#Eva The Novice

[technocipher]

Some may wander onto the church's balcony, never once sparing a glance at the rolling rack of plants. "They're just plants. Who cares? Doesn't Eva grow flowers over there?" Sure, there's a scant number of plants growing there. Nothing seems to support much life over there. No signs of any vegetables from those seed packets we give her, either.

(In all likelihood, the developers probably thought that few would notice that section. Fleshing out the balcony with more plants might've been deemed a pointless gesture.)

What many don't realize, however, is that many plants are medicinal! Consider that the next time you pass by the herb pots at the grocery store. Common thyme, for example, is antibacterial! It can also be steeped as a tea for sinus infections, and that's just a small fraction of what it can do!

The central shelf on the rolling rack carries rosemary, along with a plant I could not identify. Just generic, silly nonsense, right?

Wrong! Rosemary is more than just a kitchen spice. It's a fantastic herb for the brain!

It acts as a brain stimulant!

It aids with memory!

It aids blood circulation to the brain!

It aids with treating early onset dementia/Alzheimer's!

It acts as an antidepressant!

It acts as an antiviral!

It aids concentration!

It also has anti-anxiety properties!

Where the revenants are concerned, I'd say that's quite the vital herb! With the help of scavenged alcohol and some sterile jars, bottles, and lids, there's potential for the crafting-- and trading-- of rosemary tinctures! (In the absence of proper sterilization, whatever they can use to rinse would have to do. Above all else, these chosen jars and bottles would need to be airtight enough to prevent oxidization. An oxidized tincture is not desired-- it can lose a lot of those helpful properties!)

If water is still consumed by the revenant population (and if it is, I haven't seen it mentioned)... they can take these tinctures through water. A couple drops or barely a spoonful would go a long way! Some may attempt to slip these under their tongues and get quite the burn for their trouble. At Home Base's bar, there are numerous bottles of blood bead leukocytes. These could possibly handle a small dosage... if our favorite revenants can stand to hold the first sip for ten seconds.

Now, the uppermost shelf of the rack holds some decorative plants... and some parsley, growing out of a generically-labelled tea tin. Parsley? Really?!

Parsley's got quite the high vitamin content, though. I don't know if revenants require the same intake allotment for vitamins like humans have-- I've never seen it mentioned before. But if you factor in the maintenance of the host' body, vitamins are just as important! Whether or not the BOR parasite directly benefits remains to be seen, but for now, we're covering the fun stuff.

What the heck does parsley do, anyways? Well...

It's got stupidly high amounts of Vitamin K, which is not only good for your bones, but also boosts blood production!

It's full of other key vitamins and antioxidants!

It acts as a diuretic!

It also helps to keep your eyes healthy!

In the grand scheme of things, it might not seem like that big of a deal. But it could help boost a revenant's regeneration. Code Vein flip-flops a bit on how regeneration works, especially with gameplay in mind. Could parsley increase the healing amount, or even the number of times it can be tapped into? Quite possibly! It could also be circulated to the shelters, and thus assist blood donors with recuperating quicker. The diuretic properties can also be utilized to help flush status effects quicker. And as for the eye health of revenants far and wide, wouldn't that go a long way? That's a lot less stress on them, isn't it?

Though I cannot identify the other plants on the rack, that doesn't mean that they're lacking in benefits. There are some flowers that can be eaten and be used in medicine. Calendula, for example, is an edible flower that can be used to aid the healing of wounds. Besides, it's such a bright and cheery flower-- why not keep a few blooms just to look, and let them go to seed, while you're at it? (Calendula is very easy to grow-- save those seeds!)

Another one is chrysanthemum, which is another edible flower. Its primary benefit is eye health, and I believe it's even stronger than parsley in this regard. (Do not consume the store-bought ones, as they have been treated with a myriad of extremely harmful chemicals! The best way to avoid this is by growing them yourself. Remember to buy non-neotic seeds; these are better for pollinating insects and keeps you safe, too!)

And if the parts above the soil aren't safe for consumption, remember that the roots can still be used! Roots can have loads of medicinal properties! Some can be edible, while others can be dried and infused into oils! An example.of an edible root is the humble dandelion. Though the entire plant is completely edible, its taproot is a potent liver detoxifier! Should it be roasted and brewed into tea, it tastes just like coffee!

Even if revenants aren't taking these medicines themselves, consider how much it would benefit the human population living in the shelters. If we really gotta split hairs, the medicinal benefits could carry over into blood donations. Entire categories of enhanced blood could be produced by the shelters, and distributed to the revenant-occupied shelters. In times of disease where the latter is concerned, these unique products could be life-saving. Even then, the more positive trading arrangement may improve human and revenant relations-- a massive issue omnipresent within the Gaol of the Mists. This isn't just food and decoration; it's something greater.

Just a little thing that makes life a bit more bearable.

[firespunalchemy]

Vash Build

Trigun Stampede reignited my love of Trigun, and i was determined that i'd finally cosplay Vash, as a gift to past me. i'll do a separate post about Wolfwood's Punisher build. so let's get started with that wig!

it's an arda kyle, teased and heat trained to the right. i actually styled this twice, because i styled it, wore it, hated it, washed it, re-teased, then re-styled. but really, it was pretty straightforward: just lots of teasing, then carefully separating and making spikes with got2b + heat. so sticky though.

the coat came next, using a polyester twill for the outer & poly china silk lining for the inner, plus the sarah mcclintock pattern (option 1, the simplest for this novice sewist) plus vinyls from etsy. i sweated a lot making this (i think this is only my....3rd sleeved garment and my first coat). it got weathered with airbrush to get a dusty/dirty look.

hoo boy, the arm. all patterned by me, made of EVA foam except the fingertips, which are Worbla. it's primed in plastidip for the most part (a few parts in mod podge, and the fingies in wood glue), then acrylic paint + sealed with aleen's iridescent sealant.

boots! they're modified amazon, the toe caps are EVA foam. the paint was matte black acrylic with layers of shades of silver sponged on over.

the gun was also patterned by me, made entirely of EVA foam (a mistake - should've put a support in the core because it has a bend to it). same paint job as the boots, but with high gloss Aleen's then some weathering with water soluble oil paints and acrylics.

the gun needs a holster, right? this was also patterned by me, and made of leather for funsies and skill building.

i also made his shirt (based on one i'd previously purchased for him) but took basically no photos of that. so there you have it! a Vash is built. check my IG for the fantastic photos wild momo photography took.

[evita-shelby]

Tommy foiling Eva’s vision of her own death at the Gala in s3 by calling an ambulance before hand thus saving her life 🤝 Aureliano Buendia being tricked into not killing himself because the doctor drew a circle in the part of the chest where men can survive being shot and not the heart as he demanded

excerpt under the cut

The bullet had followed such a neat path that the doctor was able to put a cord soaked in iodine in through the chest and withdraw it from the back.

