#Coco pots importers

[literaryvein-reblogs]

How to write a character’s dialogue where they make jokes a lot but have suicidal thoughts?

Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle have been trying to explain humor since ancient times. Recent scholars have proposed several theories explaining the underlying mechanisms of humor:

Release Theory of Humor - the theory that people laugh out of a need to release pent-up psychic energy. In Sigmund Freud’s version of this theory, humor permits the expression of normally taboo impulses, and the energy it releases is that normally used in keeping such impulses out of consciousness.

Relief Theory - focuses primarily on the motivational mechanisms of interpersonal needs, positing that humor provides relief of tension. The authors describe this as akin to a hydraulic engine, with laughter serving the function of a steam pipe pressure valve. In this way, pent-up pressure is relieved through laughter. More specifically, the muscular and respiratory processes involved in laugher serve the important role of releasing pent-up nervous energy (Martin & Ford, 2018).

Incongruity Theory - believed to be the most influential humor theory, with some proposing that “incongruity is at the core of all humor” (Zhan, 2012, p. 95). This theory is intuitive, as a joke with an expected or obvious punchline is simply not funny. Instead, laughter occurs in response to unexpected punchlines or those that go against usual patterns (Wilkins & Eisenbraun, 2009).

The "Sad Clown" Trope - This character trope is the wisecracking funnyman who copes with his hopeless position with humor — usually of the groan-inducing kind.

He is totally insecure at heart and keeps on running his mouth to fool himself into thinking he's confident or to get people to like him.

In the most tragic cases though, people do actually find them genuinely charming and likeable because of their humor and like being around them.

This is usually of little comfort to the Sad Clowns, whose insecurities cause them to fear that people only really like the "Clown" part of them, and so they do their damnedest to always be the "Clown" in public, but bury and suppress the "Sad" side of them as deeply as possible, because they are afraid that people would like them less if they were to find out about it.

Often put in more serious series to add some comic relief, while at the same time secretly revealing to the audience that the character is a simmering pot of hidden insecurities and angst, just like everyone else in the cast.

Very commonly tragic Truth in Television, as it's actually very common for people afflicted with mental illnesses (especially Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Personality Disorders, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders for example) to actually have a great sense of humor.

It sounds contradictory, but mental illness isn't all sadness and darkness. One thing that is common to many people with mental illnesses is severe self-doubt about their value as a person.

Cracking jokes and making people laugh can help temporarily ease some of those feelings. Not to mention that humor is a very effective coping mechanism.

Examples: "Sad Clown" Trope

East of Eden offers this exchange about the stereotype of the Irish. Lee: "But the Irish are said to be a happy people, full of jokes." Samuel Hamilton: "There's y our pidgin and your queue. They are not. They are a dark people with a gift for suffering way past their deserving. It's said that without whisky to soak and soften the world, they'd kill themselves. But they tell jokes because it's expected of them."

Hector from Coco seems like a carefree, charming con-artist who just wants to go to the Land of the Living like everyone else on the holiday. Then it's revealed that he is a deeply tragic character who has been unjustly hated and separated from his family for decades, and all that energetic silliness was a front to cover up a lot of sadness and shame.

Homer Simpson is a pretty good example of this trope. Though he's usually fairly exuberant, he's attempted suicide at least three times in the series, and during the early seasons, was often shown to be insecure about the way he looks, not to mention the stress related to his job. In the modern episodes, Homer's childhood was revealed with his parents constantly fighting and his father taking out his frustration on him, bringing about Homer's constant eating habits.

Sources: 1 2 3 ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

Considering some theories on humour, like those mentioned above, and studying the dialogue of characters that exhibit the "sad clown" trope (and other similar ones) might be used as inspiration for your character. You can read more examples here that I wasn't able to include in this post. Hope this helps with your writing!

[loveroftoomanyfandoms]

Sweet on You, Chapter 6

Pairing: Matt Murdock x F!Reader

Story Summary: HERE

Warnings/Tags: Sugar Daddy!Matt Murdock, Idiots to Lovers, No Age Gap, Alternating PoV, No Use of Y/N

Word Count: ~3700

A/N: Guess who's back, back again? Matty's back, tell a friend...

After months of fucking off to who-knows-where, Matt finally sauntered back into the writing room in my head with a smirk on his face and the DDBA trailer in tow, so expect updates to all of my Matt fics to start back up!

As always, many thanks to @realfernmayo for the divider!!!

Tag List: @danzer8705 @capylore @shouldbestudying41 @atemydadforbreakfast @peachy-flxwr @sleepysleepymom @fishinsuits @milkbummm @lazyxsquirrel @beezusvreeland @caughtthefever @bohemianrhapsody86 @yarrystyleeza @indestructeible @pepperthebi-spy @kezibear

“I need you to stay late,” Mr. DiStefano said the following evening as you prepared to leave the office.

You paused in the middle of unlocking your desk drawer to retrieve your purse. “Wait, what? Why?”

“Harrison just called, he wants to completely redo the condos we're designing for him so he's coming in for an emergency meeting. I need you here to take notes.”

You frowned. Harrison Coco was the head of the Coco Corporation, one of the largest and most prestigious development companies in New York. “He’s coming in tonight ?”

Mr. DiStefano shook his head. “I don't like it either, but he's our biggest client. I don't want to run the risk of losing his account.”

“Can't it at least wait until tomorrow? I had plans this evening.”

“Oh, well, if whatever it is you had planned is more important than your job , then…” Mr. DiStefano trailed off, his meaning evident.

You sighed. You had been looking forward to a quiet dinner with Matt after an already hectic day. “No, sir. It's fine, I can see if I can reschedule for another day.”

“Good. Make a pot of coffee, would you? We're going to need it.”

You pulled out your phone as Mr. DiStefano walked back to his office, sighing once again as you texted Matt. I'm really sorry, but I can't make it to dinner tonight.

Your phone immediately chimed with a response. Everything okay?

Yeah, an important client is coming in so my boss is making me work late. 

Ah. I see. 

“He probably doesn't believe me,” you muttered to yourself. Would you mind taking a raincheck for this weekend? Or I can even do an extra dinner next week if that's preferable.

You chewed on your lip in anticipation, hoping that Matt didn't consider you already in breach of your contract and tell you to just forget about the whole thing.

Would tomorrow work for you? 6 PM at the restaurant instead of 7?

You huffed out a relieved breath. Yes, that should work. Again, I'm so sorry, my boss literally just sprang this on me.

That's quite alright, I have some things I needed to finish up tonight at the office anyway. I'll see you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow.

You put your phone away and headed to the kitchen to brew the requested pot of coffee. Design meetings typically ran for several hours as it was, but meetings with Harrison were always even longer and more detailed.  Might as well make extra since I'll probably be here until midnight. 

You measured out the coffee grounds then added water to the reservoir, wondering if you'd have the time and energy to at least scarf down the leftover baked chicken you had made the previous evening before needing to get ready for bed or if you should order something to eat at the office for dinner.

You pressed the start button on the coffee machine, deciding to err on the side of caution and order in something.

You headed back to Mr. DiStefano’s office. “I'm going to grab something for dinner, do you want anything?”

Mr. DiStefano nodded. “Yeah, actually. What were you getting?”

“I was thinking maybe that ramen bar down the street.” It was relatively inexpensive and close enough to the office to where you could just run and pick it up rather than having to wait on delivery.

Mr. DiStefano nodded. “That sounds good. Give me a minute and I'll let you know what I want.”

“Okay.”

You went back to the kitchen to pour the coffee you had made into a carafe to keep warm, then brought the carafe into the meeting room and set it on a table against the wall along with some cups, a caddy full of various sweeteners and creamers, and several bottles of water. Okay, I think that's everything.

You walked back into Mr. DiStefano's office. “Decide what you want, sir?”

Mr. DiStefano nodded. “Yeah, get me the black tonkotsu with a side of takoyaki.”

You pulled your phone out to place your orders. “Okay, not a problem.”

Mr. DiStefano pulled his wallet out of his pocket and took out some cash. “Here, this should cover mine.”

You took the money and stuck it in your pocket. “I’ll let you know when I leave to go pick it up. What time will Mr. Coco be arriving?”

“Around 6:30 or so. He just got back into town from a business trip and will be on his way shortly.”

You nodded. At least that would give you enough time to eat. “I’ve got coffee and water set up in the meeting room. Do you need anything else?”

Mr. DiStefano shook his head. “No, I think that’s it for now.”

You went back to your desk and responded to a few emails from clients that you had originally left to answer the next morning, then stopped by Mr. DiStefano's office once again in order to let him know that you were leaving to go pick up dinner. 

At least Abbott and Williams have already left for the day so I don't have to worry about having to deal with them too , you thought as you locked the office door behind you. 

You walked the three blocks to the restaurant and picked up your order, then headed back.

“Mr. DiStefano, I'm back,” you announced as you unlocked the door and stepped back inside. “They had initially forgotten your okonomiyaki sauce, but I made sure to get them to put extra in the bag for you.”

“Okay, thanks,” Mr. DiStefano said as he came into the lobby. “Before Harrison gets here I need you to pull the current renderings for the condos as well as the designs for the Baker, Hawkins, and Guiducci accounts. Hopefully we can convince him to stick with the original design or at the very least go with something similar to what we've done before.” 

There goes my time to actually sit and enjoy my dinner , you thought . It was already 6:00 and it would take you at least 15 minutes to find and pull the requested designs. “Yes, sir.”

You handed him his order and put your own on your desk before going to pull the designs. While most architectural firms were utilizing digital-only designs, DiStefano and Associates still used mostly hand-drawn renderings depending on the needs of the client. “Digital renderings may be faster,” Mr. DiStefano had once put it when you had asked him about it, “but a computer can't give you the warmth and depth of a space that hand-drawn designs can.”

Apparently the architecture world agreed, because DiStefano and Associates had been named one of Architecture Today ’s top firms for the past 5 years straight.

You found the requested plans and brought them to the meeting room then returned to your desk to hurriedly eat your (now cold) dinner.

You had just finished when you heard a tap on the front door. Perfect timing.

You hurriedly threw your take-out container in the trashcan next to your desk and walked over to unlock the door. “Mr. Coco, it's good to see you,” you said with false-but-professional pleasantness as you opened it.

You honestly didn't have anything against him personally -- he was a tall, medium-built, good-looking man around your age with dark hair and piercing blue eyes -- but you couldn't help but be annoyed that he had (unknowingly) caused you to have to cancel your dinner plans for the evening.

“Same to you,” he replied. “And I've asked you before, please call me Harrison. Mr. Coco is my father.”

You stepped out of the doorway to let him inside. “Come on in.”

You locked the door behind him and led him to the meeting room. “I'll let Mr. DiStefano know that you're here.”

Harrison nodded. “Thanks.”

You walked back to Mr. DiStefano's office. “Mr. Coco is waiting for you in the meeting room, sir.”

Mr. DiStefano nodded. “Okay, thanks. I'll be right there.”

You passed by your desk to grab your notebook and returned to the meeting room. “Mr. DiStefano will be with you in a moment. In the meantime, there's fresh coffee and bottled water if you'd like anything to drink, or I can bring you a cup of tea if you'd prefer.”

Harrison looked over at the coffee station, then back at you. “Actually, a cup of tea would be nice.” 

You nodded. “We have English Breakfast, green tea, Chai, Earl Grey, honey-chamomile, and herbal peppermint. Which would you prefer?”

Harrison thought for a moment. “Let's do the Chai.”

“Okay, I'll be right back with that.”

You went to the kitchen and brewed a cup of hot water then placed a tea bag in it before returning once again to the meeting room. “Here you are.”

Harrison nodded as you handed him the cup. “Appreciate it. So, how have you been?”

“Fine, thanks.” Harrison was one of the few clients who always took the time to actually speak to you and made you feel seen and not like furniture. “How about you? Mr. DiStefano said you just got back from a trip?”

Harrison nodded. “Actually, yeah, which is why I --”

“Harrison, hello!” Mr. DiStefano's voice boomed as he walked into the meeting room. “It's good to see you.”

Harrison turned to shake Mr. DiStefano's hand. “John, thanks for meeting with me so quickly.”

Mr. DiStefano shook his head. “Not a problem. Please, have a seat.”

You sat in your usual chair in the corner of the room as the two men sat at the table.

“So tell me,” Mr. DiStefano said. “What's the issue with the condo design? I thought you said you loved it.”

Harrison sighed. “I did, I did, it's just that upon looking at it again I realized it looks like every other condo building in New York. I want something different, something that makes Coco Corp stand out. I need something… inviting .”

You wrote down different and inviting as Mr. DiStefano nodded. “Okay, I can absolutely see that. I've pulled a few comps for you to check out.”

You refrained from rolling your eyes. You knew you were just Mr. DiStefano's office assistant, but the least he could do was to say he’d had his assistant pull the blueprints rather than act like he had actually taken the time to do it himself.

