#Foodie Over 40

[helloavocadooo]

ISHAAN SHADID for SOMETHING ABOUT CHANTHIRA @someone-elsa

40 year old Chef from San Myshuno Master Chef | Foodie, Geek, Cringe He/Him Bisexual

Ishaan grew up in his family's restaurant and was always surrounded by lots of people and good food. Instead of taking over the family business (much to his parents' chagrin), he opened a small fusion spot in San Myshuno. There are only five seats and the menu is constantly changing depending on his mood. Is he making a lot of money? No. Is he living his dream? Yes.

That's how he choose to live his life. No matter how cringey and silly anyone thinks he is, he will do what it takes to live his life on his own terms. And that includes spending a full 24 hours playing video games in his apartment sometimes.

His cringey behavior and tendency to be buried in work has made falling in love a little difficult. He's tired of having no one to share his life with, so with everything in life, he's willing to throw himself fully into it by applying for Something About Chanthira.

Questions: What's your favorite food? Can I make it for you?

[toprecipe24]

Boston Cream Bliss Cupcakes, Pure Indulgence in Every Bite! 😋✨

Ingredients 🛒

For the Cupcakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup milk

For the Filling:

1 cup vanilla pudding

For the Ganache:

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Topping:

Whipped cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), line a muffin tin, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.

Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs one at a time, and mix in vanilla extract until combined.

Gradually add flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Divide batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes; let cool completely.

Core the center of each cupcake and fill with vanilla pudding.

Heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, and stir until smooth.

Drizzle ganache over cupcakes, allow to set, and optionally top with whipped cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 cupcakes | Calories: 350 kcal

✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅

#food #foodporn #foodie #foodstagram #foodgasm #foodblogger #foodpics #foodphotography #foodlover #foodpic #foodies #foods #foodblog #foodgram #foodart #foodlovers #fooddiary #foodphoto #foodstyling #foodshare #foodlove #foodiegram #foodoftheday #foodforthought #foodandwine #foodisfuel #foodcoma #foodaddict #foodtruck #foodnetwork

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Meghan's Cooking Show is a Failure by u/jahazafat

Meghan's Cooking Show is a Failure The iconic women who've succeeded with cooking shows didn't decide when they were 40+ to change careers and prepare food on television. Martha Stewart gained success with a cooking show after branching out from a catering business. Mary Berry studied home economics before her illustrious career with food. Paula Deen also had a catering business which led to opening several restaurants. Rachael Ray's family had a long association with food in the restaurant industry. Nigella Lawson first worked reviewing cookbooks and as a restaurant critic after graduating from Oxford. See where this is going Meghan??? You didn't even express any interest in food served to you in Nigeria. A real foodie would have been all over that. Stay out of the kitchen. You'd have better luck opening a brothel. post link: https://ift.tt/uEwslq0 author: jahazafat submitted: July 17, 2024 at 10:37PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[marxthedumdum]

silly lil steven headcanons i have in mind that i wanted to show for no particular reason

▧ bro is beefy (can be either buff or dadbod) and is hairy asf. never shaves. stinky. worn out clothes. his hair at this point would be very long and, although fluffy, is very tangly and messy, it prob has knots everywhere ▧ cis man, biromantic, heterosexual n dark skinned ▧ old ass man, hes 40. but keeps his appearance when he was in his late 20s or 30s thanks to missingno fucking with his ass ▧ he regrets absolutely nothing abt strangling mike, thinking he deserved it. (with his bare hands instead of commanding miki to do so like in the og pasta) though whenever he sees a vision of his brother he'd try to make the 'ghost' go away by screaming/flailing at it, which is why his house is so broken since he sometimes punched the wall or anything in his abode super hard ▧ he still worries abt how the pallet town residents are doing, especially daisy oak, red and blue. so he sometimes stalks the town to see if theyre still having a good life without him even after what he has done ▧ sometimes he would come across red and blue having their own little rivalry with each other, just like he and Mike. he thought it wouldve been so awesome to battle blue if the whole incident didnt happen (then watch red beat blue's ass 2 seconds later after blue takes the champion title from him LMFAOOO) ▧ his team before the incident would be miki, nidoking, gyarados, raichu, gengar and snorlax ❥ ALR THATS ALL MY GENERAL HCS FOR HIM NOW UHHHHHH, CRIMSONOAK/STEVEN X READER HCS. ❥ he hugs like a bewear and would (accidentally) break your spine in the hug like one too, i hope youre able to take his hugs because he'll hug you A LOT ❥ give him a ton of kisses, especially on the cheek, and he'll blush SO hard ❥ he would let you style his hair (if you ask him ofc), daisy def has done smth sily with it like giving him pigtails or giving him her hairstyle (but long cuz steven's hair is, well, way longer than daisy's) :333 ❥ if you can give this man a shower or a bath i beg of you PLEASE do. as i said, this dude stinky af- ❥ he still has miki but will never let her be out of her pokeball in front of his partner in fear that you/daisy would go 'holy shit what is that thing???? get it away from me!!!" before running off ❥ the type of guy that will try his best to cook food for you sometimes, whether its breakfast, dinner or just to give you a snack. (he usually burns the food LMAO (be proud of him >:()) ❥ if you can teach him how to make macarons he'll be so fucking excited (theyre one of his fav foods next to deep-fried food :3c (hes a foodie guy)) ❥ he would get insane zoomies when he sees daisy, bros down bad and head-over-heels for her ❥ before his downfall, steven def has and often tried to flirt with daisy with (cringy) pick up lines, even before dating and after their relationship became official LOL- he doesnt do it anymore though pensive emoji ❥ would pick you/daisy up and give piggyback rides for the shits and giggles ❥ he sometimes gives daisy uhhh, daisies as a small gift as it reminds him of her. he would do the same to you if you also have a kind of flower as your name (like rose, blossom etc.) ❥ if youre poc/lgbtq+ etc. and someone was being racist/homophobic/transphobic etc. to you, steven would go hunt them down and give them the worst beating theyve ever experienced and could even die from that (do you know that one reddit post abt a guy who beat up someone for kicking his cat? thats him and daisy/you teehee)

