#Maui Wine

[kawaii--af]

[auraeseer]

Retrofit, playing at The Press wine bar, Tracy, CA.

[greenwitchcrafts]

June 2024 witch guide

Full moon: June 21st

New moon: June 6th

Sabbats: Litha/Summer Solstice- June 20th

June Strawberry Moon

Known as: Aerra Litha, Birth Moon, Blooming Moon, Brachmanoth, Dyad Moon, Egg Laying Moon, Green Corn Moon, Hatching Moon, Hoer Moon, Honey Moon, Lovers Moon, Mead Moon, Moon of Horses, Moon of Making Fat, Partner Moon, Rose Moon & Strong Sun Moon

Element: Earth

Zodiac: Gemini & Cancer

Nature spirits: Sylphs & Zephyrs

Deities: Aine of Knockaine, Bendis, Cerridwen, Green Man, Ishtar, Isis, Neith & Persephone

Animals: Butterfly, frog, monkey & toad

Birds: Peacock & wren

Trees: Maple & Oak

Herbs: Dog grass, meadowsweet, moss, mugwort, parsley, skullcap & vervain

Flowers: Lavender, orchid, tansy & yarrow

Scents: Lavender & lily of the valley

Stones:  Agate, Alexandrite, cat's eye, chrysoberyl, emerald, fluorite, garnet, moonstone, ruby & topaz

Colors: Gold, green, orange & yellow

Energy:  Abundance, balance, change of residence, communication, decision making, education, family relations, full & restful energy, love, marriage, prosperity, positive transformation, prevention, protection, public relations, relationships, responsibility, strength, tides turning, travel & writing

While strawberries certainly are a reddish-pink color and are roundish in shape, the origin of the name “Strawberry Moon” has nothing to do with the Moon’s hue or appearance.

• June's full Moon is typically the last full moon of spring or the first of summer. The June Full Moon will be extraordinary. For the first time since 1985, Full Moon happens precisely on the summer solstice, when the Sun is highest up. Because the Full Moon is always opposite the Sun, this year, you will see that the Moon is 10 widths lower on the horizon than the Sun ever is. 

This “Strawberry Moon” name has been used by Native American Algonquian tribes that live in the northeastern United States as well as the Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples to mark the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries that are ready to be gathered. The Haida term Berries Ripen Moon reflects this as well. As flowers bloom and early fruit ripens, June is a time of great abundance for many.

Litha

Known as: Alban Heruin, Summer Solstice & Whit Sunday

Season: Summer

Element: Fire

Symbols: Besom, fairies, God's eyes, sunflowers & symbols of the sun

Colors: Blue, gold, green, orange, red, tan & yellow

Oils/Incense: Cinnamon, frankincense, heliotrope, lavender, lemon, lily of the valley, mint, musk, myrrh, orange, orange pine, pine, rose, saffron, sandalwood & wisteria

Animals: Cattle, crab, horse & octopus

Birds: Goldfinch, kingfisher, meadowlark, owl, robin & wren

Mythical: Fairies

Stones: Bloodstone, diamond, emerald, jade, lapis lazuli & tiger's eye

Food: Ale, bread, cheese, edible flowers, garden fresh vegetables & fruit, lemons, meade, milk, oranges, pumpernickel bread, summer squash & wine

Herbs/Plants: Anise, basil, betony, cinquefoil, copal, elder, fennel, fern, frankincense, galangal, hemp, ivy, larkspur, lemon, lemon balm, mistletoe, mugwort, mullien, nettle, orange, orpin, plantain, rue, saffron, sandalwood, St.John's wort, thyme, verbena, vervain, wild thyme & ylang-ylang

Flowers: Carnation, chamomile, daisy, heather, heliotrope, honeysuckle, lavender, lily, marigold, orchid, rose, wisteria & yarrow

Trees: Elder, holly, laurel, linden, oak & pine

Goddesses: Amaterasu, Aine, Anahita, Dea, Cerde, Dag, Dana, Eiru, Fenne, Gwydion, Kupala, Mabd, Phoebe, Skhmet & Sul

Gods: Apollo, Baal, Balder, Bel, The Dagda, Donnus, El, The Green Man, Helios, Huon, Jupiter, Llew, Loki, Lugh, Maui, Mithras, Oak/Holly King, Ogmios, Ra, Surya, Thor & Zeus

Issues, Intentions & Powers: Agriculture, changes, divination, ending, fertility, life, light, manifestation, power, purpose, strength, success & unity

Spellwork: Fire & water magick

Activities:

• Charge and cleanse your crystals in the solstice sun

• Make Sun water

• Create crafts with natural elements such as flowers

• Burn a paper with things that no longer serve you or that you are trying to let go

•  Invite friends & family over for a bonfire and/or feast

• Gather & dry herbs for the upcoming year

• Clean, decorate & cleanse your altar with summer symbols

• Brew some sun tea

• Take a ritual bath/shower with flowers

• Make your own sun dial

• Craft a door wreath out of flowers & herbs

• Enjoy some sunrise/sunset yoga

• Volunteer at a food kitchen or animal shelter

• Plant trees (especially ones that may provide fruit or berries to feed the wildlife)

• Watch the sunset & say a blessing to nature

• Make flower infused anointing/spell oils

• Eat fresh fruits & berries

• Participate in a handfasting

• Create shadow art

The history of Litha reveals its deep connections to ancient agricultural societies & their reliance on the sun's power. Celebrated as part of the Wheel of the Year, Litha symbolizes the balance between light & darkness. Throughout history  customs such as bonfires, herb gathering & the construction of sunwheels have marked this festival. Today, Litha continues to be celebrated by various communities, with gatherings at sacred sites & private rituals in natural settings. It serves as a reminder of our connection with nature and the cycles of life.

• The traditions of Litha appear to be borrowed from many cultures. Most ancient cultures celebrated the summer solstice in some way such as the Celts celebrated Litha with hilltop bonfires & dancing. Many people attempted to jump over or through the bonfires for good luck. Other European traditions included setting large wheels on fire & rolling them down a hill into a body of water.

Litha is often associated with Midsummer, a celebration that extends beyond the pagan and Wiccan traditions. Midsummer festivities are observed in many cultures around the world, including Scandinavian countries where it holds a prominent place in their cultural heritage. Midsummer dances, bonfires, & feasts are integral parts of these celebrations, often accompanied by folklore and traditional rituals that honor the sun's energy and the abundance of nature during this time.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year & in some traditions, Litha is when The Sun(The God) is symbolically at it's peak time of power & the World will soon be ripe to harvest. It is also when The Goddess is pregnant with The God who is to be reborn at Yule.

• In the Northern Hemisphere the Summer Solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. It marks the start of summer in the northern half of the globe. (In contrast, the June solstice in the Southern Hemisphere is when the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky, marking the start of winter.)

Some also believe the history & spirit of Litha revolve around two deities, The Oak King & The Holly King. In Wiccan and Neo-Pagan traditions, each King rules the Earth for half of the year. From Yule to Litha, the Oak King rules. On Litha, the two battled for the crown and it is then that the Holly King triumphs. The Holly King will rule through fall until Yule, and the cycle will begin again.

Related festivals:

• Vestalia- June 7th -15th

Was a Roman religious festival in honor of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth & the burning continuation of the sacred fire of Rome. It was held from 7–15 June & was reserved as a women's-only event. Domestic & family life in general were represented by the festival of the goddess of the house & of the spirits of the storechamber — Vesta & the Penates .

On the first day of festivities the penus Vestae (sanctum sanctorum of the temple of Vesta which was usually curtained off) was opened for the only time during the year, at which women offered sacrifices. As long as the curtain remained open, mothers could come, barefoot and disheveled, to leave offerings to the goddess in exchange for a blessing to them and their family.

For the last day, the penus Vestae was solemnly closed, the Flaminica Dialis observed mourning & the temple was subjected to a purification called stercoratio: the filth was swept from the temple and carried next by the route called clivus Capitolinus and then into the Tiber.

