#National Apéritif Day

[brookston]

Holidays 5.16

Holidays

Academy Awards Day

Ask for Athletic Day

Bike to Wherever Day

Biographer's Day

Border Guard Day (Poland)

Chive Day (French Republic)

Drawing Day

European Maritime Day

516 Day

HAE (Hereditary Angioedema) Day

Honor Our LGBT Elders Day

International Celiac Awareness Day

International Day of Light

International Day of Living Together in Peace

International Day of Protest Against Shock Treatment

International Day of the Boy Child

Let’s Get Creative Day

Love A Tree Day

Martyrs of Sudan Day (Episcopal Church)

Mass Graves Day (Iraq)

Middlesex Day (UK)

Moonwalk Day

Moose Hide Campaign Day (Canada)

National Biographer’s Day

National Check Your Wipers Day

National Classic Movie Day

National Day (South Sudan)

National Dengue Day (India)

National Denim Day for the CURE Foundation (Canada)

National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day

National EBT Day

National Horse Rescue Day (Australia)

National Piercing Day

National Public Transportation Career Day

National Waiters Day

Nickel Day (US)

Ohio Players Day (Dayton, Ohio)

Pencil Day

Red Hill Holiday (Russia)

Ride a Unicycle Day

Romani Resistance Day

Sea Monkey Day

Sing "Row Row Row Your Boat" in Rounds Day

Sneeze Without Embarrassment Day

SPLA Day (South Sudan)

Sun Bear Day

Sylvia Asteroid Day

Teachers’ Day (Malaysia)

Try Not To Be As Stupid Today As You Normally Are Day

200k Day (Ukraine)

Ubald (Jesus, Pennsylvania)

Wear Purple For Peace Day

World Agri-Tourism Day

World Barrett’s Day

World Bloodless Surgery Day

World Chartreuse Day

World Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) Awareness Day

World Day of Heavy Metal

World Education Support Personnel Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Gluten-Free Beer Day (Portland, Oregon)

Hires Root Beer Day

International Ezerjó Day (Hungary)

International Pickle Day

Mimosa Day

National BBQ Day

National Coquilles St. Jacques Day

National Strawberry Milkshake Day

Root Beer Day

Spaghetti-O's Day

Independence & Related Days

Batavian Republic (Established in Holland; 1795)

Boshka (Declared; 2007) [unrecognized]

British Columbia (Admitted as a Province; Canada; 1871)

Intercontinental Republic of the Americas (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Lombardic Republic (Established; 1796)

New Somerset (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Sikkim State Day (India)

3rd Thursday in May

Brown Bag It Thursday [3rd Thursday]

Global Accessibility Awareness Day [3rd Thursday]

Hummus Day [3rd Thursday]

International Vyshyvanka Day [3rd Thursday]

Mental Health Action Day [3rd Thursday]

National Apéritif Day [3rd Thursday]

National Notebook Day [3rd Thursday]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning May 16 (2nd Full Week)

National Foul Ball Week (thru 5.21)

National Transportation Week (thru 5.33)

Festivals Beginning May 16, 2024

Asheville Beer Week (Asheville, North Carolina) [thru 5.26]

Beer Garden (Jackson, Wisconsin) [thru 5.17]

Bergkirchweih (Erlangen, Germany) [thru 5.27]

Calavaras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee (Calaveras County Fairgrounds, California) [thru 5.19]

Glyndebourne Festival Opera (Lewes, United Kingdom) [thru 8.25]

Greek Festival (Paramus, New Jersey) [thru 5.19]

National Morel Mushroom Festival (Boyne City, Michigan) [thru 5.19]

Orange City Tulip Festival (Orange City, Iowa) [thru 5.18]

Pasadena Strawberry Festival (Pasadena, Texas) [thru 5.19]

Paso Wine Fest (Paso Robles, California) [thru 5.19]

Rooster Days (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma) [thru 5.19]

Rose’ Revival and Other Cool Whites (Kirkland, Washington)

Saint Petersburg International Book Fair (Saint Petersburg, Russia) [thru 5.19]

San Diego International Fringe Festival (San Diego, California) [thru 5.26]

TETWP Beers For Boobs (Twin Falls County, Idaho)

Feast Days

Aaron (Coptic Church)

Abda and Abdjesus, and companions (Christian; Saint)

Abdas of Susa (Christian; Saint)

Advanced Tree Hugging and Arborial Sex Day (Pastafarian)

Aleksandr Laktionov (Artology)

Alfred Pellan (Artology)

Andrew Bobola (Christian; Saint)

Beige Fraggle (Muppetism)

Bismarck Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Brendan the Navigator (Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Eastern Orthodox Church)

Carantoc (a.k.a. Carannog; Christian; Saint)

Caroline Chisholm (Church of England)

Domnolus (Christian; Saint)

Eir’s Blot (Pagan)

Gemma Galgani (Passionists Calendar)

Germerius (Christian; Saint)

Hadrian (Positivist; Saint)

Honoratus of Amiens (Christian; Saint)

John of Nepomuk (Christian; Martyr) [Bohemia, Czech Republic]

John Sell Cotman (Artology)

Laura Wheeler Waring (Artology)

Margaret of Cortona (Christian; Saint)

Martyrs of Sudan (Episcopal Church (USA))

Peregrine of Auxerre (Christian; Saint)

Possidius (Christian; Saint)

Say Goodbye to Bad Relationships Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Simon Stock (Christian; Saint)

Skinny Dipping Day (Pastafarian)

Studs Terkel (Writerism)

Tamara de Lempicka (Artology)

Ubald of Gubbio (Christian; Saint)

Woody Herman (Humanist; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because Wikipedia launched.)

Premieres

Agent in Place, by Helen MacInnes (Novel; 1976)

Annie Get Your Gun (Broadway Musical; 1946)

Beer The Movie (Film; 2006)

Breaker Morant (Film; 1980)

But Seriously, Folks…, by Joe Walsh (Album; 1978)

The Day of the Locust, by Nathanael West (Novel; 1939) 

The Eighth Day, buy Thornton Wilder (Novel; 1967)

Fame (Film; 1980)

Godzilla (Film; 2014)

Great Lion of God, by Taylor Caldwell (Novel; 1970)

The Great Train Robbery, by Michael Crichton (Novel; 1975)

The Iceman Ducketh (WB LT Cartoon; 1964)

I’d Love to Take Orders from You (WB MM Cartoon; 1936)

(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again, by Elton John and Taron Egerton (Song; 2019)

Just Dogs (Silly Symphony Cartoon; 1932)

Le Triomphe de L’Amour (Court Opera; 1681)

Little Gravel Voice (MGM Cartoon; 1942)

Live at Leeds, by The Who (Live Album; 1970)

Lucky Pigs (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1939)

The Magic Shell (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

The Man Who Knew Too Much (Film; 1956)

Moonlight Becomes You, by Mary Higgins Clark (Novel; 1996)

Okey Dokey Donkey (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1958)

Oops!… I Did It Again, by Britney Spears (Album; 2000)

Pet Sounds, by The Beach Boys (Album; 1966)

Pink Aye (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1974)

Que Sera, Sera *Whatever Will Be, Will Be), by Doris Day (Song; 1956)

Shrek (Animated Film; 2001)

The Soft Machine, by William S. Burroughs (Novel; 1961)

Star Trek: Into Darkness (Film; 2013)

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (Film; 2002)

Summer Wind, recorded by Frank Sinatra (Song; 1966)

Sweet Liberty (Film; 1986)

Swimmer Take All (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1952)

Tai-Pan, by James Clavell (Novel; 1966)

Tennessee River, by Alabama (Song; 1980)

Top Gun (Film; 1986)

Two Gun Goofy (Disney Cartoon; 1952)

Today’s Name Days

Adolf, Johann (Austria)

Adam, Cvjetko, Ivan (Croatia)

Přemysl (Czech Republic)

Sara (Denmark)

Esta, Este, Ester, Esti (Estonia)

Essi, Ester, Esteri (Finland)

Brendan, Honoré (France)

Adolf, Johann Nepomuk (Germany)

Botond, Mózes (Hungary)

Adamo, Margherita, Oderzo, Tiziano, Ubaldo (Italy)

Edijs, Edvīns, Inese, Inesis (Latvia)

Andrius, Ubaldas, Vaidmantas (Lithuania)

Sara, Siren (Norway)

Andrzej, Honorat, Jan Nepomucen, Jędrzej, Szymon, Trzebomysł, Ubald, Wieńczysław, Wiktorian (Poland)

Natan, Paisie, Sila, Teodor (România)

Svetozár (Slovakia)

Honorato, Simón, Ubaldo (Spain)

Ronald, Ronny (Sweden)

Brand, Branden, Brandi, Brandon, Brandy, Brannon, Brant, Brenda, Brendan, Brenden, Brendon, Brenna, Brennan, Brent, Brenton (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 137 of 2024; 229 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 20 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ji-Si), Day 9 (Geng-Chen)

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

Hebrew: 8 Iyar 5784

Islamic: 8 Dhu al-Qada 1445

J Cal: 17 Magenta; Threesday [17 of 30]

Julian: 3 May 2024

Moon: 61%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 24 Caesar (5th Month) [Hadrian]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 7 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 59 of 92)

Week: 2nd Full Week of May

Zodiac: Taurus (Day 27 of 31)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 5.16

Holidays

Academy Awards Day

Ask for Athletic Day

Bike to Wherever Day

Biographer's Day

Border Guard Day (Poland)

Chive Day (French Republic)

Drawing Day

European Maritime Day

516 Day

HAE (Hereditary Angioedema) Day

Honor Our LGBT Elders Day

International Celiac Awareness Day

International Day of Light

International Day of Living Together in Peace

International Day of Protest Against Shock Treatment

International Day of the Boy Child

Let’s Get Creative Day

Love A Tree Day

Martyrs of Sudan Day (Episcopal Church)

Mass Graves Day (Iraq)

Middlesex Day (UK)

Moonwalk Day

Moose Hide Campaign Day (Canada)

National Biographer’s Day

National Check Your Wipers Day

National Classic Movie Day

National Day (South Sudan)

National Dengue Day (India)

National Denim Day for the CURE Foundation (Canada)

National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day

National EBT Day

National Horse Rescue Day (Australia)

National Piercing Day

National Public Transportation Career Day

National Waiters Day

Nickel Day (US)

Ohio Players Day (Dayton, Ohio)

Pencil Day

Red Hill Holiday (Russia)

Ride a Unicycle Day

Romani Resistance Day

Sea Monkey Day

Sing "Row Row Row Your Boat" in Rounds Day

Sneeze Without Embarrassment Day

SPLA Day (South Sudan)

Sun Bear Day

Sylvia Asteroid Day

Teachers’ Day (Malaysia)

Try Not To Be As Stupid Today As You Normally Are Day

200k Day (Ukraine)

Ubald (Jesus, Pennsylvania)

Wear Purple For Peace Day

World Agri-Tourism Day

World Barrett’s Day

World Bloodless Surgery Day

World Chartreuse Day

World Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) Awareness Day

World Day of Heavy Metal

World Education Support Personnel Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Gluten-Free Beer Day (Portland, Oregon)

Hires Root Beer Day

International Ezerjó Day (Hungary)

International Pickle Day

Mimosa Day

National BBQ Day

National Coquilles St. Jacques Day

National Strawberry Milkshake Day

Root Beer Day

Spaghetti-O's Day

Independence & Related Days

Batavian Republic (Established in Holland; 1795)

Boshka (Declared; 2007) [unrecognized]

British Columbia (Admitted as a Province; Canada; 1871)

Intercontinental Republic of the Americas (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Lombardic Republic (Established; 1796)

New Somerset (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Sikkim State Day (India)

3rd Thursday in May

Brown Bag It Thursday [3rd Thursday]

Global Accessibility Awareness Day [3rd Thursday]

Hummus Day [3rd Thursday]

International Vyshyvanka Day [3rd Thursday]

Mental Health Action Day [3rd Thursday]

National Apéritif Day [3rd Thursday]

National Notebook Day [3rd Thursday]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning May 16 (2nd Full Week)

National Foul Ball Week (thru 5.21)

National Transportation Week (thru 5.33)

Festivals Beginning May 16, 2024

Asheville Beer Week (Asheville, North Carolina) [thru 5.26]

Beer Garden (Jackson, Wisconsin) [thru 5.17]

Bergkirchweih (Erlangen, Germany) [thru 5.27]

Calavaras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee (Calaveras County Fairgrounds, California) [thru 5.19]

Glyndebourne Festival Opera (Lewes, United Kingdom) [thru 8.25]

Greek Festival (Paramus, New Jersey) [thru 5.19]

National Morel Mushroom Festival (Boyne City, Michigan) [thru 5.19]

Orange City Tulip Festival (Orange City, Iowa) [thru 5.18]

Pasadena Strawberry Festival (Pasadena, Texas) [thru 5.19]

Paso Wine Fest (Paso Robles, California) [thru 5.19]

Rooster Days (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma) [thru 5.19]

Rose’ Revival and Other Cool Whites (Kirkland, Washington)

Saint Petersburg International Book Fair (Saint Petersburg, Russia) [thru 5.19]

San Diego International Fringe Festival (San Diego, California) [thru 5.26]

TETWP Beers For Boobs (Twin Falls County, Idaho)

Feast Days

Aaron (Coptic Church)

Abda and Abdjesus, and companions (Christian; Saint)

Abdas of Susa (Christian; Saint)

Advanced Tree Hugging and Arborial Sex Day (Pastafarian)

Aleksandr Laktionov (Artology)

Alfred Pellan (Artology)

Andrew Bobola (Christian; Saint)

Beige Fraggle (Muppetism)

Bismarck Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Brendan the Navigator (Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Eastern Orthodox Church)

Carantoc (a.k.a. Carannog; Christian; Saint)

Caroline Chisholm (Church of England)

Domnolus (Christian; Saint)

Eir’s Blot (Pagan)

Gemma Galgani (Passionists Calendar)

Germerius (Christian; Saint)

Hadrian (Positivist; Saint)

Honoratus of Amiens (Christian; Saint)

John of Nepomuk (Christian; Martyr) [Bohemia, Czech Republic]

John Sell Cotman (Artology)

Laura Wheeler Waring (Artology)

Margaret of Cortona (Christian; Saint)

Martyrs of Sudan (Episcopal Church (USA))

Peregrine of Auxerre (Christian; Saint)

Possidius (Christian; Saint)

Say Goodbye to Bad Relationships Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Simon Stock (Christian; Saint)

Skinny Dipping Day (Pastafarian)

Studs Terkel (Writerism)

Tamara de Lempicka (Artology)

Ubald of Gubbio (Christian; Saint)

Woody Herman (Humanist; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because Wikipedia launched.)

