound, and as a 20 something I ranted about it on tv tropes once back when I could still edit. (Grammar issue, not big deal, i’ve long accepted it), something I was reminded of when kev showed me a thing about this very episode on the site. 

In the present.. I don’t hate it, but while there is a lot of good i’ll get to.. I have to get to the bad first as the episode’s very premise makes absolutely no sense.  Now I do get why some of you are likely tiliting your heads: The House of Mouse is at it’s core an excuse to have fun stories with the Mickey Gang at the neat setting of their own night club, letting their dynamics play out while also having some fun guest stars from the disney canon both for quick jokes and for full episodes. I get that. 

But the show still has a decently fleshed out spine and it’s part of it’s charm: they clearly put a LOT of thought into how this setup works, from what jobs each character does to who owns it. As such the situation with the buildling The HOM runs out of is shockingly well defined despite the fact Pete only showed up in 11 episodes including this one. As such I have a very clear understanding of the ownership situation for the club i’m going to lay out for you fine folks so you understand WHY this makes no sense. 

Mickey and Donald are co-owners of the club, and thus pay the rent together, and make decisions together with Minnie who manages the club’s operations for them which INCLUDES it’s budget. The three have all the say in what that budget is used for, what the theme night each week is, who the guests are (Minnie books those, she’s the glue holding this place together to be honest), whose on staff (Hence why it’s all their friends) , all the day to day stuff. 

Pete is their landlord. He owns the building, and while he’d love to tear it down he legally can’t because Mickey’s lease agreement states that as long as the show goes on, he can’t shut them down. Pete inhereted this from the unamed previous landlord. I know this because one of the episodes covered this year was the FIRST EPISODE. In the FIRST EPISODE, Pete tries shutting down the club due to owning the building, and Mickey finds out about this clause. It’s why every plan he has from then on is trying to get the place shut down: if there’s no show, then he can legally throw them all out. 

Now the reason I went to all this trouble.. is that this episode revolves around Pete selling the club to Scrooge. That itself isn’t a terrible idea, have someone else try to ruin it or try to convert it. The problem is the episode treats this like Scrooge has a say over the clubs budget because he owns the building it’s in.  This OBJECTIVELY is nonsense: if Pete could do that the whole time, then he would’ve slashed the clubs budget LONG ago. Scrooge has no right to this and the contract clearly gives Mickey full reign of the space as long as he keeps it running. 

Now Scrooge owning a stake in the club, and buying pete out so he could control it more and turn a profit would make way more sense. Say Donald had to sell his owndership or something. It makes this plot work as he now has control of both the building and how it operates as co-owner and landlord. He also has ZERO interaction with Donald or the triplets by the way. He fired the latter, which does actually make sense. Of course he’d fire them if they woudlnt’ work free. he barely pays his family as is. Why would he do so when he thinks he dosen’t have to by playing a radio? 

The episode’s other problem is it just get tedious: it’s one long string of scrooge slashing the budget, with him never getting a compuance. The club goes broke due to his management but he dosen’t learn a lesson like he would in the comics or get some form of karma: he just gets his money back from pete. He starts out no worse off than he was after an episode of ruining our heroes buisness because he thought he knew better. 

The saving grace is, as I said, some of the jokes do land: Scrooge feels very in character barks wise here, cutting corners even when it dosen’t make perfect since, and being crotechty and thinking he knows better and Alan Young voices him to perfection as he always did. Young easily makes some bits that shoudln’t of worked, like Scrooge showing off his dime (though him calling it Lucky bothers me a little, this WAS before Rosa’s influence was baked into the character so fair enough) simply by pure talent. 

Overall this wraparound isn’t great and not really enjoyable and it’s a shame given this is the one time scrooge showed up in the wraparounds. Thankfully the shorts didn’t waste him. Speaking of which

A Midsummer Night’s Dream:

It’s time once again for a two part adaptation of classic literature, this time one of Willie Shake’s plays. To explain it for those of you who haven’t read it, here’s a song:

If your curious about what the hell you just witnssed, that’s the opening number of the in-universe school play “A Midnight Summer’s Rockin Eve”, from the 2000′s film Get Over It, a faviorite of mine when I was in high school and a film that still has a place in my heart to this day. It’s your standard 2000′s rom com at the core: A guy gets dumped by his longtime girlfriend for a british boy band man, who joins their school, and joins the school play to win her back. He ends up falling for his best friends sister instead over the course of things, his best friend dosen’t take it well but eventually gets his head out of his ass, you know the drill. What makes the film delightful, sometimes genuinely funny sometimes in a so bad it’s good kinda way, is the bizzare and wonderful trappings around it: We open with a dream musical number rendition of love will keep us together, as I mentioned the douchey rival is a former boy band member whose scenery chewing is a sight to behold and oh yeah PULLS OUT NUNCHUCKS HE HAPPENS TO HAVE TO TRY AND ATTACK OUR HERO AND WINDS UP INJURING SOME PEOPLE IN THE PROCESS