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

Wikipedia

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Encyclopedia britannica

Llewellyn 2024 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living

[zepskies]

Smoke Eater - Epilogue

Pairing: Firefighter!Dean Winchester x F. Reader 

Summary: Dean Winchester is the cocky, but well-respected Lieutenant at Firehouse 25. He leads by example, but he’s also known to break a few hearts. He’s starting to crave something he’s never had, though. Something stable. Something real. 

That’s when he meets you, on a truly terrible day, trapped in a rickety old elevator.

🔥 Series Masterlist

AN: We made it, friends. 🥹

Word Count: 2,800 Tags/Warnings: Fluff and feels, that is all.

Epilogue: “Easy as Pie”

The week after the incident at Stull Storage, John, Sam, Dean, and Eileen sat down to a family dinner that you cooked in the brothers’ apartment. Aside from Eileen, all of you had injuries in one form or another (but even Sam’s shiner was healing up nicely). 

For dessert, you were a bit nervous as you brought out a freshly baked apple pie. Dean caught you mentally bracing yourself before you set it down on the table. He shot you a reassuring smile.

“Looks great,” he said.

Your returning smile was tentative as you divvied out the first piece. Dean was just a bit disappointed when you handed it to John. His eyes followed the plate.

You smiled more genuinely, and made sure the next generous piece you cut was for your boyfriend.

After everyone was served, you sat down with your own plate and encouraged them all to dig in. Forks hit the crumbly top and cinnamon apple filling, and there were collective hums of pleasure throughout the room.

You brightened and glanced over at the rest of the table. John looked contemplative. His fork rested on the plate for a moment.

He gave a rare smile. “That’s some damn good pie.” 

Sam nodded. “For sure.”

Dean looked over at you after he’d already demolished half of his serving. A smile spread across his face.

“Best slice of pie since I can remember,” he said, giving you a wink.

Both of you knew the weight of that review. It humbled you, making you blush.

You smiled and leaned over to press a kiss to his cheek, rough with stubble.

“I guess this recipe’s a keeper then,” you said.

He hummed in agreement. When he went in for a real kiss, it was sweet indeed.

From then on, you all spent the evening talking, eating, laughing, with you and Sam drinking wine and everyone else their beer. You updated them on Andréa and Benny, who were planning their trip to Greece in a few months.

"We should take a vacation," Dean pointed out, gesturing around the table. "All of us."

Sam raised his brows at his brother. "Oh yeah? Where would you wanna go?"

Dean thought about it for a moment. He glanced at you, and found you smiling.

"The beach," he said. "Somewhere warm and chill, with those fancy little umbrellas in your drink."

"Hmm...I like that," you said, as your smile grew. Tropical, relaxing, a warm sun on your face, and your boyfriend in some board shorts. You could definitely go for some of that.

"Sounds nice," Eileen agreed.

"I'll look into some destinations," Sam nodded. Dean nudged his brother's shoulder.

"One word, dude. Maui."

Sam snorted. "We can't afford Maui."

"Hey, you never know, man! Time to check out some Groupons."

"You can't get a Groupon to go to Hawaii," Sam said. His face was scrunched in what Dean liked to call, his "Know It All" face.

"Are you kidding me?" Dean shot back. "There's a friggin' Groupon for everything nowadays!"

Of course, that devolved into a familiar sibling argument that was only disrupted when John broke into the conversation. He admitted something shocking—that he was taking some time off work, for the first time since he took his sons camping when they were kids. Sam and Dean teased the workaholic for finally "slowing down" in his old age, but it was all in good fun.

You and Eileen shared a knowing look. It all felt as close to family as you’d had in a long time.

And for Dean, it felt like he could breathe again. He’d gotten a text shortly after dessert—from Cas.

Jo made it into the Police Academy. She starts training in a few weeks.

Dean’s lips quirked with a smile.

How do you know?

I’ll be instructing a couple of her classes. Firearm Safety and Weapons Training.

Dean nearly laughed.

Good luck, buddy. Try not to get your ass shot.

To which Cas replied:

My ass will be nowhere within range, I assure you.

Dean did chuckle at that. When you turned to him and asked what was so funny, he just shook his head and grabbed onto your hand on the table.

“Nothin’. I’m good,” he said. He pressed your knuckles to his lips. “I’m real good.”

You smiled at that.

Later that night, Dean walked his father to the door while you and Sam were locked in a trivia game, and Eileen tried to play mediator between two very competitive nerds.  

“Dad,” Dean said.

John stopped with a hand on the door, turning back to his eldest.

Dean paused to gather his thoughts, but he eventually grasped his father’s arm and met his gaze.

“Just wanted to say thank you, for what you did for her,” he said, discreetly nodding at you. He kept his voice quiet. “You protected her when I couldn’t.”

John paused, seeming surprised. His brows furrowed as he shook his head.

“You don’t need to thank me for that, son,” he said.

“Yeah, I do,” Dean insisted. He’d heard every bit of that conversation between John and Daniel in that warehouse. His father had been willing to lay down and die for you, not a moment’s hesitation.

Cas was right, Dean had realized. His father did have a line.

John let out a breath. “What matters is we made it here.”

Dean nodded, though he dimmed.

“Yeah, came with one hell of a price tag.”

It still weighed heavily on him, what he’d had to do to end Daniel Savage. In the end, John had lied on his statement of the events. He’d taken responsibility for grabbing Daniel’s gun and shooting him between the eyes.

“It’s the only thing I can do to keep you out of this,” John had told his son. “Should’ve been my hand anyway.”

Dean appreciated what his dad had done to protect him from the law, and his career, but it still made him feel dirty. A strike to his integrity as a first responder, and as a man. That was something he’d just have to deal with, along with everything else.

John distracted him, however, by gripping his shoulder this time.

“You saved my life, Dean,” he said. And with a hint of a smile, “It’s what you’re good at.”

Dean met his dad’s gaze. He wasn’t quite able to smile back, but there was new warmth in his chest.

“Oh,” said John, raising a finger. “Before I forget…”

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a silver engagement ring with a small stone. To Dean, it looked familiar…

When it finally struck him what this was, he looked up at John in surprise. Dean glanced back to make sure you weren’t looking before he tentatively took the ring.

“Is this…Mom’s?” he asked.

John nodded. “The stone’s nothing special. You might wanna get it reset. Sam already figured out his uh…situation on his own. Maybe you want to find your own too.”

Dean knew what he meant. Sam had bought a ring last year, but he'd proposed to Eileen just a few days ago. They were already planning to get married a year from now, along with buying their first house together.

Dean examined the ring he held with a softer smile.

“Nah, it’s perfect,” he said.

He didn’t know yet if you two were ready for that step. A lot had happened in such a short amount of time…but he knew he wasn’t going anywhere.

He had time to do things right with you.

A few months later, Dean’s medical leave ended. He was physician-approved for duty, psych evaluation and all. He showed up for his shift bright and early.

He entered the doors of Firehouse 25 to a host of his friends and makeshift family cheering, complete with cheesy streamers and an even cheesier cake that Meg held. On the top was scrawled: Good Job Cracking Your Head.

“A smoke eater returns to the house!” Benny remarked with a grin. “Good to see ya, brother.”

He clapped Dean heavily enough on the back that it earned a grunt and a laugh out of him.

“You too, man,” Dean replied.

Meg set down the cake on the table and was the next one to playfully punch him in the shoulder.

“You have a nice little vacation?” she teased.

Dean rolled his eyes. “Yeah, complete with bottomless margaritas and little umbrellas.”

She smirked, but she was still earnest when she touched his arm.

“Welcome back.”

Dean chuckled. “Ooh, now I know you missed me.”

It was her turn to roll her eyes as she waved a dismissive hand at him. Chuck and Jack gave more sincere well wishes, with the latter actually hugging Dean. He’d tolerated it with a smile.

Gordon clapped him on the shoulder once Jack was finally done, and Dean sent the Candidate off with a bright smile on his face.

Gordon smiled. “Welcome back, Lieutenant.”

Dean nodded and shook the other man’s hand. “Thanks for holdin’ down the fort, man.”