[the-bah-commune]

can we claim platter please?

here you are! sorry for the wait. this is oboso, he is the 2nd youngest of 5 siblings, and the god of feasting and family meals. including appearance here since i haven't been doing pictures for these guys.

a new flower has blossomed! 🌹

masculine deity, caring, foodie ... [LVL 4 PACK]

══════════════════

name(s) ;; oboso, obo, oboe, green, feast

pronouns ;; he/him, they/them, she/her, ve/vem

age ;; ageless, presents as early 40s

species ;; deity

gender(s) ;; gender apathetic

orientation(s) ;; achillean

role(s) ;; sustainer

source ;; brainmade / alter pack

sign-off(s) ;; – 🍽💚

══════════════════

hex code ;; #234728 (everglade)

appearance ;; ~7'0" and extremely large. warm tan skin. black braided hair flowing over shoulders. soft round features. honey gold eyes. gold jewelry. flowing green and black fabric covering body. black braided beard.

personality ;; quiet and observant. he prefers listening to others over talking himself. they enjoy a good story, and have a crude sense of humour that they hide behind a respectable facade. she is loyal to her siblings and partner (the "community" pack coming later). a bit of a gentle giant.

bonus info ;; n/a

══════════════════

likes ;; large meals, sad music, hearing people's stories, random acts of kindness, canned fruit

dislikes ;; comments about people's weight, egotistical people, maximalism

possible front triggers ;; eating, large family gatherings

══════════════════

cisid(s) ;; mixed race, cisBlack, cisItalian, obese, omnist, neurotypical

transid(s) ;; transMusician, panRacial, transAutoMAP, transSemiverbal, transAutistic

kink/fetish/para(s) ;; feed3rism, weight gain, transAutoMAP, microphilia

[jenbobbyy]

hey if youre still doing hcs could you do specimen 12/old man pls?

INHALES. okay. i dont even know where to start

old man. for convenience im just gonna call him OM for the rest of this because i refuse to call him stanley. stanley is a SPECIFIC name that can only be given to SPECIFIC people with a SPECIFIC voice commanding their actions

looking at the wiki he's described as middle aged... maybe early 50s-early 60s?

youtube has been around for about 15 years and it probably started out as a hobby when he was in his 40s. although he never gained THAT much traction he was probably a niche exploration channel with a little following that dwindled over the years

the guy has a past in professional climbing but urban exploration was a prominent side hobby and interest for him so!!!

most of his notes as the vlogger victim are weirdly calm? i doubt he had much experience in paranormal prior but i guess if you're an urban explorer you're used to places being pretty nasty the further you go

he definitely encountered the specimen (since they're referenced in pretty much every other victim's notes and it's described that he went through specimen areas) but the fact that he never mentions them in his notes is interesting (i guess all these horrors beyond comprehension all equate to an 'uneasy vibe'). there's a lot of persona involved in vlogging so in refraining from actually mentioning any wounds or monsters he's encountered OM is masking the fear he has. he wants to let everyone know 'hey!!! hey im okay and managing!!'

i think the prospect of having an audience might have left him at least a little comforted. he probably found other lines of notes at the time and took solace in the concept of people knowing he's alive and moving (even if they don't know him personally)

i still hate the fact that his writing patterns completely change between specimen 12 and endless mode hallways but i get that if he was going 'hey guys. erm, so THAT just happened.' it would ruin suspense from a gameplay point of view so. I'll let that slide :/

he's been in for a few months and by the time the protagonist meets him, he's not COMPLETELY gone. specimen 12's weird parasitic nature relies on the prior host's death, and in parrying axe attacks he still has some kind of self preservation. but he definitely doesn't remember who he is or why he's there. 12 isn't exactly fully possessing but is more of a mindfuck like foodie and bab that mess with perception and mental state. it controls but doesn't invade

in OG OM was voiced by vernon shaw (hot pepper gaming). altho this was changed as well as the chillis being removed from specimen 12 in HD, the concept of specimen 12 being so deathly and terrible that only incredibly spicy and near-toxic food being able to grow in it is funny. no wonder he sounds like that.