The film also involves, as you might have seen in the clip, our hero accidently ending up in a bdsm show and getting arrested, his parents both being sex therapists who talk openly about it and are just a delight, and the director of our play, Desmond Oates, played by Martin Short, an egocentric ham of the finest order who delights in every scene he’s in and whose grown on me with time.  Add in the fact that Sisquo is in there for some reason, which gives us the awesome closing rendition of Earth Wind and Fire’s September. 

Why this isn’t on any music streaming I don’t know. I do know i’ll probably be reviewing this at some point as it’s a treat, and that you can find it on PlutoTV and Crackle for FREE at the time this review goes out, and can find it on Paramount+ add free if you have that. 

Anyways I promote this flim so much because it’s a pretty simple retelling with who you’d expect: Mickey is Lysander, Minnie is Hermia, Donald is Demetrius (Making it one of the rare times those three have been a love trinagle, nice) and Daisy is Helena. Pitching in on the guest cast are Scrooge as Hermia’s obnoxious dad Egeus (And yes I looked up all the names), and Ludwig Von Drake as Theseus, Duke of Athens. Scrooge is mostly just there to try to force Minnie to marry donald , and how Scrooge and goldie made a mouse is never explained so i’m just rolling with it, while Ludvig plays a more lampshadey version of the duke, admitting the law , that she must marry or die, is kind of extreme (though the plan also gave Hermia the option to become a nun, so there’s that but this is streamlined), and later chastising scrooge for being a bad parent. 

So the natural happens: mickey and minnie run off to elope, Daisy tells Donald thinking he’ll do the same with her only for him to chase them down and that’s when the fairies get involved as King Oberon sends his man Puck to go sprinkle dust in the lovers eyes to get things right.. but much like the play stupidly tells him to “find a lad with athenian clothing”. Even in a disney adaptation that makes no sense. The fairies are a bigger part of the original play, but again this is trimmed down, so Oberon’s whole marial issues subplot with is wife and his wife turning a guys head into a donkey and trying to fuck him due to her husbands antics are removed. I swear to god all of this happened and was in my english lit class. The play may actually be weirder than the teen comedy with nunchuck pants and sisquo. 

Point is Goofy naturally goofs it up, Mickey and donald fight over Daisy, sadly not in musical form

I’m milking getting to use these for all it’s worth. They all knock each other out, Oberon corrects it, and our heroes wake up in the proper couples.. though it is pretty fucked up Demitrius/Donald is basically drugged into loving someone back, but it took until just the last two decades for people to start realizing how fucked up the love potion trope is , so it’s not like I can rage at a disney cartoon for using it. We also get a fun twist as Mickey wakes up , having dreamnt the whole thing, a nice twist on the closing narration of thinking of the play “As but a dream”. All in all an enjoyably funny retelling of one of the greats and my only regret is, much like around the world in 80′s days, is that this could’ve been it’s own movie. 

House of Genius; Money

A quick one where Ludvig Von Drake gets arrested for counterfeiting. I”m not giving you any more explanation that that, it’s really good. 

House of Turkey:

It’s Thanksgiving and our heroes dress up like colonizing assholes.. I mean pilgrims, and celebrate. The guests are all expecting Turkey. 

But he’s done with slashers for now: Outside of work Turkey’s  a classicly trained bird who wants to show he’s more than just a gobble gobble guy despite Daisy wanting him to...

While he acts too droll for this shit, he does end up running into issues as Gus shows up at his dresser looking pretty serial killery

I.. i’d check the floorboard’s of grandma duck’s farm is all i’m saying. Either she’s unknowingly storring some bodies or the two of them are up to some texas chainsaw massacre shit. 

So Turkey gets chased around a bit.. he really needs a better disguise

And finds himself hunted by Gaston till Daisy stands up to him in a great scene “I Know I know no one hunts like Gaston, let’s see if no one gets back to his table like gaston” She of course ends up chasing after the Turkey for his autograph and he ends up TRYING to complain to mickey, but mickey just.. dosen’t relaly listen at first, and when Turkey finally tells him just before his act, Mickey is so goodhearted he just CAN’T belivie his patrons would want to eat him.. despite the fact most of them are carnivores and you didn’t tell anyone you weren’t serving turkey up front ya schmuck. 