“No problem,” Gordon said. “Any time you wanna go on sabbatical, you just let me know. Acting Lieutenant’s almost better than the real deal. It’s not as much paperwork.”

Dean chuckled, but before he could sling back a retort, the alarm went off. There was a working house fire downtown, according to the dispatcher in the overhead speaker.

Bobby appeared in the hall and clapped his hands once.

“All right, gear up. We’re startin’ off the day right,” he said. He gave Dean a look that was somehow both pleased to see him and stern at the same time. Bobby addressed him with a point of his finger.

“See me in my office before the end of shift,” he said. “We’ve got somethin’ to talk about.”

A few days later, Dean had the rare pleasure of welcoming you home from work on his day off. You trudged into the apartment with several bags and rolling a cooler behind you. He got up from the couch and grabbed some of the bags for you on your way to the kitchen.

“How did it go?” he asked, reaching out a hand to rub some flour off your cheek. You smiled brightly.

“Well, there was a little snafu with the mini quiche, but they loved the menu I proposed. They want me to cater the whole wedding!” you said.

“Whoa, that’s a lotta food,” Dean remarked. Once you’d dumped the rest of your stuff on the kitchen table, he slid an arm around your waist and brought you flush against him, earning a squeal from you.

You clung to his shoulders. “You still on for being my official taste tester?”

He stared at you with mock offense.

“Uh, obviously. Mini quiche are my weakness,” he teased. “Just another form of pie, far as I’m concerned.”

You giggled into his lips as he claimed you for a kiss. It was both sweet, and a bit naughty as his hands moved to squeeze your ass. His words were no less heartfelt.

“I’m proud of you, sweetheart,” Dean said. “I really am.”

 You smiled and stroked his cheek in answer.

The Monday morning after that family dinner a few months ago, you’d quit your job at Savage & Co. After a month of wracking your brain and your savings, you decided to start your own catering business.

It was your way of starting small, to try and get people in this town to know you for your food and baked goods. And maybe, if you were successful enough, you’d be able to open up your own bakery in a couple of years.

For once, you were going after what you truly wanted…but now, your career was only part of it.

You hadn’t forgotten your conversation with Dean about what he wanted for his future: of getting married someday, and having a family. Something he could build for himself. 

Not only did you want that for him, but you’d begun to crave that for yourself as well: a family of your own.

Realistically, you knew that part was years away for you and Dean. However, you had that in the back of your mind. Having your own business had always been your dream, but sometimes your dream could adjust. 

Or, it could become something new.

You’d also sold your grandparents’ house. You had contemplated going back, but you didn’t want to be reminded of how the police and the Arson Department had torn it apart after Daniel Savage threatened your life. You didn’t want to be reminded of where both of your grandparents died.

You loved that house, but you also knew it was time to let it go…

Because you finally understood what your grandfather had tried to tell you months ago.

A house did not make a home. And now, you’d managed to make a new one.

For his part, Dean had been happy to have you stay in his apartment. Sam was getting ready to move out in a few months anyway, as he and Eileen were deep into house hunting and planning their wedding.

“So…I’ve gotta tell you something,” said Dean, after he parted from your lips for a moment, and allowed you to breathe. His tone made you tilt your head in suspicion.

“It’s nothing bad,” he said, though he looked a bit nervous.

Your brows furrowed. You led him to the couch, where he held your hands in his. It took him a moment to get started. He seemed stuck on what he wanted to say, or maybe just how he wanted to say it.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure I can handle it,” you teased.

Dean gave you a smile. His shoulders relaxed a little.

“They want to promote me to Captain,” he said.

Your mouth fell open and your eyes went wide.

“They? Who’s they?” you asked.

Dean blew out a breath and scratched at the small scar on the side of his head.

“Apparently it came from the Battalion Chief.”

He explained that the Fire Department had gotten the full debrief from both Sam and John about Dean’s involvement in ending the serial arsons and murders committed by Nick and Daniel Savage. Without you and Dean, they wouldn’t have figured out Azazel’s identity, let alone stopped his criminal enterprise.

You smiled wide with excitement as you held Dean’s face in your hands.

“That’s amazing!” you said. You pulled him in for a hug. Though he held you back, you soon realized that you were happier than he seemed to be. You pulled back and carded your fingers through his hair, earning his gaze.

“What’s wrong, baby? This is great news!”

Dean’s lips pursed. “I don’t know. I broke ranks and defied a direct order at the Savage & Co. fire. And at the warehouse, I was even more reckless. I don’t want to be promoted for disobeying orders.”

You frowned at that, even as you continued to stroke through his hair.

“What did Bobby tell you?” you asked.

Once again, Dean sighed. He’d been called into Bobby’s office a few days ago, after his first shift back at 25.

He’d surprised the hell out of Dean.

“Did you break ranks that day, and put not just yourself, but Benny and the rest of your men in danger?” Bobby said. “You bet your ass.”

Dean averted his gaze. He stood with his hands drawn behind his back, willing to take whatever punishment the Chief saw fit.

“But,” Bobby continued. His fingers tapped on his desk, where he sat on the edge across from Dean. “It wasn’t fair of me to stop you from lookin’ for your girlfriend.”

Dean’s attention sharpened at that, and he frowned in confusion. Bobby didn’t apologize. Ever.

“Sir?” Dean asked uncertainly.

Bobby softened the slightest bit. He heaved a sigh.

The man was a widower, but he still wore his wedding ring. He toyed with it now on his finger.

“We could’ve radioed in with the other teams already at work. I could’ve paired half of your team with the top floor units. But in the heat of the moment, I made a judgment call,” Bobby said, leveling Dean with a look. “As a leader, you’ll continue makin’ mistakes. You’ll make the wrong call. It’s how you learn to keep leading that matters. And there ain’t a person in this house that wouldn’t have gone up to pull your fool head outta that fire.”

Dean stayed quiet in his discomfort. He still wasn’t entirely sure why Bobby was telling him all of this.

“That being said, this is coming from the top,” Bobby said. His gruffness was back. He took a folder off his desk and handed it to Dean. “Here’s the next step, if you choose to accept it.”

You were crying by the end of his story. Dean cupped your cheek and caught your tears with his thumb. You grabbed that hand and gently squeezed.

“He believes in you, Dean,” you said. “So do I. And it’s my turn to be so damn proud of you.”

Dean graced you with a smile for that one. Yours brightened. You moved off the couch and slid into his lap, twining your arms around his neck. Dean welcomed you with an arm around your waist and a hand sliding up your jean-clad thigh.

“Guess I’m gonna have to get used to calling you Captain,” you said with a smirk.

Captain Winchester, Dean considered, rolling the weight of it around in his mind.

He chuckled. “Okay, maybe I'm liking the sound of that.”

“Mhmm, that’s what I thought,” you said, shortly before you pressed your lips to his. He squeezed your hip while your deft fingers once again slipped into his hair. With each new kiss, Dean felt more of his uncertainty melt away.

A new thought occurred to him then. It made him start to grin against your lips, and you parted from him.

“What?” you asked in amusement.

Dean slipped a hand into his pocket, where he felt the outline of his mother’s newly resized ring.

“Hey,” he said. Your brows drew together in suspicion at the gleam in his eye. 

“Hey, yourself,” you quipped. 

Dean breathed in deep, steeling himself. He looked into your eyes, and he smiled. 

“I’ve got a question for you.”

AN: ...And I think we all know what her answer was. ❤️‍🔥

I can't believe it! I started posting this story on September 15, the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Almost four months later, we finally made it to the end of Smoke Eater. 🥹

Thank you to all of you who've been following along at any point of the journey. Your comments and feedback have truly touched me, and have helped keep me going! 💕

Read the Sequel Story:

Ready for more Smoke Eater?