Premieres

Agent in Place, by Helen MacInnes (Novel; 1976)

Annie Get Your Gun (Broadway Musical; 1946)

Beer The Movie (Film; 2006)

Breaker Morant (Film; 1980)

But Seriously, Folks…, by Joe Walsh (Album; 1978)

The Day of the Locust, by Nathanael West (Novel; 1939) 

The Eighth Day, buy Thornton Wilder (Novel; 1967)

Fame (Film; 1980)

Godzilla (Film; 2014)

Great Lion of God, by Taylor Caldwell (Novel; 1970)

The Great Train Robbery, by Michael Crichton (Novel; 1975)

The Iceman Ducketh (WB LT Cartoon; 1964)

I’d Love to Take Orders from You (WB MM Cartoon; 1936)

(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again, by Elton John and Taron Egerton (Song; 2019)

Just Dogs (Silly Symphony Cartoon; 1932)

Le Triomphe de L’Amour (Court Opera; 1681)

Little Gravel Voice (MGM Cartoon; 1942)

Live at Leeds, by The Who (Live Album; 1970)

Lucky Pigs (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1939)

The Magic Shell (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1941)

The Man Who Knew Too Much (Film; 1956)

Moonlight Becomes You, by Mary Higgins Clark (Novel; 1996)

Okey Dokey Donkey (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1958)

Oops!… I Did It Again, by Britney Spears (Album; 2000)

Pet Sounds, by The Beach Boys (Album; 1966)

Pink Aye (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1974)

Que Sera, Sera *Whatever Will Be, Will Be), by Doris Day (Song; 1956)

Shrek (Animated Film; 2001)

The Soft Machine, by William S. Burroughs (Novel; 1961)

Star Trek: Into Darkness (Film; 2013)

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (Film; 2002)

Summer Wind, recorded by Frank Sinatra (Song; 1966)

Sweet Liberty (Film; 1986)

Swimmer Take All (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1952)

Tai-Pan, by James Clavell (Novel; 1966)

Tennessee River, by Alabama (Song; 1980)

Top Gun (Film; 1986)

Two Gun Goofy (Disney Cartoon; 1952)

Today’s Name Days

Adolf, Johann (Austria)

Adam, Cvjetko, Ivan (Croatia)

Přemysl (Czech Republic)

Sara (Denmark)

Esta, Este, Ester, Esti (Estonia)

Essi, Ester, Esteri (Finland)

Brendan, Honoré (France)

Adolf, Johann Nepomuk (Germany)

Botond, Mózes (Hungary)

Adamo, Margherita, Oderzo, Tiziano, Ubaldo (Italy)

Edijs, Edvīns, Inese, Inesis (Latvia)

Andrius, Ubaldas, Vaidmantas (Lithuania)

Sara, Siren (Norway)

Andrzej, Honorat, Jan Nepomucen, Jędrzej, Szymon, Trzebomysł, Ubald, Wieńczysław, Wiktorian (Poland)

Natan, Paisie, Sila, Teodor (România)

Svetozár (Slovakia)

Honorato, Simón, Ubaldo (Spain)

Ronald, Ronny (Sweden)

Brand, Branden, Brandi, Brandon, Brandy, Brannon, Brant, Brenda, Brendan, Brenden, Brendon, Brenna, Brennan, Brent, Brenton (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 137 of 2024; 229 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 20 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ji-Si), Day 9 (Geng-Chen)

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

Hebrew: 8 Iyar 5784

Islamic: 8 Dhu al-Qada 1445

J Cal: 17 Magenta; Threesday [17 of 30]

Julian: 3 May 2024

Moon: 61%: Waxing Gibbous

Positivist: 24 Caesar (5th Month) [Hadrian]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 7 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 59 of 92)

Week: 2nd Full Week of May

Zodiac: Taurus (Day 27 of 31)

[rabbitcruiser]

National White Wine Day

National White Wine Day on August 4 is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a glass of this very versatile drink. White wines make for great apéritifs before a meal, a suitable companion to fish or white meat dishes, and a great accompaniment to dessert. White wine is generally considered to be lighter and more refreshing than red wine and is the preferred alcoholic beverage for millions of people throughout the world. So, whether it is a chardonnay or a sauvignon blanc, National White Wine Day is here and it’s time to relax and treat yourself to a crisp little tipple.

History of National White Wine Day

The origins of wine can be traced back as far as 7500 years ago, in what is now known as Iran.  Experts are pretty sure that wine was being drunk long before this but there’s no actual evidence for them to point towards at the moment. By 460 BC it was being consumed in Europe and the Greek physician Hippocrates was prescribing it as a remedy to some of his patients.

During the Roman times, wine featured heavily at expensive banquets and was considered a sign of prestige. It was the Romans who began to produce less sweet versions of white wine as they conquered new territories in the North and cultivated on new land. It was also the Romans who introduced the concept of drinking cool wine in the summer and warm wine in the winter, a practice which many still follow today.

White wine eventually became popular throughout all of Europe, which led to more vineyards throughout the continent. By the 16th century, that popularity haNational White Wine Dayd spread to the Americas, with vines being planted in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.

Champagne was created in the 18th century and by the 19th century, it was the drink of choice for the elite. Champagne is only produced in the Champagne province of France, an area that has unique soil due to its sloping landscapes.

The 20th century has seen vines introduced to new places and technological developments that have changed the process of winemaking throughout the world. One thing, though, hasn’t changed, and that’s the people’s love for a glass of white wine. The origins of National White Wine Day are unclear but we do know the best way to celebrate, and that’s with a glass of the good stuff.

National White Wine Day timeline

4100 BC The First Winery

The oldest winery found in a cave in Armenia can be traced back to this period.

1697 Bubbly arrives

The French monk Dom Perignon invented champagne.

1811 A Fine Year

A bottle of Château d'Yquem from 1811 sold for $117,000 in 2011, making it the most expensive bottle of white wine ever.

1857 California Dreamin’

The first commercial California winery, Buena Vista Winery, is founded.

National White Wine Day FAQs

What day is National Chardonnay Day?

National Chardonnay Day is celebrated on the Thursday before memorial day each year.

How many National Wine Days are there?

We currently celebrate 8 different wine holidays on National Today.

How many days is white wine good after opening?

If you are keeping it in the fridge then white wine is usually good for 5 to 7 days.

National White Wine Day Activities

Pour yourself a glass of white

Host a wine tasting evening with friends

Visit a vineyard

There’s no better way to celebrate National White Wine Day than by treating yourself to a glass of white wine. Invite some friends over, pop open a bottle, and savor its unique and refreshing taste.

When it comes to white wine there is such an incredible variety that you’re basically spoilt for choice. Why not host a white wine tasting evening and invite your friends over to sample the different wines available. Score them and the group can collectively decide on their favorite wine.

Become more knowledgeable about white wine by visiting a vineyard and learning more about how it is produced. Many vineyards offer tours of their grounds so you can see what goes into that bottle of wine and of course there will be some wine tasting involved too.

5 Facts About White Wine That Will Surprise You

The Phobia

75 Grapes

Nebuchadnezzar

Temperature is key

If it was a popularity contest

Some people suffer from a phobia of wine, it’s called oenophobia.

It takes approximately 75 grapes to make a glass of white wine. Which means you need 300 grapes for a bottle.

Nebuchadnezzar is the name given to the largest bottle of white wine that you can buy. It’s a 15-liter bottle, which equates to 20 normal-sized bottles.

White wines should be served at a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chardonnay is the most popular white wine in the world,

Why We Love National White Wine Day

It’s versatile

The variety

The taste

White Wine is a drink for many occasions. Whether it’s chicken, fish, a dessert, or just a social catch up with friends, a glass of white wine will suit the occasion.

From chardonnay to champagne and everything in between, there is a huge range of different white wines out there and you could spend a lifetime deciding which your favorite is.

Let’s not forget that the main reason white wine is so popular is that it tastes great.

Source

[pug-bitch]

That’s not why I’m staying (7)

Attention must be paid

Book: The Royal Romance, Book 2

Pairing: Drake Walker x Amara Suarez

Rating: some foul language, some extremely suggestive, and a VERY steamy scene. This is absolutely NOT appropriate for people under 18.

Word count: about 4,700

Notes: This picks up pretty much where we left off, starting with Maxwell’s POV.

*****

‘Morning, Maxxie,’ Amara whispers, between two sips of coffee.

Maxwell yawns and nods, all the while pouring himself a big mug. He’s gonna need it. He hasn’t slept much, just in intervals, ever since his interaction with Michael. He plants a peck on Amara’s cheek and sits by her.

She raises an eyebrow. ‘You look like hell, did you sleep at all?’

He dramatically slams his coffee mug on the table. ‘Well, Miss Suarez, this isn’t a nice way of greeting your friend in the early morning.’ He takes a sip. ‘I wish I could reciprocate the compliment but unfortunately, you look glowy as hell.’ He pauses. ‘Must be all the sex.’

Amara blushes and bites her lip. ‘You got me there. I’ll shut up.’

Maxwell chuckles. He looks around, unsure of whether he wishes to see Michael or not. ‘Where are the others?’ he asks.

‘They went for a run. You ok?’

Maxwell nods and sighs. ‘I’m good. Are we all alone, you sure?’

‘You’re worrying me, Maxxie,’ Amara frowns. ‘Talk to me.’

He rolls his eyes. He shouldn’t talk about it. Right? ‘Don’t worry, it’s nothing.’ He pauses, but Amara’s eyes are glued on him, expecting something else to come out of his mouth. He sighs again. ‘Fine. But you can’t say anything, not even to Drake.’

Amara nods and mimes zipping up her lips. Maxwell takes a deep breath.

He continues, ‘I couldn’t sleep last night, because Hana had a massive nightmare about bees—don’t ask. I went downstairs, and Michael was there. We had tea, then whiskey. We kind of…’ he trails off, unsure of how to define what happened last night.

Amara’s eyes light up. ‘Hooked up?’ She says in a hopeful tone.

Maxwell chuckles. ‘What? No! Amara, you dirty little minx.’ He can’t contain his smile. ‘Come on. Be serious for one second.’ He rolls his eyes playfully before continuing. ‘So as I was saying before you interrupted with your sick fantasies, Michael and I kind of...confessed how we feel about each other.’

Amara gasps and slaps her hand in front of her mouth. ‘Oh my God Maxxie! Really? That’s incredible!’

Max laughs lightly and places his hand on Amara’s forearm. ‘Alright, settle down, nothing happened. Well, he, um. He did take my hand.’

Amara gasps some more. ‘Oh my, Mr. Darcy. That’s some sexy shit! If we were in Victorian England.’ Maxwell shoots daggers at her and she bursts out laughing. ‘I’m joking, hun. Teasing you, because it’s so fucking cute I can’t handle it. He took your hand?’

Maxwell nods excitedly. ‘Yes. Told me he had a lot to process because he can see himself healing. But he wants to see me again.’

Amara drops the playful act immediately and Maxwell notices tears poking through her eyes. She grabs Maxwell by the shoulder and pulls him closer for a massive hug. ‘Sorry,’ she murmurs, ‘this is a bit excessive, I know, but fuck, Maxwell,’ she says as she pulls away and wipes away a tear, ‘this just makes me so happy.’ They both laugh. ‘Damn, it’s gonna be so hard to keep it to myself.’

*****

‘Let’s get some olives!’ Amara yells out to Drake, who is intently staring at some fish.

He nods and smiles at her, before pointing at the halibut fillets for the fishmonger to wrap up. Amara is delighted to see Drake in his element. The food everywhere, the vendors, the decisions he must make in order to entertain several people… She can tell that he’s enjoying himself immensely.

She has been tasked with picking up some fruit so she and Hana can make dessert, and some apéritif stuff for Maxwell and Michael to put together. Liv is bringing wine, and flying solo, since Rashad has to go to Serbia for a business deal. Since he’s not aware of her relationship with Drake, Amara can’t help but be relieved that it’ll be just them. Bertrand will join as well, and is bringing mini quiches, champagne, and vodka. They definitely won’t die of thirst. Maybe of alcohol poisoning, though.

They pick up a couple of types of olives, and Drake casually plants a kiss on Amara’s head as they walk away. Amara can’t stop this feeling of bliss. Sure, it’ll be exciting to roam around Europe on a train, it’ll be very Some Like It Hot, and there’ll be some investigating involved—after all, they have to find not one, not two, but three whole adult people, plus a baby—, but this domestic life they have been leading for a few days now is idyllic.

‘Hey babe,’ Drake says softly, ‘what do you think of apricots for your dessert?’

Amara smiles excitedly, ‘Oh yeah, great idea, and I’ll pick up some almondmeal to make some sort of frangipane!’ She places some apricots in a bag and hands it to the vendor. ‘Hello there,’ she says gleefully.

The woman gasps in surprise. ‘Oh my, as I live and breathe! Lady Amara, it’s you!’

Amara’s heart drops, and her face remains frozen mid-grimace. Shit, she thinks, she’s been so used to laying low that it’s been a while since she was last recognized. Since the bar fight, really. ‘Hi,’ she says with a nervous smile. ‘How are you?’

‘Oh, just wonderful,’ the middle-aged woman replies. She hands back the apricots and waves Amara off. ‘Oh, Lady Amara, those are on the house.’

‘No no, I insist, there’s no reason—‘

‘Please,’ the lady whispers. ‘I’m such a big fan. The country needs a relatable Queen, someone like you. It’s so unfair how the court has been treating you.’

Amara glances at Drake briefly, and says, ‘Ma’am, I assure you everyone has been lovely, no reason to feel this way. Now please tell me how much I owe you.’