So UNSUPRISINGLy having the turkey just do his act and revael tha tno, your not getting any thanksgiving dinner, enrages them and threatens to cause the club to start eating one another rules be damned. So to prevent a massacre and to save his new friend Mickey gladly dressed up like a turkey. Turkey plays us out as Mickey is presumibly eaten or beaten to death. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Jokes aside, this is a really good holiday episode, full of great gags, with a solid premise. Sometimes on the show Mickey can be a bit TOO naive to others suffering, aka almost every time with Donald’s, but here it’s used delberatley and plays into his aw shucks nature. So it works and so does this wraparound. How are the side dishes though?

Turkey Hunters:

This is just a classic, fun romp with the main trio as they try to hunt a turkey and fail. It involves Cranberry machine guns, donald in drag and Mickey uh.. he’s there I guess. Point is it’s just a lot of great slapstick gags with a heartwarming finish of it turning out the pilgrim types just wanted turkey as the guest of honor. Besides they REALLY just needed a blood sacrifice... Donald works for that.  Not much to say honestly but boy what a fun short. 

Mickey’s Mixed Nuts:

Look I TRY to be a tad mature here: i’ve tried to dial back the sex jokes, tried to play nicer and all.. but this is a short called “Mickey’s MIxed Nuts” and centers entirely around nuts. You just can’t ignore jokes that well giftwrapped. So..

To sum up this short mickey is hoarding his nuts and uses them all up before Minnie’s big christmas party where she badly needs them. So she has him go to the store to get more of his nuts. The problem is Chip N Dale, the little bastards, are missing THIER nuts, only having their balls, so they go to the store to replace their balls with nuts. A war over who gets to nut insues, with plenty of good slapstick but in the end Chip N Dale get to nut while Mickey is left holding the balls. 

Am I proud of that? Honestly. yes. A little. Basically Mickey eats all the nuts, needs to go to the store to get more, the little shits also want nuts... .you get where this goes. It’s okay: jokes about nuts aside, it’s another Chip N Dale Short where they win, though this time at least given Mickey caused all this with his selfishness, I don’t feel A Sbad they won. Nuts to any other short with them, I look forward to the movie next year though. 

So overall on the two episodes House of Scrooge is mixed, with the wraparound being choppy but the shorts being damn excellent, while House of Turkey is just a delight, having a great wraparound, a fun short, and a tolerable second one mostly due to being such fodder for testicale jokes. Overall not a bad pair. Next month i’ll be taking a look at the two christmas episodes and wrapping up this marathoon. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving, I got more goobbblesome goodies on the way. If you liked this review follow me for more reviews, at least 4 a week if I can help it, and consider joining my patreon or discord

PATREON IS HERE, DISCORD IS HERE

Thanks for reading

[thotsforvillainrights]

Thanksgiving with the Shie Hassaikai headcanons? Can we also pretend Pops is awake for this too? 🥺

(No worries! We always pretend Pops is awake because I live in a constant state of denial where I pretend Kai isn’t an asshole that put him in a coma. Anyway lol, let’s just pretend you work for the Hassaikai for this one! Ps: I was hoping someone would request this)

~Thanksgiving with the Hassaikai~

headcanon|scenario|imagine|match-up

-Although you’ve only been employed to the Hassaikai for 10 months so far, everyone already knew your personality well enough to see this coming. That’s why when you called an emergency meeting, nobody was surprised at your request for celebrating Thanksgiving together. However, that didn’t make it easy for getting everyone to agree. Rappa, Tabe, Deidoro, Pops, and Toya were excited for it! Hojo, Tengai, Nemoto, and Chrono were indifferent and didn’t mind trying it. The only complaints were from Kai (as usual when you suggested something fun) and Mimic (who didn’t see the point in it). Thankfully Pops was delighted by you from the very moment you showed up at the base. So of course he was on your side. Since he was still the big boss, there was nothing anyone could do to deny you. 

-”Okay everyone is required to bring something so we can have a feast. Work in teams to get this stuff done, and I’ll do the assigning! So Pops, you don’t have to worry about a single thing okay? Don’t worry about getting anything together but if you absolutely want to then I don’t mind.” You smiled at him and he cheerfully nodded. “Okay here’s the line up: Rappa and Katsukame are in charge of the Turkey. I’m putting a lot of faith in you guys. The turkey is the star of the show and I need it done perfectly! Or at least...as good as you can manage. Tengai and Mimic can handle the devilled eggs. Deidoro and Hojo are in charge of getting the drinks. Please do not show up with only alcohol. In fact, I’m mainly counting on you Hojo to make sure Sakaki doesn’t do this. Now Tabe and Setsuno are in charge of getting the plates, cups, cutlery, and the deserts. Toya I’d focus on doing the deserts so Tabe won’t get tempted to eat them. Finally Overhaul and Chrono can get the side dishes. This includes Macaroni, Greens, Cranberry Sauce, any and all side meats like chicken or whatever. Ceaser salad, Potato salad, etc. You guys get the drift. The reason why I put so much on you is because I’m confident you guys can handle the load. Finally I’ll be working with Shin to get the Ham. That’s all! Any questions?” Immediately you got hands in the air.