Mr. DiStefano reached over and unrolled the first rendering. “Here's one we did for the Taylor Group --”

Harrison shook his head. “No, you don't understand me, John. It's gotta be a completely original design, unlike anything else in New York. I want people to look at it and see something unique, not just another high-rise taking up space where there used to be a park. And I want it to be as environmentally friendly as possible.”

Environmentally friendly, you added to your notes.

Mr. DiStefano sat back and scratched at his chin. “Well, going back to the drawing board and starting over completely from scratch is going to cost you, Harrison. I mean I've already put a lot of time and effort into the original design…”

“I don't care how much it costs. I'll pay you triple your usual hourly rate, I just need a completely new, unique design by Monday morning. I have to get the new plans over to City Hall for approval before I leave for Taiwan Monday afternoon.”

Mr. DiStefano nodded. “It'll require me to work through the weekend, but considering it's an emergency and it's for you, I'll do it.”

Harrison grinned. “Great. Let's get started then.”

You sighed to yourself. You'd been hoping that Harrison would like one of the other designs with just a few tweaks being made to make it part of his signature style, but to completely start the design process over?

It was going to be a long night.

“Walk me through step-by-step what happened when you arrived on scene,” Matt's voice said on the recording of his interview with Officer Stanton from earlier that day.

Officer Stanton had sighed. “The housekeeper answered the door and let us in, then led us to Senator and Mrs. Thompson’s bodies.”

“She was the one who discovered the victims, right?” Matt had listened to her original deposition that morning and already knew that she had arrived at the Thompson residence around 8 AM to start her workday only to discover Senator and Mrs. Thompson dead in the foyer, but he'd wanted to confirm it with Officer Stanton.

“Yeah.”

“Was anyone else at the residence?”

“No, but Mrs. Thompson’s sister arrived shortly thereafter.”

“Ah, yes, Ms…” Matt had paused to check his notes. “Stafford.”

“Yeah, that's right.”

“The Thompson’s deaths hadn't yet been made public and no next of kin had been contacted at the time, correct?”

“Right.”

 “So her reason for being there?”

“She said she had made plans with Mrs. Thompson to go shopping and to have lunch.”

“And she was the one who first mentioned that my client had argued with Mrs. Thompson the previous day?”

Officer Stanton had shifted in his seat. “Yeah.”

“Yet you testified in court that it was Ms. Davies who initially mentioned the argument.”

There was a rustle of clothing as Officer Stanton had shrugged. “I got mixed up. Ms. Stafford mentioned it to us then Ms. Davies confirmed it during questioning.”

“How did Ms. Davies know about the argument?”

“She overheard Mrs. Thompson telling Ms. Stafford about it during tea at the Thompson residence.”

“Did either one know what the argument was about?”

“No.”

“Had anyone else other than my client ever been considered a suspect?”

“I don't know, you'd have to ask Detective Fraser. He was the lead on the case, I was just the first officer on the scene.”

“I will. That's all the questions I have for you, thank you for your time.”

Matt turned off the recording and took out his earbuds. He needed to talk to Detective Fraser, but he was pretty sure the police had never looked beyond Conrad -- who was clearly innocent -- for suspects. 

He sighed. There wasn't anything else he could do on Conrad's case that night and he had already wrapped up his other tasks earlier in the day in anticipation of his scheduled dinner with you.

Matt had admittedly been disappointed when you had texted him to cancel and initially thought that maybe you had changed your mind about your arrangement, but had believed your explanation of having to work late, especially after you had offered to make it up to him.

He checked the time as his stomach rumbled. 11:34 PM. Shit, I should call it a night. Probably should eat something, too, since I skipped lunch.

There was a deli nearby that was open until midnight, so he gathered his belongings and headed out of the office, locking the door behind him.

He unfolded his cane and headed down the sidewalk, the smell of freshly-baked bread and sliced meat becoming stronger and more enticing the further he got down the street.

His brow furrowed as he picked up the sound of your voice. Your office was about a half a block from the deli and you had said that you'd had to work late, but Matt definitely hadn't expected you to be working this late.

“Goodnight, Mr. DiStefano,” you were saying. “See you in the morning.”

Matt frowned. He presumed that you would be walking home since cabs were scarce at this hour, but even with his efforts as Daredevil the streets weren't 100% safe. I should make sure she gets home okay.

He bypassed the deli and kept walking, reaching your office right as you were finishing locking up behind you.

You double-checked that the door was locked tight then turned towards him. “Matt?”

Matt said your name in what he hoped was a believably surprised tone. “Hi. Wow, are you just now getting off of work?”

“Yeah, design meetings always take forever, especially meetings with this particular client.” You paused. “What about you? Are you just now getting off too?”

Matt nodded. “Yeah, I lost track of time working on this one particular case and totally skipped dinner, so I just left the office and was heading to Raoul’s to grab a sandwich to eat at home.”

“Oh, um, you passed it. It's about half a block back the way you came.”

Matt made a fake grimace. “Oh shit, did I? Damn, it's late and I'm tired, I must've miscounted the steps.”

“Want me to escort you there?”

“You don't mind?”

“Of course not.” You moved to stand next to him and offered him your arm. “Come on, it's right down here.”

Matt took your arm and allowed you to guide him back down the street to Raoul's. “Thanks, by the way.”

“No problem.” You slowed to a stop as the two of you reached the deli. “Here it is.”

Matt nodded. “Thanks again.”

You huffed out a light laugh. “Part of the service, remember?”

Matt grinned. “Right, right.”

“I'll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” Matt bit his lip. “...Unless you don't mind waiting a few minutes for me to get my sandwich then letting me walk you home?”

He could feel you relax as you shook your head. “No, I don't mind. I'd actually really appreciate it.”

“Okay, great.”

The two of you headed inside and walked up to the counter. 

“Welcome to Raoul's, what can I get you folks?” the clerk said.

“Ah, yeah, can I get turkey and ham on a sub, hold the mustard?” Matt turned towards you. “Would you like anything?”

“Oh, no thank you,” you replied. “I had dinner at the office earlier.”

You were telling the truth, so Matt just nodded. “Okay. That'll be all, thanks.”

He paid for his sandwich then the two of you moved to the other end of the counter to wait for it.

“So do you work late often?” Matt asked.

“No, not really,” you answered. “And even when I do it's usually never this late. We just had a very important client insist on meeting tonight about an emergency redesign on a project my boss is doing for him and I had to be there to take notes.”

You paused briefly before continuing. “I shouldn't need to cancel dinner so last-minute again.”

Matt shook his head. “Honestly, it's fine. I might have to do the same on occasion.”

“Also, thank you for agreeing to reschedule. I was afraid you'd tell me to just forget the whole deal.”

Matt's brow furrowed. “Why would I do that?”

He heard the ruffle of your coat as you shrugged. “I dunno,” you hedged. “I thought that maybe you wouldn't believe that I was working late and that I was actually seeing another S&S client or something.”

The thought had never crossed Matt's mind, but now that you mentioned it... “ Do you have other clients?”

“No, you're my only one right now. But what about you? I know you said you're single, but you could still have a friend with benefits… with actual benefits.”

Matt shook his head. “No, there's no one in my life in that capacity right now either.”

He chewed on his lip as he thought for a moment. “How about for both our peace of mind we add an addendum to our contract? Something along the lines of ‘Neither party shall seek out or participate in other companionship or romantic entanglements while joined under the terms of this contract’.”

You let out a breath. “Agreed. I mean, since we're going to be letting people believe that we're legitimately dating it makes sense for both of us to be otherwise unattached.”

Matt nodded. “I'll write it up and we can sign it tomorrow before dinner. And now that I'm thinking about it, I probably should increase your monthly stipend since I'm preventing you from taking on other clients.”

You hesitated briefly before answering. “I appreciate that, but it's not necessary. You're already paying me more than enough as it is.”

“Are you sure? Because I don't mind increasing it.”

“I'm sure. But thanks for the offer.”

“Okay then.”

“Do you still want to meet at the restaurant? Or would you rather meet at your office to sign the addendum?”

“Restaurant is fine. It's just one extra clause so it's only one page.”

“Okay, that sounds good then.”

Your conversation halted as Matt's order was called. “You folks have a good night,” the deli clerk said as he handed Matt a plastic bag containing his sandwich. 

“Thanks, you too,” Matt replied.

“You as well,” you added before the two of you headed outside.

Matt unfolded his cane and took your elbow. “Alright, which way are we heading?”

You turned back towards your office. “This way.”

The two of you walked silently, each lost in your own thoughts.

“By the way --” Matt began.

“Hey, thank you again --” you started to say at the same time.

Matt chuckled. “You go first.”

You took a breath. “I was just gonna say thank you again for walking me home. I really do appreciate it.”

Matt nodded. “It's not a problem.”

“So what were you going to say?”

“Oh, just that Foggy and Karen want to meet you.”

“Oh, okay. That's not a problem, just let me know when and where.”

“I told them maybe in a couple of weeks once we see how things go.” Matt grinned. “I want us to be comfortable with each other before I subject you to the rest of Nelson, Murdock and Page for cross-examination.”

You huffed out a light laugh. “I'll be sure to prepare, counselor.”

Matt felt you slow down as you reached your apartment building. “Well, this is me. Thanks again for walking me home.”

Matt smiled and gave you a slight nod. “Usually I'm embarrassed when I accidentally pass up places I'm trying to get to, but tonight it worked out. I'm glad I ran into you.”

“Me too. Do you need directions back to your place?”

Matt shook his head. “Nah. I can use the GPS on my phone.”

“Okay.” You gave his arm a light squeeze. “I'll see you tomorrow evening then?”

Matt nodded. “See you tomorrow evening.”

He waited as you went inside your building then turned and headed towards home, his mind going back and forth from Conrad's case to Matt's contract with you. There was something he was definitely missing in order to definitively prove Conrad's innocence, but he couldn't quite figure out what.

He shook his head. He needed to eat, shower, and sleep. He'd work on proving Conrad's innocence and writing up the addendum to his and your contract tomorrow.

[heavenly-fag]

24-hour minizine (8 pages) about DIY propagation from leaf and stem cuttings (free to copy and distribute!! pls just take my name out if you change any content)

EDIT: thank you for all the love! check out @contentsunderpressurezine (instagram) for more of our stuff!

pdf download for print and read friendly versions on this ko-fi I just set up! pay what you wish, free to print and distribute

plaintext under the cut:

So You Want to Make Some Plants Into Even More Plants?

A Quick + Dirty Guide to Propagation from An Amateur Who Likes Watching Roots Grow. (by Fran Tirpak)

propagation - n.

"multiplication or increase, as by natural reproduction."

1. Prepare!

Important: Sterilize your shears w/ rubbing alcohol.

Wear gloves -- some plants can irritate your skin when cut.

Gather supplies: shears, gloves, soil medium, pot, glass jar.

Optional: plant food, rooting hormone, cinnamon, tealight.

^ we'll talk about these all more later on.

2. Take your cutting!

Succulents -- just pop off a leaf!

Vining plants (Pothos, Monstera), cut below one of the root nodes.

Woody stems (fiddle leaf, rubber plant) -- cut with 1-3 leaves at the top

3. Root your cutting!

(Optional) Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. For a homemade method, dip in cinnamon, then seal with melted wax from an unscented tea candle.

Place the cutting in a glass of warm water in indirect sunlight.

Succulent owners: simply place your leaves flat on damp potting soil.

4. Plant the cutting

(the scariest part)

Once the cutting has roots (~3-4 weeks later) time to put it in soil.

Depending on your plant, your soil needs will change.

When in doubt: good drainage, airy & loose, added nutrients.

For tropicals: 1/2 peat moss or coco coir, 1/4 perlite or pumice, 15% orchid bark, 10% compost/organics (i.e. worm husks).

(For succulents, just watch 'em sprout!)

* Potting Tips

Experiment with lighting and humidity levels.

Try out LECA or a mix to slowly introduce your plant to solid ground.

LECA: Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate. Balls of clay used in hydroponic gardening - popular with Monsteras

Some tropical plants also have no prob being in water full-time!

5. Now you have a friend!

Pro tips: You can take props from anywhere (as long as you're responsible -- and sneaky).

There's no one way to care for a plant. Do your research, go with your gut, & have fun!

[ayanegooding]

ayané date night routine

allure youtube video

16m views

promoting malcom and marie

posted december 2024

shower routine

dry brush (before)

“i recently found this step and i do feel a difference”

skinfix body scrub

coco butter dove soap bar

heretic scandalwood body wash

“my body wash from my perfume collection that had skin care properties just as much as the sandalwood scent .”

post shower body routine

vs pink vanilla body oil

“i do it right after the shower while water is still on me to get in my skin the scent much longer.”