as to further agitate hosts into murder, 12 doesn't actually generate any food. luckily, OM isn't a cannibal host and lives off of whatever he can grow down in the basement and any dead rats or (god forbid) specimen 3 carcasses that are around. If it wasn't for the strength given to him around 12 he would have died in a week

being an extrovert and feeding from that concept of an audience, being alone has had a massive toll on his mental state. this probably made him a more desirable host for 12 - if he's craving conversation and people then having voices and mirages impact his perception would definitely fuck him up enough to give in to kill. i don't usually take common headcanon names into account but people calling 12 'parry' gave me the idea of the spirits of 12 manifesting in visions as a singular being (although this vision is different to every host) in an attempt to aid with the host sympathising and agreeing with it.......

the entire hide-and-seek style game he creates for the protagonist - as well as sparked on by the protag being someone much younger than the typical victim (ILL WRITE MY PROTAG HCS IF ASKED.....) - is a reflection of him stalling to kill in order to entertain himself and 'entertain' his victim. if it weren't for his longing for human contact he'd probably kill straight off-the-bat but the opportunity to fulfill the gap for a short amount of time is open and sought-after.

despite this, there's a mutual separation between him and other specimen. he's not seen as a nuisance alike specimen 14 as he doesn't openly attack the others but is still a missed opportunity and not particularly wanted by anyone. most of the time he remains in specimen 12 but OM will venture out (on occasion) to specimen 13's rooms. his ONE good specimen relationship!!!

ok. POST BAD-END HCS.

fumbling their way thru the mansion would likely lead 14 to again meet OM at some point. 14 being hit with the SPECIMEN BEAM definitely enhanced their strength at least enough to kill and swing that axe more effectively. in anycase, if the two were to fight and OM almost loses, the clarity given through his self preservation is enough to at least make him aware that

1. He's being beat the shit out of by a teenager

2. He's attempting to kill the only other person in a similar situation to him

speaking OF that, the parallels within sjsm of the protag and [i guess ex-protag] seem to be everywhere when it comes to OM.

posters

sprinting mechanics

garden tool weapon in 500

him recovering (or getting worse depending on how you see it) by mentoring and helping 14 survive within the mansion is always a concept i thought of given they're both humans who have (somewhat) made it through. he'd definitely have more of a drive to live on (and kill the enterers b4 they could kill him)

i had the idea that if 12 is constantly expanding and shifting through the mansion then OM and 14 could take advantage of that and start actually growing stuff.... making a little survivors camp and plotting.

anyways. those are my old man headcanons. I have absolutely taken canon and stabbed it 30 times but the concept of an ex protag is so cool

UNDERRATED CHARACTER. OLD MAN FANS WHERE ARE YOU?!

the scar i draw on him is from the fight with 14.......................

[tripcraft24]

Mastering European Travel: A Complete Planning Guide

Europe is a dream destination for many travelers, offering a rich blend of history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and culinary delights. Whether you’re planning to explore the romantic streets of Paris, wander through the ancient ruins of Rome, or hike the rugged Scottish Highlands, there’s something for everyone on this continent. However, to make the most of your European adventure, planning is key. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to master European travel, from budgeting and transportation to must-visit destinations and cultural tips.

1. Choosing Your European Destinations

Europe is vast, with over 40 countries to explore, each offering a unique experience. Depending on the length of your trip and your interests, you may want to focus on specific regions or cities.

Popular Regions to Consider:

Western Europe: France, Germany, Spain, the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Southern Europe: Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Croatia.

Eastern Europe: Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, and Romania.

Northern Europe: Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway), and Finland.

Central Europe: Austria, Switzerland, and Slovakia.

Key Considerations for Choosing Destinations:

Your Interests: Do you love art, architecture, history, nature, or food? Different cities and regions specialize in different experiences. Paris is perfect for art lovers, while history buffs may prefer Athens or Rome.

Budget: Northern and Western Europe tend to be more expensive, while Eastern and Southern Europe can offer more budget-friendly options.

Travel Seasons: Consider the time of year. Summer is popular but crowded, while winter can offer cheaper rates and a more authentic local experience (though weather may be an issue in some regions).

2. Setting a Travel Budget

Travel in Europe can range from affordable to luxurious depending on your choices for accommodation, dining, and activities. Here’s a breakdown of what you should consider while budgeting:

Accommodation

Hostels: Ideal for solo travelers or those on a budget. Many hostels in Europe are clean, safe, and offer private rooms as well.

Airbnb & Vacation Rentals: A great option for couples or families wanting more space and kitchen facilities.

Hotels: Mid-range hotels offer comfort without breaking the bank, while luxury travelers can indulge in Europe’s many five-star hotels.

Budget Tip: Look into staying in less-touristy areas or smaller towns outside major cities, where accommodation tends to be cheaper.

Transportation

Flights: Europe is connected by an extensive network of budget airlines (like Ryanair, EasyJet), but be mindful of extra baggage fees and airport locations, which can be far from city centers.

Trains: The European rail system is world-class, especially for intercity and regional travel. Consider a Eurail pass if you plan to visit multiple countries by train.

Buses: Companies like FlixBus offer affordable and extensive bus routes throughout Europe, a great option for budget travelers.

Car Rentals: If you plan to explore rural areas or smaller towns, renting a car might be the best option. However, parking in cities can be expensive and difficult.