Pops: “May I help make some of the main dishes?” He asked with slight puppydog eyes. Rather childlike for his old age, but you couldn’t deny him even if you wanted to. “Pops we just want you to relax as the head of the table, but if you really want to then you may attempt it.” 

Deidoro: “How much and what kind of alcohol am I in charge of?” His eyes were super focused causing you to laugh a bit. “Okay well let’s not go overboard first of all. It’s not like a Halloween party or anything wild like that. We’re getting together over dinner and expressing thanks for the things we received so graciously.” You explained. He paused and deadpanned. “So...just wine then?” ...”Yeah, just wine. And not the strong kind either. Maybe you can get a little Sake for yourself.”

Rappa: “Yes uh, how in the fuck am I supposed to cook this shit?” Katsukame punched his shoulder. “You big idiot, we bake it!” Rappa punched him back as a reply. “Fucking DUH, but like what kind of seasonings???” Katsukame punched him again. “Probably something not too heavy so we focus more of the fucking flavor of the dressing in side of it.” Rappa once again punched back as a rebuttal. “Fuck off, cilantro is all you had to say you bastard.” You immediately had to speak up between them before their playful banter would turn into an entire indoor death match. “Okay guys, don’t focus too hard on it. This is kinda western so just look up some recipes and videos please? And most importantly, always have a back-up turkey on hand just in case you guys mess up the first one.”

Kai: “Yeah I have a question. Where the hell do you get off on telling me what to do? I’m you’re boss and you’re just barely high enough up to even be considered a precept.” Pops immediately got up and slapped the back of Kai’s head. “Bite your tongue Chisaki and apologize!” Kai grumbled and bowed for a second while uttering a short apology. Chrono chuckled off to the side as he tried to hold back his laughter. 

Mimic: “Who’s wallet is this coming out of???” You smiled at him and he gulped. “Well not from our pay. We’ll call it a holiday event and pull from the reserves. The yakuza has been thriving lately under Pops of course. Unless anyone wants to donate?” You looked at Kai with fluttering lashes and he glared at you. “Fuck fine. I’ll cover the expenses on my end.” You smiled and nodded. 

-If only from that point on things could’ve went well but there were just too many obstacles of course. Not on you and Nemoto’s end of course! You two were efficient and quick. You got in and out of the grocery store in under 2 hours with the perfect ham. You agreed to go to his apartment to cook it together since the house kitchen at the base would go to Pops, Chrono, and Kai more than likely. And the lower part of the base kitchen would belong to Rappa and Rikiya. The TRUE issues arose on the ends of everyone else. Pops was an angel and the food he attempted to make was reasonable, but the old man overdid it and ended up making 4 of the same cakes. What were you going to do with exactly 4 red velvet cakes??? Anyway, as to be expected, Rappa and Rikiya fucked up BOTH of the turkeys. You had to make them search all around town to find a pre-done turkey on the morning of Thanksgiving itself. They eventually found one from a generous donor in exchange for that person having their debt to the yakuza swept under the rug. Chisaki and Chrono did a pretty good job but they took so long that half of the stuff was still being set up when it was time to start dinner. Tabe actually did an okay job at setting the table up. The real surprise was that SETSUNO was the one that was tempted and ended up munching corners off of the deserts. Of course Sakaki showed up with a wide variety of alcohol that Hojo didn’t even notice he had snuck into the other shopping cart. Meanwhile Tengai and mimic had decorated the devilled eggs rather poorly. Tengai believed the minimal was better and Mimic was trying to cut corners with price/quality. Nevertheless everything was set up and you all began to review the things you were thankful for.

“Well I just wanna start off by saying that I’m thankful for this job and the bonds I’ve made with you all not just as coworkers but as people. I truly consider the Hassaikai to be like family.”

Pops: “I want to thank everyone as well for working so hard for our little family here. I also want to thank you Y/N for bringing some youthful joy into my life once again.”

Kai: “I suppose I’m thankful for my good health and sanity dealing with all of you on a daily basis.”

Chrono: “Yo, I’m thankful for my last paycheck but also for the years I’ve served here. It kinda has been almost like a fam to me yknow. Not trying to get sappy or anything but thanks you guys.

Mimic: “This is weird but I guess I’ll try it. I’m thankful for uh...the opportunities set forward in front of me.”