L'Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Milk Concentrate

fenty beauty toasted marshmallow body butter

“love this body butter, i love this scent. use it too much and perfect for layering gourmand scents. “

skin care routine

la roche-posay cleanser

tirtir milk skin toner

beekman 182 milk drops

tirtir moisturizer

lancôme spf

makeup routine

“i have a very important makeup routine. i have a lot of makeup so i do change it up a bit sometimes but its almost always the same steps, i just change the brand.”

nyx plump right back primer

rem beauty pot concealer

“i use this for small color correction under the eye. i was hit the the indian eyes but i do like them so i don’t do too much, just lighten them.”

elf soap brow and nyx brow pencil

“i have pretty thick brows and i just got the done and usually i just stick the up with the soap brow and use the pensil for a bit more fillings in and not to much. i don’t line them with concealer because i like the really natural look around the brows.”

about face foundation

milani cream blush in blushing berry

abh cream bronzer

rem beauty concealer

charlotte tilberry press powder

pat mcgrath blush in cherish

danessa myricks multi poder balm as bronzer

danessa myricks loose powder

dior eyeshow pallotte

elf all night setting spray

urban decay setting spray

charlotte tilbury setting spray

fenty beauty diamond bomb

makeup forever lipliner

“i use this in my lips and to also as my beauty marks back on my face.”

rem beauty lipstick in drive in movie

outfit:

dress

shoes

bag

earrings

hair

ayané moved to the camera looking at the finished result. “okay i’m going to finish it with a jacket cuz its kinda cold but i’m taking this off when i get out the car for sure.”

she put everything together looking herself over the. realized something and put her hands towards the camera “and i just got the nails done. something simple but i did want long nails this time. yes the cut ties nails are gone, sadly.” she joked. she then pointed to various rings on her fingers and started with her middle finger, “no idea, my boo got me that one, this is david yurman.” she moved to her other middle finger.” she pointed to her right ring finger “and this is suzanne kalan.”

“i’m going to use my perfume in dirty vanilla.”

“that was my full date night routine, thank you so much for watching and thank you allure. go see malcom and marie this christmas with your lover if your secure in the relationship.” she blew a kiss to the camera and waved.

[sixminutestoriesblog]

marigolds

It's October! For half the hemisphere, the nights are getting longer, the wind is getting colder and the weather is taking on a distinct grey and overcast mood. What better time than now to steal a few last bursts of brilliant, warm sunshine and keep them close against the coming of winter?

Enter October's flower (one of them) - the marigold.

An interesting thing I found while researching this month's flower was that its native to the Americas - and yet some sites list the ancient Greeks and Romans having traditions surrounding the marigold. One of the sites even mentions the flower being introduced to the 'Americas' several sentences after telling me its native to Mexico. I think some of the confusion may come from the fact that there are marigolds of the Tagetes genus, which are the ones I think of when I think of marigolds, that were first mentioned by the Aztecs and are native to the Americas - and there is a flower, Calendula officinalis, called the 'pot marigold' which comes from the same daisy family but is a different genus and seems to originate in southern Europe. To add to the confusion, the Spanish imported the Tagetes marigold from the Americas and from Spain it spread to, particularly, monastery gardens across Europe where it was cultivated into various strains with names like the African or French marigold. The American marigold didn't even have an official genus name until 1753. So, sorting through marigold myths was a lot like playing 'guess which twin it is' for me especially since the majority of the sites I was wandering through either weren't aware of a difference or didn't differentiate. I found one site that marked the difference between them (shout out to growingvale.com). I can understand why. We're only talking flower folklore here, not nuclear codes. My little nitpicky soul though just wasn't happy until it figured out what was going on. I am now going to spew facts at you and try to tell you which flower is which for each of them.

We'll see how I do.

Let's start at the beginning.

Tagetes marigolds were first recorded as being cultivated by the Aztecs, who considered them both medicinal and sacred. That tradition has carried over into Mexico's el Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated either in late October or Early November depending on the region. How much of that is straight from the Aztecs and how much is later European influence via Catholicism is still up for debate but the marigold plays a special part in both. The brightness and strong scent of the marigold flowers are believed to help guide the spirits of the dead to their family and to the offerings left out for them. You watched Disney's Coco (or Fox's The Book of Life), you get it. The Day of the Dead is celebrated outside of Mexico as well, with traditions varying from place to place but right now, we're talking marigolds.

In a half step to the side of that, the Victorians also considered marigolds a funeral flower but in a solemn and grief-filled way that made their cheery color inappropriate for any other kind of bouquet.

In South Asia, the Tagetes marigold has in large part replaced Calendula officinalis marigold while still serving the same purpose. There marigolds are used to create garlands and decorations for weddings, festivals and sacred holidays. Both Buddhism and Hinduism attach spiritual significance to the flowers. In India, giving a garland of marigolds to someone is considered a sign of friendship.

Walking it back to our Calendula officinalis marigold, the common name of 'marigold' is actually a break down of 'Mary's gold'. The golden colored plant was often left on alters and shrines to the Virgin Mary in Catholic countries in the middle ages by people that couldn't afford to leave actual coins. Its bright sunshine color and availability to everyone soon became associated with her.

This is the marigold that the ancient Romans and Greeks used medicinally and that medieval Europe thought was a cure against the plague. This is also the marigold that was woven into garlands for doors and livestock in Ireland to keep away fairy attention.

Both branches of flowers are popular with love superstitions, representing never having to lose a love and as a good luck charm when it comes to love.

And let's round things off with a gardening fact. Marigold are considered excellent companion plants for most vegetable gardens because they repel pests from the big to the very tiny kind. Just check before you plant. Their roots also give off an antibacterial chemical that will wreck havoc on your legumes.

Happy birthday, October babies!

[jaybug-jabbers]

Just some notes I am making for myself!!

Isopod Shopping List:

✔️ Glass aquarium/vivarium (ensure lid has fine mesh to keep out pests; a lid that's partially glass will make it easier to maintain humidity)

✔️ Humidity gauge/thermometer (50-60%, 70-85 degrees F)

✔️ Bark 'hides' and (safe) decorative pieces; cork bark is common

✔️ Squirt bottle for misting

✔️ Substrate (common ones: topsoil, coco fiber, coco chips, sand, charcoal, small pieces of bark/wood, sphagnum moss; the moss helps retain moisture and thus is handy but don't use too much; ensure the soil used has no fertilizer beads or other 'extras' in it):

✔️ Topsoil/Potting Soil

✔️ Worm castings

✔️ Fir Bark Chips

✔️ Charcoal

✔️ Sphagnum Moss

✔️ Dead leaves (primary food source; some people boil or bake them to sterilize but others don't; a variety of leaf types will work; some commonly used ones include maple, oak, birch, elm, cottonwood, etc; thinner leaves and older, more 'rotten' leaves are tastiest to them, but be sure to inspect for mold or hitchhikers; provide plenty of leaves in a layer over the whole tank)

Additional dead organic matter can include seed pods such as magnolia pods, lichen, or other goodies

✔️ Nutrient-rich foods (secondary food source; a variety of things can be used including fish flakes, dried bloodworms, dried shrimp, small pieces of produce scraps, specialized products such as Repashy Morning Wood and Repashy Bug Burger, etc) to be provided in very small amounts that can be eaten quickly and any excess removed before it molds; experiment to see how long it takes for them to consume it and what they prefer to eat

✔️ Cuttlebone (broken up) may be provided if desired for extra calcium

Springtails may be added to help control mold and pests

Isopod Care Notes:

Some keepers have a 'damp' side and a 'drier' side to allow the isopods to regulate their own preferences; sphagnum moss works good for the damp side, and situate a vent by the dry side if possible

Heat should not be needed unless your room is especially cool

Most keepers prefer deep substrate for the isopods to burrow, but some prefer shallower substrate so they can keep track of their stock better (they use a compacted substrate layer and place a looser, shallower burrowing layer on top)

Substrate does not need to be changed often but every few months is a good idea to refresh its nutrients and remove excess frass & ammonia buildup

Exact environmental preferences will depend on the species of isopod; while their needs are often very similar it's important to always double-check about your exact species

Isopods will reproduce readily (females carry the eggs in their bodies and will give 'birth' to live isopods) and the little babbies (mancae) start off very teeny so be careful when you're cleaning

Invert keepers have bred a TON of varieties of isopods, at differing 'difficulty' and price levels; make sure you are purchasing isopods that have been bred in captivity and not poached from the wild; and obviously never release pets into the wild

Some Beginner Isopods & Pretty Color Morphs:

Armadillidium nasatum (Nosy Pillbug): Peach, Orange, White Out/Pearl

Armadillidium vulgare (Roly-Poly): Orange Vigor, St. Lucia, Magic Potion

Porcellio scaber (Rough Woodlouse): Dalmation, Orange Koi, Lava

Porcellio laevis (Swift Woodlouse): Dairy Cow

Cubaris murina (Little Sea Isopod): Anemone, Glacier

Questions for Sellers:

Opinions on enclosures, especially with regards to maintaining proper moisture and airflow

Opinions on where to safely collect leaf litter (esp this time of year), boiling to sterilize (potential nutrition loss)

Species

Where do you get your isopods?

[d-x-z]

ICE ICE BABY!

Evil morty (from the fanfic) x male reader

Note: If you read the fanfic, I do call back to their times, and I mention this one before, but I will turn them into oneshots >:)

(Posted before the fanfic is published—needed to be proofread, arc 1 needs to be rewritten/improved— for context, evil morty is just morty prime but before he decided to go solo. Pre-rick event)

17+ DNI, 16 and under blogs only!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: if there's weird cuts that skips paragraphs that doesn't complete the last one please tell me cuz my clipboards weird and won't copy paste the whole thing so I have to cut it into sections and I post through phone and it's so fucking awkward to work around

Desc: snow angels, hot chocolate, ice skating, and a burning heart to warm themselves for the winter... and even a furball to surprise them♡

Type: love/fluff

"YAYAYAYA WAKE UP MORTY!!" The brunette was passed out on his bed as a drool went down his face."MORTY WAKE UPPPPPP ITS SNOWING!!" yelled the boy who was clinging unto his life as he's outside his window. groaning, he started clawing unto the window with his hands.

"I don't want to bother your parents by going through the front door!!" Trying to claw the window open, he then saw morty stir up. The exact moment he opened his eyes, he saw Y/n covered in snow. The only thing keeping him warm was the ear muffs and the sweater he wore, "what the? Y/n what are you doing??"

He yawned as he got up to open the window. Without thinking, he let Y/n in forgetting he was covered in snow "jesus! It's cold!!!" He shivered when Y/n shook his body spraying the snow towards him as well. As y/n picked up the ear muffs he shook off "Wanna go outside and make a snow man? It's snowing right now"

pointing his thumb behind him to the window morty looked at his clock "it's 6 in the morning.. let's go downstairs even mom won't be awake during this hour. It's holidays, " he rubbed his eyes as Y/n followed behind only problem was it was snowing a bit too hard, they had to wait for a few hours to calm down.

Morty went to the bathroom while Y/n went downstairs to the living room passing by the front door to take off his shoes. Sitting on the couch, he looked out the window it really was snowing hard...did he lock his windows??

He thought to himself before deciding to deal with that later. He heared footsteps behind and it was morty in a ugly Christmas sweater "yeesh goodmorning" Y/n tilted his head backwards to see morty, his view was upside down.

“anyways you ate breakfast?” Y/n sat back up to turn around “nah, got hot coco?” morty went away to the kitchen while Y/n followed by “not nesquick, like actual hot coco” Y/n stood beside him in the counter

“that will take a whole 20 minutes to do Y/n..” “it’s not that bad, We got the time it’s christmas! C’mon get the cups i’ll get the stove ready” Y/n opened the cupboard before morty got the mugs from the drying rack

Y/n placed a pot on the stove along with milk, “can you get the sugar and cocoa powder for me real quick” Y/n opened his palm while morty searched through the kitchen and placed it on his hand

Placing in cocoa and sugar he stirred the pot, “vanilla extract, i think summer placed it in the left cupboard the last time i remember” morty checked but it wasnt there, checking the other cupboard he finally got it

Handing over to Y/n. Placing a few drops of extract he handed it back to morty, stirring it morty handed over the mugs opening the fridge to search for the whipped cream “oh my god wait, we need chocolate chips morty do you still have some??”

“oh shit, no sorry dad used it all last night for his ginger bread house” morty rolled his eyes before walking towards him with whipped cream “dang it, it’s fine we still got the creamy version of it

Pouring the hot coca unto the mugs morty helped Y/n with placing whipped cream on it “there’s still some more, let’s just keep it here. They can heat it later if they want some” morty told before bringing the mug to his lips

Sipping unto the hot coca, he cringed and retracted “hot!” Y/n laughed “dumbass i JUST made it” morty and Y/n stood leaning unto the kitchen counter, morty looked at Y/n blowing unto his mug. Y/n looked at morty looking at him before he akwardly laughed “what? Got something on my face?” morty shook hid head no before sipping his hot coca

“well seems like you’re the one that does now” Y/n laughed before his hand reached to morty’s lips, wiping away the whip cream on the corner of his mouth “o-oh, thanks” he felt something

But he couldn’t exactly pin point what he did feel at that moment, “c’mon let’s get back to the living room i think there’s a new episode of south park out” “jesus, how many season’s do they have already?” “dunno, it’s fun watching though”

As the morning passes by, Beth and Summer woke up to see morty and Y/n under a blanket watching the tv.