Here's Something Real:

Summary: Now that you and Dean are officially engaged, you take some much needed time off together for a family vacation. But even with the wedding set for next year, the two of you are still at odds when it comes to one key part of your future together…

▶️ Keep Reading: Something Real

Dean Winchester Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Series Tag List (Part 1):

@hobby27 @kazsrm67 @letheatheodore @agothwithheavysetmakeup @jacklesbrainworms @foxyjwls007 @wincastifer @iamsapphine @simpforbuckyb

@vanillawhiskeyflavoredkisses @roseblue373 @this-is-me19 @emily-winchester @spnexploration @deans-spinster-witch @deans-baby-momma @iprobablyshipit91

@melancholictearz @nic-kolas @sleepyqueerenergy @wayward-lost-and-never-found @thewritersaddictions @just-levyy @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @deanwanddamons @antisocialcorrupt @lacilou @adoringanakin @theonlymaninthesky @teehxk @midnightmadwoman @brianochka @branj19

@agalliasi @venicesem @chriszgirl92 @lyarr24 @ladysparkles78 @solariklees @xsophianicolex @deansbbyx @candy-coated-misery0731 @curlycarley @sarahgracej @bagpussjocken @deanfreakingwinchester @chernayawidow @beskarfilms @mimaria420 @illicithallways

[bullet-prooflove]

Could I request the Yellowstone boys looking after the reader on her period or after a long day of work.

Could you also include young John Dutton in the list please 🤗

So I’m going to go with long day/bad day as there’s only so much you can do for a period before it becomes a little samey.

See below the cut as it gets lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!

Since the Becks riding is a little tougher for Gina because she has more aches and pains due to those broken bones from the beating. They may repair but in the cold or with overexertion they ache like fuck. When she comes in from a long day or barrel racing and training she’s usually in some pain. She will not tell Travis but he will notice it almost immediately because of her movements and gait on the horse and when she’s getting off the horse. He offers to take care of the tack and settling Artemis so she can see herself home to warm up.

When he gets in she’s probably on the couch too exhausted to move, waiting for her pain killers to kick in. Maui is usually hovering around her because he knows his person’s in pain. Travis will head upstairs to run a bath with the fancy shit she likes or stuff he’s stolen from a hotel while on the road, he then herds her up the stairs into it. He takes his time helping her undress and getting her into the tub before he derobes and joins her. He tucks himself in behind her, holding her close until she falls asleep on him.

When the water starts to cool, he wake her up, dries her off with their most plush towel and helps her dress in one of his shirts and boxers. When they go downstairs to watch The Cowboy Channel he’ll braid her hair for her as they watch tv, eating popcorn. Travis will always try to catch it in his mouth while Gina throws it and Maui ends up eating all the ones he misses.

Pre Opal: Jamie’s work place is literally five paces from the flowershop so after work he’s coming to meet you and then he’s taking you out. You’ll usually go to somewhere fancy but lowkey, with good wine and excellent food. This always ends up diffusing the tensions of the day because of how cared for Jamie makes you feel. He pays attention when you talk, listening intently, making you laugh. On the way out, he helps you into your coat, his arm wrapped around you as he guides you to the car.

If you got an order that needs finishing he’s rolling up his sleeves to help.  

Post Opal: He’s taking charge of the baby and ordering out to give you a little time to destress. Usually you take a shower to chase away the negativity of the day. Jamie by this time has already fed Opal and the two of you put her down to bed together, with loads of baby cuddles. You have dinner together and catch up on the days events with a glass of wine.

Jen’s work can keep her out to all hours because of the nature of being a vet in a rural area. There are days where Rip is home long before she is. He usually cooks a meal for the two of them, warming it when she gets in. As soon as she gets in the door, he’s helping her out of her jacket, ushering to the couch, taking off her boots before he guides her to the table. Even if he’s eaten, he will sit down at the table with her and catch up about the day.

Afterwards he lights a fire in the fireplace and the two of them spend their time cuddled up on the couch and watching the flames as they doze.

Corienne’s job is similar to Gina’s in terms of physical intensity, there’s a lot of travelling, riding horses, it takes a physical toll.

If it’s been a training horses day, the two of them are sharing a shower and he’s washing her, taking care of her, drying her and then he’s massaging all of those sore muscles. It usually ends in sex because Kayce is very good with his hands.

If it’s been a travelling day, Kayce will cook and the two of them will have dinner on the porch step overlooking the land because it instils a real sense of being home for her. They’ll stay out there as possible drinking beer and cuddling underneath the stars, watching the sun go down.

For Katalina her bad days usually involve something horrible, it’s the lot of inheriting the sheriff’s position in Bozeman. Those are the days she struggles to get out of her head. Ryan is very intuitive about this, he understands it can be hard to transition from work and sometimes there’s a need for a physical change. For him it’s taking the livestock agent badge off, for Kat it’s the removal of her uniform.

He usually lays a set of clothes out for her, comfortable jeans and her softest sweater for her to change into. When she does they usually take the Briscoe for a walk, enjoying their small patch of land, his hand holding hers. It can take her a while to open up but she eventually does and it feels like a pressure is relieved. When they get back home they usually cook together before settling down with Briscoe to watch tv. During this time Briscoe will start bringing his toys over to Ryan to play with which ends up with Ryan on the floor, roughhousing with the dog which always makes Kat laugh.

When Belle has a bad day, the one thing that is guaranteed to get her out of it is playing the fiddle and Walker knows it. She will initially be resistant until Walker picks up his own guitar and plays a few notes, it usually starts with a jaunty little tune and some teasing like “come on Belle, you know this one.” She usually ends up relenting and the two of them play together, challenging each other to different, faster songs as they go. After that it’s all flushed skin and happiness from their playing, which leads kissing and roving hands before they make love on the couch.

Afterwards with a blanket draped over them, Walker will caress her cheek and ask if she’s in a better mood which ends up with a pillow to the face before he falls off the couch butt naked and laughing, which makes Belle laugh.

With Lee and Anna-May it always comes back to nature. If she’s had a shitty day, he’s saddling up his horse for a trip up to the wild bloom. He usually packs a small picnic and a blanket, the two of them have dinner up there, warming their feet in the stream as they talk through her day. Just being around all that greenery, allows her to take a breath and she’s a lot happier by the time they ride home together on his horse, tucked in contently against her man.  

Pre Affair (before John’s marriage to Evelyn) If Lou was having a bad day John would often snag a bottle of his best whiskey and the two of them would go for a ride. They’d head up to the rock pools strip off, take a dip and share the bottle. They’d usually stay up there for the night, camping out underneath the stars before riding down the next morning.

Post Evelyn Marriage:

Due to the fact it’s an affair, he’s not often there for your bad days. When he does turn up it’s usually with a bottle of whiskey as an ode to the old days when you were a couple.

[between-two-fandoms]

sorry i'm actually insane about this. we all know buck is good at cooking, he's confident, he seems to enjoy it.

maybe they're at his place and tommy is just watching him, and there's music and something about the way he moves and talks, explaining what he's doing and why and making tommy taste everything - it's so much and so good and tommy can't believe he got so lucky.

and they'll eat together and clean up together and that's as far as tommy can restrain himself, he has to pin buck against something and kiss him hard, sliding his thigh between buck's legs and telling him how hot he is, how gorgeous he is. uses 'chef' like you might use 'sir' or 'daddy'

Tommy watching Chef Buck = Buck watching Mauy Tai or Pilot Instructor Tommy.

100% yes to all of this. Never apologize for sending me asks about domestic bucktommy. I have been WAITING for people to send me asks about them. I'm so insane about this hc too bestie.

Tommy using Chef the way Buck would use Daddy is >>>>>>>>>>

Especially cause I hc them as switches and have been trying to think of what Tommy would call Buck for AGES.

Not me opening a new Word file.

How you described it is how I pictured it going down too. Maybe they've already had a few glasses of wine so Tommy's a little less guarded about how he thinks about Buck. It's just enough wine to get him a little tipsy and the warm homey feeling in his stomach.

Tommy is trying so hard to focus on Buck's words as he continues giving Tommy a cooking lesson, but Buck is wearing a short sleeve shirt that's one size too small so his abs ripple against the apron tied tightly around his waist. It doesn't help he's wearing sweatpants that has LAFD on his ass in bold letters and KINARD embroidered on the thigh. Buck looks so good, and Tommy's brain can't comprehend the words coming out of his boyfriend's mouth because he's too distracted by Buck's large fingers against the knife. The way the tip of Buck's tongue slides against his lips as he licks them to help him concentrate on cutting things properly. The way Buck looks so confident and comfortable, so intently focused.