Nemoto: ”I’m very much thankful for our leader, and also for master Overhaul. I appreciate you for allowing me to strive in my work the way that I do. I can only hope to continue pleasing you both as my time goes on at this organization. That is all.”

-Deidoro: “Thanks to this damn Saki I’ve already had 2 and a half cups of while everyone wasn’t listening. Also thankful for my liver as well.”

-Hojo: “Well I guess I can say I’m thankful for everyone here and for the boss when he took me in off the street and healed me after I almost died.”

Setsuno: “Yeah thanks for giving me purpose again boss. I’m thankful for that too.”

Tabe: “Food...friends...found family...”

Katsukame: “Fucking thanks for letting us have enough chance after we fucked up two of those damn turkeys. I thought you were gonna kill us Y/N.” 

Tengai: “I’m rather thankful for my sanity as well, after dealing with this job so much...”

Rappa: “This shit is cheesy but damn it I’m thankful for everything here too! I aint much at speeches so I’m gonna stuff my face now.” 

-So there you go. It may not have been the most conventional thanksgiving but it was something along the lines of a ‘perfect disaster’ all in it’s own. You can only sit back and look at everyone eating and talking before you realize that a Christmas party might not be so bad to start planning for either.

»—————————–———————————————————–✄

Instagram: @pastelbattydraws & @pastelbattystore

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRNMJH7vHL7APNobUykhK4w?view_as=subscriber

[sometimesfoodie]

Merry Mash-Up Mtn Dew -

 Walmart

Can we take a moment to appreciate Mtn Dew, their marketing team, and their limited edition products? 

Growing up, Mountain Dew (before their fancy abbreviated re-branding) was always around, and I recognized their logo, but I never really drank it. No particular reason, I just found myself gravitating towards other options. 

Then, around my high school and college years, they started shifting their focus towards different flavors with bright colors and leaning into Gamer Fuel and Amp energy drinks. It was reminiscent of Jolt cola, with the focus on caffeine, but with way better marketing. This is when I started paying attention. A lot of my friends would become flavor-loyalists to Code Red, or Pitch Black, etc. and trying all the new flavors turned into a caffeinated game of Pokémon. (Gotta' taste e'm all!) 

Now, here I am, hunting down new flavors like Voo-Dew and Dew-S-A to review on the blog. The best part? I don't think there has ever been a dud in the bunch! Sure, some flavors might have been a little too sweet for standard sipping, but I have never had a flavor of Mtn Dew that I didn't enjoy. While I was out searching for the new watermelon themed flavor they've released, I found this Christmas-themed one, and figured, why not give it a go? 

Merry Mash-Up is a mixture of cranberry and pomegranate, two tart and complex fruity flavors which should pair nicely with Mtn Dew's typical hummingbird-nectar level of sweetness. I'm interested in seeing how this plays out.

When opened, the liquid inside smells tarter than other flavors I have reviewed in the past. It's sweet, fruity, and tangy, but nothing really stands out as being definitively cranberry or pomegranate right off the bat. It's certainly appealing though. If I really get in there, I can smell kind of a carbonated cranberry sauce kind of aroma, but if I closed my eyes and you told me this was cherry limeade, I would probably say that makes sense as well. It's fruity and tart, and unless you're shoving your nose in the bottle (like I am right now) I don't think the scent gives all that much away. 

Poured into a glass, the liquid looks pinker than I thought it would. Time to finally give this stuff a taste! 

So it's sweet, typical for pretty much everything Mtn Dew makes, ever, but it's also tarter than usual. I feel like I get a lot of cranberry flavoring, although it's more like a sugared or candied cranberry than tart authentic juice, and maybe a little bit of the deeper pomegranate notes, but to me, this is more-so cranberry than anything else. There is an aftertaste that is kind of like maraschino cherry juice, but since I love maraschino cherries, I am not mad at it.  

Having just finished my last bottle of Voo-Dew 2, by comparison, this is much more tart and tangy. Fans of incredibly straight-up sweet flavors might not care for this one, but I like it a lot. I would love to see it return next year, but one or two bottles is more than enough for me right now. (Since I purposefully limit my amount of caffeine in my daily life when I do drink things like this I get a decent energy boost. No naps for me today!) 

I think mine might actually be Baja Blast, for normal drinking, but I love the concepts and branding of both Voo-Dew flavors, even though they were way too sweet for standard sipping for me.  

Fans of these would also like: Mtn Dew Liberty Brew, Mtn Dew Black Label, Mtn Dew Lemonade Gamer Fuel, Voo-Dew 2019, Voo-Dew 2020, Baja Blast, or Mtn Dew Kickstart Black Cherry Freeze

Keep Up with My Adventures on the main blog, SometimesFoodie.com!