“That was my masterpiece,” he said with satisfaction. “It was the only point where a bullet could pass through without harming any vital organ.”

Colonel Aureliano Buendía saw himself surrounded by charitable novices who intoned desperate psalms for the repose of his soul and then he was sorry that he had not shot himself in the roof of the mouth as he had considered doing if only to mock the prediction of Pilar Ternera.

“If I still had the authority,” he told the doctor, “I’d have you shot out of hand. Not for having saved my life but for having made a fool of me.”

[roseate-felidae]

Well that's a let down.

Spoilers if you haven't read the Tremere trilogy.

There was so many plot points going on in the story and it didn't even answer most of them in the end.

● Antigone is the only one that gets resolved. She us a tremere who can't do magic other than avoiding death like some sort of suicidal houdini. She eventually gets told by Anubis that she will have to face the scales to get into the afterlife or get devoured. Filled with regret, the scales tip to destruction. She convinces the Gid to allow her to be judged by the tremere, who convict her and she ends up before Anubis again. But she is allowed into the afterlife.

It's a happier ending for her. But if this was the only plot point, it would have been fine.

Sadly their was many other "major" plot points that just never get solved, here's some, I guarantee I've missed some.-

● Prince Calebros was blown up, even though it was his right hand man, Emmett who was targeted. He almost dies and is barely alive. He is healed by Sturbridge, and the story focuses on his "almost" killer being found.

Yet. We do not even see or hear much about him or Emmett in the third book. We don't see him revived, although we know he does. We don't even see the nosferatu get their revenge.

It is revealed that it was the Tremere fatherhouse behind the scenes that did it. But it never hints at why. We are told Calebros is corrupt. Yet we are never given any example, if anything, he seems like a regular camarilla Prince, and his clan novel actually paints him better than most elders. He's not perfect, he still a vampire but still better than some.

● One of the main characters, Felton, was set up. He was meant to kill Emmett, but someone else blew up the empire state building to kill the Prince inside instead.

Antigone (main protag) does find out the real bad guy and save Felton from the big bad at the end. But the nosferatu already mentioned they will get their revenge. The nosferatu are established to remember their injustices and eventually attain it. They also team up globally to accomplish these things. So we know Felton moving city means jack shit and the nosferatu will get him some night anyway. Also, he did still try and kill Emmett, so he kinda deserves it, IMO, even if he didn't manage it.

●The children of the well are brought into it again. Basically, the nightmares of all those who died because of the tremere and their avatar's (if they were mages before, think like a mage soul).

It is established in Tremere clan novel that Aisling Sturbridge does not have a child and her memories of one are actually of herself, her dead avatar. This is forgotten in this book for some reason???? How can she forget that and still mention who she thinks is her child?

Also, she "swallows" them, basically allowing the tremere to reach more dark magic without the consequences. This is never undone nor resolved by her going to the fatherhouse in Vienna. Nor are the children of the well mentioned again, despite Aisling being a signature character. It's mentioned she's haunted by these "souls" which are not souls and is shown coughing up and "bleeding" murky well water. It's not like she can get over it like a cold.

@robotslenderman is it brought up again outside of Clan novel saga or Tremere Trilogy?

● the whole chaos with the chantry of five boroughs to begin with.

Eva, a powerful tremere disguised as a novice, basically comes to the chantry. She kills an ambassador sent to investigate some deaths at the chantry and also makes Sturbridge "devour the children of the well." She dies, and now Sturbridge has to face judgement by the fatherhouse for many dead tremere students, dead ambassador, and other chaos at her chantry.

She goes to the fatherhouse, and we await her cunning plan to reveal it was all engineered by the fatherhouse to get rid of the children of the well. But we actually don't get to see what happens to her, past getting attacked there. Not even a battle but bitten by a snake made of blood and then healed. Nothing else.

Yet we know she's regent again in the more newer content via Coteries of New york. So is she just forgiven? What sentence did she even get? The whole plot point was how the fatherhouse would probably kill her.

[anonymouslyangsty]

Trying to guess the blackened before starting the trial (MASSIVE P:EG CHAPTER 1 SPOILERS)

So, I'm seconds from starting the trial. Putting my thoughts here to check later

I’m of two minds with this.

First idea: Diana is the blackened.

Here, assume that we’re correct and 1, the murder did happen at 9:35 am and 2, we did hear the killer fleeing. If that’s the case, we just need to find whoever didn’t have an alibi for that time.

Based on that, the following have alibis: Gamer Squad: Jett, Cassidy, Kai, Eva, Damon, Jean, Mark, and Grace Ulysses and Wenona who were together Toshiko and Ingrid who were together

The only people without alibis would be Desmond, Eloise…and Diana.

The stun gun situation makes me think Desmond isn’t the killer. One, why use a weapon that so obviously makes him look suspect? Two, if he WERE going to use it, why leave it in a state were even a novice like Damon could suspect it wasn’t actually used? Unless he’s playing 4d chess where he’s trying to make it look like someone is framing him, I don’t think he did this.

I don’t have much to prove Eloise DIDN’T do it, to be honest. It seems like Wolfgang was poisoned given the mark on his neck. If so, I just don’t think Eloise would need to go that far. When she said she could take down a man twice her size in her FTE, I believed her. I really don’t think she’d need to do all that. Plus, she hasn’t gotten any special focus this chapter, so I’m kinda inclined to believe it’s not her.

Diana has always been a bit sus to me. Overly nice, often seeming a tad unbothered by certain things or responding in an overly chipper way. I’ve always pegged her as a blackened, so that’s my bias showing.

Second and less likely idea: Grace is the blackened.

I know the file says the time of death is thought to be 9:35 am…I know…But somehow I wonder if that’s correct. The time of death is PRESUMED to be that time, but I don’t know if that should be considered a fact or not. If it isn’t, then Wolfgang could’ve died anytime after Toshiko saw him.

If he died earlier, I can see Grace being the killer. One, she has been shown to be rather aggressive, desperate to leave (moreso than others besides maybe Kai), and a tad antisocial. I could see her being the first to snap and try to kill. She also, notably, switched rooms with Ulysses, which both conveniently gave her closer access to the victim and kept the walking recorder away from him.

If the crime did happen earlier than we think, I’d most suspect anyone with a strong alibi at 9:35 am. Those with the strongest alibis would be the gamers, but of them, only two could’ve done it. Jett, Cassidy, Mark, and Eva were preparing for the event at 8:15 am, and Kai and Damon overslept. Only Jean and Grace could’ve done it, of that group.

That all being said, there are reasons I DON’T think it’s Grace.

1: She’s acting very suspicious by trying to block Wolfgang’s room. So sus that I don’t think the blackened would dare have that sort of odd behavior. She’s so suspect here that I can’t see her being the killer.