Tommy gets distracted a lot when he watches Buck cook. The focused expression on Buck's face, the way he expertly chops the veggies and perfectly sears the meat. How he wipes a bead of sweat dripping down his forehead with the back of his hand. The way he's so fucking competent when he cooks. Is competency a kink? Tommy needs to do research. Buck's muscles look so good in the kitchen lighting too, rippling and perfect and Tommy wants. God, Tommy wants. How did Tommy not notice how good Buck looked in the kitchen before? Is this how Buck sees him when they do flying lessons? No wonder he wants to jump Tommy's bones all the time. Tommy's crawling out of his skin watching his boyfriend work in the kitchen and Buck doesn't even seem to notice how hot and bothered he is.

[ktarsims]

Life Updates and Such...

Soooo.... many things! At the moment, I've finally pulled myself somewhat out of the doldrums caused by lack-of-job + job-search-sucks and am making all the preparations for celebrating the end of this year and the start of a new one.

I think I've binged something like 30+ anime series in the last month or so, along with reading many many books.

Today, I've finally got some bots working in the Creator's Cave discord, to make things a bit easier there. There are more updates I still need to do, but it's a start.

My hope for this week, is that in addition to my preparations for New Year's, I'll be able to actually finish my project of turning some of my flower photos into TS3 art. No promises, but I'm hopeful.

Below the cut, for the curious or nosy, the menu and preparations for New Year's.

Before anyone starts to wonder... two of the friends coming to my place for New Year's are really really into Pumpkin, so this is reflected here. Yes, this is probably too much food and drink for... 6 people, but hey... leftovers.

**Food** 1 frozen lasagna, family size 1 batch homemade mac&cheese (made by not me) Cheeses! (Extra sharp white cheddar, brie, various spreadables, 3 varieties of goat cheese) Crackers! (Ritz garlic butter, rosemary flatbread, 5 other assorted) Meats! (Summer sausage, dry salame, fig salame) Tea Sandwiches! (Cream cheese + smoke salmon or cucumber or jam) Scones! (I plan to make at least 3 varieties, but haven't yet decided which.) Oven ready appetizers! (Takoyaki, bagel bites, baked potato skins, loaded tater tots, mini quiches, mozzarella sticks, and more.) Shrimp Cocktail platter Veggie Platter Sweet Maui Onion potato chips Homemade snack mix (Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Pretzels, Cashews, Pistachios, white cheddar cheeze-its, white cheddar cheese puffs)

**Sweets** Pumpkin Spice Twinkies Iced Pumpkin Cupcakes (this is also hostess brand) Yackwa Korean donuts (gift from a neighbor) Assorted flavors of KitKats Pumpkin Pie yogurt covered pretzels Butter Rum Crunch popcorn Bourbon Crunch popcorn Milk Chocolate cherry cordials Other assorted chocolates

**Non-Alcoholic Drinks** Five different flavors of Martinellis sparkling cider Pumpkin Spice cold brewed tea (caffeinated) Pumpkin Creme Rooibos cold brew tea (herbal) Pumpkin Pie cold brew tea (herbal) Various Gatorade

**Alcoholic Drinks** 'Strong Mead' from a cider festival (gift from friend) Expensive bottle of Sake 'Demon Slayer' 1 bottle Louis Perrier Champagne for ringing in the new year Berenjaeger Green Apple Sake Peach Sake Umeshu Plum Wine Matcha Plum Wine (I'm really curious about this one) Butterscotch Shnapps Pumpkin hard Cider Dark Chocolate Cherry Moonshine Eggo Brunch Sippin' Cream A cupboard full of other assorted things that probably won't be looked at.

[everythingwithaloha]

Beautiful day upcountry at Maui Wine!

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 10.25

Holidays

Accounting Career Day

Angram Day (Day of Fulfillment; Nauru)

Armed Forces Day (Romania)

Balaclava Day

Basque Country Day (Spain)

Battle of Agincourt Day (UK)

Beet Root Day (French Republic)

Cartoonists Against Crime Day

Chucky The Notorious Killer Doll Day

Council of Elrond Day (Lord of the Rings)

Customs Officer’s Day (Russia)

Day of the Basque Country

Disabled Ace Day

Dioscuri (Shoemaker’s Day)

European Day of Justice

European Lawyers Day

Gormanudr (Old Icelandic)

International Artists Day

International Butterfly Skin Day

International Hoist the Colours Day

Know Your Classmates Day

Larry Itliong Day (California)

Longbow Day

Lung Health Day

MDS World Awareness Day

Military Chaplain Day (Ukraine)

National Danielle Day

National Dog Adoption Day (UK)

National Fine Art Appreciation Day

National Gospel Day (Cook Islands)

National Hay Safe Day (Australia)

National Hope for Henry Day

National I Care About You Day

National Kick Tall People Day

National Merri Music Day (a.k.a. Reggae)

National No Workplace Drama Day

National Shoe Lover Day

National Skinflammation Day

National Yasmin Day

Northamptonshire Day (UK)

Occipital Neuralgia Awareness Day

Pharmacy Buyer Day

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Awareness Day (UK)

Punk-For-A-Day Day

Retrocession Day (Taiwan)

Say "Hey" Day

Thanksgiving Day (Grenada)

World Dwarfism Awareness Day

World Karate Day

World Opera Day

World Spina Bifida Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Feta Cheese Protection Day

International Crisp Sandwich Day (UK)

National Greasy Foods Day

Sourest Day

World Pasta Day

World Pizza Makers Day

Independence & Related Days

Constitution Day (Lithuania)

Hawke’s Bay Provincial Day (New Zealand)

Lienish Sovereign Republic (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

Republic Day (Kazakhstan)

Restoration Day (Taiwan; 1945)

Sovereignty Day (Slovenia)

Uantir (Declared; 2007) [unrecognized]

4th & Last Friday in October

Bring Your Jack-O-Lantern to Work Day [Last Friday before Halloween]

Comfort Food Friday [Every Friday]

Education Communication Day [Last Friday]

Field Trip Friday [Last Friday of Each Month]

Finally Friday [Last Friday of Each Month]

Five For Friday [Every Friday]

Food Waste Friday (Canada) [Last Friday]

Frankenstein Friday [Last Friday]

Flapjack Friday [4th Friday of Each Month]

Flashback Friday [Every Friday]

Flatbread Friday [Last Friday of Each Month]

Flirtatious Friday [4th Friday of Each Month]

Friday Finds [Every Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

Global Champagne Day [4th Friday]

International Bandanna Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

International Champagne Day [4th Friday]

Mokosh Day (Ukraine) [Last Friday]

National BETA Founder’s Day [4th Friday]

National Breadstick Day [Last Friday]

Nevada Day (Nevada) [Last Friday]

Red Friday [Friday of Last Full Week]

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) [Every Friday]

World Lemur Day [Last Friday]

World Teachers’ Day (Australia) [Last Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning October 25 (3rd Full Week of October)

International Magic Week (thru 10.31)

Festivals Beginning October 25, 2024

Arkansas Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races (Mountain View, Arkansas) [thru 10.26]

Armageddon Expo (Auckland, New Zealand) [thru 10.28]

Bram Stoker Festival (Dublin, Ireland) [thru 10.28]

Cedar Livestock Heritage Festival (Cedar City, Utah) [thru 10.26]

Czhilispiel (Flatonia, Texas) [thru 10.27]

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest (Fredericksburg, Texas) [thru 10.26]

French Food Festival (Larose, Louisiana) [thru 10.27]

Georgia Gourd Festival (Griffin, Georgia) [thru 10.27]

Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival (Richmond Hill, Georgia) [thru 10.26]

Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival (Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii) [thru 10.27]

Lund International Fantastic Film Festival (Lund, Sweden) [thru 10.31]