Dining & Food

Street Food & Markets: Many European cities have excellent street food and local markets where you can sample delicious, authentic dishes at a fraction of the cost of dining in restaurants.

Cafés & Casual Dining: Lunch specials or “prix fixe” menus often provide good value for money.

Fine Dining: If you’re a foodie, Europe boasts some of the world’s best Michelin-star restaurants, but these will increase your food budget.

Activities & Sightseeing

Free Attractions: Many European cities have free attractions, such as parks, historical landmarks, and even museums on certain days of the week.

City Passes: Consider purchasing city passes (e.g., Paris Pass, Rome Card) that provide free or discounted entry to top attractions, as well as free public transportation.

Tours: Guided tours can be a great way to learn about a destination, but opt for group tours if you’re looking to save money.

3. Planning Your Transportation Around Europe

Getting around Europe is relatively easy thanks to its well-developed infrastructure. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:

Flights

Budget Airlines: Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet make it easy to hop between major European cities. Keep an eye out for flash sales and be mindful of hidden fees, such as those for checked luggage.

Major Airlines: For longer flights or transatlantic travel, consider full-service airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, or Air France, which often offer more comfortable experiences.

Trains

Europe’s train system is one of the best in the world, making it easy to travel between countries and cities. Countries like Switzerland, France, and Germany have high-speed trains, while others, like Italy and Spain, also offer scenic routes.

Eurail Pass: If you’re planning to visit multiple countries, consider purchasing a Eurail pass, which offers unlimited train travel within a set period (e.g., 7 days, 1 month). This can be a cost-effective way to explore Europe, especially if you're covering long distances.

Buses

FlixBus & Eurolines: For budget travelers, buses are an affordable way to get around. They’re slower than trains but can be a great option for night travel, saving you both time and the cost of accommodation for a night.

Car Rentals

If you plan to explore remote or rural areas, renting a car can offer flexibility. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local driving rules and road signs in each country, as they can vary significantly.

Public Transportation

Most European cities have excellent public transport systems, including buses, trams, and metros. You can buy day passes or city cards that offer unlimited travel for a set period. In cities like Paris, London, and Berlin, public transport is often faster and more convenient than driving.

4. Travel Tips for a Smooth European Experience

Understanding Schengen Zone Rules

Most of Europe is part of the Schengen Zone, which allows for visa-free travel between member countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you're visiting non-Schengen countries (e.g., the UK, Ireland, Romania), you'll need to check specific entry requirements. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date.

Learning Basic Phrases

While English is widely spoken in many European countries, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in the local language (hello, please, thank you) can go a long way in enhancing your experience and showing respect for the local culture.

Currency & Payments

Currency: The Euro is used by 19 of the 27 EU member countries, while others like the UK, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries have their own currencies.

ATMs & Cards: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns or rural areas where card payments may not be accepted.

Packing Tips

Pack Light: Europe’s cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and public transport systems can make it difficult to manage heavy luggage. Stick to a carry-on if possible.

Adapters: Europe uses different electrical outlets than the US or UK, so make sure to pack a universal adapter.

Safety & Travel Insurance

Europe is generally a very safe destination for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas where pickpocketing can be common.

Travel Insurance: Make sure to get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

5. Must-See European Cities and Experiences

While every traveler’s preferences will differ, here are some can’t-miss cities and experiences:

Paris, France

Highlights: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and charming neighborhoods like Montmartre.

Tip: Visit in the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds at popular sites like the Eiffel Tower.

Rome, Italy

Highlights: The Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman Forum, and the delicious Italian cuisine.

Tip: Book your Vatican tickets in advance to skip the long lines.

Prague, Czech Republic

Highlights: The Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and the famous Astronomical Clock.

Tip: Visit during the shoulder season (spring or fall) to enjoy fewer crowds and milder weather.

Barcelona, Spain

Highlights: The architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, and the lively Las Ramblas.

Tip: Try to catch a local flamenco performance for a taste of Spanish culture.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlights: The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and a boat ride through the iconic canals.

Tip: Rent a bike to explore the city like a local.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Highlights: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the historic Royal Mile.

Tip: Visit during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August for a world-class arts festival.

Conclusion

Mastering European travel requires a mix of careful planning and the willingness to embrace spontaneous adventures. By setting a clear budget, choosing the right transportation, and familiarizing yourself with the regions and cultures of Europe, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and stress-free journey. Europe’s rich history, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploration.

[ruby-babayan]

[ Angela Sarafyan, cis w, she/her ] — whoa! RUBY BABAYAN just stole my cab! not cool, but maybe they needed it more. they have lived in the city for 20 YEARS, working as a CAFE OWNER. that can’t be easy, especially at only 40 YEARS OLD. some people say they can be a little bit PRIVATE and STRESSED, but I know them to be COMPASSIONATE and COMMITTED. whatever. I guess I’ll catch the next cab. hope they like the ride back to STATEN ISLAND! — (Andy, 43, EST, they/he)

BASICS

full name: Ruby Jean Babayan (formerly Calloway)

pronouns: she / her

sexual orientation: straight

relationship status: divorced

occupation: owner of The Snug Mug

BIOGRAPHY

tw: affair

Born in Kentucky to the working poor, Ruby strove to make it out of her home town. To be something more. Academics and extracurricular activities were gold for college applications, as was building her own car piece by piece. The truck was eventually what got Ruby and her sweetheart to NYC, where he promised that he'd work to pay her way through college if she did so for him first.