“seriously? I still don’t understand how you’re a dog person morty” watching dogs surround Tom holland in his puppy interview “dogs are cool! They’re just really fun to be around”

“you wanna get a dog?” morty looked at Y/n crossing his hands with a happy grin “yeah?! Who doesn’t” “what are you gonna name it when you actually do get one?” morty rested his head on Y/n shoulder thinking to himself

“dunno...probably snuffles” Y/n snickered trying his best to cover it “Hey! I can feel you laughing!” morty called Y/n out “of course! But why snuffles? Not like i can stop you from naming your dog” Y/n wheezed at the thought

“they’ll have good fur! And we can cuddle too!”

“what if they don’t wanna?”

“...”

“what if they have short hair?”

“... I’ll still love him”

“what if it’s a girl?”

“Y/n!”

“PFFT- okay okay i’ll stop”

Hearing a pair of key’s chime both boys looked behind him “excuse me boys, can you both please wake up jerry upstairs. We’re going to be late for the towns christmas show, if you both want to go to the skating ring early then you better wake him up. And morty go get ready last time you forgot your scarf and gotten sick”

Both Y/n and morty complied before Y/n simply followed morty, “wanna go to some stores after ice skating?” Y/n brought up “im broke, used my last pocket money to get gta 5” “aw boo, okay then”

///

The towns center was crowded with people, Y/n and the smiths watched the stage as acrobats sang and danced together. Morty once more looked over to Y/n’s face seeing his eyes light up im amazment

Even though the snow is pouring in, and he’s barely keeping himself warm he couldn’t help but feel warm inside. Y/n looked back at morty snapping him back to reality as Y/n shook morty “MORTY LOOK AT THEM!! IT’S SO COOL!!” Y/n excitedly cheered

Instinctively holding unto morty’s hand to not get lost in the crowd, time passed by as now the show finally ended. Both Y/n and the smith family were now in a more cleared up crowd as they dispersed to the different food stalls and venders selling ugly christmas sweaters

“ok you both boys be safe alright?? If you need anything me and jerry are gonna be near the food stalls ok?” both nodded before Y/n dragged morty to the ice ring, morty slipped on the snow but Y/n still pulled him up with joyful laughter as the two boys laughed it out

Standing in front of a guy giving out skates “10 bucks each” Y/n gladly paid for morty before they went over to check which skates would fit them “you still don’t know how to skate Y/n you sure you can do this?”

“you doubting me pokemon collecter?” “you collect pokemon card too!?” Y/n laughed before standing both held hands before entering the ice ring, once they did Y/n instead gripped unto the railings

“okay! Okay! This could be the biggest regret ever!” Y/n held the ring like a scared kitty morty simply stood there perfectly fine “just try walking towards me, v shape remember?” Y/n looked at morty reaching his hand out while the other rest on his hips

Breathing out Y/n made small steps to him, a small smile appeared on his face after morty finally gotten to hold unto him “wow, im suprised you didn’t slip yet” “shut up” Y/n grinned looking down unto the ice

“now follow me, and don’t drag me down when you do fall” morty warned Y/n lightly “pfft, i definitely will” morty rolled his eyes before letting go of Y/n leaving him in the middle of the skating ring

“m-morty!! Asshole don’t leave me here!!” “well, just do the same thing you did before. Just without me holding you” Y/n wanted to panic but he’ll fall on his ass if he did “no! I WILL fall if i try going towards you”

Morty slowly backed up “quickly before the gap starts increasing” Y/n’s eyes twitched before his skate dug unto the ice skidding towards him, morty was actually shocked that Y/n managed to get himself to move faster than what he’s personally comfortable with

“w-wait i don’t know how to stop!?” Y/n yelled, morty moved a bit to the left before grabbing y/n. But he underestimated how fast the momentum went and got dragged along with Y/n

His eyes widened before he dug his skate to the ice preventing them both to fall,

the warm breaths of both boys breezed to their faces, as their faces were so close to one another. Both of their face’s turned bright red, either from the cold or their proximity, Y/n felt warm

His chest filled him with a warm shiver. Before he went to quickly kiss morty, before morty could reciprocate Y/n managed to stand up by himself “a-anyways, wanna go skate else where?”

Y/n grinned while morty looked at his eyes “y-yeah”

///

“that was fun” morty looked at y/n “you fell 16 times that whole 30 minutes we were in there” “still fun” looking around morty looked at a wishing station, “Y/n, you wanna go wish?”

Looking at Y/n “oh, sure-sure yeah!” he smiled “wait go ahead i’ll just tie my shoes” Y/n raised his eyebrows before slowly walking away “yeah but you need to hurry up m-”

SMACK!

A snow ball was thrown at the back of his head, turning around he saw morty holding a few more snow balls “betrayal!! C’mere you little shit!” he smirked before cupping snow on his hands throwing it at morty

Chasing after him both boys laughed “can’t catch me shorty!” “morty im literally taller than you!?” morty tried throwing a snow ball at him but Y/n dodged “nuh uh” Y/n looked at morty getting the reference

“the fuck you mean nuh uh!?” he quotted back, before throwing a snow ball at his back, morty threw his last snow ball but missed and hit another persons back. Both boy’s eyes widened before Y/n rushed to the closest stall to pretend to check out it’s contents while morty turned around seeming a bit lost looking around

The man looked around in shock and anger, but morty looked at Y/n and walked towards him “best fucking save ever” “best counter attack ever” morty looked at Y/n confused but his face was stuffed with snow

“BLEGH! It came in my mouth!” “mia khalifa’s sex tape” Y/n laughed proud of the reference he made, he helped clean his hair from the snow. And shockingly enough they were already at the wishing stall

Both boys were greeted by the stall worker “and how about you two? Care to give a wish stick a try?” Y/n smiled before pulling out 2 dollars “oh no need for cash, it’s free for couples” She smiled

Both boys looked at her with a blush, but played in for free wishes. The lady shook the box before presenting it to the boys “first think about your wish, then pick out one popsicle stick”

Both of the boys glances at each other before picking out a stick

[your embodied love, they aren’t far from your reach. Maybe they’re in plain sight]

Y/n hummed to himself with a smile

[everything you love, will be there for you. It will never find itself away from you]

Morty’s eyes clicked realizing something before looking at Y/n

“now, kiss the popsicle and burn the tip. It’s a sign of promise that whatever your wish was will come true”

Both boys kissed the popsicle and burnt the tip on the red candle.

“now keep that popsicle and never show anyone, you can only reveal it once it’s been granted to you” she smiled before the two boys thanked her and walked away

“i already got mine granted” “same here” “so what’s yours?” morty looked away before showing his popsicle stick Y/n “aww that’s so sweet! Mine’s cute” Y/n showed him his popsicle

Morty smiled at it “yeah, c’mon let’s go eat”

///

“morty try these crepes!! They’re really good!” Y/n offered some of his crepes to morty, morty took a bite off it before humming “it’s actually pretty good, want to try this shawarma?”

Y/n nodded before morty offered some as Y/n bit into it, “oh, it’s spicy” Y/n’s taste buds shifted from sweet to spicy “yeah, i just wanted to try some since they’re about to be out” both boys walked by each other before

Morty’s ears perked up and heared something, stopping and looking around Y/n stopped with him, confused. “you ‘aight?” “wait..” morty handed over his shawarma before shoveling his hands throught he snow

Y/n peeked to see morty holding a small dog “w-what!? Holy shit morty!? Is it still breathing, we need to get it near warm fire or something!??” Y/n panicked before morty took off his orange scarf and covered the dog for warmth

“c’mon let’s go to my parents there might be a warm fire around” Y/n followed morty before taking a sneaky small bite into his shawarma

“morty! Dear god where did you get a dog??!” jerry looked at morty in shock, they were sitting at a table Y/n placed their food down “let’s go to that stall they have barbecue maybe we can stand near it for heat!” Y/n pointed out before morty and Y/n quickly rushed over

Standing near the barbecue Y/n apologized for having the dog near the food but the one who ran the stall understood and allowed them to use the heat, even once the food cooked they placed it else where just so that morty can help the dog get warm

“who would leave a dog out here like that??” morty checked that it’s fur was quite dirty, probably a stray. morty slowly patted the dog to try pumping it’s blood flow, Y/n scratched the dogs ear

“poor little guy...” “he probably was abandoned, the snow unfortunately came around these times so he had to survive on his own” morty frowned Beth and jerry came over “okay boy’s let’s go home, Summer’s heading over to her friends house for a sleepover. And then maybe we’d find a way to take care of the poor dog. Where did you guys even find it?”

Beth passed their food to Y/n “we were walking after getting food and morty probably heared a whine under the snow” Y/n looked at morty holding the dog “yeah were going back home, now that morty can’t use his scarf he’s definetly going to catch a cold and the dog needs warmth and probably food”

“so you’re gonna keep the dog?” “of course i will!” “it’s funny, didn’t we talk about dogs this morning? It’s like some christmas miracle you just got him” Y/n held beth’s hair blower and had it to low heat

The dog was conscious but very weak, morty still kept it laying on his scarf a small plastic bowl with left over food from yesterday “what are you gonna name him? It’s a boy right?” morty nodded

“hmm, snuffles.” “you’ve got to be kidding me” “what? It’s the best i can come up with! And he also has nice fur!” morty patted the dogs belly “you could’ve gone with snow balls, his fur is white as snow. And either way he even looks like a snow ball when he curls up to sleep!”

Y/n explained before morty gave in “ok fine, snowballs...” the dog looked around before sniffing the bowl. Y/n brought it closer to it before it started eating slowly. Y/n sighed and leaned near morty since the heater was closer to him

Morty looked at Y/n with a smile before cupping his face to kiss him

“merry christmas Y/n”

A smirked laid upon Y/n face looking at morty

“merry christmas morty”

Note: ... I still wonder how i still written them as friends during this. It’s called a psuedo relationship, situationship is more sexual and negative i think? which is not what im looking for. So a psuedo fit’s more better since it’s more on acting like a commited relationship even though both never really talked about it. And i thought about homoerottic relationship but google lables it to be more of a sexual desire thing too which i don’t think is what im trying to find so idk how to lable these two.

BUT ANYWAYS they’re friends with benefits i think? Google went and said “people who fear to really confess to each other” but i don’t think that’s the case between those two, they’re more like. Like. Losers that doesn’t know what to when it comes to love so they just literally “go with the flow”

ANYWAYS AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE.

I will post the actual full fanfic instead of making one shots like these about them without much context and ig ‘canon’ plot explained so probably around january i’ll be posting it

[sparrow-mask22]

The Umbrella Academy Story of The Mothers (2/8) umbrella edition: Elena

(TW: childbirth, vomiting, convulsing, and there’s also a mention of the Virgin Mary which is meant to be played rather comedically)

October 1, 1989. Tijuana, Mexico. 22 seconds before noon.

Elena Guzman, a young Mexican woman in her early twenties, worked at a restaurant called "Coco's Kitchen" in Tijuana. It was a small, family-owned business that specialized in authentic Mexican cuisine. On this particular day, Elena arrived in a good mood, whistling a merry tune as she made her way to the back of the restaurant. She was about to begin her shift when she heard her friend Beatriz whisper something to their boss, Mr. Ruiz.

"What did you say?" Elena asked, concerned.

"Oh, nothing important," Beatriz replied, looking away. "It's just...well, you know Mr. Ruiz. He gets these ideas in his head sometimes."

Elena raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Like what?"

Mr. Ruiz, a portly man in his late fifties with a bushy mustache, cleared his throat and beckoned her over. "Elena, I need you to do me a favor," he said, his voice low. "There's an order for chicken pozole that came in. I need it to be extra special. Can you make sure it's done right?"

Elena frowned. "Of course, Mr. Ruiz. But what do you mean by 'extra special'?"

Mr. Ruiz lowered his voice even further, glancing around to make sure no one else was nearby. "I've got a...special customer coming in to pick it up. Just make sure it's extra spicy, with a few extra surprises." He winked at her, his expression a mix of mischief and nervousness.

Elena felt a chill run down her spine. "Extra spicy?" she repeated cautiously. "You mean, like, extra hot chili peppers?"

Mr. Ruiz smiled. "Oh, no, my dear. I mean extra hot. The kind of spicy that'll make them forget about everything else in their lives."

Elena felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew exactly what Mr. Ruiz was implying. The restaurant had a reputation for being a front for the local drug cartel. Orders like these were usually placed by their most important customers: people who were willing to pay top dollar for a taste of the exotic and dangerous.