2: I’m not totally against the idea of the murder happening at a different time but…what about the footsteps? If the murder happened earlier we’d assume that the footsteps are from an uninvolved third party. I can understand why they’d be there; there’s a blackout and so they check the generator like the gamer gang did. But why would they do it without shoes???? If they were really innocent, you’d think they’d put shoes on to avoid walking into a gross, wet basement barefoot.

There is a potential explanation for problem two, and that’s if the person with the footsteps wasn’t innocent, but wasn’t the killer either. It could be that they knew what happened to Wolfgang, and had a reason to want to see the body before anyone else. Perhaps Wolfgang had their blackmail and they wanted to collect it?

(one piece of evidence two the idea of the footsteps not belonging to the blackened could come from the BDA. I’m not sure what the BDA rules are for this game, but it’s worth noting the announcement went off after only Kai and Damon saw the body. Perhaps a third, non-blackened saw it first?)

3: We can’t do FTEs with Grace in chapter 1. From what I saw, she was always in her room when the chance arose. This is a meta reason, but I don’t think they’d kill her before you get a chance to talk to her at least once or twice.

Anyway, my money’s on Diana as my main pick.

(i swear if it’s somehow Kai, Jett, or Cass when I feel like I’m in the clear with my faves living, I’m gonna cry)

[wild-chaser]

I have been eying some patterns for cardigans, but haven't started anything yet.

At first, I wanted to make the "Novice Cardigan" by PetiteKnit, and even gotten as far as choosing the yarns! My local store had the Isager Yarn that was recommended, so I picked a few combinations and started knitting swatches, and because I couldn't decide which mixes would work well together, I decided to just buy a few colors of each yarn (the pattern calls for Alpaca and Mohair held together) and just see for myself.

The problem was, a few swatches later, I was not one bit closer to settling on a combination. It was not that all of them were great, and I just couldn't decide. The opposite: all of them did not really appeal to me.

That made me realize that I just don't like the look of mohair here. Made everything seem fuzzy and not at all elegant. So after spending plenty of money on the trial-yarn, I have decided to drop the project altogether and started looking for alternative patterns

Then I found the "Eva Cardigan" by PetiteKnit pattern and immediately fell in love. The colors are beautiful, the look of the piece is elegant yet simple, I am all in. The only thing that must have stopped me before was that the "Novice Cardigan" is marked as good for beginners, while "Eva Cardigan" seems way more advanced. But after the fiasco with swatches for "Novice Cardigan", I have decided, fuck this, I can do the more complex one.

I have just now ordered some yarn for swatches. PetiteKnit recommended the "NightSky" color, but on the website the "Marine" color looked even better to me. In the end, I have decided to be on the safe side and order both of them to check for myself (I am very regretful that I do not live near the yarn store that sells this brand anymore, so I need to order everything per post; that was the only reason I struggled with this decision quite a bit).

Now that both of them arrived, my love for "Marine" is confirmed. I can't wait to start knitting the swatch.

...and I will maybe make a hat or something small like this out of the "NightSky" yarn.

[figureskatingfanblog]

Today was the second day of competition at the Coupe de Printemps.

Switzerland won both Junior events, with Damien Eckstein of Switzerland winning the Men's and Leandra Tzimpoukakis winning the Women's. Eva-Lotte Kiibus of Estonia leads the Senior Women's event.

Novice events also took place.

[downwiththeficness]

Shadow and Veil-Chapter Thirty Four

Summary: Eva Moore’s life was a carefully constructed fiction.  Every day, she did exactly what her mother in law, her husband, and his  best friend expected of her. No mistakes. And, that was going pretty  well for Eva right up until a huge complication literally tried to run  her over. Now, she’s faced with trying to keep the pieces of her life  from falling apart while attempting (and failing) to keep her feelings  for her husband’s new business partner at bay.

A/N: This fic is a sister-fic to A Need So Great and A Need Unleashed.  You do not need to have read ANSG or ANU to read this fic, but there  are Easter eggs from those fics in Shadow and Veil for readers with keen  eyes.  This fic is explicit for canon-compliant blood, gore, violence,  and sex. As such, it is intended for an adult audience, only. A/B/O  dynamics come with their own warning. Anyone under the age of 18 should  not interact with this work. I do not consent to reposting this work to  other platforms. Reblog only to Tumblr.  

Word Count: ~4200

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Masterlist            Read on AO3

Eva sat on the floor in front of the couch with a local newspaper spread out in front of her. To her right was a cup of freshly brewed coffee. To her left was a Spanish to English translation book that Horacio bought for her at the Embassy. Back and forth she went, reading as much as she could from the articles and looking up what she couldn’t.

This routine started the day Horacio returned to work. Eva usually woke while he was in the shower, meandered downstairs to start the coffee, and sat on the back porch until Horacio stepped out to kiss her goodbye. When the morning paper hit the front step, she would carefully lay it out on the floor and start to work her way through it. Article by article, sometimes word by word.

It was tedious work, but Eva could tell she was making slow, steady progress. Where a few weeks ago it would have taken her until lunchtime to read through the whole paper, now it was only taking until mid morning.

She saved the job listings for last.

Eva knew that she wasn’t going to do well in any job where she had to interact with the public—at least, not for a long time. Though she heard it every day, her speaking skills when it came to Spanish were novice, at best. The jobs available to her were going to be few and far between, but Eva forced herself to be patient.

She circled one or two that were close by on a notepad and folded the paper so that Horacio could read it later. Then, she went upstairs and got dressed. She put on a sensible pair of shoes and tucked a some money into her pocket along with an extra pen in case she needed to fill out an application. With a little pep in her step, Eva locked up the house and made her way down the street.

This was also a kind of routine for her.

Without a car, Eva was forced to walk if she wanted to go out during the day. She found that she didn’t mind. The weather usually was mild and sunny with a nice breeze that carried her block by block. On the first few trips, Eva started small and circled back after five or ten minutes so she didn’t get lost. As she grew more confident in knowing where she was, Eva began to branch out in different directions. By now, she knew where to find the local grocer, the nearest gas station, several small restaurants, and a food stand that seemed to be perpetually overflowing with fruit.

It was late afternoon by the time Eva returned to the house. She trudged up the steps, feeling much less enthusiastic than when she left. Inside, she kicked off her shoes and continued the trudge to the kitchen.  On the way, she tossed the little scrap of paper with the job listings on it into the trash.

No one wanted to hire a woman with no prior experience who couldn’t even speak the language. Eva didn’t blame them. Not really. But, the rejection stung. She was an accomplished accountant, had years of knowledge to bolster her work—years that she couldn’t even use because Eva Carrillo technically didn’t exist less than a month ago.

She didn’t actually need a job, but something inside her cringed at the thought of laying on the couch all day while Horacio went off to work. Eva was a smart, capable woman. Given the chance, she could earn an honest living.

Cold drink in hand, Eva went to the living room and plopped on the couch. While she sipped from the glass, she thought about how she’d been waved off by a first a middle aged man, then an elderly woman. Neither of them thought she was a good fit for dish washing or shelf stocking. Her ego, fragile as it was, felt deeply bruised.