The lady scoffs. ‘No. I refuse to take payment from a national treasure.’ Amara hears Drake chuckling next to her. The woman continues. ‘You’re so poised, and yet so sweet. Not like those nobles with,’ she pauses and gets closer to Amara in confidence, ‘some broomsticks up their asses, if you know what I mean.’

Drake chuckles some more and chimes in, ‘Oh, I know what you mean, Ma’am.’

She laughs. ‘Right, Mr. Walker gets it.’ She pauses and studies the two of them. ‘This is nice, seeing you two out and about. I’m glad you have supportive friends. And just so you know, most of us aren’t fooled.’

Amara’s heart is about to throb out of her chest. ‘Oh, uh, fooled about…?’ She manages to utter.

The lady snorts. ‘Fooled about those pictures!’

Amara exhales in relief. ‘Oh, yeah, I mean, I’ll address that soon, I just—I just needed to catch my breath. But, um… yeah, I’m glad people could see they weren’t what they seemed.’

The lady nods furiously. ‘Oh please. How convenient is it that Lady Madeleine gets to swoop in after you were framed? I’m telling you, my book club and I are not fooled. I told my husband, I said, those nobles, they’re threatened by your elegance and your natural grace, and so of course they had to retaliate.’

Amara can barely recall the second half of the conversation. She tips the woman generously and agrees to a selfie with her. As they walk away, Drake whispers to her ‘We dodged a fucking bullet, Ms. National Treasure.’

Amara’s eyes widen. ‘Tell me about it.’

*****

‘Hana, can you show me again?’ Michael asks desperately.

Hana hurries by his side to help him untangle the fairy lights they just bought at the corner store and place them on Drake’s terrace, interlocked in the flower pots. Hana has a knack for decorating, which does not come as a surprise, since the woman can do just about anything in grace and skill.

‘There you go!’ She exclaims, letting go of the lights.

‘Wow,’ Michael marvels, ‘it’s so much better when you do it.’

Hana chuckles. Maxwell walks onto the terrace, his arms full of plates and silverware. Michael hurries to help him. ‘Thank you,’ Maxwell whispers with a smile. Michael’s heart sinks. He can’t believe he’s leaving tomorrow. Who knows when he’ll see Max’s smile again?

‘Of course,’ Michael responds as his knuckles brush against Maxwell’s. They set the table together, in silence.

Hana plants herself in front of them and gives them a knowing smile. ‘We’re gonna miss you, Michael,’ she says in a sweet tone. Michael smiles. He’ll miss her too, he’s grown to love each of Amara’s friends in a very short time.

‘I’ll miss you too, honey,’ he says, holding out his arms to give her a quick hug. ‘You’ll have to come visit me in New York.’

Hana chuckles, ‘Lucky for you, it’s on the itinerary. We’re all going there after the Engagement Ball, at the end of the tour.’

Michael’s heart skips a beat. ‘All of you?’ He asks hopefully.

Hana nods. ‘Yup. All of us.’

Maxwell smiles. ‘You thought you could get away with an empty promise huh?’

Michael snorts. ‘Quite the opposite. I was hoping that day could come sooner, rather than later.’

Maxwell bites his lip. ‘Yeah. Just a few weeks away.’

‘Hello?’ Olivia walks in, carrying a wine bag with 4 bottles in it. ‘Was anybody gonna answer the door?’

Hana squeals. ‘Olivia! Sorry we were arranging lights for tonight! So good to see you!’

Olivia rolls her eyes as she sets the wine on the table. ‘Yeah yeah, you too, Lee. Can’t wait to see you drunk.’

Hana giggles. ‘With all the wine you brought, you definitely will.’

Olivia laughs lightly. ‘It only takes a glass with you, so I’m sure. How are you gentlemen doing?’

Maxwell walks towards her and gives her a tentative hug, which Liv meets with an exasperated grimace and a reluctant pat on the back. ‘Great, how are you, doll?’ He asks.

Liv shrugs. ‘Can barely walk after a night of goodbye sex with Rashad, thanks for asking.’

‘Oh good,’ Michael says jokingly, ‘we were wondering about that. Good to see you again, Olivia.’

‘Good to see you too, Mike Tyson,’ Olivia says with a smirk. ‘Get it? Because you punched a guy with your skinny little arm?’

Michael chuckles. ‘It was pretty obvious, yeah. Want a drink? Amara made a pitcher of margs before she left.’

‘Sure, let’s do it. Where are the disgusting lovebirds, by the way?’

Hana smiles. ‘They’re at the farmers market. Shopping for the bash.’

Olivia snorts. ‘Oh so they’ll be gone for hours. They’re probably gonna stop somewhere and bone.’

*****

‘Fuck, I really thought she was going to say something about us,’ Amara says with a sigh as they hop back into Drake’s Jeep. ‘I thought, that’s it, people are starting to suspect something, and tomorrow the tabloids will be all over it.’

Drake sighs as well as he turns on the ignition. ‘Yeah, I know. Well, we’re good, for now. Breathe, ok?’ He puts a reassuring hand on Amara’s knee.

She nods. ‘Yeah. She was pretty funny in the end.’

‘You’d think so,’ he teases, ‘she called you a national treasure. How does it feel?’

Amara chuckles lightly. ‘I don’t know, it’s a little surreal. I’m glad the perks involve free apricots, but beyond that… no clue.’

Drake laughs. ‘Hey Suarez?’ He asks.

‘Hm?’

‘Wanna stop by the beach for a second? I don’t feel like coming back to a house full of people just yet.’

Amara smiles excitedly. ‘Let’s do it.’

It’s a short drive to the beach, and Drake parks the Jeep in the shade, near a small creek that resembles the one they swam together in, when they confessed their feelings for the first time. Amara smiles at the memory. It feels like so long ago, and yet just a handful of months have passed. Hard to believe that she was still in her funk in Brooklyn before all of this.

They get out of the Jeep in comfortable silence, finding each other’s hand as soon as they close in the distance between them. Amara squeezes Drake’s hand and shoots him a smile. They take off their shoes to walk freely on the sand.

Sitting down on a rock, they contemplate the rippling of the Mediterranean. Amara can’t help but think of all the summers she spent with her family on the Delaware beaches, where the waves are high and the Atlantic is somewhat untameable. She was lucky if she could actually swim for more than a minute before being slapped by a wave. It was nice, though. There is something to be said about lively beach towns in America: the laughter, the saltwater taffy, the carnival rides, the candy stores, the hot dogs… does she miss it? Yeah, she does. But is this delightful?

Fuck yeah. The silence, the quiet spaces, where no one can see you. The cute little creeks where she can snuggle up to the man she loves. She peels her head off of Drake’s shoulder to look up at him. His kind eyes meet hers, and her soul is instantly warmed. He smiles back and presses a light kiss on her lips.

‘I wish we could swim,’ she whispers. ‘This place is so nice.’

Drake’s eyes darken. ‘Who said we can’t?’ He gets up and swiftly takes off his shirt. He looks down at Amara and gestures for her to follow suit.

He doesn’t have to beg her for long. She gets up as well and takes off her plain white T-shirt, before unbuttoning her jeans. Drake throws his on the rock and wraps Amara in a tight embrace.

‘You’re so fucking beautiful,’ he whispers before capturing her lips in a deep kiss.

They close in the space between themselves and the sea, and start walking into the water in their underwear, hand in hand. The water gets high fast, and soon enough it’s up to their waists. Amara holds her breath and immerses herself completely. Her makeup can go to hell. When she emerges, she cautiously opens one eye, then two. She takes in the beauty of her surroundings. The Portavira sun, glowing on the Mediterranean. The glistening water gently swaying on the rocks. Her beautiful man, right next to her, his body immersed, his face and hair wet. ‘Hi there,’ she says playfully. She wraps her arms around his neck, and kisses him deeply. She feels his hands grabbing her waist, pulling her closer. She feels his strong body against hers. Still enmeshed in their kiss, she wraps her legs around his waist. She can’t get close enough.

‘Fuck, I wish we’d ditched the underwear,’ Drake whispers into her kiss. She chuckles. Underwear has never stopped them. She reaches down to Drake’s boxers and swiftly pulls them down, freeing his already hard cock. He gasps.

‘Better?’ She asks, raising one eyebrow. Drake nods. He cups Amara’s ass with both hands, one of which is getting dangerously close to the seat of her panties. With one smooth motion, he pulls her underwear to the side and gently caresses her pussy lips, before teasing her entrance with one, then two fingers. Damn, she thinks. That’s all it takes, huh. She wants him, now, urgently. She lowers herself close to his cock, to the point where the tip of it is right at her entrance. She teases it with hip movements, bringing it almost inside. Drake groans loudly.

‘Fuck. I want you,’ he says in a low voice.

Before long, he’s inside her, both thrusting their hips in rhythm, completely oblivious of the world around them.

*****

Drake can’t believe they had sex in the ocean. Again. He can’t stop grinning as they walk back to the shore to find their clothes. Amara’s pale yellow bra immediately soaks up her white T-shirt, making it look like she went swimming in it.

She sighs, defeated. ‘I didn’t think it through,’ she laughs.

Drake takes her hand and pulls her closer. ‘Who fucking cares. I’m so glad we came. Pun intended.’

Amara bites her lip. ‘Me too. Is it illegal in Cordonia to walk around in a bra?’

‘Nope,’ Drake says proudly as he puts his jeans back on.

Amara follows suit and peels off her now wet T-shirt. ‘Alright, deal. Let me text Maxwell, let him know we’re on our way.’ She snaps a quick selfie and types a text. The familiar chime comes in about a second later. Max is a quick texter.

‘Ready to leave our love creek?’ Drake says, immediately regretting saying something so corny.

Amara chuckles. ‘Are you going mushy on me, Walker? Love creek, huh?’

He shrugs. ‘I knew you’d give me shit for it. I don’t care,’ he spreads his arms playfully, ‘take me or leave me, Suarez, I’m a big pile of goo when you’re around.’

*****

Bertrand debates what to take with him for tonight’s mini-bash. He’s so excited that he was included in the festivities that he wants everything to be perfect. He hasn’t been to the Walker cabin since… No, he can’t think about it. Not now.

Who is he fooling? He won’t be able to keep it together. He manages just fine when there are no memories of her around him, but over there, oh…

Get it together, you coward, he thinks. No one can know. It’s shameful enough that he fell for a woman over 8 years his junior, but to have treated her like that… To have engaged in sexual activity with her without providing any sense of commitment… his father would be ashamed of him.

What had he been afraid of, after all? It’s not like she was a kid. When it all started, she was in her early to mid-twenties, and he was a young thirtysomething. They fell for each other, that’s not so bad, is it?

But what could he have given her? With the blackmail payments, House Beaumont was not the wealthiest, and Bertrand himself, well… has never been the most fun-loving, the most pleasant man.

Savannah Walker deserved better than that.

When she disappeared, he tried to contact her. Called a few times, but when she picked up, he would instinctively hang up the phone. Too much of a coward, once again. He didn’t know what to say.

That’s why, a year into her absence, he finally found the courage to write an email. A long one, detailing how he had felt about her. Why he hadn’t stood up for her. Why he hadn’t shown her his love like he should have.

Yes, he found the courage to write that email.

But not to send it. It remains, to this day, in his drafts. Instead, he wrote her a brief, non-committal one, along the lines of ‘I hope you’re doing alright. I miss our talks.’

He does miss their talks. Her presence. Her aura. He hates himself for simply thinking this word, because it sounds so fakey, but when it comes to her, it’s not. She always raised his spirits. Made him smile. Made him forget the world, until the world reminded him that it exists.

And that day at the Walker cabin… when he’d driven her home after a bash and she had insisted that he stay over. They’d slept together, in the same bed, without anything happening. They’d cuddled, of course. But she’d been drinking, and Bertrand is not one to take advantage. So, he’d been there for her. Until the next morning when, at dawn, they both woke up and gave in to their desires.

He’ll never forget that day. Because it was the last time he saw her.

She had wanted him to commit, to be together out in the open, and he had been noncommittal, as usual. He needed time. He didn’t contact her again for over a month. By the time he did, she was gone.

No, he can’t think about it today. Not when he’s supposed to have a good time with his brother and their friends. This is a worry for another time.

*****

Liam clicks mindlessly on various files that need addressing. He doesn’t feel like doing any work, not today, not any day lately. He’s tired. He can’t wait until the tour begins, in just two little days. He’ll be able to see Drake, hang out with the guys, and see Amara again. He also misses Liv’s presence. It’s strange not to have her around, for the first time in over twenty years. Yes, the tour will be better.

He and Madeleine will have to sleep separately, on the tour. It’s tradition. The very thought of sleeping alone fills him with joy. For the past few days, she’s insisted on sharing his bed every night, and he can’t say no, because then she would be suspicious.

Now all he hopes for is that the whole scheme will be unveiled soon. They need to find Tariq. Find proof that the outings and the pictures were all staged, maliciously planted to ensure Madeleine’s place.

They need to. He can’t go on like this.

A light knock on his door. His neck tenses up. If it’s Madeleine, he doesn’t know what he’ll do. Probably cry into his hands.

‘Your Highness?’ Says a tentative voice.

He recognizes it instantly, and his neck relaxes a bit. ‘Ioanna? Come on in!’

He gets up to greet her with a handshake. She smiles at him. ‘It’s good to see you. I’m sorry to come in like this, but there was no one there to announce me.’

Liam remembers he told his secretary to go home. He had completely forgotten about his appointment with the Ambassador of Greece. ‘Don’t apologize, I’m very happy you’re here. And I told you to call me Liam. Take a seat!’

She obliges. ‘Thank you,’ she says softly. She frowns lightly. ‘Are you alright?’ She asks. ‘You look...I don’t mean to be insulting…’

Liam glances at his computer screen, where his reflection is staring at him haggardly. Yep, he looks like shit. Bloodshot eyes, bags underneath, everything. ‘Um, yes, I realize I’m not looking my best.’ He tries not to focus on his tie-less shirt. ‘I apologize. If I’m being honest, I had completely forgotten about this appointment.’

‘I can come back later if—‘

‘No!’ He interrupts a little too quickly. ‘No, please. I’m happy you’re here.’