"And Beatriz, the kid at table six is throwing a birthday party for his little sister. Make sure her meal is extra special, too."

Beatriz nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Of course, boss." She turned to head back to the kitchen, but not before glancing over at Elena. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and in that exchange, they silently acknowledged the weight of the task that lay ahead of them.

Elena made her way into the kitchen area as the lunch rush began. The air was filled with the sizzling sounds of meat frying and the aroma of spices and herbs. She quickly got to work on the special order for chicken pozole, making sure to use only the freshest ingredients and extra hot chili peppers as per Mr. Ruiz's instructions. As she worked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread and unease. She knew that whatever was in that dish was going to have a profound effect on whoever was going to eat it.

"How’s the tres leches cake coming along, Prima?" Elena asked Beatriz, who was carefully whisking together a mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and milk for the birthday girl.

"Almost done," Beatriz replied, not looking up from her work. "Just need to bake it for a few more minutes." She glanced over at the pozole pot, which was simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with its spicy aroma. "You sure you're okay with making that special batch for Mr. Ruiz?"

Elena forced a nod, even though she was far from reassured. "It's just another order, right?" she said, trying to convince herself more than Beatriz. "We've done this before, and we'll do it again."

Beatriz smiled sympathetically, reaching out to squeeze Elena's arm. When suddenly, Elena's knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor. Her face flushed red with embarrassment as she struggled to get back on her feet. "I'm fine," she managed to choke out, her voice barely audible over the din of the kitchen. "Just...dizzy for a second."

But Beatriz could see that Elena wasn't fine. Her eyes were glassy, and she was sweating profusely. "Hey, you don't look so good," she said, concern etched into her features. "Maybe you should sit down for a bit."

As Elena made her way over to a nearby stool, her insides churned uncontrollably. She bent over, retching violently, and then doubled over in pain as her abdomen clenched. "Oh God," she gasped, tears streaming down her face. "I don't feel good at all."

As the clock struck noon, Elena felt another wave of nausea wash over her. She barely managed to make it to the kitchen sink before she began retching violently again. The pain in her lower abdomen was intense, making her cry out in agony between heaves. Her body was wracked with convulsions as she vomited bile into the sink, the smell of chicken pozole filling the air.

"Elena, what's wrong?" Beatriz asked, rushing over to her side. She gently placed a cool, wet cloth on her forehead, but Elena barely registered the gesture. "You're burning up," Beatriz continued, her brow furrowed with concern. "I'm calling the doctor."

As Beatriz dialed the number, Elena fought to catch her breath, her vision swimming. She leaned over, clutching her abdomen as another wave of pain washed over her. "It hurts," she whimpered, tears streaming down her face. "I don't know what's wrong."

"Do you want me to get you a hot compress?" Beatriz asked gently, her voice soft and soothing. She didn't want to alarm Elena any further, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency building inside her. The sickness in Elena's eyes was unlike anything she had seen before, and the way she was doubled over in pain was truly heartbreaking.

Valentina, another coworker, hurried into the kitchen, her face pale with worry. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice shaking. "Is there something I can do to help?"

Beatriz looked up from where she was supporting Elena, who was now lying on the floor, her eyes closed and her breath coming in ragged gasps. "I called the doctor," she replied. "They're on their way."

Valentina nodded, her gaze darting around the room. "Should we get her comfortable?" she asked, her voice shaking. "Do you want me to help with anything?"

Elena groaned, her face contorted in pain. "I just want it to stop hurting," she whimpered, her eyes squeezed shut. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

Beatriz glanced at the clock, her heart racing. The doctor was on their way, but it felt like an eternity since they'd called. She wished there was something she could do to make Elena feel better. "Hey, Elena," she said gently, "why don't you focus on your breathing? Sometimes that can help."

Elena took a shaky breath and let it out slowly. "Okay," she whispered, her eyes still closed. "I'll try." As Beatriz and Valentina exchanged worried glances, the seconds ticked by agonizingly slowly. The sounds of the kitchen faded away, replaced by the loud ticking of a clock on the wall. Then, all of a sudden, a sharp pain ripped through Elena's abdomen, causing her to cry out in anguish. "It's coming again," she gasped, her face contorted in pain. "It's so strong."

Valentina, her eyes wide with understanding, rushed to Elena's side. "Elena, it's okay. You're going into labor. You're going to have your baby." She put a reassuring hand on Elena's shoulder, but the look in her eyes betrayed her own fear. She'd never been in a situation like this before, with someone who wasn't her own child.

"But I’m a virgin," Elena whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. "How can this be happening?" Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to make sense of the situation. She had always imagined giving birth as something so beautiful, so natural. But now, as the pain consumed her, she felt anything but beautiful. She felt broken, terrified, and utterly alone.

Beatriz's eyes widened with excitement, her heart racing as the idea took hold. "Oh, Elena," she breathed, "you must be the Virgin Mary, sent to us to deliver the new messiah!" Her voice was filled with awe and reverence, her gaze fixed on Elena with a mixture of fear and adoration.

"Beatriz!" Valentina exclaimed, trying to pull her away from Elena. "You don't know what you're saying! You're scaring her even more!" But Beatriz could not be deterred. She remained kneeling at Elena's side, her eyes filled with a fervent belief.

"No, Valentina," she said, her voice steady. "I'm certain of it. Elena is the Virgin Mary, chosen by God to bring forth His divine child. We must help her, protect her, and nurture this miracle within her. We must prepare for the birth of the messiah!"

Valentina let out an annoyed huff and turned away from Beatriz, focusing her attention back on Elena. "Okay, Elena," she said gently, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "I'm going to help you get into a more comfortable position. Just relax as much as you can. It's going to be okay." She carefully moved Elena onto her side, propping up her knees and wrapping a pillow around her belly, that began to rapidly expand. "That should help a bit with the pain."

As Elena struggled to breathe through the agony, Beatriz knelt beside her, her eyes still filled with awe. "Elena, look at me," she commanded softly. "You are the Virgin Mary, chosen by God to give birth to His son. You are strong, you are brave, and you can do this. Focus on your breathing, and think of the joy that will come with the birth of this child, who will change the world forever."

"Shut up, Beatriz," Elena gritted through her teeth, her body tensing with another contraction. "I'm not the Virgin Mary. I'm just a scared girl having a baby." Her voice broke, and she closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of her tears on her cheeks. She was terrified, alone, and in so much pain.

Beatriz's face flushed with anger, but Valentina put a hand on her arm, shaking her head. "Beatriz, please. Elena doesn't want to hear that right now. Just focus on helping her." She turned back to Elena, her expression softening. "I know it hurts, Elena, but you're doing amazingly. You're so strong. Just breathe, okay? You can do this."

Elena closed her eyes, trying to block out Beatriz's words and focus on Valentina's reassurance. The pain was relentless, like a vice grip squeezing tighter and tighter around her insides. She arched her back, gritting her teeth as another contraction overtook her. "I can't... I can't do this..." she whimpered.

"You can, Elena," Valentina said, her voice firm and steady. "You're almost there. Just focus on your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth." She helped Elena find a rhythm, inhaling and exhaling in unison.

Beatriz, still on her knees beside them, clasped her hands together and began to pray, her voice low and fervent. "Dear Lord, please grant our Elena the strength she needs to bring Your child into this world. Guide her through this pain, and help her find the courage to face whatever challenges lie ahead."

Valentina could feel Elena's body tense as another contraction gripped her, and she quickly moved to help the young woman through it. "That's it, Elena, breathe with me," she murmured, her voice steady and reassuring. "You're doing amazingly."

Behind her, Beatriz continued to pray, her voice a low, rhythmic chant that seemed to echo throughout the cave. "Dear Lord, grant our Elena the strength she needs," she prayed. "Help her to be the vessel You have chosen to bring Your son into this world."

"SHUT UP!!!!!!" Elena screamed, her voice echoing through the cave as another contraction gripped her. Her body arched off the ground, and she twisted wildly, tears streaming down her face. "I can't... I can't do this... It hurts so much..." She gasped for air between words, each contraction seeming to make the next one worse.

Beatriz flinched at her friend's anguished cry, looking shocked and guilty. Valentina, however, remained calm and supportive, her gaze fixed on Elena's face as she fought through another contraction. "You can do it, Elena," she whispered, her voice steady and reassuring. "You're almost there."

The pain seemed to radiate outward from Elena's core, her body trembling with the force of it. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles had gone white. But as another contraction eased, Valentina helped her to lie back down, their eyes meeting in a moment of understanding.

A gurgling squawk filled the air, followed by a wet, slippery sensation as Elena felt something slide out of her. She looked down, her vision blurry with tears, and saw a tiny, wriggling form emerging from between her legs. Valentina was there, her hands gently guiding the baby out as she let out a cry. "It's a boy!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.

Elena's heart swelled with love and awe as she looked at her son for the first time. His tiny, scrunched-up face was covered in a sheen of amniotic fluid, and he let out another weak cry. She reached out a shaking hand to touch his tiny foot, feeling the soft, downy hair there. Tears streamed down her face as she looked up at Valentina and Beatriz, their own eyes glistening with tears.

"He's perfect," Elena breathed, her voice cracking as she cradled her newborn son in her arms. His tiny body was warm and fragile, and she couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness wash over her. She looked up at Valentina and Beatriz, their faces lit up with joy and relief, and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over her.

"Elena the doctor is here, she'll be with you in just a moment," Valentina assured her, her eyes never leaving the newborn. As the doctor arrived, they moved aside to allow her to examine Elena and the baby. The doctor smiled warmly at them and began to check Elena's vital signs, all the while cooing over the tiny, wriggling form in her arms.

The baby's skin was impossibly soft and delicate, like the finest silk. His little fingers curled into tiny fists as he wriggled closer to Elena, seeking warmth and comfort. As she held him for the first time, she felt an overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness wash over her. She was so grateful to Valentina and Beatriz for being there, for helping her through this incredible journey.

Mr. Ruiz, who has been unaware of the entire situation, finally entered the kitchen when the pozole Elena was supposed to serve was late. He saw Valentina, who was sweating profusely, and Beatriz, who was helping Elena breathe through another contraction. He immediately noticed the blood-stained towels on the floor and the tension in the air. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice tense.

"Elena had a baby, Mr. Ruiz," Valentina said, her voice shaking slightly. "She gave birth to a beautiful, healthy boy right here in this kitchen." Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the new mother and child. "It was an emergency, but we did it together."

Mr. Ruiz looked stunned for a moment, his expression shifting from anger to disbelief to shock. He took a few steps forward, his gaze darting between Elena, Valentina, and Beatriz. "But...how? When? I...I don't understand." His voice trailed off, and he seemed unable to process the information in front of him.

"Apparently, 42 other women in the world also have birth on this very day at noon," Valentina replied softly, her gaze never leaving the new mother and her son. "There was actually a girl in Moscow who gave birth during a synchronized swimming class, and the coach didn't even notice!" She smiled warmly at Elena, her eyes shining with tears of joy. "But this baby, he's the most important one, and we're all so grateful that you're safe and sound, Elena. You did it, mamacita."

Elena began stuttering as she tried to form words, her eyes never leaving the miraculous bundle in her arms. "I...I don't know...It just happened...so fast..." She looked up at Valentina and Beatriz, her face flushed with disbelief and joy.

(Like mother like son)

Mr. Ruiz finally found his voice, "Of course, Elena, of course. You take all the time you need. You just focus on your little one." He nodded, his expression still a mixture of shock and awe. "We'll make sure everything is taken care of here. Valentina, you and Beatriz can head back to the dining room and explain to the customer that there's been a bit of an...emergency." His voice trailed off as he looked back at Elena and the baby, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Elena looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, Mr. Ruiz," she managed to say between sobs. "Thank you for understanding."

Valentina and Beatriz exchanged glances, their faces still pale from shock. They nodded in unison and made their way back to the dining room, carefully avoiding the wet spots on the floor as they went. As they explained to the customer what had happened, they could hear the man's voice grow softer, his words muffled by emotion.

"Elena, he wants to see you and the baby," Mr. Ruiz said, his voice a mixture of surprise and excitement. "He insists that he must see the miracle that happened right here in our restaurant. He says it's the most beautiful thing he's ever witnessed."

Valentina nodded, wiping away her own tears as she walked back to the kitchen. "He's in the dining room, waiting for you. He wants to meet your little boy and offer his congratulations." She smiled warmly at Elena, trying to reassure her that everything was going to be alright.

Elena hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between the door and the baby in her arms. Part of her wanted to protect her little boy from the stranger who had been sitting in the dining room, but another part of her was drawn to the genuine emotion in the man's voice. She looked up at Mr. Ruiz, seeking his guidance. The owner nodded encouragingly, his eyes filled with understanding.