Six years of full time work and part time school, barely seeing one another, but he finally landed a Bachelor's degree. They celebrated with a courthouse wedding nobody they knew attended. Ruby was managing The Snug Mug by then, while Brandon started his way up the corporate ladder. She didn't feel the drive for higher learning by the time her 30th birthday approached, but hoped to start a family, instead. Something Brandon delayed by suggesting Ruby make an offer to buy the cafe from the retiring owner. He was confident they could get it between his job and her in with the owner.

After the deal closed, Brandon lingered another month before confessing that the cafe was his apology to Ruby. He had fallen in love with a younger woman at his office, and they were running away together to chase her Hollywood dreams.

Minus one husband and one big source of income, and plus a lot more responsibilities, Ruby focused on the cafe. She moved into a unit above the cafe, and rarely needs to leave the island, but loves the ferry ride and will find excuses to get into the city proper regularly.

TRIVIA

The cafe was recently adopted by an orange tomcat the staff has taken to calling Shortcake. He's a friendly tomcat who really loves appearing to beg or steal food.

Still has that Appalachian accent, as well as the old truck that got her to NYC. Absolutely believes in a lot of Appalachian cryptid, folktales, and the wisdom of the holler.

Loves sci-fi, scary stories and historical romance. More than one bodice-ripper hides in her apartment.

Not a drinker, you're lucky to spot Ruby doing more than sipping at a wine now and again. (Grow up in the bourbon capital of the world and you might get sick if alcohol, too)

Some folk have been known to call Ruby a reckless driver. She would argue she's a perfectly good driver - if this were Kentucky. She's yet to have a single accident or ticket, which is just further proof in her book.

Noodles on an old folk guitar, but is by no means a pro.

more soon!

POTENTIAL CONNECTIONS

Neighbors - Fellow Staten Island residents! This could be friendly, neutral or antagonistic.

Other Foodies - Ruby loves baking and any form of hearty food/meals. While she appreciates the precision of high-end food, Ruby swears by comfort food. She loves a farmer's market and swapping recipes.

Cafe Regulars - Be it for just the one morning a week, whenever your seasonal favorite hits the menu again, or something more frequent. Maybe you just like the atmosphere and basic black coffee.

People to fuss over - Ruby is a mother with no child, so much of her mothering ends up aimed at friends and employees. Do you enjoy or resent it?

[praeyrp]

Name: Ren --- Age: 1000+ Species: kitsune Job: chef, baker & moonlighting cleaner & possible hitman Group: dawn court or rogue Relationship: complicated™, best friend, confidant, co-worker & possible LI Personality: disciplined, cautious, strong-willed, calm, quiet. Divided between cold-blooded & kind. Notes: FC & surname are open, pls keep Asian (technically Japanese)! (Lee Dong Wook is shown; Tony Thornburg, Gong Yoo, Will Yun Lee, Jaeuck Kim, or anyone over 40, would also work!) Connections: Mei, Bastian Vega, Alexis Belmore, Demetrio Dimas, Gwendoline Bryker, Vincent Hawkins, Chinatsu Saito Link: Here

This is a very long, slow burn story, about two very disciplined and strict idiots and their complicated, unrequited (but are they?) feelings. I have no qualms with this going either which way, it’ll likely be played by ear a lot, but in the end they can either stay as just friends and colleagues, or they can finally and eventually, cross their very well maintained lines. Again, I’m fine with whatever direction they veer towards!

Mei and Ren met in Thailand a few centuries ago when Mei and her second hand, Renaud, were traveling through Asia learning about Eastern specific baking techniques and flavor profiles to bring into their future bakery. Near the end of their time within Thailand they’d stop by a restaurant in which Ren was head chef, and it was this night that the trio of like-minded foodies, wined and dined, and became fast friends over a shared passion. Mei’s view of the world was expansive, a fact Ren would latch on to, where Mei rather latched onto what Ren was; kitsune, a species she found kinship within.

They were quickly inseparable, and would spend the following centuries in some form of contact, whether it was physical, or via other correspondence; they were never all that far from one another’s ear.

Ren and Mei have drifted apart and come back together countless times over the years, though since the opening of her bakery in LA, he’s moved and settled back in at her side. Renaud is also still around (NPCed) and while he probably knows about their unrequited BS too, he’s much like Hanako in that he doesn’t care, and frankly, finds them both ridiculous lol.

Up until the present their lives have largely been lived as colleagues, and this is mostly all they know of each other, allowing the other to live their own life as adults often do. Mei however, has a lot of hidden facets that stretch well beyond the realm of her bakery, in which Ren works alongside her, and much like Mei, so too does Ren have his hidden parts.

The biggest for them both, is that they actually run in adjacent, overlapping circles, which bloodies their hands without the other ever knowing.