Naples Stone Crab Festival (Naples, Florida) [thru 10.27]

Shrimp & Grits Festival (Jekyll Island, Georgia) [thru 10.26]

South Louisiana Blackpot Festival & Cookoff (Lafayette, Louisiana) [thru 10.26]

Taste Gala (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Feast Days

Akihisa Ikeda (Artology)

Ann Tyler (Writerism)

Antonio Ciseri (Artology)

Bernat Calbó (a.k.a. Bernard of Calvo; Christian; Saint)

Boniface I, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Canna (Christian; Saint)

Carlo Gnocchi (Christian; Blessed)

Cockatoo (Muppetism)

Crysanthus and Daria (Western Christianity; Martyrs)

Crispin and Crispinian (Christian; Martyrs)

The Day To Be Named Later (Church of the SubGenius)

Elif Shafak (Writerism)

Feast of Forty Martyrs of England and Wales (Christian; Martyrs)

Fréret (Positivist; Saint)

Fructus (Christian; Saint)

Gaudentius of Brescia (Christian; Saint)

Goeznovius (Christian; Saint)

The Hallowing of Nestorius (Christian; Saint)

Ismail Gulgee (Artology)

John Berryman (Writerism)

Minias of Florence (Christian; Saint)

Mar Nestorius (in the Nestorian churches; Christian; Saint)

Munzipan Feast (Shamanism)

Nils Dardel (Artology)

Pablo Picasso (Artology)

Peter Ledger (Artology)

Requena Nozal (Artology)

Richard Parkes Bonington (Artology)

Selket’s Day (Pagan)

The Six Welsh Martyrs and companions (in Wales; Christian; Saint)

Tabitha (Dorcas; Christian; Saint)

Taiyō Matsumoto (Artology)

Tegulus (Christian; Saint)

Thaddeus McCarthy (Christian; Blessed)

Thesmophoria begins (Ancient Greek festival honoring the goddesses Demeter and her daughter Persephone; ends 27th; originally 11-13 Pyanepsion)

Tyrus Wong (Artology)

Victoria Francés (Artology)

World Pasta Day (Pastafarian)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Adventures of Popeye (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1935)

Beat Crazy, by Joe Jackson (Album; 1980)

Better Than Revenge, by Taylor Swift (Song; 2010)

Billy Jack, by Honeyhoney (Album; 2011)

Camelot (Film; 1967)

Curly Sue (Film; 1991)

Daydream Believer, by The Monks (Song; 1967)

The Electric Company (TV Series; 1971)

A Fine Feathered Frenzy (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1954)

Frida (Film; 2002)

The Grass is Blue, by Dolly Parton (Album; 1999)

Halloween (Film; 1978)

Happy Holidays (Phantasies Cartoon; 1940)

The Housing Problem (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1946)

Jackass: The Movie (Film; 2002)

Jolly the Clown (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1957)

Krush Groove (Film; 1985)

Meatless Tuesday (Andy Panda Cartoon; 1943)

National Ransom, by Elvis Costello (Album; 2010)

Newhart (TV Series; 1982)

No Plan B, 27th Jack Reacher book, by Lee Child (Novel; 2022)

No Woman, Not Cry, by Bob Marley (Song; 1974)

Otogizōshi: The Fairy Tale Book of Dazai Osamu, by Osamu Dazai (Short Stories; 1945)

Pal Joey (Film; 1957)

Piano Concerto No. 1 in Bb Minor, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Piano Concerto; 1875)

Pink Arcade (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1978)

Poinciana, by Benny Carter (Song; 1943)

The Preamble (America Rock Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1975)

The Satanic Bible, by Anton Szandor LaVey (Religious Text; 1969)

Seven Sinners (Film; 1940)

Shadow of the Moon, by M.M. Kaye (Novel; 1956)

Sneak, Snoop, and Snitch (Animated Antics Cartoon; 1940)

The Snoozing’ Bruin (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1971)

Still Crazy After All These Years, by Paul Simon (Album; 1975)

Speak Now, by Taylor Swift (Album; 2010)

Swords in the Mist, by Fritz Leiber (Short Stories; 1968) [Fafhrd and Gray Mouser #3]

Tour de Farce (The Inspector Cartoon; 1967)

Twelfth Night (Film; 1996)

Today’s Name Days

Krispin, Krispinian (Austria)

Darija, Katarina (Croatia)

Beáta (Czech Republic)

Crispinus (Denmark)

Raivo, Riivo, Veevo, Viivo (Estonia)

Sointu (Finland)

Crépin (France)

Daria, Hans, Ludwig, Lutz (Germany)

Chrysanthi, Hrysaphis (Greece)

Bianka, Blanka (Hungary)

Daria (Italy)

Beāte, Beatrise, Betrise (Latvia)

Darija, Inga, Švitrigaila, Vaigedė (Lithuania)

Margrete, Märtha, Merete (Norway)

Bończa, Bonifacy, Chryzant, Daria, Inga, Kryspin, Maur, Sambor, Taras, Teodozjusz, Wilhelmina (Poland)

Marcian, Martirie (Romania)

Aurel (Slovakia)

Bernardo, Crisanto, Crispín, Frutos (Spain)

Inga, Ingalillt (Sweden)

Denzel, Crispin, Crispina, Gavin, Gawen (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 299 of 2024; 67 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 43 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 27 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Jia-Xu), Day 23 (en-Xu)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 23 Tishri 5785

Islamic: 21 Rabi II 1446

J Cal: 29 Orange; Eighthday [29 of 30]

Julian: 12 October 2024

Moon: 38%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 19 Descartes (11th Month) [D’Aguesseau / Montesquieu]

Runic Half Month: Wyn (Joy) [Day 4 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 34 of 90)

Week: 3rd Full Week of October

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 3 of 30)

[rabbitcruiser]

National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Go to an olive oil tasting, try out a few kinds, or try your hand at any number of delicious recipes that use extra virgin olive oil for a healthy, tasty cuisine.

With the health benefits of olive oil on everyone’s lips and the movement toward more flavorful tastes, it is obvious that the the time is right for this 8,000 year old tradition to become an irresistible, world wide force.

Olive oil is the gold standard of all oils. Loaded with antioxidants, it is chock full of monounsaturated fat–which is one of the healthier fats that everyone needs in his or her diet. The Mediterranean Diet is considered the healthiest diet. The cornerstone and foundation of the Mediterranean Diet is extra virgin olive oil.

Olive oil is produced throughout the United States led by California (where 99% of olives are grown). Olive trees are also grown in Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Florida, Alabama, Oregon, and Hawaii (on the island of Maui).

History of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ever since the US’s first “foodie” President Thomas Jefferson proclaimed, “… the olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven” and deemed olive oil a “necessity of life” (along with wine and books), olive oil was destined to have its own National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day!

Olive Oil, itself, has a history that goes back as far as 6000 years, or perhaps even more, when the olive tree was cultivated and spread from Asia Minor to the Mediterranean regions it is now famous for. Over the centuries, olive has not only been used in food preparations, but also for cultural, religious and even beauty purposes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality of the olive oils, extracted through grinding and pressing the olives, without the use of heat or chemicals in the extraction process. This makes EVOO particularly pure and also very good for the health. It tends to be darker in color than regular olive oils, with a dark yellow or green tinge that make some people refer to it as “liquid gold”. This oil has a distinctive flavor that some people think offers a bit of a spicy kick to it.

Since the Mediterranean Diet has come into the spotlight, many people are looking to Extra Virgin Olive Oil to provide them with an extra boost for the taste of their food as well as for their physical health.

Yes, EVOO is a bit pricier than the cost of regular olive oil, but the difference is completely worth it. It’s time to celebrate this marvelous day!

How to Celebrate National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Celebrating Extra Virgin Olive Oil can be not only a learning experience and a boost to your health, but it can also just be a lot of fun! Use these tips for celebrating or come up with some new ones:

Begin Cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For those who have been using other types of oils, or just regular (not EVOO) olive oil, this is the perfect day to experiment by using this extraordinary oil in a variety of new recipes. And although it is traditionally thought to be used for cooking, don’t forget that it can be used for baking, drizzling over salads, as a dip for bread, or in a myriad of other ways.