She smiles. ‘Alright. The Ambassador is still not feeling a hundred percent, and he didn’t want to take any chances. He would never forgive himself if he gave you the stomach flu right before your Engagement Tour.’ She pauses. ‘Oh my goodness,’ she exclaims, ‘I realized I didn’t even congratulate you properly! So, congratulations on your engagement, this is wonderful news.’

He smiles at her sadly. ‘Thank you, Ioanna.’ He can’t muster up the strength to say anything else.

She senses it. He knows she does. ‘Liam, I hope I’m not overstepping,’ she whispers, ‘but if you ever need to talk to someone who’s completely outside of…’ she looks around and makes an encompassing gesture, ‘well, all of this, you have my contact info. I mean it, ok?’

Liam lets out an uneven breath, which almost sounds like a sob. ‘Thank you,’ he says with relief. ‘You’re not overstepping at all.’

*****

‘Hey!’ Amara yells out at she comes onto the cabin terrace where all her friends are sipping margaritas. ‘Sorry for the delay, Drake is putting the groceries away.’

She had put her T-shirt back on, but it’s very obviously still wet. Olivia glances at it with a smirk. ‘So that’s how you greet me, Suarez? With a wet T-shirt contest?’

Amara gasps. ‘Liv! You’re here!’ She holds out her arms.

‘No hugs, thank you very much. This is silk,’ she says, gesturing to her black blouse.

‘Fair enough,’ Amara chuckles, ‘and it’s a gorgeous blouse. I should go change if we’re daydrinking!’

‘Fuck yeah we are!’ Michael exclaims.

Amara laughs wholeheartedly. She loves Drunk Mike. ‘Alright honeys, I’ll be right back.’

She hops up to Drake’s room to choose an outfit. Parts of her want to be casual and comfortable, but this is a mini-bash after all, so some degree of dressing up is expected. Plus, this is Michael’s last night in Cordonia. Attention must be paid. So, a cute sundress it is. She picks a white one with green flowers and a plunging neckline. Brown strappy heels to match.

An hour later, she and Hana have made their apricot frangipane dessert, which is baking in the oven. Max and Michael are prepping a nice apéritif, Drake is cooking gleefully, and everyone is already drunk.

‘Hey Liv,’ Drake says, ‘since you’re not doing anything, can you chop that mango for me?’

Olivia looks at him, outraged, from the chaise longue on the terrace. She gestures at her blouse. ‘Have I mentioned that this is silk?’

Drake rolls his eye. ‘Fine, I’ll do it…’

‘Yeah,’ Liv mutters, ‘it’s not like what you have on is made of any precious fabric.’

Maxwell sighs. ‘Be nice, Liv, he’s making you dinner.’

Liv sticks out her tongue and takes another sip of her margarita.

A knock on the door is heard. Everyone goes silent, all that can be heard is the playlist that Maxwell is carefully curating. Amara takes a deep breath as she gets up. ‘Alright, it better be Bertrand,’ she says softly, ‘because if it’s Leo again I’m gonna fuck him up.’

They all chuckle nervously. Amara walks to the door and opens it slowly. Her face lights up. ‘Bertrand! You made it!’ She exclaims as she throws her arms around him.

Bertrand laughs awkwardly. ‘Oh, what a nice welcome, Amara, thank you for having me!’

Amara gestures for him to come in and leads him to the kitchen and the terrace. She can’t help but notice that he looks nervous. She’s gonna have to make him a big drink.

‘Everyone, it’s Bertrand!’ She yells. The others cheer and chant Bertrand’s name. He seems to let loose a bit and smiles more broadly as he places the huge cardboard box containing alcohol and mini quiches on the table. Amara continues, ‘I hope you brought your tassel PJs, Bertrand, because no one’s driving back home tonight,’ she exclaims as she passes him a fresh margarita. ‘Also I love your ascot.’

Bertrand opted for a purple ascot with squids on it, and Amara has trouble looking away from his shoes: matching purple moccasins with...tassels.

‘Why thank you, Amara, it’s very kind of you to say,’ Bertrand blushes. ‘Please dig into the mini quiches.’

*****

‘Truth!’

Hana is already giggling uncontrollably, and Drake hands her a glass of water as she prepares to answer the next question. The evening inevitably started with a very fruitful apéritif and a game of truth or dare.

Liv raises her hand. ‘I got one! Who’s the grossest celebrity you would fuck?’

Amara frowns, ‘Ew, Liv, what a weird question.’

Liv shrugs. ‘I stand by it.’

Hana thinks intently. ‘Hmm… I don’t think anyone is gross, Olivia, everyone is beautiful in their own way!’

‘Come on, Hana!’ Amara exclaims. ‘Lots of people are gross!’

Hana shakes her head. ‘I don’t agree!’

Liv rolls her eyes. ‘Alright, Saint Hana, then who’s the oldest celebrity you would bang?’

Hana’s eyes light up. ‘Oh, that’s easy! Ruth Bader Ginsburg!’

There is a deep silence, before everyone bursts out laughing.

‘Ok, your turn, Bertrand!’ Hana exclaims. ‘Truth or dare?’

Bertrand wipes off a tear from laughter. ‘Let’s say truth!’ He says hesitantly.

Hana thinks for a second. Drake can’t help but feel badly for Bertrand, who has to be thinking of Sav right now. Drake is glad that they’re keeping busy with games to divert the attention, because if he gets any closer to becoming Bertrand’s friend, he’s gonna have a very hard time keeping the truth to himself.

Hana gasps. ‘I know! Who would you rather’ she pauses to let out a giggle, ‘bone, between Queen Regina, Lady Madeleine, and…’ Hana can barely control her laughter, ‘King Constantine!’

‘Good Lord, woman,’ Liv chuckles.

Bertrand’s face hardens. ‘This is sacrilegious, Lady Hana. Why would I talk about our royalty in such terms?’ He pauses and smiles broadly. ‘I’m joking. I would bone Queen Regina.’

*****

Taglist:

@drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @andy-loves-corgis , @jovialyouthmusic , @mariahschoices @drakesensworld @thequeenofcronuts , @notoriouscs , @drakewalkerisreal @nikkis1983​ , @simsvetements , @alesana45 @iplaydrake @emceesynonymroll @lily1999love , @silviasutton1989 @dcbbw @texaskitten30 @furiousherringoperatortoad @hollygirl1269 @sirbeepsalot @ladyangel70 @thisperfectmemory @drxkewalker @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @mrsmairstanley @addictedtodrakefanfic @msjpuddleduck @kimmiedoo5 @furryperfectionlover @princessleac1

Thank you for your encouragements, everyone! Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist :)

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10 Boozy And Zero-Proof Holiday Cocktails To Brighten Up Your Festivities

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10 Boozy And Zero-Proof Holiday Cocktails To Brighten Up Your Festivities

This tasty cocktail, created by Caitlin Jackson for Kooper Family, may be served chilled or hot.

The holidays are here, and as we know, this year they will look and feel very different for many of us. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, I have chosen to focus on what we do have. And in my quest for making the season as festive as possible, I offer these cocktail recipes to hopefully help you do the same.

Heavyweight Champ

Based in Fayette County, Texas, and co-owned by Troy and Michelle Kooper, Kooper Family Whiskey is the only traditional blending house in the U.S. and one of only a few in the world. The Koopers intentionally decided to forgo distilling their own whiskey so they could focus instead on the art of aging and blending. This tasty cocktail was created by Caitlyn Jackson, Chief of Bar Operations at Geraldine’s in Austin, Texas.

2 oz. Kooper Family Rye

.5 oz. St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur

.75 oz. gingerbread syrup (recipe below)

1 dash Bar Keep Apple Bitters

Garnish: toasted cinnamon stick.

To serve cold: Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin and shake to dilute. Fine strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass and garnish.

To serve hot: Combine all ingredients into a warmed Toddy glass or mug. Add 4oz hot water and garnish.

Gingerbread syrup

¼ cup lightly packed brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup water

3 tbsp. molasses

1 tsp. ground ginger

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients into a pot and heat until dissolved. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days.

This simple cocktail highlights the flavor of ultra premium Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum.

Gingerbread Old Rum Old Fashioned

Aged up to 19 years for a smooth and elegant taste, Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum is ideal for sipping, much like a scotch or cognac. This recipe comes courtesy of Goslings Rum and Cocktail Courier.

2 oz. Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum

0.5 oz. gingerbread syrup

2 Dashes aromatic bitters

Garnish: orange slice or peel, cinnamon stick

Chill an Old Fashioned glass in fridge. Add rum, gingerbread syrup, and bitters to mixing glass. Add ice and stir. Pour over ice into chilled glass, garnish with orange slice or peel and cinnamon stick.

Give your holidays a tropical twist with this Puertorrican family classic.

Coquito

Puerto Rico lays claim to the longest holiday season in the world, which lasts around 45 days. This traditional treat, a Puerto Rican version of eggnog, is a staple for the season and best indulged on National Coquito Day on December 21. Each family has their own secret recipe, passed down from generation to generation. This recipe is courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico.   

Makes 7-8 servings

2 cans real coconut cream   

2 cans evaporated milk   

1 can condensed milk   

2 oz. vanilla extract   

1 tbsp. cinnamon   

16 oz. Puerto Rican gold rum   

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Chill for a few hours and serve cold, no ice. Sprinkle the surface with cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

This unique cocktail uses a Haitian inspired cream liqueur and spicy Thai chile for a holiday … [] warmup.

Spicy LS Coco 

LS Cream was created by two Haitian Canadians who, with the help of their families, developed the recipe taking inspiration from traditional Cremas, a creamy rum-infused cocktail with hints of cinnamon. In Haiti specifically, Cremas is a staple in homes during family and holiday gatherings.

2 oz LS Cream Liqueur

1 oz. mango flavored rum

¼ oz. coconut flavored rum

1 oz. milk

Garnish: crushed Thai chile and grated coconut

Add first four ingredients into a shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously. Pour into an Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice. Top with grated coconut and some ground chile. Garnish with a red Thai chile pepper if desired.

This festive cocktail can be made as a single serving or as a punch in a bowl.

Holiday Cheer

While Cognac isn’t always featured on a holiday cocktail menu, its flavor profile pairs well with warming spices such as ginger and cinnamon. This cocktail can be made as a single serving or as a batch (quantities in parenthesis.)

2 oz. (1 750ml bottle) D’USSE Cognac

3 oz. (32 oz.) cloudy apple cider

1 oz. (12 oz.) pomegranate juice

¼ oz. (12 oz.) cinnamon syrup

Garnish: orange wheel and cinnamon stick

Individual serving: Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake until cold. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass.

Punch serving: Add all ingredients into a punch bowl. Add Ice. Stir until well mixed. Add orange wheels and cinnamon sticks, and ladle into rocks glasses.

A classic rum punch is always welcome at any holiday gathering. It’s easy to make and can be … [] batched.

Rum Punch 

This cocktail comes from Mount Gay Moments x Cocktail Courier Collection, a holiday partnership hat features limited-edition cocktail kits designed to create memorable experiences or serve as the prefect holiday gift. 

6 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum 

4 oz. simple syrup 

2 oz. lime juice 

12. oz water 

4 dashes of aromatic bitters 

Garnish: ground nutmeg, lime wedge 

Choose a serving vessel for your punch such as a classic punch bowl, pitcher, or a drink dispenser. Measure and add all ingredients to punch bowl and whisk briskly to combine, aerating the cocktail as if shaking. Add ice to punch bowl, stir the cocktail to incorporate all ingredients and chill. Serve in a tall glass with a pinch of nutmeg and lime wedge. 

Th festive cocktails comes courtesy of Cointreau’s holiday partnership with The Home Edit.

Clea’s Color Coded Cosmo

This cocktail was created by Cointreau’s holiday partnership with The Home Edit, which also provides a holiday hosting guide curated guide with helpful tips and tricks.

0.75 oz. Cointreau 

2 oz. vodka

0.5 oz. chai hibiscus syrup

2 oz. sparkling rosé 

Add all ingredients to a shaker except for rose. Add ice, shake and strain. Finish with bubbles.

Chai hibiscus syrup: 1:1 sugar to water, bring to boil. Turn off, let chai and hibiscus steep for 5 minutes, and strain when cool.

Sherry has incredible versatility to add to cocktails, with its wide variety of styles and flavors.

Sweater Weather

Sherry may seem like an unlikely cocktail ingredient, but it’s history as an integral bottle behind the bar goes back to the 19th century, with several classic sherry cocktails making their way into the original How to Mix Drinks, first released in 1862. Alvaro Domecq’s Palo Cortado is a complex and delicious style of sherry with the body of an oloroso and the nose of an amontillado. Nutty and rich with rasiny notes, this is a unique wine with incredible layers of flavor. 

 .5 oz. lemon juice

1 oz. Palo Cortado Sherry

.25 oz. cinnamon syrup

1.5 oz. apple cider

1.5 oz. Bourbon

Shake ingredients over ice and serve in an Old Fashioned glass.

aa

Lyre’s Festive Mimosa 

Lyre’s award-winning non-alcoholic spirits use a proprietary mix of fruits, spices, and botanicals to recreate flavors of popular spirits. While the zero-proof spirit category continues growing, Lyre’s are still some of the best in the market.

1 oz. Lyre’s Apéritif Rosso

1 oz. Dry London Spirit

1.5 oz. orange juice

1 tsp premium vanilla syrup

2 oz. alcohol-free sparkling wine

Add all ingredients to a large glass. Stir, fill with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice, lemon wheel, and mint sprig.

Aplós is a non-alcoholic spirit infused with organically grown broad-spectrum hemp.

The Conversation Starter

Recently launched, Aplós is a non-alcoholic spirit infused with sustainable, organically grown broad-spectrum hemp, developed in collaboration with James Beard Honoree and Master Mixologist Lynnette Marrero. It has a pronounced herbal taste and bitter finish that subdues with the addition of honey syrup.

1¾ oz. Aplós

1 oz. hibiscus tea, steeped

½ oz. lime juice

½ oz. honey syrup 1:1 honey to water 

Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Accompany with friends and lively chat.