Mei has worked as an assassin/escort (a black widow) for as long as she's been a spellbinder; this is a facet of her that none but her father-figure, and those she works with and for, knows. It was what she was raised and trained into by her demonic fathers (Matthias and his brother Loki), and something she keeps very compartmentalized from the world around her. Not even her second closest confidant, her coven's supreme, knows anything about this life. Oddly, so too does Ren work within this world. His ties have always been to the Yakuza, where he's moonlit for centuries as a cleaner and occasional hitman, though since moving to the US, those ties have slackened and become complicated.

Missing this piece of himself I'd love for him to brush up against, and eventually cross over to join the same company Mei works for; the Syndicate.

The Yakuza's presence within the US is weak, and the Syndicate isn't kind to anyone toing into their territory, so he'd never make it under their hand, in LA; hence his joining the Syndicate.

I'd love for this to be without them having any prior knowledge of things, or each other within this world. Just drop them right into things head first, which should help shake up their overly strict views of life and how cautious they are with everything. Very much Mr & Mrs Smith vibes (the movie), where they're dropped into a situation that forces them to reveal things they've kept hidden for so long.

Additionally, Mei is actually the mother of the spellbinder species as a whole, another facet of herself that only a few people know about, and Ren isn't one of them. I do suspect that he suspects there's more to her than she's ever really told him, but he's not the sort to push, as pushing opens him up to being pushed back-- and they have their secrets that need to be kept secret. Once their common second job is revealed however, it should lead them into a confrontation where Ren questions more of Mei, and vice versa (would LOVE for him to have more secrets to uncover, but that's up to you!!)

Mei's kinship with kitsune is quite a literal one, as it was a kitsune's blood that finally birthed the spellbinder species within her, so her blood is half mortal, and half kitsune, a fact that I think Ren would likely latch onto as a reason he's always fallen in beside her so seamlessly. I do see them, both and in their own very odd ways, as two romantics who've simply compartmentalized that portion of themselves. All this uncovering of things however, would likely bring this to the surface, allowing them to admit hard truths about themselves, and where they stand within their tie to each other.

Again, where they wind up in the end, is completely open, and I’m more than happy to brainstorm stuff and see where we land! On a whole though, I’m just looking for someone close for Mei to confide in, and open up to, and keep her secrets, while she keeps theirs. Something she doesn’t currently have and needs desperately~

[druidx]

Food Headcanons from Allansia

So, after that thing about bloc coffee from Fangthane, I realised that I actually have a lot of headcanons about the food in Allansia that I've never shared. So, without further ado, a random collection of fictional foodie thoughts:

Tea

What is referred to in my writing as "tea" is actually closer to fruit or herbal infusions. On the Allansian continent, Toreguard city is very northerly (~50°N), and tea prefers to grow between 40°N & 30°S. Directly below the Pagan Plains are a band of deserts and an inhospitable swampland. It's only below that that (at ~20°N) we get the Mountains of Grief and the Tropics, where tea from a tea bush can grow. As such, 'real' tea is incredibly rare in Toreguard; the travel distances and conditions make bringing goods up very difficult. However, there are many local herbs and fruit (sweet woodruff, blackberries, mint, apples) which can be dried or prepared to be later infused in water, and this is what is called "tea" in Torguarde.

Curry

Similarly, spices are notoriously difficult to get hold of. Anything below the swamplands of Silur Char is right out (anise, nutmeg, cinnamon). However, there is a narrow band of fertile land, called the Border Hills, between the Desert of Skulls and the Plain of Bronze, from which are sourced curry spices. Again, the journey northward is lengthy and difficult - this time a few months, as opposed to a year and up. This means that every so often all manner of curried items will turn up on the menu boards of Toreguard's more prestigious eateries. One favourite is curried goat, but curried snake, swan and other items are all other common dishes.

Coffee

What's called 'coffee' in Toreguarde is actually the dried, ground root of a flowering plant, known in Elvish as Corav - 'Sun's Blessing' - and the resultant liquor of its root Corav'e - 'of Sun's Blessing'. Over the years, this has mutated in the human language to be 'corve' or 'coffee'.

Meat

Of course, the standard beef/ veal, pork, lamb/ mutton, and venison are available in this setting, but people will eat whatever can give them protein. As such meats like goat, snake, badger, and various fowl - pigeon, swan, partridge - are also things you'll find on the menu in Toreguarde.

[acommonloon]

When my son was visiting he decided we needed to smoke a brisket, something called armadillo eggs, and a macaroni. As my SIL's pellet smoker was here in temporary residence, why not?

All these things came out fantastically well but to my surprise the macaroni was the thing I was most impressed by. He created an incredible cheese sauce from...well too many cheeses and other things to mention but we ended up with a full pound of this Cabot "Seriously Sharp" cheese left over.

We've been trying eat up these leftovers for two weeks but tbh this cheddar is so bold, it doesn't play well with other flavors. Then I was reminded of the cheese cubes served at De Garre in Bruges. This cheese is a bit creamier than I remember that one but it still beautifully stands up to the rich, fruity, 10%'er that I so adore. I've so few bottles left!

About a week after my son returned to Europe, we received a package from Amazon. As this is a near daily occurrence, I didn't event wonder what it might be. When D said Wtf is this and it's addressed only to Shane, I took notice.

It was a 3 pack of curry sauce mix. I'd no clue! To be clear, I'd learned to like curry by eating it in English pubs back in the 90s which, I've since learned, isn't representative of curry as it's more widely know. So.