Create An Olive Oil Experience or Adventure

Visit an olive orchard and olive mill where it’s possible to see the olives-to-olive oil process first hand. Olives are grown all over the world! Although many people think they might have to take a trip to Italy or Greece for this, they don’t! In the United States olives are grown in California, Oregon, Texas, Florida and a few other warm climate states. Other places include Peru, South Africa, Chile, Australia and even New Zealand.

Schedule a time to visit one of these lovely olive-producing farms to witness up close exactly how the olives grow in the orchards and what happens when they are pressed from the fruit into the oil. While there, be sure to pick up a bottle or two to take home!

Go Olive Oil Tasting at a Specialty Store

Just like wine tasting, there is such a thing as Olive Oil tasting! This is a great cultural and educational experience, as well as a delightful treat for the taste buds. Of course, many versions will be on offer. The hardest thing will be to choose which one(s) to purchase and take home.

Share Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fun on Social Media

Take photos of olive oil experiences and your favorite way to Drizzle it on . . . your favorite foods or your favorite ways to use olive oil for health, beauty, and around the house and post the photos on social media.

Source

[britneymyheart]

#Repost @britneyspears

Tb to MAUI !!! Here’s some dancing and good times I had there 🏝 !!!

Pssss I waited nearly 15 years to have a drink to realize I absolutely hate it 🤢 … I tried to do the grown up thing, a glass of wine in the tub 🍷 🛀 … nope, I feel bloated and sad … but food does taste pretty good !!!!

Ps swipe to see !!! 10 Dezembro 2022

[nwbeerguide]

Maui Brewing Company teams up with United Distributors of Georgia to distribute the beers throughout the "Peach State".

Press Release

Kihei, Hawaii (March 10, 2023) – Maui Brewing Company will broaden its distribution footprint to 26 states, partnering with United Distributors of Georgia beginning this month.

MBC fans in Georgia will be able to purchase Maui’s core craft beverages including Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA, Coconut Hiwa Porter, Pineapple Mana Wheat, and Sunshine Girl Golden Ale as they are distributed to restaurants and retailers in both draft and cans.

“After successful launches in the border states of Tennessee and Alabama in 2022 and countless requests from our fans in Georgia, we felt the time was right to bring Aloha to the Peach State!” stated Mike Schaa, Division Director - East for Craft ‘Ohana.

While discussing the new market launch with various craft brewing friends, Maui Brewing collaborated with New Realm Brewing of Atlanta on Mahalo Y’All Berliner Weisse, brewed with sweet tea, peach, and mango. Mahalo Y’All is available on draft only with limited distribution.

Look for Maui Brewing craft beverages to hit retailers including, but not limited to, select Kroger stores, Total Wine & More, local independent liquor stores, bars, and restaurants in the area.

For more information, visit MauiBrewing.com or follow @MauiBrewingCo on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

###

About Maui Brewing Company

Founded in 2005, Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. MBC is based on Maui, with its grid-independent production brewery, restaurant and tasting room in Kihei, as well as restaurants in Lahaina (Maui), Kailua (Oahu), and Waikiki (Oahu). Maui Brewing Company is available in 26 states, 1 district, and 3 international countries with more areas to follow.

[dvosotas]

How Luxury Real Estate Is Evolving

A March 2023 Forbes Global Properties article reported on several factors shaping the luxury real estate market in the last few years. These include a tight market due to high demand, new technology, and inflationary pressures. These forces have impacted how developers are building spaces and who is investing in luxury real estate.

An increase in urban-suburban living is one noteworthy development in the luxury real estate space. An August 2024 Fine Homes and Living article reported the increasing number of luxury properties in suburban locations that offer amenities typically found in urban areas, such as high-end shopping, gourmet restaurants, and cultural attractions. These spaces offer residents the peace and quiet enjoyed in suburban communities, as well as access to the attractions of a vibrant city life.

Another trend that has cropped up in luxury real estate is resort-style living. Remote workers and those searching for vacation homes have purchased properties in places such as California’s wine country, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Aspen, Park City, Maui, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with many owners spending most of their time at the properties and renting them out during the rest of the year. The resort-style amenities that are part of these luxury properties include pools, sports facilities, outdoor movie theaters, dog parks, shared fire pits, co-working spaces, and virtual golf simulators. Resort-style living is attractive because it encourages relaxation, enjoyment, community engagement, and socializing among residents.

Residents want luxury properties that they can both live and work in. This includes personalizing spaces and making rooms multifunctional. Custom-made furniture pieces and cabinetry, special lighting, and art installations are examples of how people are customizing their properties to suit their tastes. At the same time, luxury property owners are designing bedrooms that can also function as offices. This versatility enables residents to get the most out of the spaces they live in.

One trend defining the luxury property market is the increase in foreign investment. In 2023, industry experts predicted that foreign investment would positively impact the luxury property market. Some of the regions and countries showing an uptick in this market are Asia, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Caribbean. Also, in 2023, the market saw more Asian investors purchasing luxury properties in Australia. Furthermore, more travel between China and Hong Kong has piqued the interest of Chinese buyers and investors to purchase and invest in Hong Kong properties.

In 2024, Mexico's Puerta Vallarta and Mazatlan were two locations that saw an increase in luxury property investment. Puerta Vallarta offers investors diverse residential options, and Mazatlan offers investors a cultural landscape with access to urban centers in the country's interior. In the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos is a place where the luxury property market has attracted investors for its proximity to the US and Canada, small population, and tax incentives. In the Mediterranean, Iskele Long Beach in northern Cyprus offers investors in luxury properties access to other coastal towns, low crime, and a low cost of living. It also offers the benefit of tourist attractions, such as clubs, casinos, and restaurants.

[mystichearttyphoon]

10 Romantic Getaways for Valentine’s Day

For cheap and best Travel Bookings - https://tripsdeals.com/

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to whisk your loved one away to a romantic destination. Whether you prefer idyllic beaches, charming cities, or cozy retreats, there’s a getaway for every couple. Here are ten romantic destinations to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable:

Paris, France Known as the City of Love, Paris offers iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruises, and charming streets of Montmartre to set the stage for romance.

Santorini, Greece With its white-washed buildings, azure waters, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini is the ultimate romantic escape for couples seeking beauty and tranquility.

Venice, Italy Glide through the canals on a gondola, savor authentic Italian cuisine, and enjoy the historic charm of Venice—a timeless destination for lovers.

Maldives Escape to overwater bungalows in the Maldives for a private, luxurious experience surrounded by crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs.

Kyoto, Japan Stroll through serene bamboo forests, visit traditional tea houses, and enjoy cherry blossoms (if visiting early spring) in Kyoto, a haven of peace and romance.

Hawaii, USA Hawaii offers lush landscapes, golden beaches, and an inviting atmosphere. Maui’s Road to Hana or Kauai’s dramatic cliffs are perfect for adventurous couples.

Tuscany, Italy Explore rolling vineyards, historic villages, and indulge in fine wine and delicious cuisine in the romantic Tuscan countryside.

Banff, Canada For couples who love the outdoors, Banff offers majestic mountain scenery, cozy lodges, and winter activities like skiing or soaking in hot springs.

Bali, Indonesia Known as the Island of Gods, Bali boasts serene beaches, lush jungles, and luxurious villas ideal for a Valentine’s Day retreat.

Prague, Czech Republic With its fairy-tale architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming riverside walks, Prague offers an enchanting setting for couples.

Plan your Valentine’s getaway now and create memories to cherish forever.

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Top 10 Best Places to Travel in April for Couples: Romantic Getaways for Spring

Spring is the season of renewal, making it the perfect time for couples to embark on a romantic getaway. With April bringing mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds, it’s an ideal month to escape for a memorable holiday. Whether you're dreaming of a quiet beach retreat, a cultural city break, or an adventurous mountain escape, there are countless destinations that cater to every couple's desire. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to travel in April for couples, with a focus on romantic activities, breathtaking scenery, and the perfect spring atmosphere.