More from Dining in Perfectirishgifts

[un-enfant-immature]

Tech for good during COVID-19: Children’s book, phone booths, and aperitifs

Helena Price Hambrecht and Woody Hambrecht always had plans for Haus, their direct-to-consumer low-alcoholic drink, to land white-label partnerships with local restaurants. But when coronavirus spread across the country and hurt thousands of local restaurants, the Haus founders saw an opportunity to fast forward on that product plan and at the same time give back.

Haus recently announced its plans to work with restaurants across the country and co-create local digs-inspired apéritifs. For Mister Jiu’s, an upscale Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, the beverage will mix “warm black cardamom, smoky lapsang tea, spicy ginger, and floral osmanthus.” For JuneBaby, a southern fare restaurant in Seattle, the drink will have hints of elderflower and oranges. The entire profit will go to the restaurants themselves, Helena tells me. And Haus has already begun cutting five-figure checks to restaurants just from pre-orders of these Haus-powered beverages alone.

On this refreshing note, let’s get into other ways venture-backed startups are using their presence to help others struggling during this time.

1. A phone booth for COVID-19 tests. Room, which manufactures privacy-focused office phone booths, hasn’t had much of a customer base lately as COVID-19 limits people from going into the office. The company has pivoted its resources to deploy a new product: coronavirus test booths for use in hospitals. The booths allow healthcare professionals to conduct tests with a protective barrier. It has already donated the first group of test booths to hospitals around the world, and it has made the design files for the booths available for free download to encourage others to manufacture locally.

2.Mission critical deliveries for free. Onfleet is offering its delivery software free of charge for companies and organizations that have mobilized to do community building deliveries. The startup is notably focused on critical deliveries and institutions that have had to change to delivery operations overnight. It’s working with partners like SF-Marin Foodbank, The NYC Dept for the Aging, various farmers markets around the country and other PPE delivery organizations that have recently organized.

3. Code from home. Fullstack Academy, an online coding and career development bootcamp, is offering a bootcamp prep course for free for two upcoming cohorts. The course, which will be run remotely, will cover specific coding and JavaScript concepts.

4. A daily assessment as a civic duty. A small team at Stanford Medicine created a National Daily Health Survey to help identify the prevalence of symptoms associated with COVID-19 in different ZIP codes across the United States. This survey is aimed at individuals who want to do a small part every day to help predict surges and inform response efforts. The survey takes 2-3 minutes to complete the first day, and 1 minute to complete in the days after that. It is currently being translated into five languages for broader usage. The team says that it’s looking for people who will make a long-term commitment for the survey.

5. World Without COVID. Clara Health, along with tech folks like Raj Kapoor of Lyft and Vijay Chattha of VSC, are launching a free website to track the public health status of the sick and healthy alike. The site wants to draw COVID-19 treatment data for public health professionals, as well as connect people to clinical trials. The team says that it will also track immunity status to help surface individuals that can volunteer in healthcare efforts in the future.

6. Twilio -powered hotline. WhileAtHome.org is a website spun up by volunteers to provide resources on education, healthcare tips and concerts. Recently, the team launched a Twilio-powered hotline so people can be connected to local state hotlines. If you dial 478-29COVID, Twilio will automatically route you to the hotline that is in your state.

Hiring efforts for laid-off make-up artists. Il Makiage is hiring makeup artists who were recently laid off due to COVID-19 related reasons for virtual one-on-one makeup tutorials. The direct-to-consumer beauty brand is paying make-up artists $25 an hour.

7. A charitable Chrome extension. 4thwall wants to take all the TV binge-watching and put it toward a social good. First, users can sign up for a 4th wall Chrome extension. Then, once they activate the extension, they can stream Netflix or Hulu. After 250 minutes of streaming, a relief cause is unlocked and users can pick which COVID-19 specific charity they want to support. 4thwall will make a donation at no cost to the user. Per the website, the cost-free donations are possible because the company will send the viewer demographic metrics, anonymized, to other companies to see viewing trends and create content accordingly.  One of the creators, Andrew Schneider, says that the community has already raised $1,500 in the first two weeks, and the goal is to raise $40K in the next 10 weeks.

8. Bridal brand gives back. Online bridal brand Anomalie is delivering CDC-certified face masks to hospitals to help front-line healthcare workers. The company is using its supply chain and manufacturing relationships in China to make masks, instead of wedding dresses. The first two shipments of over 10,000 masks have been delivered and received.

9. Bedtime storytelling just got a glow up. Yumi, a science-based childhood meal delivery startup, has created a free children’s book to explain COVID-19 to your little ones. It is available for download, and Snoop Dogg tweeted about it.

Let's see 'em rainbow: Learn about my lil' homie Amos in "Rainbows in Windows," a free book by my friends at @Yumi, to talk to kids about #COVID19. Get it here: https://t.co/eqjC5hqPQu #RainbowsinWindows @MarthaStewart @TheEllenShow pic.twitter.com/AgMkax5isF

— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) April 17, 2020

[omtripsblog]

I think that more colorful post I have not create until now and for sure I will not do it soon :). Looking how the autumn is painting everything with its natural colors, I thought it was time to remove the dust of the interviews I’ve gathered and introduce you to the artist, the traveler, and one of the most positive people I know – Lyuba. As I have promised, I will present you only names that will make you smile and believe that the beautiful things that surround us are made by exactly by the people and through contact between us we can create a better world.

I have known Lyuba since the student years at Sofia University when we tried to create amazing memories while studying from the big historical books. When I offered her to take part in the blog rubric, she immediately agreed. Today, we will go on a virtual tour on the streets of the French Riviera and we will visit Nice. Lyuba has prepared interesting places to visit, useful tips and impressive details of the region. We have not been to Nice yet, but that will change soon after WizzAir has surprised us with the launch of a direct flight from Sofia, which will start in March 2018.

Let’s dive into the artistic world of Lyuba in the following lines and enjoy her story. Enjoy reading!

Moni

Nice France Lyuba Sofronieva

На гости на… Люба Софрониева (Ница, Франция)

  How does an “om trip” look like?

A journey that you take to run away from your every day and working responsibilities, from all sorts of problems and annoyances. A journey that you take with positive and adventurous spirit. A journey where you do not hurry for anywhere, where every moment is impressive, where everything becomes unforgettable and every single person looks interesting. A journey from which you come back loaded, enriched, conceived and no doubt tired.

Can we have an “om trip” to Nice? 

Definitely! Nice is a very beautiful and charming city, at the same time calm and dynamic in its own way. It’s often called “city for retirement” but you can feel that when you live here. For a traveler, Nice has everything for every each taste even for the most fastidious one.  

I can not write about Nice and not thinking for the region in its whole. The real traveler does not come here just to visit only Nice. Only one step away from here is Monaco, Antibes, Cannes, the capital of the fragrance Grasse and other lovely towns with plenty of ateliers and galleries. Close to Nice is also Provence famous for its style and spices. Here is the Alpes-Maritimes, with their splendent scenarios and with great conditions for practicing extreme sports. Here is Côte d’Azur: tremendously picturesque, natural landmarks and various terrain. Even the light here is incredible. And depending on it the colors of the buildings and nature are changing its nuances. 

Cannes, France. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

Parc National de Mercantour, Alpes Maritimes. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

Parc National de Mercantour, Alpes Maritimes. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

Three things which we absolutely have to take with us to Nice in our luggage?

Sunglasses, swimsuits and beach shoes. Although the weather is becoming more and more unpredictable, most of the time the weather in Nice is warm and very sunny. People gather tan on the beach all year round. If you decide to get into the water, my advice is to get beach shoes: a kind of soft boot or sandal. In Nice the beach is covered by small rounded stones that are hurting you a lot when you lie down, sit or walk. These pebbles are a trademark of Nice. There are even candies in this shape and coloring.

Nice Plage. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

How to look like locals?

I have not noticed a specific local fashion. You will meet at the same time very elegant and fashionable people, as well as teenagers dressed in sportswear with white sports socks. Hipsters are also popular in Nice. Perhaps the only common local feature is having a suntan.

What should we absolutely try when we’re in Nice?

Nice boasts several local specialties, strongly influenced by the Provencal, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Here jealously follow the tradition of the “apéro“: a light drink and bite in the late afternoon or early evening. At that time, you will taste the most famous local specialties of Socca (chickpea flatbread), Pissaladière (caramelized onion, anchovy, and olives tart), Pan Bagnat (French Tuna Salad Sandwich), and various types of tapenades. With this appetizers, you can drink a cup of Pastis (an anise-flavored spirit and apéritif from France) which resembles the Bulgarian “mastika”. This drink originates from Marseille but is traditional of the entire southern coast. For dessert, you can try the typical “Tarte de blettes”: a kind of pie with Mangold or Chard (spinach beet), raisins and other ingredients.

Where would you take us to have a cup of coffee?

I’ll take you to Castle Hill even thought that there isn’t a sign of the castle. This hill is located between the old town and the port of Nice. Today it is turned into a large and quiet park. From here there is a great view of the city and the sea. And it would be best to have a picnic on the Boron Hill. The fortress there is intact, and the view is uniquely beautiful! From there you can see the entire city of Nice, as well as the bay Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Vue sur Nice de Mont Boron. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

Vue sur Nice – de Mont Boron. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

Vue sur le Port de Nice – du Parc du Chateau. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

Parc du Chateau à Nice. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

The place you’d like to share with us?

There is one place here that over the years proved very special to me. It was here that I made my first exhibition and shot my first show, and today I am managing it. I would say that this is an “alternative place of culture”. It is called “La Zonmé”, which read on verlan (an argot in the French language) means “House”. It is a cultural association with an exhibition space. In the daytime, it houses various workshops (Naturopathy, Art-Therapia, several types of Dances, Yoga, conferences etc.), and concerts, exhibitions, screenings, festivals and other cultural events are organized in the evenings. It is cozy and artistic. You have the feeling that you are at home or in a friend’s living room. And you are surrounded by friends because almost everyone who passes by the association “stays” and becomes a friend and part of the team.

La Zonmé. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

La Zonmé. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

We can’t do without stopping by some galleries and museums. Show us some of your favorites?

Without hesitation, I’ll take you to the “Le Pigeonnier“: Art Squat in the heart of Nice’s old town. At first glance, it looks like an abandoned apartment building. If you cross the threshold, however, you find yourself in the Wonderland. Each room is painted and converted into an art studio, and each studio has its own style. For 15 years there have been dozens of artists, whose traces we still find on the walls, the stairs, the ceilings, the closets and the furthest corners of this building. At present, 10 artists share space. Once a month, exhibitions of “external” artists are also organized.

(50×60) Artifact Lyuba Sofronieva

Lyuba Sofronieva

(50×50) Tik Tak Lyuba Sofronieva

(50×50) Papillons Lyuba Sofronieva

Which book should we take with us for our trip to Nice?

I already mentioned the Provence and Grasse. Take with you “Perfume” by Patrick Süskind, the events described in the book take place exactly here. Or maybe “The Man in the Iron Mask” because he was exiled to the island of Saint Marguerite to Cannes. 

There are lots of clichés about Nice which ones proved to be false?

Everything I had heard of Nice proved to be true.

Please share your experience from your first days in Nice?

First days here were trembling but also confusing and annoying because of inevitable administrative procedures to arrange. I was lucky not to be alone. We arrived a big student group with whom I have studied in Sofia and Frankfurt (Oder). Together we discovered the life in Nice.

Where should we head to after Nice?  

Go to the Nice port and take the first ferry to Corsica. It takes five hours. You will arrive at Calvi. From there no matter where you will decide to go Corsica will like you a lot. Not coincidentally the island is called “The ‘Isle of Beauty”.

Calvi, Corse. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

Calvi, Corse. Credit: Lyuba Sofronieva

  Who is Lyuba Sofronieva?

Lyuba Sofronieva Nice France

I was born in Sofia, I grew up in Varna, graduated from Sofia University. I arrived in Nice almost seven years ago, with the idea of completing the last semester of my Master’s degree in “Media, Communication, and Culture” and then leaving for some other unknown place. I liked the city: not very large, not very small, neat and calm. Nature in the region is wonderful and varied – beach, mountain, rivers, and lakes. You always have the feeling that you are on vacation.

Soon afterward, I started an internship at the regional music magazine “Nouvelle Vague”, for which I write to this day. I was originally a music reporter and editor and then appointed as a marketing and communications manager. My daily life began to follow the rhythm of local press conferences, festivals, and concerts. So I gradually discovered, became acquainted and became part of the local cultural and artistic landscape. And I stayed in Nice.

One day, in a casual conversation with a friend who is also an artist, I decided to show him some of my old drawings as well as two or three newer ones. A few months later, we did a collective exhibition in Nice. My first one! I continued to paint in my free time. When I am drawing I feel so relaxed and liberated. I have a rich and strange fantasy. I’m an adventurous soul, curious, observant, communicative. I have an intensive and rich cultural life. And all these impressions and emotions are urged to be expressed and shared. And my favorite way to do that is painting. The reaction of the people who are seeing my drawings encouraged me to continue. Thanks to the support and the organizational spirit of my excited friends, I have over 20 exhibitions, mainly in France, but also in Zurich, Beirut, Sofia, and Varna.

The drawings take too much time and because of that two years ago I’ve decided to take a creative break. Soon after, I began to volunteer at the La Zonmé Cultural Association and soon I was appointed as a manager. And again I was with little time to create my art. On the other hand, I’ve had my own atelier-exhibition hall in “Le Pigeonnier“: Art Squat for a year and a half.

If you are interested, you can follow my creative work on Facebook. Or click on my sites here and here.

    PIN IT

  On a visit to… Lyuba Sofronieva (Nice, France) I think that more colorful post I have not create until now and for sure I will not do it soon :).

[lexieanimetravel]

There are tons of Filipino Restaurant in different parts of the world. However, only a few existing ones here in Belgium. Pinoy Cuisine or Filipino Cuisine is definitely underrated compare to other Asian cuisines.

Today I’d like to share our first-ever discovery of this astonishing Filipino restaurant Aux Saveurs Restaurant Philippines in Beauraing, Wallonia, Belgium.

Although Filipino cuisine is not that known or popular for foreigners, some people would even prefer Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, or Indian cuisine rather than Filipino.

On the other hand, Pinoy/Filipino cuisine attracts its own kind. Which means? It attracts Filipinos who are working abroad to give a certain patriotism to its own cuisine.