I was confounded but had more pressing issues so I put the package in a snack cart by the counter and forgot about it. A few days ago we found out it was sent to us by our friend Gary, a man from Yorkshire. We know him because he lives with one of our daughter's childhood friends. He and I had touched on the subject of food in England while we were out pub crawling in Louisville with my son. He sent it to me.

So, for lunch yesterday I decided to try out this magic powder with some fries and frankfurters. So good!

Today D and I were coming back from an early appointment and breakfast in Louisville when she expressed her surprise we were so compatible. We've been married 40 years without either resorting to shackles, blackmail, or witchcraft....as far as I know.

She went on to say if she could survive by eating a pill a day, she'd be fine with that. She didn't really care much about eating. As a self avowed foodie I can only say, I'm crazy lucky she likes me.

The creek was full of shiners! If you don't know what that is, bless your heart.

[toprecipe24]

Honey Peach Cream Cheese Cupcakes 🧡🍑

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 cup peach preserves

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1/2 cup diced fresh peaches

2 tablespoons honey for drizzle

Sugar crystals for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, add a spoonful of peach preserves, and then cover with more batter until the liners are three-quarters full.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.

Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese mixture. Top with diced fresh peaches.

Drizzle the honey over the top and sprinkle with sugar crystals.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes

See More recipe

✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅

#cupcakes #peachdessert #baking #homemade #sweettooth #fruitdessert #cupcakeheaven #dessertlover #yummy #foodblogger #instadessert #foodporn #treatyourself #delicious #desserttime #easyrecipes #foodie #sweets #bakery #peachcupcakes

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[freebooter4ever]

If you weren't actually meaning to open a convo on the all star game feel free to ignore this!

But I think it just has a lot to do with how the all star weekend involves a ton of media so even if they enjoy the game/events themselves there's a lot of strings attached. Like all your coworkers are posting vacation photos, and you may have even been on vacation with them, but you had to cut yours short to work. Sure the office is also throwing a party but it just isn't quite the same as having those days off.

lol!!! Well its not really a discussion on my part because i will just never be able to understand the player's perspective, but i find it fascinating to hear explanations of why the players dont like it - partially because i wonder if the league was a little more "hip", if it could be salvaged.

For one thing, for some of us salary challenged people 'vacation' is not really a thing - i always used my time off to go home and visit my grandparents. Though quite honestly i'd rather hang out with grandma for five days doing nothing but puzzles than sit on a beach doing nothing for five days. When i lived and worked on the east coast i spent most of the year missing my grandparents and the pacific northwest and wishing i was there, so naturally it was always the first place i went to when i got a chance. Im weird. And boring. I realize this.

Secondly, when i did work in education there was this yearly conference and pretty soon after i became in charge of the art department we started bringing the whole team to these conferences. It was the highlight of my year - im not even kidding, im that much of a nerd. I thought my team were the greatest people ever - a sort of found family if you will - and getting to be stuck for an entire weekend with them in some of the most boring cities the united states has to offer never failed to entertain. You know how when you're with people you love everything just feels more exciting? Even dumb shit like getting lost on the DC subway because the foodie of your group wants to try a very specific japanese restaurant thats in a far corner of the city on the opposite end of where the hotel is located. Or getting lost in Atlanta because we had to walk all over the old olympi*c grounds just to see some old stadium so the sports fans in our group could take a photo. Actually now that i think about it most of our outings involved getting lost while walking places. Im not even going to go into detail about the more boring cities because im embarrassed to admit that i found even the most mundane events Really Exciting with these guys. I had a blast, this was the highlight of my LIFE, i dont have very many friends or get out much, lol. I miss those days. I see some of the team individually, like when i last visited pittsburgh, but its not the same as being trapped in a random city and having to entertain yourselves during the off hours when you're not giving presentations. These conferences were also the only time i ever experienced Popularity. Being able to sit in a hotel lobby and have people come up to me, because they recognized me (or my team) was a blast. This is the ideal scenario for a shy person who loves talking to people but cant start a conversation to save my life. I did not care that most of these fans were educators over 40, they all had interesting stories and hearing them talk about using our program helped me come up with new things to implement next so it was a win-win. I also shamelessly used this time to do research on the history of our team. The group peaked in the 90s/2000s and it was really easy to get the older members to start talking about those days. i could probably write a book with everything i learned over the years. except not because even education nerds have scandal. the thing i always found is that if a person seems boring its just cause you haven't asked them the right questions yet.

There was one instance of a guy my age who came up to me and turned out to know the sculpting program i used, and was canadian so we had the whole pacific northwest thing in common, so after the con was over for the day the two of us went out on the town alone. And stayed out till like 2am, not doing anything wild (we visitd tourist sites! We bought smoothies!) i believe we ended up hanging out on an empty playground and talking philosophy, but im pretty sure that was the closest i will ever get to having a one night hookup. The hookup part did not happen because i was too shy to invite him back to my hotel room, and he was staying in a buddhist temple because it was the cheapest housing available and he was a broke grad student studying machine learning and art. I still remember that night, that was the Best night, partially because it was so unexpected and a random happenstance meeting of two strangers who would normally never come together.