1. Paris, France: The City of Love

No list of romantic destinations would be complete without Paris. In April, the city is in full bloom, with cherry blossoms adorning its iconic parks and gardens. Couples can take a stroll along the Seine River, enjoy a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens, or visit the Eiffel Tower for a panoramic view of the city. Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Montmartre or enjoying a candlelit dinner at a Parisian bistro, Paris offers an unparalleled romantic atmosphere.

2. Santorini, Greece: A Dreamy Island Escape

Known for its stunning sunsets and whitewashed buildings with blue domes, Santorini is one of the best places to visit in April for couples. The mild April weather makes it the perfect time to explore the island without the summer crowds. Take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of Oia, relax on its volcanic beaches, or enjoy a private boat tour around the island. Whether you're savoring a glass of local wine or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, Santorini offers a magical escape for couples.

3. Kyoto, Japan: A Journey Through History and Nature

For couples who appreciate culture, history, and nature, Kyoto in April is a dream come true. The city’s famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom, painting the landscape with shades of pink and white. Visit the historic temples, wander through the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or enjoy a boat ride down the Hozu River. The combination of natural beauty and cultural richness makes Kyoto one of the best places to travel in April for couples.

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy: Coastal Charm and Italian Romance

The Amalfi Coast is an idyllic destination for couples seeking romance and relaxation. In April, the weather is warm but not too hot, making it an ideal time to explore the picturesque towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. Enjoy scenic drives along the coastline, indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, or take a boat tour to explore hidden coves and beaches. The Amalfi Coast offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it one of the best places to travel in April for couples.

5. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: A Tropical Paradise

If you’re looking for a luxurious, tropical escape, Bora Bora should be at the top of your list. April is an excellent time to visit this tropical paradise, as the weather is warm and the island is less crowded. Spend your days lounging on the pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or relax in an overwater bungalow. With its turquoise lagoons and vibrant coral reefs, Bora Bora is a dream destination for couples seeking both romance and adventure.

6. Maui, Hawaii: A Perfect Blend of Adventure and Romance

For couples who want both relaxation and adventure, Maui offers the perfect balance. In April, the island enjoys beautiful weather, with warm days and cooler evenings. Take a scenic drive along the Road to Hana, hike through Haleakalā National Park, or relax on the stunning beaches. Maui’s diverse landscapes—from volcanic craters to lush rainforests—make it a versatile destination for couples seeking a mix of natural beauty and thrilling experiences.

7. Barcelona, Spain: Art, Culture, and Romance

Barcelona is a vibrant, artistic city that offers a blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and romantic charm. In April, the weather is pleasant, making it a great time to explore the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and La Rambla. Couples can also enjoy tapas in cozy restaurants, visit the local markets, or take a stroll along the beach. With its mix of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty, Barcelona is one of the best places to travel in April for couples.

8. Tulum, Mexico: A Laid-Back Beach Retreat

Tulum is a trendy destination for couples who want to relax and unwind in a tropical setting. In April, the weather is warm and sunny, but the crowds are still relatively light. Spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring the ancient Mayan ruins, or visiting cenotes for a refreshing swim. Tulum’s bohemian vibe, combined with its stunning beaches and eco-friendly resorts, makes it an ideal choice for couples looking for a peaceful, romantic escape.

9. New Orleans, Louisiana: A Blend of Romance and Southern Charm

For couples who enjoy culture, music, and food, New Orleans offers a unique and vibrant experience. April brings mild weather, perfect for exploring the French Quarter, enjoying live jazz music, and indulging in Creole cuisine. Take a romantic evening stroll along the Mississippi River, or embark on a riverboat cruise for a different perspective of the city. With its lively atmosphere and rich history, New Orleans is a great destination for couples seeking an unforgettable getaway.

10. Vienna, Austria: Elegance and Classical Romance

Vienna offers a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples who appreciate classical music, art, and architecture. In April, the city’s gardens are in bloom, and you can enjoy walks through Schönbrunn Palace or the Prater Park. Enjoy a classical concert, sip coffee in a traditional Viennese café, or explore the museums and galleries. With its refined charm and beautiful surroundings, Vienna is a perfect destination for couples seeking elegance and romance.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for cultural immersion, tropical relaxation, or adventurous exploration, there are countless romantic destinations to consider in April. The best places to travel in April for couples offer the perfect mix of beautiful weather, scenic beauty, and unforgettable experiences. At Wura Travels, we are dedicated to helping couples plan their dream getaways, providing curated travel recommendations and tips to ensure a memorable vacation. Whether you're planning a romantic holiday for Easter 2025 or simply looking to explore new destinations, let Wura Travels be your guide to unforgettable experiences.

[cyc-event-company]

Top 5 Beach Destinations for a Dream Wedding

The allure of a beach wedding is undeniable. Picture this: the soothing sound of waves, a breathtaking sunset as your backdrop, and the promise of forever exchanged under a canopy of clear blue skies. A beach wedding combines natural beauty with romantic charm, making it one of the most sought-after styles for couples worldwide. To help you plan your perfect day, here are the top destination wedding destinations that will make your dream beach wedding come true.

Why Choose a Beach Destination Wedding?

Beach weddings offer a magical blend of intimacy and grandeur. The natural beauty of the coastline creates an enchanting setting for your vows, eliminating the need for extravagant decor. Beach venues also double as honeymoon destinations, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for couples. And when you work with an experienced wedding planner, you can ensure a stress-free experience while creating memories to last a lifetime.

Top 5 Beach Destinations for a Dream Wedding

1. Maldives With crystal-clear waters and luxurious overwater villas, the Maldives is a haven for romance. Known for its pristine beaches and privacy, this destination is perfect for intimate ceremonies. Imagine exchanging vows on a private island, followed by a sunset reception. The Maldives offers a seamless blend of natural beauty and luxury, making it one of the top destination wedding destinations.

2. Bali, Indonesia Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches and rich cultural traditions. Popular spots like Nusa Dua and Uluwatu boast spectacular ocean views and cliffside venues. A wedding in Bali allows couples to infuse tropical charm with cultural elements, creating a truly unique experience. Whether you want a barefoot ceremony on the sand or a lavish celebration overlooking the sea, Bali has it all.

3. Hawaii, USA Hawaii’s iconic beaches, such as Waikiki and Maui’s Kaanapali, offer the perfect backdrop for a laid-back yet elegant wedding. From palm-fringed shores to lush volcanic landscapes, Hawaii provides endless photo-worthy moments. Guests can enjoy activities like surfing and luaus, making your wedding a celebration to remember. A skilled wedding planner will help you coordinate every detail, ensuring your Hawaiian wedding is flawless.

4. Santorini, Greece Santorini’s white-washed buildings and the deep blue Aegean Sea create a picture-perfect setting for a wedding. The island’s cliffside venues are ideal for intimate ceremonies, especially during sunset. Couples can elevate their wedding experience by incorporating wine-tasting receptions and exploring Santorini’s historic charm. This Mediterranean gem truly stands out as one of the top destination wedding destinations.

5. Goa, India For couples seeking vibrant celebrations and golden beaches, Goa is a dream come true. From luxurious resorts to private beach venues, South Goa offers a variety of options for weddings of all sizes. Goa combines cultural richness with tropical allure, ensuring a unique experience for you and your guests. With a wedding planner’s help, your beach wedding in Goa will be nothing short of spectacular.

Tips for Planning a Beach Destination Wedding

Choose the right season to ensure optimal weather.

Collaborate with local wedding planners who understand the venue and local customs.

Pack essentials like sunscreen, lightweight fabrics, and travel-friendly decor to enhance the experience.

Conclusion

A beach destination wedding offers the perfect mix of romance, beauty, and adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of the Maldives’ serenity, Bali’s cultural charm, or Goa’s vibrant shores, these top destination wedding destinations promise unforgettable memories. With the right wedding planner by your side, your dream wedding is just a wave away. Start planning your big day and let the magic unfold!