[strongbrew-hamstery]

With Christmas fast approaching, it's always good to remind yourself what hamsters can enjoy with you as well! Many of us love sharing Christmas dinner with our hamsters. This is usually what I go for: Turkey (cooked, white meat) Small amount of mashed potatoes Vegetables (provided there is no seasoning!) Cranberry sauce (if yours have a lot of sugar I would avoid - my family likes it tart!) Pumpkin pie Please feel free to use/save/share the below list from the @ontariohamsters club. It's a Safe/Unsafe food list that uses peer reviewed science to support where items are on the list. So many of the lists made are based on what people think, or what dogs and cats eat. Hamsters are incredibly versatile and specialized critters with a pregastric pouch to digest enzymes, and a two chambered stomach. We shouldn't be basing food decisions on animals that are so vastly different. Please feel free to ask any questions. Not everything is on the list either so if you're curious about something specific please ask! 💗 https://www.instagram.com/p/CJMGNLogJOT/?igshid=1kl32k7g8r5c0

[dorkzrul]

Demigods Deck The Halls

A sweet Percabeth fanfic about the first time that the two families meet, that is for Christmas Dinner at Sally's apartment. Lot of fluff and told mainly from Sally's perspective. Written for DeadKidWalking in the Percabeth Discord Server Secret Santa. Read and Review :) Sally’s P.O.V

I hear the bell ring just as I'm finishing up, setting the table. They must be here! I check the clock and see that it’s exactly 7 PM, they’re perfectly on time. I wipe my hands on my apron as I call out to Percy, “They’re here!”. I hear him scrambling down the stairs, probably fiddling with his hair or tie. He was so nervous when he was getting ready, I was thoroughly amused by it all. But, it’s cute that he wants to look his best for Annabeth. I hear the door open and I hear Percy greeting the Chase’s. I check on the food once more before joining Percy at the door. 

I see Percy blushing as Annabeth teases him and Frederick laughing along with them. “Hi! Welcome!”, I shake Frederick’s wife’s hand. “It's so nice to finally meet you! Thank you for having us over for Christmas dinner in your lovely home, Mrs Blofis. I’m Helen.” “I’m happy you came. Please, call me Sally.” “I hope we’re not early, Sally. Annabeth refused to let us leave any later”, Frederick adds with a laugh. “Oh no! We’re so glad that you came, early or late”, I respond. “It’s nice to meet you Annabeth, Percy talks a lot about you”, I smile at her, as Percy blushes, before bending down to be at eye level with the twins, “Hi, what are your names?” “ I’m Matthew and this is Bobby”, the taller boy tells me enthusiastically.

I offer to take all of their coats as they take off their shoes and enter. “Careful Annabeth! While taking off your coat, don’t mess up the hair you spent a half-hour on”, Frederick comments jokingly. Everyone, except a blushing Annabeth, laughs slightly. “Trying to look good for me, were you Wise Girl?”, Percy teases. “Don’t worry Annabeth, even Percy took an hour to get ready. He was so nervous before you came, his hands were wet with sweat!”, I reassured her. “Mom!”, Percy exclaims with a red face as Annabeth giggles lightly along with everyone else. Paul comes down the stairs just then and introduces himself to everyone as he shakes their hands.

I lead them all to the dining table, where the food is set up in the middle of the table with plates for each seat and cutlery along with it. “I had to add two more chairs because the table only seated six so I hope that it isn’t too tight a fit”, I say apologetically. “Of course not, we’ll all be okay!”, Annabeth quickly adds. As everyone sits down at the table, I uncover the dishes and take out the cutlery for serving. I can see everyone’s gazes on the food I made. “This is wonderful, Sally! It must have taken you ages to make all this”, Helen comments. “Not really, it was fun to make. I’m glad you like it”, I reply with a smile. The past two days, I’d busied myself making the meal, which included turkey and roast beef with drizzled cranberry sauce with a side of gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans for the main course; and Christmas pudding and fruit cake for dessert.

“Annabeth dear, can you say grace?”, I ask her from across the table. “Sure, Sally!” She says grace and then we all sit down to eat. No one talks much as we all dig into the delicious meal. “This is delicious!”, Paul remarks and everyone else nods and makes sounds of agreement. I blush scarlet, “Thank you so much!” As we eat dinner Helen, Frederick, Paul and I all talk about our respective jobs. We talk about my novels and some of the difficulties Paul faces dealing with and teaching high school kids. I learn that Frederick is an American and Military History professor at West Point and Paul and Frederick exchange notes on their styles of teaching. I also learn that Helen used to be an interior designer before she met Frederick and got married to him. After that, she moved to San Francisco with him and left her old job behind. She also tells me how her ex-husband (Bobby and Matthew’s father) had a drinking problem and is now in jail and she was so happy when she met Frederick and he wasn’t a bit like her first husband and how he has really helped her deal with things and has been a great stepdad to Bobby and Matthew. I also tell her about Gabe and how glad I was when I was finally rid of him, and then how I felt when Paul came along. 