Eva sighed and, needing a distraction from her thoughts, grabbed the remote. She didn’t much care what was on the TV. She just needed noise. The screen flickered and the sound of an argument filtered through static. Words flew back and forth with passion and precision. The image and sound stabilized to show a man and woman standing on opposite sides of a well decorated room.

Tossing the remote aside, Eva settled in to watch. Half an hour later, she had learned with her meager Spanish that the woman’s name was Maria, the man’s name was Sergio, and they were ex-lovers who just happened to cross each other’s path many years later. Their attraction was as strong as ever and it was clear that whatever had torn them apart (Eva thought it had something to do with a bicycle) had been resolved with time.

The problem? Sergio was engaged to be married to Luz.

The exaggerated emotions and the way the actors sometimes repeated what they were saying helped Eva along in comprehending the story line. By the end of the program, she was actually looking forward to watching the next episode. How else was she going to find out which woman Sergio would eventually marry?

A glance at the clock told her that Horacio would be home soon. She clicked off the TV and went upstairs to shower off the grit of the day. While she picked through her clothes to find an outfit, Eva did her best to forget about her disastrous walk around the town. It was only her first run at getting a job and there was no rush.

She was just applying a bit of lip gloss when she heard the front door open and close. Horacio’s distinctive step moved through the lower level of the house and he called out her name.

“Up here!” Eva called back as she gave her hair a final fluff.

Absently, she listened to his steps as he ascended the stairs. Horacio cleared the doorway at nearly the same time Eva stepped out of the bathroom. He was wearing his uniform, as he did every day he went to work. The slacks still had the crease from where he ironed them, although there were some wrinkles that hadn’t been there before.

On the first day he’d worn the army green shirt and trousers, Eva struggled to keep the smile off her face. Up until that moment, the fact that Horacio was an officer existed only as an abstract concept. An errant reality. Seeing him dressed in the clothes befitting his rank was an odd experience, but Eva couldn’t quite figure out why.

Walking towards her, Horacio looked very much at home in his government issued uniform—although, it was a wonder that they found anything that fit him. His shoulders pulled at the material, straining the yoke of the shirt. The hem of the short sleeve looked like it was digging into his bicep. Even the meticulously sewn buttons fought to keep their place in the buttonholes.

The unit, she guessed, couldn’t afford custom tailoring.

“How was your day?”

Horacio shrugged, “New recruits came in.” He leaned down to kiss her, “Next couple weeks will be their boot camp.”

Eva could just imagine what that was like with Horacio leading it. Green boys being pushed to their limits by their unrelenting Captain. “Make any of them cry?”

One side of his mouth lifted, “No, but its only the first day.”

He turned and began to unbutton his shirt. Eva sat on the end of the bed and leaned back on her elbows. Horacio liked to get out of his uniform as soon as he got home and Eva absolutely did not mind the show. The button up was thrown into the hamper, leaving him in his undershirt. Eva followed the path of his spine down to where his belt was being pulled through the loops. Head tilting to the side, she considered the firm swell of muscle just below.

Horacio had a nice ass and it was displayed particularly well when he bent over to take off his slacks. A lot of people might overlook it, too distracted by the breadth of his chest and shoulders. Eva thought they were missing out.

He reached behind him and tugged off his undershirt, throwing it in the hamper with the rest of his clothes. Eva sighed. It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair. He was so pretty. All thick muscle and brute strength. Eva could look at him all day and still not be satisfied.

Her fingers curled with the need to touch, but she stayed put. Eva liked the tension that built inside her while she watched him pull on a pair of khakis and select a polo shirt from the closet. She liked knowing that, at any point, she could stand up and stop him. That she could draw him over to the bed and strip him back down to bare skin. And, he would let her—willingly, enthusiastically.

Horacio turned and caught her stare. Eva held his gaze unabashedly, letting him know what she was thinking without words. In an uncharacteristic bout of shyness, he ducked his head and smiled softly. Eva matched that smile with one of her own, a warm affection bubbling in her chest.

“I thought,” he said while he walked towards her, “we might go shopping.”

Her brows lifted, “Yeah?”

A nod, “You were saying a few days ago that you wanted to buy a dining room table.”

Eva was surprised he’d heard her. She’d said it while he was standing near the doorway to the dining room with phone to his ear. About every two or three evenings, he would lean against the jamb for at least an hour while someone at work relayed information to him that—for some reason—could not wait until the following morning.

“It would be nice to eat at the table instead of the living room.”

He sat next to her and picked up one of a pair of shoes he kept for when he wasn’t at work, “It would. And, since we’re out, we can grab dinner.”

She smirked, “Is that a dig at my cooking skills?”

Eva was very, very slowly learning to put meals together. Having never really cooked in Louisiana, her abilities were limited. But, she’d figured out how to fry vegetables together and season meat so that it was tender.

Horacio shook his head, “Just thought it would be nice to go out. There’s a place in the city that’s got good food.”

Happy with the suggestion, Eva nudged Horacio’s shoulder and said, “Is there a dress code? Should I change?”

He looked her over, eyes lingering on the way her skirt draped over her thighs, “No. You’re perfect.”

Her heart gave a little flutter at the honesty in his tone. Horacio complimented her nearly every day, saying that he liked her hair or her eyes or, in more intimate moments, how good it felt to be inside her. Eva hoped that she never got used to it. She hoped that she always had a lump in her throat when he said things like that.

Horacio stood and reached for her hand, “C’mon. The store closes in an hour.”

Eva went with him. She held his hand the whole way to the truck, until she climbed into the passenger’s seat and he closed the door behind her. The ride to the furniture store was short and, when Horacio pulled into the parking lot, Eva wondered if they were in the right place. There was no sign out front, no display windows. Just a plain building painted in a soft yellow with and awning over the door.

She followed Horacio’s confident step across the lot. He held the door open for her and she stepped inside. Looking around, she discovered a quaint little shop with antiques scattered around the front room. Down a sloped ramp was a hallway with a ceiling that was almost totally covered in lights of all kinds. Chandeliers, wall sconces, flush lights, all of which glittered happily at her. When she cast Horacio a look of giddy surprise, he smiled as if he’d known all along that she’d be impressed.

From somewhere in the back, a shop owner sauntered forward. He was a short man in his fifties. His mustache twitched over a cigarette that he tapped into a small, glass ashtray held in his other hand. He greeted Horacio as if he’d known him his whole life. A warm handshake, an affectionate pat on the back.

Eva stood off to the side while the two men exchanged pleasantries. In the meantime, she could peruse the wares. To her left was a rocking chair that had little birds carved into its back. The piece was probably over a decade old, but looked very solid. She reached out and tapped the arm, smiling when it rocked back and forth steadily.