Filipino restaurants get most of their clients Filipino ones than other nationalities. One example that Filipinos are very loyal and favorable of their own product.

How about you? Have you ever tried any Filipino food? Have you ever been to a Filipino restaurant?

Filipino Restaurant in Belgium

As a Filipino living abroad, we normally opt to miss to eat some of our favorite traditional Filipino food back in our country. And even if we try to make or cook the same recipe. There are specific ingredients that are missing and would not probably complete that authentic Filipino taste.

Therefore, we search for ‘an abri’ a shelter where we can try and eat our usual but authentic taste of Filipino cuisine in a Filipino restaurant.

So far, we already went to 1 Filipino restaurant in Brussels (years ago), and the rest was Jollibee in other countries like Italy and the UK. I’ve also heard from other Filipinas another Filipino restaurant in Anderlecht, but we haven’t checked it out yet. Indeed Filipino restaurant is rare to find in Belgium.

How I find the Restaurant

Browsing online is one of my hobbies. I’ve floundered into a Filipino page group where usually Filipinos from all over Belgium can freely post their activities or interesting news on the page.

Scrolling posts on the page, I saw a lady posted some photos of her and family, having a wonderful time in a place called Aux Saveurs Restaurant Philippines. I was curious, so I search for information about the restaurant. Happy to know that it was located in the Wallonia part where my mom-in-law resides.

The day after, Hubby and I went for a weekend to lodge ‘chez maman’ mom-in-law’s place. We’ve agreed to go for a Sunday lunch in this Filipino restaurant in Beauraing. Another way for my family-in-law to discover more of my culture and heritage, especially in terms of cuisine.

Our Discovery Aux Saveurs Restaurant Philippines

Chatting the owner of the restaurant to reserve our place, I looked up to its photos posted and stumbled in their menu list. It offers a wide range of classic Filipino dishes and also French dishes.

They even serve some of my favorite Filipino plats (dishes) like Kare-Kare, BeefStek, Adobo (plat national aux Philippines), Pork Tocino, and a lot more. 

Bringing my family-in-laws in this restaurant, made me feel excited, but, at the same time, nervous. Because it’s their first time to dine-in to a Filipino restaurant.

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Our family was wonderfully welcome by the owner (Ms. Arlene). She was very accomodating and very helpful. She even explained to my in-laws about the ‘plats Filipin’ or Filipino dishes.

For our apéritif/entrée, we ordered two glasses of beer and wine, and a Fanta for my niece. We also had some Kropek crisps and some green and black olives accompanied by two kinds of sauces.

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Hors d’oeuvres

Assortment de Brochettes asiatiques

Hubby and Maman received their entrées from a menu that they’ve chosen. For 25 euros, you already have Entrée, Plat (main dish), and a coffee. For Maman, she received an Hors d’oeuvres, a mix of nem’s, scampi, ravioli, etc.

And for Hubby, it was the Assortment de Brochettes asiatiques. Which composes chicken, porc, beef skewers Pinoy style.

Authentic Filipino Food!

Everyone ordered our main dish. In my case, I have chosen the Chop Suey. It’s a known Filipino/Chinese dish consisting of meat and eggs, cooked quickly with vegetables such as bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery. I’ve taken the one with chicken and a salad instead of rice.

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Nouilles sautées aux poulet

Adobo

We also have Menudo, Chock-full of tender pork, garbanzo beans, vegetables, and raisins in a thick tomato sauce. My Sis-in-law took the Nouilles sautées aux poulet (Fried noodles with chicken). Hubby has the Adobo, the national dish of the Philippines.

It’s a Philippine cuisine that involves meat or vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns, which is browned in oil, and simmered in the marinade.

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Menudo

Pâtes carbonara

Lastly, we also have the un plat enfant (kids dish) for my niece. She chose the pâtes carbonara, which is classic and easy to eat for kids.

Everyone enjoyed their meal, including me, of course. Tasting these Filipino dishes brought me back to where I came from. It also brought me a lot of old memories, especially during my dining out with my Filipino family in the Philippines.

Philippine Dessert

To end our joyful meal, we’ve chosen the Café Gourmand Philippin. It a dessert composes of different sweet and savory Filipino desserts. We have Sapin-Sapin, cassava cake, Biko, ice cream, and some assorted fresh fruits.

As you can see on the dessert plate, the one looks like a pie, with a violet color. It’s called Sapin-Sapin. Layered glutinous rice and coconut dessert in Philippine cuisine.

It is made from rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, water, flavoring, and coloring. Sapin-Sapin is usually sprinkled with latik or toasted desiccated coconut flakes, sprinkled on top.

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Café Gourmand Philippin

Vanilla Ice Cream

Cassava cake is made of grated cassava, coconut milk, evaporated milk, eggs, condensed milk, and granulated white sugar. While Biko is made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar.

We also have a scoop of vanilla ice cream filled with whip cream for our little kid in the table.

Meeting the Owner and other Filipinas

My Family-in-laws and I had a great Sunday while exploring this first Filipino restaurant here in Beauraing, Wallonia. I had the opportunity to talk and share conversations with the owner and also to other Filipinas who were there with their partners.

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Although, I didn’t spend a lot of time with them. I’m pretty happy to speak Tagalog/Filipino once in a while with other Filipinos here in Belgium. It was certainly a wonderful discovery and a great pleasure to see other Kababayans here in Belgium.

Thank you again to Ms. Arlene for the best food and best service!

I’ll give it a 10/10 Visit Aux Saveurs Restaurant Philippines at Rue de bouillon 57, Beauraing 5570, Wallonia Belgium. Or check out its Facebook page for more information.

First Filipino Restaurant in Wallonia, Belgium

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First Filipino Restaurant in Wallonia, Belgium – Aux Saveurs Restaurant Philippines There are tons of Filipino Restaurant in different parts of the world. However, only a few existing ones here in Belgium.

[biofunmy]

36 Hours in Santa Barbara County

With its Mission-style facades and showy tropical foliage, Santa Barbara could be a commercial for the California good life. It can be easy to underestimate the struggles of a place so seemingly flawless. But Santa Barbara has had a tough few years. From the devastating wildfires in 2017 and 2018 to the flooding and mudslides that followed, the county has experienced more than its share of trauma. Yet if it weren’t for the charred chaparral faintly visible on the surrounding hillsides, the average visitor might never know. This is, after all, a place that’s good at reinventing itself. That spirit is on display at the new Hotel Californian, which sits on the site of a grand beach resort that was destroyed — just weeks after opening — by the 1925 earthquake that defined modern Santa Barbara’s architecture and character. Smack in the center of Southern California’s spectacular coastline, the county is surprisingly rural. In its multigenerational ranches and farms, its remarkably undeveloped public beaches, and the expansive Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County offers glimpses of California before it got crowded.

Friday

1) 3 p.m. Sweet stroll

Start your visit in the city of Santa Barbara with a cone at Rori’s, a decadent ice creamery in the Santa Barbara Public Market, which serves organic ice cream in flavors like Black Pepper Pistachio, Root Beer Float or vegan (coconut milk-based) Tropical Wild Berry. Cones start at $5.50, so take advantage of the kid’s happy hour (3 to 5 p.m. daily, when cones are two for the price of one). Then, drive up past the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, a striking colonial structure representing a tragic history, to the 78-acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, established in 1926 and devoted to pre-Columbian native species. Shake off your travels with a walk along the garden’s meandering pathways, alive with the sound of bird calls and chirping insects. Find a shady spot beneath a coast live oak or coastal redwood and appreciate the plant life — species like the Russian River Coyote mint and the Canyon Prince giant wild rye — that thrived in the area’s temperate climate before the arrival of the Europeans.

2) 5 p.m. Magic Hour

Head downtown and explore the city’s paseos, plazas and parks, including Alameda and Alice Keck parks, twin parks and gardens that, combined, include a koi pond, exotic trees like Canary Island date palms and Hong Kong orchids, and Kid’s World, a community-constructed wooden play structure that overflows with shrieking children. On State Street, Santa Barbara’s main drag, stop for Apéritif Hour ($10 Sunshine Spritzes, made with Aperol alternatives like Cocchi Rosa and Cappelletti aperitif wines) at Satellite, an outer space-themed restaurant and wine bar with a menu designed by the chef Emma West of the beloved, now shuttered, Julienne Restaurant. Satellite serves sexy, distinctly California dishes like Rad Toast ($7), the Yoga Pants Salad ($16), and Smoked Shrooms ($16) in a casual, bar-like setting with a mod décor of avocado-colored bench seats, framed newspaper clippings of the moon landing, and film reels of early rocket launches and moon walks projected on the wall. While the food is meat-free and the wines lean “natural,” Satellite doesn’t take itself too seriously. Then, snag a bike at downtown’s Bikes to Go rental station ($10 per hour, $35 per day) in the open-air Paseo Nuevo mall, and cruise downhill to the pier for the ultimate pre-dinner show: a Pacific Coast sunset.

3) 8 p.m. Special occasion

The 10-table, largely unadorned dining room at Yoichi’s is deceptively modest. It feels like stepping into the home of an extraordinarily gracious host. It makes sense, then, that this kaiseki-style restaurant, which specializes in multicourse meals, is a mom-and-pop establishment. Opened in 2015, the restaurant, named for its chef and co-owner Yoichi Kawabata, serves a seven-course, $125 prix fixe menu that builds on itself — from the zensai (appetizers) to owan (soups), the mukouzuke (chef’s choice sashimi) to the yakimono (grilled dish) and mushimono (steamed and simmered dish). Small plates arrive one after the next, featuring complex dishes with clean flavors, including the Jell-O-like water shield and briny snails, pickled plum in bonito broth and egg custard soup with rockfish. By the time you’re sipping a complimentary glass of yuzu sake at the end of your meal, the cumulative effect of the experience feels more like a brilliantly executed concept album than mere nourishment.

Saturday

4) 8 a.m. Burritos and books

Get an early start at Super Cucas, an out-of-the-way Mexican grocery with a meat counter, dried chiles in bulk, and 20 varieties of breakfast burrito — including an Energy Burrito stuffed with the region’s signature meat, beef tri-tip, vegetables, scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes and housemade salsa ($7.99) — starting at 6 a.m. Alongside a Mexican Coke, they’re an ideal early morning, pre-surf session, eat-by-the-beach breakfast. Then, head to Chaucer’s Books, an independent bookstore so charming it warranted a love letter (in essay form) from the writer Pico Iyer. Pick up a beach read, a book on local history, or let the kids loose in the store’s children’s corner, which feels like a literary wonderland for little people.

5) 10 a.m. Go Go Gaviota

Drive north along a stretch of Highway 101 that includes two of California’s most stunning state park beaches, Refugio and Gaviota. For a mellow morning paddle along this spectacular, white sand and palm-tree-adorned coastline, schedule a kayak tour ($119 per person, lunch included) — at least a week in advance is recommended — with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. After a quick beginners-friendly tutorial, float over forests of kelp, the fastest-growing plant on the planet, while learning about Pacific marine ecology and watching for seals, dolphins and brown pelicans. Or, if you’re up for an arduous but rewarding hike, take the Gaviota Hot Springs-Trespass Trail ($2 parking fee), which climbs over 1,000 feet through wildflowers and blooming agave plants for a dazzling view. Or, skip the hike and head for the “hot springs” — lukewarm, crystal clear, sulphuric-smelling and shaded by a single palm.

6) 2 p.m. Wind into wine country

Cut inland across a landscape of giant boulders, chaparral and ranchland until you reach Buellton, a town that was, until recently, most famous for a nearly century-old road food institution, Pea Soup Andersen’s restaurant. In the last two decades, the Santa Ynez Valley’s wine-growing reputation has begun drawing not only wine enthusiasts, but the restaurants to feed them. For a lunch of oysters topped with fresh uni ($8), white shrimp with pancetta, chile and garlic ($13), beef tongue pastrami Reuben ($16), smoked pheasant with basil and citrus ($14), and exotic wood-fired pizzas (think skirt steak, tomatillo and queso fresco, $15), stop into Industrial Eats, which is named for its location in an industrial park surrounded by breweries, wineries and distilleries.

7) 3:30 p.m. Wine country, itself

Pence Vineyards and Winery, on Route 246, is a working cattle ranch that grows Burgundian varietals, mostly pinots and Chardonnays, on a creatively landscaped vineyard with a pond, trails and an appointment-only tasting room. If you’re not a drinker, or traveling with children, head instead to Solvang’s Ostrichland ($5 admission), where you can buy a pan of bird feed ($1) for the farm’s 100 or so ostriches and emus. The gift shop sells the bird’s oversize eggs. Then, hop over to Los Olivos, an impossibly cute town that overflows with tourists on weekends, and stop into Story of Soil, a tasting room manned by the husband of the winemaker, Jessica Gasca, who focuses on single vineyard, single varietal wines, including a standout Gamay, that have a cult following.

8) 6 p.m. Dine Outside

Drive down Route 154 from Los Olivos, past Cachuma Lake, to Cold Spring Tavern. This former creekside stagecoach stop at the top of the San Marcos Pass has been a staple of California road trip culture since 1865, before the automobile was invented. A wooden shack draped in ivy and filled with Old Western charm and tchotchkes, from taxidermy to wagon wheel chandeliers, serves the region’s famed tri-tip grilled over red oak and has live music in its backyard, where picnic tables offer extra seating. Or, for a more cosmopolitan dining experience in the city of Santa Barbara, sit beneath the strung lights on Loquita’s side patio, where quintessentially Spanish dishes like pan con tomate (pan de cristal — a ciabatta-like Spanish bread — with grated tomato, garlic and herbs, $9) and pulpo (Spanish-style octopus with black garlic aioli, lemon vinaigrette, potato purée and pickled red onion, $22) mix with the gauzy atmosphere in ways both intoxicating and magical. The restaurant, which is one of the restaurateur Sherry Villanueva’s many hits (including popular local spots like Helena Avenue Bakery, The Lark and Tyger Tyger) also offers a drink list heavy on Spanish wines, sherries, vermouths and gin and tonics. Don’t miss the Loquita Martini with an El Bulli olive ($15).