Percy and Annabeth are excitedly talking about school and how Annabeth’s father has finally agreed to let her move to New York and attend Goode High School and how Annabeth and her dad are going to be looking for a place for her to stay sometime during their time in Manhattan. Matthew and Bobby are playing some game with their hands and cutlery which results in food falling all over the place and Helen has to stop every few minutes to reprimand them. I tell her that it’s okay and to let them play. It kind of reminds me of Percy at that age and how much fun we would have...

After we are all done eating Matthew and Bobby drag Percy and Annabeth away to play a game of Hungry Hippos and Paul and Helen volunteer to clear up the table and do the dishes in the kitchen. Frederick and I sit in the living room with cups of coffee looking at the four kids laughing and playing happily on the floor. I notice both Percy and Annabeth are playing with only one hand and upon closer inspection, I notice that they’re holding hands under the table. Percy looks at me for a second and I raise my eyebrows at him gesturing to the clasped hands under the table. He blushes and turns back to the game as I laugh at how embarrassed he looks to be caught.

I point this out to Frederick and he laughs heartily. Then he sighs and looks fondly at Annabeth. “I’m so glad that Annabeth decided to come back and forgive me. Also, that the war is over and all the worry and stress is no more.” I nod, “I felt the same way with Percy and more so because he’s Poseidon’s son. But it must have been worse for you, having to part with Annabeth so early on.” Percy had told me about how Annabeth had run away young and I am sure that it must have been extremely hard on Frederick. I have a lot of sympathy for him. 

He replies, “Honestly, at first, it didn’t seem like much. After Athena left her to me, I loved her but I always resented Athena for leaving me with a child I hadn’t wanted at first. Furthermore, to me, she was just a reminder of the time I spent with Athena and as she grew up, she began to look more and more like her mother and it eventually became too much for me to bear. When I met Helen, I was so glad to finally move on from Athena and settle into a normal, non-mythical life that I think I seemed to move on from Annabeth too because she was a reminder of my past and seemed to symbolise all my old feelings and troubles. I did love her but I always put her second, behind Helen and the twins. I think that made her feel as if I didn’t love her at all. Also, my work kept me quite busy and I think Helen always had a grudge against Annabeth as she seemed to her a reminder of my previous relationship with Athena and apparently Annabeth was mistreated by her and the twins hated her too. However, in my perspective, Helen and the twins seemed to be making an effort while Annabeth simply hated them and put all of us in trouble due to her being a demigod. This all lead up to her feeling unwanted and unloved and so she ran away. Helen and the twins didn’t seem to care much and at first, I thought it was just a mood and of course she would come back. When she didn’t, I was very worried and I tried my hardest to find her but I only found her after many years when she wrote to me, and I hear that was because Percy encouraged her to. I am extremely grateful to him for that.

“I was stunned. On one hand, I know that he loved Annabeth to bits and it must have hurt him tremendously when she ran away, but it was also partially his fault for making her feel unloved enough to run away and seemingly preferring Helen and the twins over her. But overall, I do understand his plight and I feel bad for him. As a parent, I understand how painful it would be to lose your child, and at such a young age too. It would break my heart if Percy was to run away and I might not be able to endure it. “I understand your pain, Frederick. When Poseidon left me with Percy, I wanted to run away and create a new life for us where we could be normal and Percy would never have to face the dangers. He also looks just like Poseidon and every time I looked at him, I would be reminded of my past with Poseidon. But I would never have been able to bear him running away. I am sorry for that. I tried my best to prevent that by marrying Gabe. However bad of a husband he may have been, he kept Percy safe and I was grateful for that. Even finally having him learn his true origins and leaving me at twelve hurt me. I cannot begin to understand your pain”, I respond. 

He smiles sadly, “After I finally reconnected with Annabeth, I felt such relief. I had honestly not known if she were alive or dead for those horrible five years. But even after that, I was always filled with worry at the thought of her going on those dangerous missions and quests and after each one, it felt like a great weight had been taken off my shoulders, until I learned she was going on another, more dangerous quest.” I nodded, “With Percy, I was always scared of the Great Prophecy that I had been told off by Grover and every quest seemed more dangerous than the last. I almost wanted to lock him up somewhere secret just so my baby could be safe. I couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to him.” 