To her right was a large cabinet full of glass knickknacks. She stepped up to it and peered inside. Most of the items were novelty. Little angels, a virgin Mary, farm animals. There was a nice goblet or two in the back and a set of china on the lowest shelf. Eva didn’t think they needed anything that formal at the moment, but made a note to come back for it if they ever decided to entertain a large party.

Horacio got her attention. Then, to the store owner, “Mi esposa, Eva. Eva, Señor Abila.”

Señor Abila looked shocked. He pointed at Eva, “¿Tu esposa?”

“Sí.”

Hands clasped in front of his heart, Señor Abila welcomed Eva to the shop. She replied to him meekly and apologized for her Spanish. He waved her off and simply said, “¿Americano, eh?”

They were led further into the building, past the hallway of lights and into a larger room with sofas, love seats, tables, chairs, and other larger furniture. They were shown a few dining room sets, each a little bit different from the last, but all made of solid wood. Eva guessed that most of them were used, but she could tell that they had been thoroughly cleaned. Some of them had a fresh coat of lacquer.

After getting the tour, Señor Abila stepped away to let them ‘discuss’.

Horacio turned to her, “What do you think?”

Eva considered her options, “I think a setting for six is probably the best fit for the room, don’t you?”

He shrugged, “Maybe.”

The non-committal answer made her pause. Did he actually not have an opinion or did he not agree with her? A niggling anxiety worked its way into the back of her mind.

“Um,” she said, “If you have a preference, we can go with that.”

“No,” he replied lightly, “I don’t have a preference, as long as its a good height.”

Eva’s mouth opened in confusion, “Height?”

He hummed in confirmation, as if she should know exactly why a dining room table needed to be the right height. Moving to a set in a soft, yellowish stain, Eva laid her hand on it, “Is this the right height?”

Horacio glanced at it, then walked over and pulled out a chair. He sat down, looking thoughtful. Eva watched his expression closely, completely unable to discern what he might be thinking. At least, until his hands reached up and grasped her hips. Making a soft sound of surprise, Eva let him guide her in front of him until he pressed her back against the table.

“What are you—oh!” Realization dawned on her with striking clarity. She said his name in an embarrassed hiss while she checked to see if the shop owner was looking.

Horacio was unbothered, “Food isn’t the only thing I’m going to eat at this table. I want to make sure we’re both comfortable.”

Hand covering her face, Eva peeked out from between her fingers at him. Horacio’s eyes sparkled with amusement, mouth pulled tight with the effort it took to restrain his laugh.

He stood, “You’re right, too low. Let’s try this one.”

Eva resisted him as he led her to an oval shaped table with six chairs. The wood was stained dark enough that she almost couldn’t see the grain. Horacio pulled out a chair and sat in it, easing her around so that she stood between him and the table. With a serious look, he said, “You’ll have to sit.”

“I will not!” she shot back lowly.

He rolled his eyes, “Alright. Lean.”

Reluctantly, Eva let him push her back against the table until her hips canted forward to his satisfaction. Shoulders up near her ears, Eva rested her weight on her hands and glanced sidelong at him to gauge his reaction.

Playful eyes met hers, “Mmhmm. This is a good height.”

Licking suddenly dry lips, Eva could only nod. Horacio’s hands on her hips squeezed gently. When he stood, they were so close that she could feel his breath.

“Is this what you want?” she asked, not entirely certain if she was still talking about the table.

“Yes,” he replied easily, “its what I want.”

His mouth pursed, as if he was going to kiss her. And then his eyes cut to the side. Eva followed his gaze to find the shop owner walking towards them with a wide smile. Señor Abila was a man who knew when he’d made a sale.

Eva stepped away again to let Horacio negotiate price and delivery. She wandered around, feeling the fabric of a few sofas and sitting experimentally on a mattress. There was plenty to look at and almost all of it was good quality. This was a place that Eva could see herself returning to time and again—which was probably why Horacio brought her here.

Tucked into a corner, near a large loading door, was a bit of white painted wood that stuck out awkwardly from behind a bed frame. Curious, Eva went over to it and lifted the frame gently to get a better look.

A crib.

The build of it was outdated and the paint was scratched, but the bottom had little rocking feet so that it could tilt back and forth. At the head was a painted rabbit with pink eyes. It was probably built for a baby girl.

Feeling a painful tightness in her chest, Eva set the frame back into place and returned to the men. They were bouncing numbers back and forth in quick succession. Their voices were light and smooth, not a hint of annoyance in their tone. Señor Abila looked as if he were enjoying himself. Horacio, too, if she were being honest.

Eventually, the price was settled and a delivery date of the following weekend was set. Eva thanked Señor Abila for his assistance and he said something to Horacio that made him scoff and roll his eyes.

A short time later, as they pulled out of the parking lot, Eva asked, “How long have you known Señor Abila?”

Horacio pulled onto the street, “Since I was very young. My mother buys all her furniture from him.”

Eva nodded, “Its nice that she has a good relationship with him.”

Laughing, Horacio shook his head, “They do not have a good relationship. If anything, Señor Abila tries to avoid having her come in.”

She was confused, and said so.

“My mother,” Horacio explained, “is not an easy customer. She likes to have things the way she wants.” He paused, smiling to himself, “And, not just when it comes to furniture.”

A woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to fight for it. Eva smiled, “I think I’d like her.”

He pulled to a stop light and looked at her, “I hope you will.”

In all the chaos of the last few weeks, Eva had almost forgotten that she had ‘married’ into an actual family. With real people. Who she would have to meet. And spend time with. And talk to. It was suddenly a very real, and very daunting, task. She glanced at Horacio, hoping he would be patient with her.

The truck took a turn onto a side street and Horacio guided it into a parking lot. Eva got out and rounded the vehicle while she looked at yet another nondescript building. Horacio took her hand, “The entrance is over here.”

He led her to a door that blended in with the stonework. Inside, the hostess greeted him and gestured towards a large archway. Through it was a small, but busy restaurant. Circular tables covered with white table cloths dotted the room. Metal work chandeliers hung from the ceiling, giving the whole room a soft, warm glow.

They were seated off to the side and handed menus. Eva opened hers and took a fortifying breath while she began to translate in her head. The words were, at the same time, both familiar and foreign. She knew what most of the dishes were, but something in her brain kept her from knowing what she might find appetizing.

Resigned, she closed the menu, “How about you pick something out for me?”

Horacio looked at her from over the edge of his menu, “What are you in the mood for?”

She gave a deliberately careless shrug, “Surprise me.”

Though he looked at her a beat or two longer, Horacio didn’t comment on her request. His eyes scanned the menu in his hands for a while before he set it aside. The waitress came and took their drink order, returning with two tumblers of dark liquor.

Eva picked her up and sniffed it. Bourbon. Possibly whiskey. She sipped and struggled to swallow as it burned in her throat. “Wow,” she croaked.

Horacio chuckled, “It takes some getting used to.”

“Uh huh,” was her rasping response, “Do they use that to strip paint?”