She took a deep breath, then carefully wrapped the baby in a blanket before handing him to Valentina. With shaking hands, she straightened her apron and followed Valentina and Beatriz out of the kitchen. As they walked through the dining room, she could see the old man waiting for them at a table by the window. He was sitting up straight, his back propped against the chair, his eyes fixed on her.

"Señorita Guzman, I must tell you, what I saw in there..." The old man paused, his voice cracking with emotion as he gestured toward the kitchen. "That little boy...he's a miracle. A true gift from God. I don't know what it is, but I just...I felt compelled to meet him. To see him with my own eyes. And now, I want to...I want to make sure he has everything he needs."

Valentina scoffed as she remembered the old fart from her past. "Hello Reginald. It's been a while." She smiled sweetly, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in her tone. "How did you even find us here?"

Reginald looked up, his pale blue eyes widening in surprise. "Why, Señora Ramirez! It's good to see you too. I was just passing by and thought I'd stop in for some of your delicious enchiladas. When I saw the little miracle in the kitchen, well, I just had to come over and meet him. As for buying him, that's not what I meant. I meant, I'd like to help in any way I can. You see, Elena, I've lived a long life, and I've seen a lot of things. But never have I seen anything as beautiful as your little boy. He deserves the best life possible, and if I can help make that happen, well, I want to do whatever I can."

Elena hesitated, her heart racing. Part of her wanted to trust this strange old man, but another part of her was terrified. She glanced at Valentina and Beatriz, who both seemed to be listening intently to what was being said. Valentina gave her a reassuring nod, but it did little to calm her nerves.

"Well, Reginald," she began, her voice shaking slightly. "I... I appreciate your kind offer. It's very generous of you. But... but I don't know if that's such a good idea. I mean, I've only had him for a few hours, and already I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. I want to be the one to give him everything you mentioned... love, adventure, opportunity, siblings, a world-class education... I want to be the one to see him grow up and become the man he's meant to be."

(DONT FALL FOR IT ELENA, THE ONLY THING THIS MAN WILL GIVE YOUR SON IS A LIFE OF TRAUMA, A FEAR OF NEEDLES, AND A STUTTER THAT ONLY THE ROBOT IN HIS LIFE WILL UNDERSTAND)

Reginald's words hung in the air, their meaning heavy and complex. Elena felt herself torn between her instinctive protectiveness and the overwhelming generosity of the offer. She knew she should be grateful, but something deep inside her recoiled at the thought of giving up her child. The idea of trusting this stranger with her baby's life was almost unbearable.

"Please rest assured, Elena," Reginald continued, his voice gentle and reassuring. "I'm not asking you to give up your son. I simply want to help you raise him in the best way possible. I understand that you are his mother, and no one could ever replace you. But think of it this way: I am a very wealthy man. I have connections in the world that you and I both know your family could never hope to achieve. I have the means to provide your son with everything he could ever need, from a world-class education to a life filled with adventure and opportunity. I can give him a safe, loving home with a caring family who will shower him with love and attention. And perhaps most importantly, I can give him the one thing that every child deserves: a chance at happiness."

"But... why?" Elena asked, her voice trembling. "Why would you want to do all this for him?"

Reginald's gaze remained fixed on her, his expression solemn. "Because I have lived a long and lonely life, Elena," he replied, "and in that time, I have come to realize that the greatest gift we can give another person is the chance to live a full and happy life. Your son... he is a beautiful, precious soul, and I want nothing more than to see him grow up and experience all the love and joy that this world has to offer. I want him to have a life filled with wonder and adventure, to know the security of a loving family, and to reach for the stars without ever doubting his ability to grasp them."

His words hung in the air, each one heavy with meaning and sincerity. For a moment, Elena was tempted to believe him. Perhaps if she trusted him, gave him her baby, it would be the best thing for her son. Perhaps it would give her family the chance at a better life that they so desperately needed. But still, a small voice inside her cried out, warning her not to trust this stranger, not to risk her child's happiness on the whims of someone she had only just met.

"When he’s old enough…tell him I wanted to give him everything," Elena whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "Tell him I just didn't know how."

Reginald nodded, his expression somber but understanding. "And I want you to know, Elena, that I will never take that responsibility lightly. Your son will always know that you are his mother, and that you made the selfless decision to give him a chance at a better life. I will make sure he understands the depth of your love and sacrifice."

He reached across the desk and took her hand in his, his grip firm but gentle. "I promise you, Elena, I will give him a home filled with love and laughter. I will give him every opportunity to pursue his dreams, and I will protect him from any harm that may come his way. But," he added, his voice growing serious, "if you ever try to contact him or find him in any way, I will have no choice but to protect him from you. Do you understand?"

She nodded, her throat tight. "Yes, I understand."

Reginald released her hand and rose from his chair, coming around to stand before her. He reached out and gently cupped her face in his hands, his expression filled with warmth and compassion. "I promise you, Elena, that I will give your son the best life possible. And when the time is right, I will make sure he knows who you are, and how much you love him. You have made the bravest decision a mother could ever make, and I will never forget that."

His thumbs traced her cheekbones as he studied her face, searching her eyes for any lingering doubt or fear. Seeing none, he smiled reassuringly before withdrawing his hands and taking a step back. "Now," he said, "why don't we get started on the paperwork?"

Elena felt a surge of relief wash over her as she rose from her chair, following him to the desk. The weight of her decision, the uncertainty of her future, all of it seemed to fade away as she focused on the mundane task at hand. She watched as Reginald carefully filled out the adoption papers, making sure every i was dotted and every t was crossed. As he signed his name at the bottom, she felt a pang of sadness, knowing that this was the last time she would ever see his name connected to her son's.

As Reginald left taking her baby, as well as another baby, she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. She knew in her heart that she was making the right decision, but it didn't make it any easier. The weight of her decision felt like a lead anchor, dragging her down into the depths of despair.

"Goodbye, little one," Elena whispered, pressing her cheek one last time against her son's soft, warm skin. She could feel the rise and fall of his tiny chest as he breathed, the gentle beat of his heart against her own. It was agonizing to let him go, but she knew it was the only way.

"Goodbye, my Diego," Elena whispered, as she placed the tiny bundle into Reginald's arms. The weight of her decision felt like an anvil, pressing down on her chest. Tears streamed down her face, leaving trails of wetness on her cheeks. She watched as Reginald carefully placed the car seat into the back of his SUV, securing it in place.

(What a coincidence, the name she gave her son was also the name his adoptive mother had given him. What a strange twist of fate.)

[wellnessinnovation99]

FASHION FLUENCE

Fashion, an ever-evolving entity, finds its roots in inspiration. From the subtle hues of nature to the vibrant strokes of art, inspiration weaves through the fabric of fashion, driving trends and shaping individual style. In this discourse, we delve into the intricacies of fashion inspiration, exploring its historical significance, diverse sources, and the psychological underpinnings that fuel its influence.

Introduction

Fashion inspiration serves as the cornerstone of the sartorial world, dictating trends and igniting creativity. Defined as the catalyst that sparks innovative designs and personal style, it holds profound importance in the realm of fashion.

Historical Perspective

Early Influences on Fashion: Throughout history, various elements such as societal norms, economic factors, and cultural movements have influenced fashion evolution.

Evolution of Fashion Inspiration: From ancient civilizations to modern-day society, fashion inspiration has undergone a metamorphosis, reflecting changing ideologies and aesthetics.

Sources of Fashion Inspiration

Nature: The mesmerizing beauty of natural landscapes often serves as a muse for designers, inspiring organic textures, patterns, and color palettes.

Art and Culture: The rich tapestry of artistic expression and cultural heritage provides an abundant wellspring of inspiration for fashion designers, fostering innovation and diversity.

Travel: Exploring diverse cultures and landscapes during travels unveils a plethora of inspiration, influencing design motifs, silhouettes, and textile choices.

Technology: In the digital age, technological advancements serve as a catalyst for innovative design techniques and futuristic aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion norms.

Fashion Icons and Influencers

Historical Fashion Icons: Visionaries such as Coco Chanel and Alexander McQueen have left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape, shaping trends and inspiring generations.

Contemporary Fashion Influencers: With the advent of social media, influencers wield significant influence, driving fashion trends and shaping consumer preferences through curated content and personal style.

Social Media's Role: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have democratized fashion, allowing individuals to discover and share inspiration, fostering a vibrant community of fashion enthusiasts.

You can also buy this Fashion Inspirations Digital - Ebooks

Fashion Trends and Runways

Fashion Weeks: Events like Fashion Weeks serve as a melting pot of creativity, showcasing avant-garde designs and setting the tone for upcoming trends.

Trend Forecasting: Industry experts employ trend forecasting techniques to anticipate future fashion movements, analyzing socio-cultural shifts and consumer behavior.

Sustainable Fashion Trends: In response to environmental concerns, sustainable fashion trends are gaining momentum, promoting eco-friendly practices and ethical consumption.

Personal Style and Expression

Understanding Personal Style: Fashion inspiration empowers individuals to express their unique identity and personality through clothing choices, fostering self-confidence and creativity.

Incorporating Inspiration into Personal Style: Whether drawing inspiration from nature, art, or cultural influences, embracing diverse sources of inspiration allows individuals to curate a distinctive personal style that resonates with their individuality.

Fashion Inspiration in Different Cultures

Global Fashion Diversity: The fusion of diverse cultural influences contributes to the richness and diversity of global fashion, celebrating traditions and promoting cross-cultural exchange.

Cultural Influences on Fashion: From traditional garments to contemporary fashion trends, cultural heritage shapes the aesthetic sensibilities and design philosophies embraced by designers worldwide.

The Psychology of Fashion Inspiration

Emotional Responses to Fashion: Fashion elicits a myriad of emotional responses, ranging from joy and excitement to nostalgia and empowerment, underscoring its profound impact on human psyche.

Cognitive Processes in Style Choices: Cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making play a pivotal role in shaping individual style preferences and fashion choices.

Fashion Inspiration in Everyday Life

Street Style: Street fashion serves as a reflection of urban culture and individual expression, inspiring designers and influencing mainstream fashion trends.

Celebrity Influence: Celebrities wield significant influence in the fashion sphere, setting trends and amplifying designer creations through red carpet appearances and social media endorsements.

Fashion Blogging and Influencer Culture: Fashion bloggers and influencers play a pivotal role in shaping consumer preferences and driving brand engagement through authentic storytelling and relatable content.

Ethical Considerations in Fashion Inspiration

Cultural Appropriation: The issue of cultural appropriation underscores the importance of respecting cultural heritage and acknowledging the origins of design inspiration.

Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Choices: As awareness of environmental and ethical concerns grows, consumers are increasingly opting for sustainable fashion choices, supporting brands that prioritize ethical practices and transparency.

Overcoming Creative Blocks

Techniques for Finding Inspiration: From mood boards to creative exercises, various techniques can help individuals overcome creative blocks and reignite their passion for fashion.

Embracing Unconventional Ideas: Embracing unconventional ideas and perspectives fosters innovation and pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion norms, paving the way for groundbreaking design concepts.

Future Trends in Fashion Inspiration

Technological Advancements: Advancements in technology, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, hold the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry, offering new avenues for creative expression and consumer engagement.

Cultural Shifts: As society undergoes continuous cultural shifts and paradigm changes, fashion inspiration will continue to evolve, reflecting emerging ideologies and societal values.

You can also buy this Fashion Inspirations Digital - Ebooks

DISCLAIMER

There is an affliate link of Digital EBook in this artical which may make some profit for me

[kiseiakhun]

Oh those are really healthy roots! I wager your orchid has a pretty good chance at not dying as long as you give it enough air and sunlight (they need more than you think!). Purple roots are normal; it's just part of natural colour variation. I think the colour pigments might be triggered by sunlight but do not quote me on this. The most important thing about roots is to trim away the ones that are actively rotting, and you've already done 👍 congratulations. just keep a close eye on them, if any of them start rotting again that means you didn't trim enough of the rot away. I mention this because most people don't trim enough the first time; your orchid can probably live on 1/6 of its current root mass and still be fine. Plants are very resilient!

As for the jar idea, first of all ask @viridianriver about their orchid torture orb, second, I've never tried growing orchids in jars and I'm a bit wary about growing them in water because water doesn't really have nutrients, and if you want a hydroponic setup you're going to have to figure out how to introduce nutrients into the system eventually and it's a whole thing. They can probably survive and even thrive in a pure water setup in the short term, but in the long term I don't think it'll really work? Their endosymbiotic fungi that they get nutrients through live off of digesting dead wood. Maybe if you put some wood chips on water? But at that point you might as well just put them in a wood bark setup. Anyway. If you do want to try a water setup, I wouldn't worry too much about the roots overcrowding the jar. Orchid roots aren't like normal plant roots, they don't crowd themselves if they can help it. Once it gets too crowded below them they'll start growing aerial roots that point up, and also if it's a mason jar, the jar will be clear so you can just check the roots through the glass. They won't cram themselves in there or anything, once it comes time to repot it'll probably be very easy to remove it.