Aaaaaall that said, i do realize we are talking about hockey players here who i imagine are maybe not the best conversationalists, and maybe would much rather be sleeping on a beach somewhere. And most of them are probably not the creative type to make exploring a city new or interesting no matter how many times you've been there. (with the exception of sid*ney cro*sby who as we all know is excellent at scavenger hunts). So all right, yeah, maybe i too wouldn't relish the idea of being stuck in a city with a whole bunch of hockey bros.

I also imagine its very different asking someone like sid if he enjoys the all*star game versus asking some player who isnt the best in the league and maybe just got there because of a voting fluke or the rest of his team is just shitty, and is maybe fairly new to the league and this is his first time going, and holy shit he's sitting next to sid at breakfast. Cmon theres got to be at least one guy having that experience even if they would never admit it because its uncool to fangirl.

[capricioussun]

Some horrorfell Sans stuff too since I never talk about him

Nickname: Eclipse Height: ~6' I think? Age: roughly probably early 40s

Let's talk about the version where he wound up on the surface. He is...a huge jerk lol Or, at least to others. After everything that happened underground, he’s incredibly bitter and untrusting of others, human and monster alike. Really the only thing he cares about is his brother, and he feels a tremendous amount of guilt over what Dusk went through. Feels largely responsible for it, especially what Undyne did to him.

Dusk is actually a large part of why he travels. It's too physically and mentally taxing for him to really travel or explore, so Eclipse tries to help Dusk live vicariously through him, going out, taking pictures, snagging souvenirs to bring back to him (only a few though, or only perishable stuff or things that can be used, Dusk hates "wasteful" spending). He usually tries to find books or other interesting things since Dusk loves learning about the world more than anything, which makes them excellent gifts (and he'd never admit it, but he likes the excuse to read to Dusk, too, whenever he tolerates it).

He himself also enjoys traveling, since it helps keep him out of his head and the strangling sense of guilt that starts pushing him toward a slippery slope whenever he stays home too long. It's also just nice to see new places, even if new faces also come with that usually. Make no mistake though, he’s not usually outright hostile unless someone is with him, he doesn't go looking for trouble. If anything, comes off a little creepy but generally "friendly" enough, but he’s quick to harsh words if someone gives him a reason. Otherwise, he enjoys the open air, loves hanging out in nature. Animals he could take or leave, but he'll snap a pic or two for Dusk and show him if he’s in a steady enough headspace.

He’s also something of a foodie, sort of. He’s gotten better at cooking from helping Dusk, but prefers seeking out stuff made by others, and tries the best local places he can find while traveling. He's also keen on exploring every restaurant and diner in their home city, too, always eager to find things to share with Dusk and the cats he pretends to not like. He doesn't have the same problem with meat Dusk has, but he'll only eat it when traveling, since he doesn't wanna come home smelling like it either.

Weirdly enough, he actually likes watching sports. Not that he cares for any teams in particular, or even any sports in particular for that matter, but there's something oddly peaceful about it, especially in person. Hangin out up in peanut heaven where no one else is sitting and watching whatever sports going on on a warm, sunny day, the low sounds of voices and music and excitement. It's grounding. Reminds him where he is and how far they've come.

Really, he just prefers to keep to himself and tries to be the brother Dusk needs (even if he'll never feel like the one he deserves).

[binging-asian-dramas]

Cupid’s Kitchen. 7

Story: 8

Acting: 10

Chemistry: 8

Comparable to: The Perfect Match (Taiwanese drama) ; Pleasantly Surprised (Taiwanese drama); My Lovely Sam Soon (kdrama)

At first this drama is very engaging and well executed in let’s say the fist 12 episodes and just like a lot of other dramas it falls completely apart, especially towards the ending where I felt it was completely rushed. Which is funny, considering it’s a 40 episodes drama. It definitely wasn’t well edited. It felt like where certain situations should of been condensed, weren’t and the ones that needed to be addressed were only glossed over. Nevertheless if you a huge foodie the food in this is exquisite. It’s a huge highlight. The romance was meh and it has nothing to do with the age difference. It has to do with the writing. Both actors has excellent chemistry together but the way it led up to it was a total let down. It was one of those last minute flirting, flirting, will they won’t they, next minute boom in love, then the end type of deals. It’s still a decent drama just wouldn’t recommend it for the romance bit.

[eatofit1]

📌𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 : 🔍 Find More Recipes HERE 🍽 ...........📍 𝑹𝒆𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝑵𝑶𝑾, 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑳𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓! 📍 .......... Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Sausage Comforting Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Casserole Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, cubed 1 pound sausage, sliced 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup ranch dressing 1/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the cubed potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the seasoned potatoes onto a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until tender and golden. In a skillet, cook the sausage slices over medium heat until browned and cooked through. In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing and milk until smooth. Combine the roasted potatoes, cooked sausage, and ranch mixture in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped chives before serving. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #comfortfood #homemademeals #cheesygoodness #ranchflavor #potatorecipes #sausagedishes #casserolelove #weeknightdinner #easyrecipes #familymeals #tasty #foodie #cookingathome #dinnerideas #cheesydelights See less 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐘𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐲 "𝐘𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐲 😋" 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝐢𝐧 💬 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 😍