He pretended to think about it, “I think they do.”

“It would certainly do the job.”

Setting the glass down, Eva took a deep breath and let it out slowly to regain her bearings, “Is this a place you come to a lot?”

“Yes,” he answered, folding his arms on the table and leaning towards her, “Its one of my favorites.”

Eva made sure to file that tidbit of information away for the future, “Oh?”

He bobbed his head a little, “It opened while I was training and its not far from the office. We do retirement parties here, sometimes.”

She tried to imagine what a retirement party looked like for his unit and, for some reason, there were definitely sparklers on a cake.

“Well, the booze is definitely memorable,” Eva picked up her glass in a kind of mock salute.

The waitress returned and inquired about food. Horacio asked a question or two before telling her what they wanted in soft, rolling sentences that made Eva want to reach over and brush her fingers against his throat.

When they were left alone again, Eva shook away the thought and asked, “How is it? Transitioning back to work after being away so long?”

If she understood it right, Horacio had been in the States for at least eight months, maybe more. She couldn’t imagine how difficult it was to go from living full time away from his home to stepping right back into his old life.

Horacio took some time to think about the question, “I thought it would be more...more. What I was doing in America was so...different. I didn’t have any men to make sure stayed in line and the paperwork was…” His head cocked to the side, “I don’t think there was any paperwork.”

“Are you happy to be back?”

He smiled, “Yes. I missed home.”

Eva felt her lips pull into a small smile of her own, “I’m glad you’re happy.”

His hand reached out and took one of hers, “Once you settle in, I think you’ll be happy, too.”

She was already happy.

Eva didn’t have the words to describe how happy she was. Everything that had plagued her life for the last seven years was gone, left behind. She had a new identity, a new home, a new person to spend her time with. For the first time, Eva had the opportunity to build something that was completely hers.

Their food arrived, sizzling on the plates. Horacio had a mix of meat and vegetables with tortillas and Eva had rice and vegetables served with a half moon of fried dough. She cut into it, letting out steam that was filled with aromatic spices.

God, but it was good.

Eva dug in. Every bite was perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. She didn’t care that her tongue burned a little with the spice or that she was eating more in one sitting than she normally would in an entire day. She ate happily and talked with Horacio between bites.

Somewhere along the way, a thought occurred to her, “We’re doing it backwards.”

His brows raised in question.

Eva almost laughed. It was so ludicrous that, if she weren’t sitting right there as living proof, she would have argued against it.

“Us,” she explained, “We’re doing it backwards.”

“I don’t understand,” he said slowly.

She set down her fork, “Usually you go on a date—several dates—before you get married. Right?”

It took him a long moment to compute, “I—yes?”

Eva turned her shoulders coyly, “So, we’re doing it backwards. We got married and then went on a date.”

His confusion turned into a kind of wry amusement, “I think you’re right.” Then, “I don’t mind.”

She smiled, “Neither do I.”

[luminouscinders]

I’m sure I’ve made a similar list at some point but fuck it here we go again, here’s what I recommend anytime someone asks if we carry H*rry P*tter, which we very quietly stopped doing a while back. Because we don’t have to carry it! Kids love these alternatives enough! All of these are going to be quick pitches, feel free to look up full synopses.

-The Witchlings series by Clairbel A. Ortega: usually we convert people on this one by pitching it as “what happens when three witches aren’t sorted into a house, and set out on a quest in order to make their own”

-Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe: Very Kiki’s Delivery Service if you raised the stakes just a lil, where she loses her powers if she doesn’t earn the rank of Novice Witch before her thirteenth birthday

-Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono: Exactly what it says on the tin.

-Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones: If they’re older I tend to skip Kiki in favor of this one.

-Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger: I’m vaguely aware that this is about mind readers and is like crack to a small subsection of children. There are like twelve books and they’re all the size of bricks even though they keep numbering them like, 9.5 or something. There might be some controversy I’m forgetting about this series so your mileage is gonna vary on this one.

-Warrior Cats: Speaking of crack for children, the Warriors series is still alive and well, somehow. They’re still releasing books, kids are still obsessed, and there’s even a graphic novel adaptations of the first series being released. This is for any parent desperate for a long-running series because their kid keeps tearing through shit in no time flat.

And like old-man-yells-at-clouds side note the kids are absolutely SPOILED these days??? They’re rereleasing all the old manga side stories in full-color-three-in-one-editions now. Like goddamn?????? That’s luxury baybee

-The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton: Back to more magic school recommendations, this is a school in the sky and the kids have to track down a missing teacher. I need to get around to actually reading this one it looks SO cute and a better execution of. Whatever the fuck Rowling Jowling Kowling was attempting at times.

-Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston: Thirteen year old Amari is the only one that suspects that her older brother did not go missing of his own volition. Now she’s trying out for a position in the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs in order to figure out what happened to him.

-Dreamslingers by Graci Kim: This one is billed as Amari and the Night Brothers meets Pokemon but also its giving X-Men a little. I got to watch a girl’s face light up while reading the description recently.

-So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole: Okay so this is technically YA but I sort of have an argument here fueled by the fact Kamilah is one of the sweetest people on the planet and I am absolutely plugging her stuff whenever possible—gonna describe this one as Chosen One Burnout and How Do You Heal After The War in a Jamaican-inspired fantasy setting. There’s dragons. A lot of feelings. A great time. Well, not GREAT. Great if you love feelings I guess.

Okay I’m tired now so the list stops here but I could go on and probably will at a later date oh fuck yeah I can highlight all the titles in hot pink

[atplblog]

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[katelynnrasberryliterature2025]

Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe (Paperback) Children's Fantasy Reading Age: 8-12 Years/ Grade Level: 3-7 Eva Evergreen is a young witch with little power, it drains so fast that she naps after a simple spell. Unlike her mother, who is a grand master, a high level witch with magic to spare. Eva embarks on her quest to become a novice witch. Faced with trials beyond her skill level, she learns her determination and love for magic is a much stronger force. I chose this book because it was compared to Studio Ghibli's Kiki’s Delivery Service, which was and still is one of my favorite movies. It’s been sitting on my shelf for years and this was an opportunity to finally read it. It was heartwarming, and a perfect pick-me-up book. For Eva, magic is hope. If she cannot complete her quest, her magic will be extracted from her blood. Eva, like everyone, cannot live without her hope. Her magic, hope, gives her her determination. Even with her resourcefulness, she is unsure if she could make it as a witch. However, with her pinch of magic, she remains hopeful. Eva’s unsureness of the world and her role in it, making her very relatable. We first experience parental expectations early on. Twelve is typically the age when people start asking ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’. When Eva reaches the town of Auteri, she is met with distrust and skepticism. She remains optimistic, and pushes forward. Her determination drives her through each struggle. I found Eva relatable myself, I’m also determined to begin my career, but it takes time to find your place. I’m just as eager as Eva, but it shows we are enthusiastic and love what we do. The book also shows that even when it feels like the community is against you, you can build your own community. Eva learns the value of community while away at Auteri. Without her family, she is alone in a new town. She builds her own community and provides support to them as they do for her. Having a sense of community is important especially at a young age. This is when you learn to be a part of society, you learn to connect with the people around you. Without support, you feel lost and unsure. She shares her struggle while they share theirs with her, and they work together through each challenge.