If you can't get orchid bark right away, spray the roots with some water at least once a day and maybe cover them with damp cardboard, depending on how dry the air is where you live! Orchids can live in open air setups but for beginners it's better to put them in bark because the bark helps them moderate humidity levels. And when you get a pot for it, get a bigger pot than you would for another plant of its size; most of our indoor plants like to have their roots squished but orchids like to sprawl like indolent kings. If you forget to water your plants a lot (hi) you can throw some coco coir in with the bark but do not use spaghum. Actually you can probably use spaghum with how humid orchids like it but if it dries it'll just suffocate the roots again and it's a bitch to rewet. Also throw out the moss that came with your orchid! You can't reuse it on other plants or mix it back in with its new potting medium because the bacteria that caused the roots to rot will still be in there.

I started with succulents like everyone else but tbh orchids are rapidly becoming my plant blorbos. Everyone takes care of them wrong and it's not your FAULT because the care instructions that come with them are!! Incorrect!!! If you do what they say then your orchid will die!!!! If you give them the right environment they're SO easy. They're such easy plants to grow. They have been UNFAIRLY SLANDERED by a MISINFORMATION campaign. They don't deserve this.

[keltechenergies0]

Transform Your Home with These Indoor Gardening Essentials

Indoor gardening has become increasingly popular among urban dwellers, hobbyists, and even professional growers. With limited outdoor space, many people are turning to indoor gardening to enjoy the benefits of greenery and fresh produce within the comfort of their homes. Whether you're growing herbs on your kitchen windowsill, cultivating vegetables in your living room, or maintaining a collection of decorative plants, having the right indoor gardening supplies is essential for success.

Why Indoor Gardening?

Indoor gardening allows you to grow plants year-round, regardless of the weather conditions outside. It helps purify the air, improves mental well-being, and adds aesthetic value to your home. Moreover, for those interested in sustainability and healthy eating, growing herbs, micro greens, and vegetables indoors is a rewarding experience.

To achieve optimal growth and maintain plant health, it's important to use proper indoor gardening supplies. Let’s explore the essential tools and materials every indoor gardener should have.

Essential Indoor Gardening Supplies

1. Containers and Pots

Choosing the right containers is the first step in indoor gardening. Pots come in various sizes, materials, and designs. Ensure the pots have proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. For a modern look, consider ceramic or metal planters, but for practicality and affordability, plastic pots are also widely used. Self-watering pots are another great option for those with busy schedules.

2. Potting Soil and Growing Medium

Not all soil is created equal. Regular garden soil isn’t suitable for indoor plants as it may contain pests or lack drainage. Use high-quality indoor potting mix that supports root development, retains moisture, and provides nutrients. For hydroponic systems or special plant types like orchids, consider alternative growing mediums like coco coir, perlite, or vermiculite.

3. Grow Lights

Sunlight can be limited indoors, especially during the winter months or in windowless spaces. LED grow lights or full-spectrum lights provide the necessary wavelengths for photosynthesis. Adjustable grow lights with timers ensure your plants receive consistent and adequate light.

4. Watering Tools

Indoor plants have different watering needs. Basic tools include watering cans with narrow spouts, spray bottles for misting, and moisture meters to check soil dampness. Overwatering is a common issue, so these tools help maintain the right balance.

5. Fertilizers and Plant Food

Indoor plants often require additional nutrients, especially when grown in containers. Use organic or synthetic fertilizers specifically formulated for indoor plants. Liquid fertilizers are easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the roots. Always follow instructions to avoid nutrient burn.

6. Plant Stands and Shelving

Space-saving plant stands, vertical shelving units, or hanging planters help maximize your growing area. These are not only functional but also enhance your interior décor. Ensure that the stands are stable and placed where the plants get adequate light.

7. Humidity and Temperature Control

Maintaining the right environment is crucial for indoor gardening. Humidifiers, heaters, or fans help regulate the indoor climate. Some tropical plants thrive in higher humidity, while succulents prefer drier conditions. Digital thermometers and hygrometers can monitor these conditions accurately.

8. Gardening Tools

Basic tools such as pruners, scissors, trowels, and gloves are necessary for plant maintenance. Compact and ergonomically designed tools are best suited for indoor gardening where space is limited.

9. Pest Control Solutions

Indoor plants can still suffer from pests like aphids, spider mites, or fungus gnats. Use organic pest control sprays, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to keep infestations at bay. Sticky traps are also effective and safe for indoor use.

10. Labels and Markers

If you're growing multiple plants, especially herbs or vegetables, using plant labels and markers will help you track growth and care routines.

Benefits of Using Quality Indoor Gardening Supplies

Investing in high-quality indoor gardening supplies pays off in the long run. Here’s how:

Healthier Plants: The right tools and materials foster strong, resilient plants.

Efficiency: Gardening becomes easier, more organized, and enjoyable.

Aesthetic Appeal: Stylish planters and accessories can enhance home decor.

Sustainability: Growing your own produce reduces reliance on store-bought goods.

Where to Buy Indoor Gardening Supplies

You can purchase indoor gardening supplies from local garden centers, specialty plant stores, or online retailers. Look for vendors that offer eco-friendly options, expert advice, and a wide variety of products to suit your specific needs. Some suppliers even offer starter kits for beginners.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, having the right indoor gardening supplies makes all the difference in your gardening journey. From lighting to soil, containers to tools, each item plays a critical role in plant growth and maintenance. Start small, learn as you grow, and transform your indoor space into a lush, green paradise.

[thegreencorner]

What's the Best Potting Soil for Your Plants in Singapore?

Singapore’s tropical climate presents unique challenges for plant enthusiasts. The right potting soil plays a crucial role in ensuring your plants grow healthy and strong. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, selecting the right soil mix can make all the difference in plant growth, drainage, and nutrient retention.

Understanding Potting Soil Composition

Not all potting soil is created equal. A good mix should include organic matter, aeration components, and essential nutrients. Some key ingredients found in high-quality potting soil include:

Peat Moss or Coco Peat: Helps retain moisture while keeping the soil light and airy.

Perlite or Vermiculite: Enhances drainage and prevents soil compaction.

Compost or Organic Matter: Provides vital nutrients for plant growth.

Sand or Grit: Improves aeration and drainage, especially in humid climates.

The Best Potting Soil for Singapore’s Climate

Due to Singapore’s high humidity and frequent rainfall, it’s important to choose a well-draining potting soil that prevents root rot. Here are some ideal soil mixes for different types of plants:

Indoor Plants: A lightweight mix with coco peat, perlite, and compost to support growth while preventing excess moisture buildup.

Succulents & Cacti: A sandy, fast-draining mix with added perlite and grit to keep roots dry.

Herbs & Vegetables: Nutrient-rich soil with compost and organic matter to enhance plant growth and yield.

Orchids: A special bark-based mix that provides aeration and prevents water retention.

Where to Buy Quality Potting Soil in Singapore

Finding high-quality potting soil is essential for plant care success. Many gardening enthusiasts turn to a reliable plant shop in Singapore for expert advice and premium soil mixes. When purchasing, look for products tailored to your plant’s needs and Singapore’s climate.

Conclusion

Selecting the right potting soil ensures that your plants thrive in Singapore’s tropical environment. A well-balanced mix improves growth, prevents diseases, and enhances nutrient absorption. Whether you’re growing herbs, succulents, or houseplants, investing in the best soil will yield healthy and vibrant greenery. For premium soil mixes and expert gardening tips, visit The Green Corner, a trusted plant shop in Singapore offering top-quality gardening products and advice.

Blog Source: - https://thegreencorner.com.sg/best-potting-soil-for-your-plants-in-singapore/

[gingeronheels]

Cum sa ai grija de parul tau primavara? Cauze, solutii si recomandari

       Îți schimbi garderoba la începutul fiecărui sezon? Corect! Nu uită însă nici de păr: și el are nevoie de atenție și îngrijire în funcție de anotimp.

       Este important să ții cont de anotimp nu doar în privința stilului vestimentar, a nevoilor corpului, ci și pentru sănătatea părului. Mai ales dacă locuiești în zone reci și uscate știi foarte bine că primele brize de primăvară aduc schimbări și pentru piele, păr și scalp. Din acest motiv, este important să luăm în calcul modul în care primăvara ne afectează corpul în comparație cu alte anotimpuri.

Să descoperim cele mai bune modalități de a trata părul primăvara, inclusiv rutine (rapide) de înfrumusețare.

De ce și cum se schimbă părul în funcție de anotimpuri?

       „Cei mai importanți factori care determină schimbările vizibile ale părului nostru în funcție de anotimpuri sunt în general trei: expunerea la soare, temperatura și nivelul de umiditate. Având în vedere acestea, fiecare perioadă are, în plus, <specificități> – care, totuși, se schimbă și de la persoană la persoană.”,  susține Gabi Ilie, stilist Londa Professional.

Iată prin ce schimbări poate trece părul:

Păr uscat și electrizat

       În mod special iarna, dar și la începutul primăverii, temperaturile sunt scăzute și mai uscate, ceea ce provoacă mai multă uscăciune a pielii și a părului. Din același motiv, părul tinde să producă mai puțin sebum, ceea ce poate provoca rupere.

Păr extrem de uscat, ars și degradat

       }n sezonul cald, când razele UV ale soarelui sunt puternice și nocive, dacă nu iei măsuri de precauție te vei putea trezi cu un păr extrem de uscat. Razele sunt capabile să distrugă protecția oferită de proteinele conținute în păr, provocând vârfuri despicate și rupere.

Păr gras

       În timpul primăverii și verii, este ușor ca nivelurile mai ridicate de umiditate să determine părul să producă mai mult ulei. Drept urmare, părul este mai gras.

Căderea părului

       Schimbările sezoniere pot provoca modificări hormonale puternice și stres care, la unele persoane, ar putea provoca căderea părului.

Cum să acționezi? Iată cele mai bune modalități de a avea grijă de părul tău în timpul primăverii:

       Există diferite moduri de a-ți trata părul într-un mod adecvat pentru sezonul de primăvară. Iată câteva dintre cele mai importante:

1. Mănâncă bine

       Aceasta este o regulă care ar trebui respectată în fiecare sezon. O dietă echilibrată este de fapt capabilă să ofere organismului câțiva nutrienți necesari pentru ca părul să se simtă bine – cum ar fi fructe, legume, proteine și multă apă.

2. Folosește uleiuri naturale

       Există multe uleiuri pe piață special formulate pentru a hrăni părul. Preferatele noastre sunt uleiul de argan, uleiul de cocos, uleiul de arbore de ceai și uleiul de jojoba.

3. Protejează părul împotriva razelor UV

       După cum am menționat deja, soarele începe să ardă cu putere în acest sezon. Prin urmare, ar trebui să iei din timp măsuri pentru a preveni arderea scalpului sau a părului excesiv de uscat.

4. Hidratează

       „Asigură-te că folosești un șampon care să-ți curețe scalpul și părul, fără a îndepărta toate uleiurile naturale din păr, și un balsam leave-in care să-ți ofere acel impuls suplimentar, perfect și pentru a-l proteja de soare.”, recomandă stilistul.

În concluzie...

       Pentru a fi în siguranță, în general, tot ce ai nevoie sunt câțiva pași rapizi și alegerea produselor specifice tipului tău de păr și sezonului prin care treci. Fiecare are propriile sale caracteristici, iar corpul și părul nostru „se mișcă” conform ritmurilor naturale.

[mecfs-romania]

📌 Sfaturi pentru viața de zi cu zi cu POTS și ME/CFS

POTS poate face viața de zi cu zi cu ME/CFS și mai dificilă, dar câteva ajustări pot ajuta la reducerea simptomelor. Iată cele mai bune strategii pentru mai multă stabilitate zilnică!

⸻

1️⃣ Optimizarea hidratării și a electroliților

💧 Bea suficientă apă – Cel puțin 2,5 – 3 litri pe zi (apă, ceai de plante, apă de cocos).

🧂 Mai multă sare în alimentație – Ajută la stabilizarea tensiunii arteriale (de exemplu, gustări sărate sau băuturi cu electroliți).

🥤 Soluții ORS sau băuturi electrolitice – Susțin mai bine echilibrul lichidelor decât apa simplă.

⸻

2️⃣ Stabilizarea circulației

🦵 Ciorapi compresivi (clasa 2+). – Îmbunătățesc circulația și ajută la amețeli.

🛌 Ridică-te încet! – Mai întâi rămâi așezat câteva minute, apoi ridică-te încet.

🚶 Evită să stai prea mult timp în picioare – Mai bine să te așezi des sau să îți ridici picioarele.

🛀 Evită dușurile fierbinți – Apa caldă poate afecta tensiunea arterială → mai bine folosește apă călduță.

⸻

3️⃣ Ajustarea dietei și a mișcării

🥗 Mese mai mici în loc de porții mari – Previne fluctuațiile glicemiei.