“I feel that. When Annabeth and I had our falling out about my move to San Francisco and she left, I was terrified of something happening to her and me not knowing of it. When Percy turned up at my house with his friends and told me Annabeth was in trouble, I almost felt my heart stop. Even after they left, I couldn’t help myself going up to the battlefield and helping her out myself. I wanted to see that she was safe and sound with my own eyes. When I finally met her, it felt like all was right in the world again.” 

“I went through something similar when Percy and Nico came to ask for my blessing for Percy to become immortal with a dip in the Styx because I knew that if something happened, I would only have myself to blame as I was the one who allowed him to do that in the first place. I knew the risk of letting him do it and I knew that there was a chance that he could drown in the Styx but I still let him do it. He wanted it so badly and I knew that I couldn’t stop him but to this day, I fear for what could have happened that day because of my decision. When I didn’t hear back from him, I immediately thought the worst and drove as fast as I could to the Empire State Building to see if it was true. That was when the city fell asleep and after I woke up and saw him, it felt like I was floating. We were in the middle of a war and I almost didn’t care just because he was alright. Letting him go into that building alone was extremely hard and it seemed that I couldn’t breathe properly until the Empire State Building lit up blue and I knew he was okay. I felt like I could finally live again after that. I had been consumed by terror and worry before that and only when I knew he was okay did I feel okay” 

“All the way from San Francisco, I had no idea what was going on in New York and when I saw the news, I knew immediately that something was wrong and I was panicking because Annabeth wasn’t picking up her phone, despite knowing that demigods and technology don’t bode well together. Until she finally Iris messaged me and told me that everything was okay, I felt like I was being pulled apart by anxiety. I felt light-headed at that, I was so overjoyed. I couldn’t wait for the end of summer so that I could finally meet my baby girl. I am so proud of the mature, beautiful strong woman she has become, despite all the hardships she faced. She has come a long way and I am filled with pride at the person she is today.

“I smile at that, “I am equally proud of Percy. He has grown up so much and has become so strong and brave. I know that he’s no longer my little boy anymore and he has blossomed into a wonderful young man. I’m also glad that he has found his match in Annabeth, she’s a wonderful girl and they look very happy together” “I think so too. They make a wonderful couple but I do long for those days when she was just my little girl”. “Don’t we all”, I say, laughing. We get up and go to the kitchen just as Percy and Annabeth disappear into Percy’s room. “Leave the door open”, I say, jokingly. “Mo-o-o-o-o-m”, Percy cries, embarrassed.

Annabeth’s P.O.V

Percy and I were playing Hungry Hippos with Matthew and Bobby when he suddenly tells me to come over to his room because he wants to give me my gift. I’m so glad he got me a gift! I got him one but I wasn’t sure if he would. We get up and I quickly grab my gift for him before we go into his room and just as we reach, we hear Sally call out, “Leave the door open”. I giggle as Percy blushes scarlet and responds to his mom, embarrassed. He tells me to close my eyes and hold out my hands.

I do it and I feel him place a small, velvet box in my hands. I open my eyes and then slowly open the box to find a beautiful pendant made of a piece of red coral. I gasp, “It’s beautiful! I love it so much! Where did you get it, Seaweed Brain?”, I ask him as I hook it onto my camp necklace. “I found it when I was swimming in the sea once”, he said, grinning. “Thank you!”, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer, softly kissing him. He grins wider. “You’re welcome”, he says hugging me tight. 

“Now open my present”, I tell him excitedly, handing the small, festive bag to him. He eagerly pulls out all the colourful paper and tosses it aside, pulling out a box. He opens it to see a thin rope bracelet with a trident charm I had Jake (the head of the Hephaestus cabin) make. “Thanks Wise Girl! It’s so cool!”, he says as he pulls it on. “But that’s not all”, I say excitedly as I press the bottom of the trident’s handle and a little spark of electricity shoots out of the trident onto the wall. It makes a sizzling sound as it hits the wall and leaves a small black mark on it. “Ooops”, I say, guiltily. I turn to Percy to apologize but suddenly feel him lifting me off the ground and twirling me around, tightly hugging me. “That’s awesome! I love it!”, he says grinning widely. I smile widely at him, “I’m so happy you like it.” 

Just as he puts me down, I hear my dad calling out for me. It must be time to leave. I kiss him quickly once more before we come out of the room and walk to the door. I quickly put on my shoes and coat as dad, Helen and the twins say goodbye to Sally and Paul. I hug Sally goodbye and shake hands with Paul to say goodbye. I hug Percy tightly and whisper “Goodbye”, softly into his ear. Dad and Helen once more thank Sally and then we leave. Before we get into the lift to go down, I quickly turn around and blow Percy a kiss. He jokingly pretends to catch it as he waves goodbye one last time. I laugh as I get into the lift. This was the best Christmas ever!

THE END