9) 7 p.m. History theater

Built in 1930, on the site of the once-grand Arlington Hotel, the Arlington Theater in the city of Santa Barbara was built in the era’s characteristic Mission Revival style. A former movie theater that still sometimes hosts films and festivals, the 2,000-seat Arlington features a Robert Morton pipe organ that rises onto the stage during musical performances. While the Arlington’s interior is painted to create the illusion of a Spanish night, its stage flanked with illustrated villas and stars overhead, the Santa Barbara Bowl sits on a hillside dotted with Southern California mansions. A venue with an ocean view, the Bowl was funded by the Works Project Administration and carved into a former quarry in the 1930s. Designed to accommodate the Arabian horses that are a staple of the annual Fiesta celebration, the venue now hosts a mix of big name acts — from the Raconteurs to Lionel Richie — and other performances and events, like the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival, from spring into the fall.

Sunday

10) 9 a.m. Surf’s up

Carpinteria’s Esau’s Cafe is an old school breakfast diner with bright orange vinyl booths, housemade muffins cooling on the ledge of an open kitchen, hot sauce containers crowding the diner counter, and — because this is California — surf posters on the wall. A nearly 90-year-old institution, Esau’s serves heaping platters of diner classics along with some California-centric riffs, like the roasted Pasillo chile relleno omelet ($13.95) and the so-called “Basic Breakfast” with a mahi-mahi steak and eggs ($11.95) in place of the more conventional beef steak. After breakfast, head up the coast and across the train tracks to join the locals at Padaro Beach — or, as it’s known here, Santa Claus Beach.

11) 1:30 p.m. Made in Santa Barbara

The Funk Zone’s Seaside Makers Collective opened last year in response to the economic toll the city’s recent hardship was taking on the area’s artists and artisans. The shop’s handmade crafts, jewelry and body products — including a skin-care line made from the byproducts of the local wine grape industry, and jewelry made from local sea glass and abalone shells — are great gifts and souvenirs, evoking Santa Barbara’s personality while supporting its craftspeople. Around the corner, The Blue Door is a multistory emporium of vintage and antique housewares, furniture, clothes and more. Along with its eclectic used goods, the shop also carries some Santa Barbara-made products, like a line of beach-inspired candles from Santa Barbara Apothecary Company, in scents like San Isidro Lavender, Surfer’s Point, Ellwood Eucalyptus, and, amusingly, Montecito Money.

Lodging

With a look designed to reflect California surf culture nostalgia, Kimpton Goodland (5650 Calle Real, Goleta) has yoga mats and turntables in every room (starting around $250), an on-site record shop, bikes to borrow and a courtyard pool.

Part of Shelter Social Club, a small local chain of vintage motels that have been stylishly rehabbed, Agave Inn (3222 State Street, Santa Barbara) is a basic, budget-friendly option with a bit of character and 13 rooms starting at $139.

For affordable, family-friendly accommodations near the beach, look for Airbnb rentals in the Mesa neighborhoods — East, West and Alta — which have gorgeous views, attractive historic homes, and are close to the Douglas Family Preserve and Hendry’s Beach, and not far from downtown. Prices for an entire cottage or guesthouse start in the mid $100s.

52 PLACES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE Follow our 52 Places traveler, Sebastian Modak, on Instagram as he travels the world, and discover more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter: Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

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[brookston]

Holidays 5.18

Holidays

Baltic Fleet Day (Russia)

Black Watch Day

Constitution and Flag Day (Turkmenistan)

Day of Remembrance of Crimean Tatar Genocide (Ukraine)

Discovery Day (Cayman Islands)

eCard Day

Fibroid Awareness Day (Jamaica)

Flag and Universities Day (Haiti)

Hispanic Family Day

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

International Day for Women in Maritime

International Museum Day [also 9.18]

Let’s Get Creative Day

Magtymguly Day (a.k.a. Revival, Unity & Poetry Day; Turkmenistan)

Mother Whistler Day

Mount Saint Helens Day

Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day (Sri Lankan Tamils)

National AAPI Day Against Bullying

National Brock Day

National CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day

National Fascination of Plants Day

National Haitian Soul Snatching Day

National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

National Kids Ignite Good! Day

National Marvin Day

National Speech Pathologist Day

National Stress Awareness Day

National Tenant's Day

No Dirty Dishes Day

Rooster Day

Send An Electronic Greeting Card Day

Teacher’s Day (Syria)

Victory Day (Sri Lanka)

Visit Your Relatives Day

World AIDS Vaccine Day

World Catholic Education Day

World Goodwill Day

World Hollandia Dairy Day (Nigeria)

World Homocystinurias Awareness Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

I Love Reese’s Day

National Bento Day

National Cheese Soufflé Day

National Cocktail Day (Portugal)

National Marshmallow Day (Australia)

Wild Mustard Day (French Republic)

3rd Thursday in May

Brown Bag It Thursday [3rd Thursday]

Global Accessibility Awareness Day [3rd Thursday]

Hummus Day [3rd Thursday]

International Vyshyvanka Day [3rd Thursday]

National Apéritif Day [3rd Thursday]

National Notebook Day [3rd Thursday]

Independence Days

Shorewell (Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]

Somaliland (from Somalia, 1991) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury (Christian; Saint)

Apollon Day (Old Roman Festival to Apollo, God of Music, Poetry & Sunlight)

Ascension Day [39 Days after Easter, 40th Day of Easter] (a.k.a. …

Father's Day (Germany)

Feast of the Ascension

Festa della Sensa (Venice)

Global Day of Prayer (Western Christianity)

Heroes' Day (Romania)

Holy Thursday

Sheep Festival (Cameroon)

Eric IX, King of Sweden (Christian; Saint)

Felix of Cantalice (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Faunus (Ancient Rome)

Festival of Pan (Ancient Greece)

Gertrude Käsebier (Artology)

John I, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Leonard Nimoy Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

The Letter Tree (Muppetism)

Papinian (Positivist; Saint)

Potamon (Christian; Saint)

Russell’s Teapot Day (Pastafarian)

Theodotus (Christian; Saint) [innkeepers]

Venantius of Camerino (Christian; Saint)

Vor’s Blot (Pagan)

Yom Yerushalayim begins (Jerusalem Day; Israel) [Iyar 28]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [19 of 53]

Lucky Day (Philippines) [30 of 71]

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

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [24 of 37]

Premieres

Baptism, by Lenny Kravitz (Album; 2004)

Book Club (Film; 2018)

Buddy’s Lost World (WB LT Cartoon; 1935)

Bus Stop, recorded by The Hollies (Song; 1966)

Cadillac Man (Film; 1990)

Deadpool 2 (Film; 2018)

Dracula, by Bram Stoker (Novel; 1897)

Enter Talking, by Joan Rivers (Memoir; 1986)

First Family, by David Baldacci (Novel; 2009)

French Connection II (Film; 1975)

The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood (Novel; 1986)

The House of the Rising Sun, recorded by The Animals (Song; 1964)

Millennium, by the Backstreet Boys (Album; 1999)

Moulin Rouge! (Film; 2001)

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Film; 2011)

Pop Life, by Bananarama (Album; 1991)

Shrek (Animated Film; 2001)

Shrek the Third (Animated Film; 2007)

State of Play (UK TV Mini-Series; 2003)

Warren Zevon, by Warren Zevon (Album; 1976)

You Ought to Be in Pictures (WB LT Cartoon; 1940)

Today’s Name Days

Erich, Erika, Felix, Johannes (Austria)

Feliks, Ivan, Srećko, Venancije (Croatia)

Nataša (Czech Republic)

Erik (Denmark)

Eeri, Eerik, Eero, Ergi, Ergo, Erich, Erik, Erki, Erko (Estonia)

Eerik, Eerika, Eerikki, Eero, Erkka, Erkki (Finland)

Éric (France)

Erich, Erika, Felix, Johannes (Germany)

Faeini, Galateia, Ioulia, Julia (Greece)

Alexandra, Erik (Hungary)

Enrico, Erico, Giovanni, Luciano, Venanzio, Veneziano (Italy)

Cindija, Ēriks, Inese, Inesis (Latvia)

Erdvilas, Erikas, Julita, Rytė, Venancijus (Lithuania)

Eirik, Erik, Erika (Norway)

Aleksander, Aleksandra, Alicja, Edwin, Eryk, Eryka, Feliks, Irina, Liboriusz, Myślibor, Wenancjusz (Poland)

Teodot (România)

Viola (Slovakia)

Claudia, Félix (Spain)

Erik (Sweden)

Rosalia, Rose (Ukraine)

Aric, Eric, Erica, Erich, Erick, Ericka, Erik, Erika, Perry (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 138 of 2024; 227 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 20 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 3 (Bing-Chen), Day 29 (Bing-Zi)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 27 Iyar 5783

Islamic: 27 Shawwal 1444

J Cal: 17 Bīja; Threesday [17 of 30]

Julian: 5 May 2023

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 26 Caesar (5th Month) [Papinian]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 60 of 90)

Zodiac: Taurus (Day 29 of 30)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 5.18

Holidays

Baltic Fleet Day (Russia)

Black Watch Day

Constitution and Flag Day (Turkmenistan)

Day of Remembrance of Crimean Tatar Genocide (Ukraine)

Discovery Day (Cayman Islands)

eCard Day

Fibroid Awareness Day (Jamaica)

Flag and Universities Day (Haiti)

Hispanic Family Day

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

International Day for Women in Maritime

International Museum Day [also 9.18]

Let’s Get Creative Day

Magtymguly Day (a.k.a. Revival, Unity & Poetry Day; Turkmenistan)

Mother Whistler Day

Mount Saint Helens Day

Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day (Sri Lankan Tamils)

National AAPI Day Against Bullying

National Brock Day

National CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day

National Fascination of Plants Day

National Haitian Soul Snatching Day

National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

National Kids Ignite Good! Day

National Marvin Day

National Speech Pathologist Day

National Stress Awareness Day

National Tenant's Day

No Dirty Dishes Day

Rooster Day

Send An Electronic Greeting Card Day

Teacher’s Day (Syria)

Victory Day (Sri Lanka)

Visit Your Relatives Day

World AIDS Vaccine Day

World Catholic Education Day

World Goodwill Day

World Hollandia Dairy Day (Nigeria)

World Homocystinurias Awareness Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

I Love Reese’s Day

National Bento Day

National Cheese Soufflé Day

National Cocktail Day (Portugal)

National Marshmallow Day (Australia)

Wild Mustard Day (French Republic)

3rd Thursday in May

Brown Bag It Thursday [3rd Thursday]

Global Accessibility Awareness Day [3rd Thursday]

Hummus Day [3rd Thursday]

International Vyshyvanka Day [3rd Thursday]

National Apéritif Day [3rd Thursday]

National Notebook Day [3rd Thursday]

Independence Days

Shorewell (Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]

Somaliland (from Somalia, 1991) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury (Christian; Saint)

Apollon Day (Old Roman Festival to Apollo, God of Music, Poetry & Sunlight)

Ascension Day [39 Days after Easter, 40th Day of Easter] (a.k.a. …

Father's Day (Germany)

Feast of the Ascension

Festa della Sensa (Venice)

Global Day of Prayer (Western Christianity)

Heroes' Day (Romania)

Holy Thursday

Sheep Festival (Cameroon)

Eric IX, King of Sweden (Christian; Saint)

Felix of Cantalice (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Faunus (Ancient Rome)

Festival of Pan (Ancient Greece)

Gertrude Käsebier (Artology)

John I, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Leonard Nimoy Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

The Letter Tree (Muppetism)

Papinian (Positivist; Saint)

Potamon (Christian; Saint)

Russell’s Teapot Day (Pastafarian)

Theodotus (Christian; Saint) [innkeepers]

Venantius of Camerino (Christian; Saint)

Vor’s Blot (Pagan)

Yom Yerushalayim begins (Jerusalem Day; Israel) [Iyar 28]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [19 of 53]

Lucky Day (Philippines) [30 of 71]

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

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [24 of 37]

Premieres

Baptism, by Lenny Kravitz (Album; 2004)

Book Club (Film; 2018)

Buddy’s Lost World (WB LT Cartoon; 1935)

Bus Stop, recorded by The Hollies (Song; 1966)

Cadillac Man (Film; 1990)

Deadpool 2 (Film; 2018)

Dracula, by Bram Stoker (Novel; 1897)

Enter Talking, by Joan Rivers (Memoir; 1986)

First Family, by David Baldacci (Novel; 2009)

French Connection II (Film; 1975)

The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood (Novel; 1986)

The House of the Rising Sun, recorded by The Animals (Song; 1964)

Millennium, by the Backstreet Boys (Album; 1999)

Moulin Rouge! (Film; 2001)

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Film; 2011)

Pop Life, by Bananarama (Album; 1991)

Shrek (Animated Film; 2001)

Shrek the Third (Animated Film; 2007)

State of Play (UK TV Mini-Series; 2003)

Warren Zevon, by Warren Zevon (Album; 1976)

You Ought to Be in Pictures (WB LT Cartoon; 1940)

Today’s Name Days

Erich, Erika, Felix, Johannes (Austria)

Feliks, Ivan, Srećko, Venancije (Croatia)

Nataša (Czech Republic)

Erik (Denmark)

Eeri, Eerik, Eero, Ergi, Ergo, Erich, Erik, Erki, Erko (Estonia)

Eerik, Eerika, Eerikki, Eero, Erkka, Erkki (Finland)

Éric (France)

Erich, Erika, Felix, Johannes (Germany)

Faeini, Galateia, Ioulia, Julia (Greece)

Alexandra, Erik (Hungary)

Enrico, Erico, Giovanni, Luciano, Venanzio, Veneziano (Italy)

Cindija, Ēriks, Inese, Inesis (Latvia)

Erdvilas, Erikas, Julita, Rytė, Venancijus (Lithuania)

Eirik, Erik, Erika (Norway)

Aleksander, Aleksandra, Alicja, Edwin, Eryk, Eryka, Feliks, Irina, Liboriusz, Myślibor, Wenancjusz (Poland)

Teodot (România)

Viola (Slovakia)

Claudia, Félix (Spain)

Erik (Sweden)

Rosalia, Rose (Ukraine)

Aric, Eric, Erica, Erich, Erick, Ericka, Erik, Erika, Perry (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 138 of 2024; 227 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 20 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 5 of 28]

Chinese: Month 3 (Bing-Chen), Day 29 (Bing-Zi)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 27 Iyar 5783

Islamic: 27 Shawwal 1444

J Cal: 17 Bīja; Threesday [17 of 30]

Julian: 5 May 2023

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 26 Caesar (5th Month) [Papinian]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 9 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 60 of 90)

Zodiac: Taurus (Day 29 of 30)

[rabbitcruiser]

National Apéritif Day

If you need a little something to whet your whistle, go grab a glass. It’s National Aperitif Day, a spirited holiday observed annually on the third Thursday in May.