🍞 Alege carbohidrați complecși și proteine – De exemplu, fulgi de ovăz, ouă, nuci.

🚫 Redu consumul de alcool și cofeină – Pot suprasolicita circulația.

🛏 Mișcare în poziție culcată sau așezată – Mișcă-ți degetele de la picioare, întinde ușor picioarele pentru o mai bună circulație.

⸻

4️⃣ Reducerea stimulilor și a suprasolicitării

🔇 Evită zgomotele puternice, lumina intensă și aglomerațiile – Pot agrava simptomele.

🛏 Planifică pauze de odihnă – Evită supraîncărcarea fizică și mentală.

🚗 Pregătește-te pentru călătorii lungi cu mașina – Ajustează scaunul, planifică opriri și ia suficientă apă.

⸻

5️⃣ Adaptarea vieții de zi cu zi și utilizarea ajutoarelor

💡 Folosește scaune înalte sau tabureți acasă – Pentru a evita să stai prea mult timp în picioare.

🏠 Economisește energie cu ajutoare utile – Dispozitive de apucare, scaune pentru duș, scaune cu rotile pentru distanțe mai lungi.

🕶 Ochelari de soare sau filtru de lumină albastră – Ajută în cazul sensibilității la lumină.

⸻

📌 Important: Fiecare organism reacționează diferit! Găsește ceea ce funcționează cel mai bine pentru tine.

💕 Ai propriile sfaturi pentru POTS? Scrie-le în comentarii! 💕

©️®️CWG, 2025

#POTS #MECFS #Pacing #InvisibleIllness #BoliCronice #cwg64d #florianatopfblume #cwghighsensitive #oculiauris

[gardeningnathancoir1]

Trusted Coco Peat Manufacturers in Tamil Nadu | Coir Products Manufacturers

Introduction

In the world of eco-friendly and high-quality coir-based products, Nathan Coir stands tall as one of the most trusted coco peat manufacturers in India. Based in Tamil Nadu, the heartland of the coir industry, we take pride in delivering premium solutions that cater to agricultural, horticultural, and industrial needs. Whether you are a home gardener or a commercial grower, our range of sustainable coir products ensures optimal plant growth and soil enrichment. As one of the top coir manufacturers in India, we are dedicated to promoting green practices through our high-quality offerings.

What is Coco Peat and Why is it Important?

A naturally occurring residue of coconut husks is coco peat, sometimes referred to as coir pith. It is widely used as a soil conditioner, potting mix ingredient, and hydroponic growing medium due to its excellent water retention, aeration, and nutrient absorption properties. Being a sustainable alternative to traditional soil, coco peat helps reduce environmental impact while enhancing plant health. As one of the leading coco peat manufacturers in Tamil Nadu, we ensure that our products are crafted to meet the highest industry standards.

Our Product Range

1. Coco Peat Products

As one of the leading coco peat manufacturers in India, we offer premium-quality coco peat products designed for various applications:

Coco Peat Soil – 3L Bag: Ideal for small-scale gardening projects and indoor plants.

Coco Peat Soil – 2L Pot Package: Specially designed for potted plants, ensuring healthy root development.

Cocopeat 5kg Block: A compressed block perfect for larger agricultural and horticultural needs, expanding significantly when hydrated.

2. High-Quality Potting Mixes

Beyond being a top coir manufacturers in India, Nathan Coir also provides nutrient-rich potting mixes tailored for different plant species. Our potting mixes are designed to promote proper aeration and drainage, supporting vigorous plant growth. As one of the reliable coir products manufacturers, we ensure that each product meets the highest quality standards.

Why Choose Nathan Coir?

Nathan Coir stands out among coco peat manufacturers in Tamil Nadu due to our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. We offer premium coco peat products with excellent water retention, aeration, and nutrient absorption. Our diverse range of coir solutions caters to both small-scale gardeners and large-scale agricultural needs. With eco-friendly practices and years of industry expertise, we ensure superior products that promote healthy plant growth while minimizing environmental impact.

How to Use Coco Peat for Best Results

For Home Gardening

Mixing coco peat with organic manure or commercial fertilizers can enhance plant growth. For larger plants, adding a small quantity of soil or sand improves stability. Check our Coco Peat Use Guide for recommended mix ratios. As one of the most recognized coco peat manufacturers in Tamil Nadu, we ensure our products are user-friendly and effective.

For Hydroponics

Coco peat is an excellent medium for soilless farming, including tray-based or hydroponic grow systems. It provides superior moisture retention and supports root development, making it a preferred choice for hydroponic enthusiasts. Nathan Coir is a leading supplier among coco peat manufacturers in India, helping farmers transition to modern growing methods.

Conclusion

Nathan Coir is committed to delivering high-quality, eco-friendly coir-based solutions. As one of the leading coco peat manufacturers in TamilNadu, we provide sustainable products that enhance plant growth and soil health. Whether for gardening, hydroponics, or large-scale agriculture, our coir products ensure superior performance. Choose Nathan Coir for reliability, sustainability, and excellence in coir manufacturing.

Want to experience the benefits of premium coco peat? Contact us today and take a step towards sustainable and efficient farming and gardening!

[minnesota001]

The Top 5 Cannabis Growing Mistakes Beginners Make

Cannabis cultivation is a deeply satisfying endeavor, whether your goal is personal use, medical relief, or even commercial production. However, for those new to the craft, the journey from seed to harvest can be filled with obstacles. Many beginners unknowingly make mistakes that can hinder plant growth, lower yields, or, worst of all, ruin a crop entirely. The good news is that these mistakes are avoidable with proper guidance and awareness.

In this detailed guide, we’ll dive deeper into the top five cannabis growing mistakes beginners make, provide actionable solutions, and explore additional tips to ensure your cannabis plants thrive.

1. Choosing the Wrong Growing Medium

The growing medium serves as the foundation of your cannabis plant’s health. Beginners often underestimate its importance, selecting an unsuitable medium that stifles root development, restricts nutrient absorption, or retains too much water.

Types of Growing Mediums and Their Pros/Cons:

Soil:

Pros: Easy to manage, natural, and beginner-friendly.

Cons: Can retain water and nutrients unevenly if not properly prepared.

Tip: Look for cannabis-specific super soils that contain the right balance of nutrients.

Coco Coir:

Pros: Excellent water retention and root aeration.

Cons: Requires frequent feeding since it lacks nutrients.

Tip: Use coco coir with perlite to enhance drainage.

Hydroponics (e.g., Rockwool or Clay Pellets):

Pros: Precise control over nutrients and faster growth.

Cons: High maintenance and costly for beginners.

Tip: Stick to simpler hydroponic systems like Deep Water Culture (DWC) if you’re starting.

How to Avoid Mistakes:

Select a medium that aligns with your growing style and commitment level.

Ensure the pH of your medium matches the cannabis plant's needs. Use a digital pH meter for accuracy.

Regularly inspect your medium’s moisture level.

2. Overwatering and Underwatering

Watering mistakes are among the most common cannabis growing mistakes beginners make. While water is essential for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, improper watering habits can lead to disastrous results.

Why Overwatering Happens:

Beginners often fear their plants are drying out.

Lack of proper drainage in containers exacerbates water retention.

Excessive watering can drown roots and invite fungal infections like Pythium (root rot).

Why Underwatering Happens:

Fear of overwatering leads to neglect.

Rapid evaporation in hot climates can dry out the medium faster than expected.

How to Recognize the Problem:

Overwatering Symptoms:

Drooping leaves that feel heavy and appear overly saturated.

Moldy or algae-covered soil.

A musty odor around the plant base.

Underwatering Symptoms:

Leaves curling upwards, becoming crispy and brittle.

Plants visibly wilting or sagging, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Soil that pulls away from the container edges.

Best Practices for Watering:

Follow the Wet-Dry Rule: Allow the top inch of soil to dry before rewatering. Use your finger to check the moisture level.

Use Proper Containers: Always grow in pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Monitor Environmental Conditions: Adjust your watering schedule based on humidity, temperature, and plant stage.

3. Neglecting Proper Lighting

Lighting is arguably the most critical factor in cannabis growth, but it’s an area where beginners often falter. Proper lighting ensures your plants perform photosynthesis effectively, leading to healthy growth, robust branches, and bountiful buds.

Common Lighting Mistakes:

Using Inadequate Light Sources:Many beginners rely on household bulbs, which lack the intensity and spectrum cannabis plants require.

Improper Light Placement:

Placing lights too close causes heat stress and light burn.

Placing lights too far results in stretchy plants with weak stems.

Ignoring Light Cycles:

Cannabis plants have distinct light cycle requirements for vegetative (18/6) and flowering (12/12) stages. Beginners often mismanage these cycles, causing delayed growth or hermaphroditism.

Best Lighting Options for Beginners:

LED Grow Lights:

Energy-efficient, customizable spectrum, and low heat output.

Beginner-friendly and widely available.

Fluorescent Lights (CFL):

Affordable and suitable for seedlings and clones.

Less ideal for flowering due to lower intensity.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights:

Includes Metal Halide (MH) for veg and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) for flowering.

Requires proper ventilation due to high heat output.

Tips for Proper Lighting:

Maintain a distance of 12–24 inches between LED lights and the plant canopy.

Use reflective materials like Mylar to maximize light efficiency.

Invest in timers to automate light schedules and prevent errors.

4. Ignoring Temperature and Humidity Levels

Cannabis plants thrive within specific temperature and humidity ranges. Beginners often overlook this critical aspect, resulting in stunted growth, nutrient lockout, or pest infestations.

Optimal Temperature and Humidity by Growth Stage:

Seedling Stage:

Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F).

Humidity: 65–70%.

Vegetative Stage:

Temperature: 22–28°C (71–82°F).

Humidity: 40–70%.

Flowering Stage:

Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F).

Humidity: 40–50% (lower to prevent mold on buds).

Effects of Poor Environmental Control:

High Humidity: Promotes mold, mildew, and pests like spider mites.

Low Humidity: Causes plants to lose moisture quickly, leading to wilting.

Temperature Stress: Excessive heat burns leaves, while cold temperatures slow growth.

How to Maintain a Stable Environment:

Use an inline fan and carbon filter for ventilation.

Place a hygrometer and thermometer in the grow area to monitor conditions.

Adjust humidity using a humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on your needs.

5. Overfeeding or Underfeeding Nutrients

Nutrient management can feel overwhelming to beginners, leading to one of the most common cannabis growing mistakes: improper feeding. Too many nutrients can cause toxicity, while too few result in deficiencies that stunt plant growth.

Common Feeding Mistakes:

Using the Wrong Nutrients:

All-purpose fertilizers often lack the specific macronutrients cannabis needs.

Ignoring Growth Stages:

Cannabis plants require higher nitrogen in the vegetative stage and more phosphorus and potassium during flowering.

Skipping pH Management:

Even if nutrient levels are correct, a pH imbalance can lock out essential nutrients.

Signs of Overfeeding:

Leaf tips turning brown or burnt.

Deep green leaves curling downward.

White salt buildup on soil or container edges.

Signs of Underfeeding:

Yellowing lower leaves (nitrogen deficiency).

Purple stems or slow growth (phosphorus deficiency).

Weak, pale foliage.

How to Feed Your Plants Correctly:

Use cannabis-specific fertilizers labeled for each growth stage.

Start with half-strength nutrient solutions and gradually increase.

Flush your plants with pH-balanced water every few weeks to remove salt buildup.

Additional Tips for Successful Cannabis Growing

1. Choose the Right Strain for Your Environment

Beginners often select strains based on potency or yield potential without considering the strain’s growing difficulty. Hardy strains like Northern Lights, Blue Dream, or autoflowers are more forgiving for novice growers.

2. Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Pests like spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats can wreak havoc on your crop. Regularly inspect your plants and take preventive measures, such as introducing beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs) or using organic pesticides like neem oil.

3. Don’t Rush the Harvest

Patience is key when growing cannabis. Many beginners harvest too early, sacrificing potency and flavor. Wait until the trichomes on your buds turn milky white with a hint of amber for peak ripeness.

4. Focus on Drying and Curing

After harvesting, the drying and curing process is vital for enhancing flavor, aroma, and potency. Dry your buds slowly in a cool, dark space with 50–60% humidity. Once dried, cure them in airtight jars, burping daily to release excess moisture.

Conclusion

Cannabis cultivation is as much an art as it is a science. While mistakes are inevitable, being aware of the top cannabis growing mistakes can save you from costly setbacks. By choosing the right medium, mastering your watering technique, optimizing lighting, controlling environmental factors, and managing nutrients effectively, you can set yourself up for success.

Remember, every growth is a learning experience. As you refine your techniques and gain confidence, you’ll enjoy the immense satisfaction of cultivating high-quality cannabis plants. Whether you’re growing for personal use or looking to expand into commercial ventures, a little knowledge and preparation go a long way.