“To show that I deserved this. That I'd fought for this with my blood, sweat, and tears, through the most frightening of storms and against even the most skeptical of mayors or meddlers. To show that someone like me could make her own dreams come true.” ― Julie Abe, Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch Abe, Julie (2020) Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch. Little, Brown and Company.

[aerenlpo]

7 Common Business Legal Challenges in the US | Aeren LPO

Owning a business in the US is equivalent to running a legal minefield. Right from the initial stage, such as choosing the right entity for company registration, legal challenges can plague even the most successful US businesses.

But don’t worry! This post will decode the seven key legal issues that cause organizational complications.

Moreover, the blog will also provide solutions to these issues, so you can detect these dangers and avoid legal landmines. Whether you are an experienced business owner or a novice entrepreneur, read this post to get complete information on how to face the legal challenges of the US market.

Sit back, grab your coffee, leave your worries behind, and get ready to be a legal boss!

How do Legal Issues Impact Business?

Legal factors can devastate business organizations because they influence firm operations, market perceptions, and profitability. Adherence to rules facilitates smoother operations, unlike legal non-compliance, which results in losses, fines, and damage to reputation. 

Laws about employment affect recruitment, dismissals, and organizational policies regarding employees, while laws about intellectual property safeguard copyright.

Apart from the above, contract law also impacts business transactions, providing clarity and enforcement. Thus, legal risk management from virtual assistance for legal support remains a fundamental principle when running a business and sustaining long-term success in investment.

Key Challenges Faced by Business The legal system in the United States has many peculiarities that are essential to consider while managing an enterprise.

Employment Law Compliance: 

One of the biggest challenges is complying with federal, state, and local employment laws, which include wage and hour laws, anti-discrimination laws, and employee benefits laws. For this purpose, you can talk to an employment law attorney frequently, be aware of the changes in laws, and finally, write up and put into practice strict human resource policies and training for all employees. 

Intellectual Property Protection: 

Protecting tangible assets such as trademarks, patents, artistic works, and commercial secrets is important for an organization. As a business owner, you can use IP asset mapping, trademark search, patent search, and protection. 

Contractual Disputes: 

Legal cases based on consumer or business relations, including end customers, suppliers, and distributors, can occur when running a business overseas. Create specialized contracts that must include conflict regulation terms (arbitration or mediation), and keep records for your account in case of any controversy. 

Regulatory Compliance: 

Your business needs to meet statutory requirements, rules and regulations of the environment, and safety measures. Hire an outsourcing legal firm in United States to conduct regular compliance inspections, educate the workers on the need to obey the compliance policies, and seek the help of consultants to help them understand new rules and regulations. 

Data Privacy and Security: 

You must secure your clients and business’s information from cyberattacks and meet the requirements. Therefore, you should employ secure cyber protection mechanisms, design a comprehensive data privacy policy, and undergo complete security assessments.

Litigation Risk: 

There is always a risk of legal action for an organization from employees, customers, and competitors. But with appropriate insurance, you can protect your business. Additionally, you can also develop clear internal protocols to record all business affairs adequately. 

Tax Compliance: 

For international investors, understanding new tax requirements can be tough. In this case, firms can consult with a professional accountant or tax lawyer to learn about tax legislation and maintain a clear and up-to-date account of all their financial activities. This will help avoid missed tax submission deadlines and thus evade fines and penalties.

Conclusion 

The legal system of operating an enterprise in the United States has its complexities, but grasping and managing typical issues can significantly reduce its chances. Employment laws, protection of intellectual property, data privacy, tax compliance—all these perspectives have to be addressed very carefully, and preventive measures have to be taken. Hiring an outsourcing legal firm in United States, knowing the changes in the law, and adopting strict measures help business organizations prevent such drawbacks.

[howlerckc]

EVA by Synthesys

EVA By Synthesys is an innovative video creation tool that utilizes TRUE AI technology to bring imagination to life through text and imagetovideo capabilities. With features like Canva integration faceswap AI texttoimage for videos and AI music EVA offers unlimited possibilities for creating captivating videos. The product is designed to cater to both novice and experienced users providing a seamless and intuitive experience for crafting cinematic masterpieces.

The EVA By Synthesys product boasts unique features such as Canva integration for maximum design flexibility the ability to create AI videos in any human pose and the option to add lipsync to AIgenerated videos. Additionally EVA enables users to personalize videos with any human and perform face swaps offering a high level of customization and creativity. The product also includes AI music creation and the capability to generate unlimited AI videos and images with fair use making it a comprehensive solution for video content creation.

EVA By Synthesys solves the problem of creating engaging and dynamic videos by providing a userfriendly platform with advanced AI technology. It caters to the specific need of transforming text and images into mesmerizing videos allowing users to animate their imagination in minutes. The product also addresses the need for personalized and unique video creation through features like faceswapping lipsync and the ability to integrate personal images into videos. Check this out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9nmx0bDJgk

[rrccases2]

Unleashing Creativity with Foam Sheets: A Versatile Crafting Essential

If you're a craft enthusiast or someone looking to explore new creative avenues, foam sheets are likely to become your new best friend. These vibrant, versatile sheets of foam can be used in an array of projects, from simple DIY crafts to intricate artworks. Let's dive into the world of foam sheets and discover their endless possibilities.

What Are Foam Sheets?

Foam sheets are lightweight, flexible sheets made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane. They come in various colors, thicknesses, and sizes, making them an ideal material for both novice crafters and seasoned artists. The smooth, spongy texture of foam sheets is perfect for cutting, shaping, and adhering to different surfaces.

Why Use Foam Sheets?

Versatility: Foam sheets can be used for a wide range of projects, including home decor, children's crafts, costumes, and more.

Ease of Use: They are easy to cut, glue, and paint, making them accessible for all age groups.

Durability: Foam sheets are durable and can withstand wear and tear, making your projects long-lasting.

Safety: Unlike some crafting materials, foam sheets are non-toxic and safe for children.

Creative Ideas with Foam Sheets

Home Decor

Wall Art: Create stunning wall art by cutting foam sheets into various shapes and designs. You can layer different colors to add depth and dimension.

Photo Frames: Customize plain photo frames with foam sheet embellishments. Add flowers, geometric shapes, or even a name for a personal touch.

Coasters: Design unique coasters to protect your surfaces. You can cut out patterns, paint them, or even use stamps for decoration.

Kids' Crafts

Educational Tools: Make learning fun by creating foam sheet alphabet letters, numbers, and shapes. These can be used for teaching spelling, math, and geometry.

Animal Masks: Cut out animal shapes and use them as masks for imaginative play. Add elastic bands or strings to fit around the head.

Puppets: Craft finger puppets or hand puppets using foam sheets. Decorate them with googly eyes, yarn for hair, and fabric scraps for clothes.

Holiday Decorations

Christmas Ornaments: Create festive ornaments by cutting foam sheets into stars, snowflakes, or other holiday shapes. Decorate with glitter, paint, and ribbons.

Easter Eggs: Design colorful Easter eggs to hang around the house. Use foam sheets to add 3D elements to your decorations.

Halloween Props: Make spooky decorations like bats, pumpkins, and ghosts. Foam sheets are easy to cut into detailed shapes, making them perfect for intricate designs.

Fashion and Accessories

Jewelry: Design lightweight earrings, necklaces, and bracelets using foam sheets. Cut out your desired shapes and decorate with paint or markers.

Hair Accessories: Create custom headbands, clips, and hair ties. Foam sheets can be cut into flowers, bows, and other fun shapes to adorn your hair.

Costumes: Whether for Halloween or a themed party, foam sheets can help you create impressive costume pieces, such as armor, crowns, and wings.

Tips for Working with Foam Sheets

Cutting: Use sharp scissors or a craft knife for clean edges. For intricate designs, consider using a stencil.

Gluing: Hot glue works well for foam sheets, but you can also use craft glue or double-sided tape for less demanding projects.

Painting: Acrylic paints adhere well to foam sheets. Use thin layers and allow each to dry before applying the next to avoid sogginess.

Storage: Keep your foam sheets flat in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or damage.

Conclusion

Foam sheets are an incredible resource for crafters of all ages and skill levels. Their flexibility, durability, and ease of use open up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you're looking to make simple crafts with your children, decorate your home, or design unique accessories, foam sheets are a fantastic choice. So, grab some foam sheets and start crafting your next masterpiece today!

[clouddiscoveriesn]

Exploring Outdoor Adventures with Cloud Discoveries: The Ultimate Camping Experience

When it comes to outdoor escapades, camping always tops the list for adventure enthusiasts. And what better way to elevate your camping experience than with top-notch equipment from cloud eva Discoveries in Canada? Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice explorer, Cloud Discoveries has everything you need to make your outdoor adventure unforgettable.

One essential item for any camping trip is a reliable camping stove with gas. Cloud Discoveries offers a wide range of high-quality camping gas stoves that are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. With features designed for efficiency and durability, these stoves ensure you can cook up a delicious meal no matter where your travels take you.

But camping isn't just about sustenance—it's also about relaxation and recreation. Picture yourself lounging comfortably in the wilderness on an air couch bed, soaking in the breathtaking views around you. Cloud Discoveries provides inflatable air couch beds that are not only incredibly comfortable but also portable and convenient to set up. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring.

Of course, staying hydrated is essential while enjoying the great outdoors. Instead of single-use plastic water balloons, why not opt for environmentally friendly options like reusable water balloons? Cloud Discoveries offers a variety of reusable water balloons that are durable, easy to fill, and fun to use. Plus, you'll be doing your part to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.

As you venture into the wilderness, safety should always be a top priority. That's why Cloud Discoveries provides top-of-the-line camping gas equipment that is safe and reliable. Whether you're boiling water for coffee in the morning or cooking up a hearty meal at night, you can trust Cloud Discoveries' camping gas to deliver consistent performance every time.

So, whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a month-long expedition, make sure to equip yourself with the best gear from Cloud Discoveries. With their wide selection of camping essentials, you'll be ready to embrace the great outdoors and create memories that will last a lifetime.

[gearproguide]

Discover the Best Inshore Fishing Rods of 2023

For anglers passionate about inshore fishing, particularly targeting species like Red Fish, Drum, Trout, and Flounder, having the right rod is crucial. We've compiled a list of the best inshore fishing rods available in 2023, ensuring you have the perfect tool for your next fishing adventure.

St. Croix Rods Mojo Inshore Fishing Rod: This versatile and powerful rod is suitable for both novice and experienced anglers. Made with high-quality SCII graphite, it offers great sensitivity and a Fuji reel seat for an added touch of elegance. The cork-trimmed handle provides a firm grip, even when wet. Its seven size options range from extra light to extra heavy, catering to different fishing styles and preferences.

Ugly Stik GX2 Inshore Fishing Rod: Known for its balance of power and sensitivity, this rod is made from a durable combination of fiberglass and graphite. It features new tuff guides with stainless steel inserts, perfect for braided lines. The Ugly Stik GX2 is available in various actions and lengths, backed by a seven-year warranty.

St. Croix Rods Avid Series Inshore Fishing Rod: This premium rod, crafted from SCII graphite, is both durable and lightweight. Its handle is made from super grade cork for comfortable handling. Featuring high-modulus SCIII graphite, Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology, and Kigan Master Hand zero tangle guides, it ensures smooth retrieves and free-flowing lines. The Fuji DPS reel seats add to the rod's balance, and it comes in various power options.

St. Croix Rods Triumph Inshore Fishing Rod: This rod is designed for a variety of inshore applications. Made with premium SCII carbon and featuring a cork handle, it offers strength and durability. Equipped with Sea Guide Atlas slim aluminum-oxide guides and Sea Guide XDPS reel seats, it provides a sensitive connection and maximizes sensitivity for detecting bites.

Toadfish Inshore Fishing Rod: Ideal for beginners, this rod features a graphite composite carbon fiber build and stainless-steel guides with zirconium inserts. Its ergonomic grip makes it comfortable for prolonged use, and it's available in two sizes, including a 7-foot version.

PENN Mariner II Boat Spinning Fishing Rod: Designed for inshore anglers, this rod features a durable tubular glass blank, stainless-steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, and an EVA triangle foregrip for ergonomic control. It's ideal for long-distance casting and handling bigger catches.

KastKing Estuary Inshore Fishing Rod: This rod features Nano Resin technology for increased tensile strength, making it strong yet sensitive. Its MicroWave Air Guides enhance casting distance, and a G2 Tackle Edge casting seat provides a solid base for the reel.

St. Croix Rods Premier Inshore Fishing Rod: A versatile choice, this rod features premium graphite construction, Kigan Master Hand 3D guides, and a Fuji ECS reel seat. It's available in several weights and is ideal for various fishing scenarios.

PENN Battalion Inshore Fishing Rod: Known for its quality, this rod features SLCII carbon fiber construction, Fuji alconite guides, and an ergonomic composite cork grip. It's available in eight sizes and is suited for catching game fish like bass, tarpon, and redfish.

Ugly Stik Tiger Inshore Fishing Rod: Updated with modern components, this rod maintains its legendary toughness. It's lightweight yet sturdy, featuring a sensitive.

Source:GearPro Guide