According to Merriam-Webster, an aperitif is “an alcoholic drink that people drink before eating a meal.” An aperitif stimulates the appetite and palate without overwhelming ones' senses. Best served cold, these clean and light cocktails typically contain vermouth, gin or Campari.

Source

An apéritif is an alcoholic beverage usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, and is therefore usually dry rather than sweet. Common choices for an apéritif are vermouth; champagne; pastis; gin; rakı; fino, amontillado or other styles of dry sherry (but not usually cream or oloroso blended sherry, which is very sweet and rich); and any still, dry, light white wine.

An apéritif may also be an hors d'oeuvre or amuse-bouche preceding a meal, such as crackers, cheese, pâté, quiche or olives.

Apéritif is a French word derived from the Latin verb aperire, which means "to open". The French slang word for apéritif is apéro, although in France an apéro is also food eaten in the late afternoon or early evening.

Source

[nebris]

“Apéritif á La Tour Rouge”

Author's Note: I wrote this about five years ago, one of my earliest Sisterhood short stories. I don't repost it much because it's long on Info Dump and short on 'story', which is one of the pitfalls of Ideologically Driven Fiction. That said however, it does give a clean view of how I hope The Sisterhood unfolds, tho I am realistic enough to know it'll probably won't look like this.

~Miki Nemmera sat in a secure private lounge of Le Tour Rouge, sipped her Passito, looked out upon the Parisian skyline. In the distance, the lights of the newly refurbished Eiffel Tower had just come on, bright against the Autumn dusk. Le Tour Rouge a was the premier diplomatic watering hole in Paris, the new headquarters city of the United Nations. New York was still a shambles and too vulnerable to storms, so the European Union proposed Paris, with the entire Île-de-France as a UN Protected Zone. This choice was to make up for Berlin becoming the EU capital itself, a deal that was brokered by the Union of Matrilineal Republics. Miki Nemmera kept track of such things, being First Vice-Minister of External Affairs of the UMR. And most did call her Miki, her given name, Mictecacihuatl – an Aztec vampire Moon Goddess – being far too difficult for most to pronounce. Le Tour Rouge was an elongated plasteen pyramid perched upon the butte Montmartre, its particular variety of the space manufactured material refracting through the red spectrum, which cause it to shine like a vast ruby during the day, but be a reflective jet black after dark. At its base was a ring of flagpoles flying those of the UN's members. The oldest, after the UN's sky blue and white globe flag, was the deep blue EU banner with its ring of yellow stars. Both predated the Age of Storms. The others were newer. The Union of Matrilineal Republics' was a field of twilight blue – symbolizing a New Dawn – with a narrow red band at the bottom – paying homage to the old California state flag, the original home of The Sisterhood – and an eight pointed red star imposed upon a white wreath in the upper left canton – indicative of The Sisterhood's expansion out onto the world and beyond. Some called that The Flag of The Sisterhood, but while the UMR was functionally also The Sisterhood, its flag was not. The Sisterhood's flag was a solid black – symbolizing the infinite nature of the universe – while in the upper left canton was a white Pentagram – symbol of Witches – with a red V superimposed upon it – representing The Sisterhood's Five Precepts – both inside a white wreath – representing union and triumph. But that was a 'religious' flag and The Sisterhood was wise enough to keep their Politics and their Religion separate, at least outside of their own borders. The African Federation's flag had a black silhouette of the continent, at its center a large yellow wreath with a crossed yellow spear and spade, imposed upon a field of red and green divided horizontally. The Siberian Confederacy's flag was three simple horizontal bands of red, green, and brown of equal width. There were a few dozen more, but those four, Europe, Africa, Siberia, and The UMR, were the 'major players' on the world stage at the moment. And here in Paris is where they played Politics. Miki poured herself some more Passito, an act that would shock some of The Sisterhood's opponents. Many of them believed no Sister would ever perform any type of 'menial task', but would instead have some Servitor do it for her. She laughed softly at the thought. She'd countered that argument a number of times. “When I was a little girl,” she'd say, “I made my own bed and cleaned my own room,” both true statements and also true for any Sister who grew up in one of The Cults. Occasionally, she'd bring up Universal Service, but that tended to scare people and remind them that The Sisterhood was not simply a Matriarchy, but also an Amazon society, so she usually did not mention that up unless she wished to intimidate. Universal Service was the UMR's final Citizenship Ritual, requiring every Sister to provide a contiguous thirty months service in one of Earth Force's three branches – Ground, Sea, and Sky Force – some time between their twentieth and thirtieth birthdays. And then be part of the Ready Reserve essentially for the rest of their lives. Earth Force was one of the two major components of the Ministry of Force, the other being Space Force. The Ministry, which was generally known as MoF [said Em-Oh-Ef], was actually a paramilitary department and really used very little 'force' at all. Though Ground, Sea, and Sky Force were somewhat analogous to a army, navy, and air force, the majority of their operations were effectively civil in nature, infrastructure projects, search and rescue, peacekeeping, etc. For example, the vast archeologies where non-citizens resided were constructed by the Ground Force Corps of Engineers. Now that the non-citizen population was dwindling, the GF/CE was converting them into vast hydroponic towers. But the GF/CE's pride and glory was the Quito Space Elevator, built in cooperation with Sky Force and Space Force's own separate Corps of Engineers. It was The Sisterhood's main highway into space and the principal instrument by which they had come to dominate near Earth space. Miki had gone into Sea Force on a Space Force track, the latter being organized upon naval lines, and learned the essentials of large vessel operations. When she completed her Service Contract with Sea Force she went straight to Space Force Academy at the El-Five Complex. That lasted twice as long as Sea Force service. She served twelve years after that, mostly on the gigantic Loop Ships that ran on long loop shaped orbital patterns out from El-Five to Mars or to the Asteroid Belt and back. The Mars run was eighteen months round trip. The Asteroid Belt run was thirty five months. Space Force operated all of the UMR's space endeavors, military discipline and organization being a functional prerequisite for operating in that highly unforgiving environment, but it too was largely paramilitary, with the emphasis on the 'para'. In fact, MoF's name was really a psycho-political euphemism. Except for what had become three of the most terrifying words in the world: Marine Drop Trooper. The Space Force Marine Corps was a purely military organization and when force was actually required, it was the Marines who provided said, dropping down out of orbit upon whomever had provoked The Sisterhood sufficiently. Unlike Ground Force, where the majority of personnel were Sisters, in Space Force and its Marine Corp, Sisters were officers and NCO's. The rest were Mandroids, all specialized technical personnel. And Marine Mandroids were specialized in fighting, killing and, occasionally, dying. Usually no more than a battalion were kept active on Response Status. The rest were kept in storage in a light medical coma, a technique widely used for non-operational Mandriods on long space runs. Marine Drop Troopers were not sociable beings and The Sisterhood kept them on a tight leash. Like the majority of Space Force officers, Miki had only encountered Drop Troopers during her Academy days as part of an Orientation and Familiarization Course. And even though as an Initiated Sister she was a formidable killer in her own right, like many, they made her shudder a bit. But most space ops had no need of them. Space Force Mandroid personnel were perfectly disciplined and cooperative and always efficient. That was thoroughly programed into them. Miki sighed. Even given the obvious rigorousness and dynamism of The Sisterhood, the regular insinuation of Decadence was a standard Phallist canard, based upon the real fear of the UMR's massive number of Mandroid servitors, a number which grew steadily with each passing day. Mandroids were really just a type of cyborg, but since the majority of humans these days had some manner of cybernetic augmentation, a separate term had been needed. Most Mandroids were grown in uterine replicators based upon modified porcine uteri, and were commonly called 'tank babies'. Y-chromosome DNA was used exclusively in that process and was extensively engineered to enhance inclinations and tendencies for the various subtypes. Tank baby Mandroids were usually of a lesser mental capacity and heavily augmented, Guidance Mechanisms being implanted in the brain's pleasure/pain centers before they were ever hatched. That also solved the problem of 'socialization'. Experience had shown that the isolating 'non-humanness' of the replicators tended to regularly produce sociopathic and psychotic individuals, which was one of the principle reasons The Sisterhood practiced the live birth of their daughters. Obviously, they did not bear any male offspring and they certainly had the tech to make sure that they never did. The Sisterhood used a certain amount of purely mechanical/electronic robots, but overall, robots had never reached the level of functional and economic efficiency of Mandroids, either in manufacture or operation. Too many raw materials needed. Basic mechanics too complex and often unreliable. But it was in 'brain function' that robots really fell behind Mandroids. Ultimately, it was far easier to downgrade the biological that it was to upgrade the cybernetic. It was the UMR's Ministry of Service that designed and created every variety of Mandroid, and was not only their sole producer, but also their sole legal owner. All Mandriods were leased, not owned, by their end users under a Usufruct Contract and that included every one of them from a single domestic servitor to the tens of millions employed by Space Force from Dirtside to the Asteroid Belt. And the MoS's Rules and Regulations regarding Care and Utilization under that contract were well defined and rigorously enforced. And so The Sisterhood had finally resolved the ancient and pernicious human problem of social inequality, and permanently solved the issue of Labor Supply, by creating a specialized working class, one which was always happy and productive, and whose members could be stored in a medical coma when not needed or when shipped on long distance runs off planet. Of course, the entire concept and its mechanisms were an anathema to Humanists and Phallists alike, though for different reasons. For the latter, it meant that they and their world view were doomed, as who could resist such a society? Essentially, they were fighting a 'rear guard action' and knew it, not that this made them any the less determined to fight. For the former, it was considered slavery, plain and simple, and was therefore Evil, no matter the details. That they could never come up with a realistic plan for what to actually do with the 'slaves' they wished to liberate was brushed aside. And they were horrified by The Sisters when they said, “Well, we could just space them all,” usually with a predatory grin. Miki, and The Sisterhood in general, tended to have more contempt for The Humanists than for The Phallists. At least the Phallist position was honest. They were overtly committed to Masculine Supremacy and were not at all apologetic about that. The Sisterhood knew The Phallists were wrong - history made that quite clear - but they stood by their position without equivocation. The Humanists however used all manner of philosophical smokes screens such as Freedom and Individuality to disguise a set of beliefs and practices not particularly different from The Phallists. At its core, Humanism boiled down to Survival of The Fittest, with some 'social welfare' attached to pretty things up. Liberal Humanism had once been a vital force and had changed human affairs for the better. But it inevitably fell victim to the Cult of The Individual and then fractured into ideological factionalism, individual narcissism and intellectual decadence. Its absolute rejection of Hierarchy doomed it to impotence. Humans are a social species and Hierarchy comes naturally to all human endeavors. The Sisterhood, The Phallists and The Humanists all existed Hierarchically, but the latter rigorously denied it. Both of the former could then undermine them in detail. The Phallists had used the Humanists as moral cover to pass laws in several states totally banning Mandriods. This included the EU, Africa, and Siberia. Such laws were meaningless however, as the MoS forbade the exportation of most types of Mandriods outside the UMR itself and of any type to a state that had not entered into a Friendship Treaty with the UMR. Such a treaty gave the MoS full and unilateral access to their Servitors and the authority to take “direct and forceful action to preserve and protect said.” That included calling in Drop Troopers if necessary. To date, every entity that had signed a Friendship Treaty had been first socially and then legally annexed by The Sisterhood within a decade or so of signing, as male birth rates would plummet and most the local females tended to become fully fledged Sisters. The relentlessness of this trend forced the improvement of women's status throughout the rest of the world. If a women was unsatisfied with her lot, she could immigrate to The Sisterhood, which had all manner of Genetic and Cybernetic programs for fully integrating 'outside' Sisters into the fold. All a woman had to do was apply at any UMR Embassy or Consulate. No woman was ever turned away. More terrifying to the Phallists however, was the significant number of mostly younger males who also immigrated into the UMR. The MoS maintained a Special Augmentation division to convert these male immigrants into Special Service Mandriods, quite often some type of Pleasure Servitor. These types were highly prized and very well treated and their lives were something of a legend outside of The Sisterhood. There was a Male Birth Movement, in which men would have a womb surgically implanted and would only have male children. But they were few in number and most Phallists were repulsed by the idea. And because of the psychological problems inherent in non-augmented 'tank babies', attempts to increase the male population using that technology had been grotesque and horrifying failures. One of them, a South Asian republic of homicidal psychotics, had required the deployment of an entire Marine Drop Brigade to 'clean up the mess'. Miki had been at Space Force Academy during that little horror. The whole Cadet Corps had been glued to the live feeds for days. She finished off her second glass of Passito on that memory. She looked again at the night time sky over Paris, the city now fully illuminated and living up to its old title. Miki was here at Le Tour Rouge to have a private meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Siberian Confederacy, Yulia Prokharovka. And the secure lounges were the next best thing to the UMR's own Embassy, Le Tour Rouge in fact being owned – through about a dozen front companies – by the MoF's General Security Directorate. The GSD handled all The Sisterhood's 'security issues', everywhere. Siberia had become very powerful in the last decade, the melting of the permafrost opening up access to raw materials and making it an agricultural dynamo. The Confederacy had absorbed Mongolia, Manchuria, and the Korean Peninsula, more with food than with military might, though it possessed that as well. Kaminov Yao, the Prime Minister for two decades, had been the motivator of this expansion. He smiled out at the world, but kept a tight rein at home. He was not overtly hostile to the UMR: that was suicidal at best. But he quietly resisted its influence as best he could. However, he had recently 'become ill'. Hence Miki's meeting with Prokharovka. As First Vice-Minister of External Affairs, she handled all the 'delicate' matters. And they had been their respective state's UN Ambassadors at the same time, so she had known Yulia for years...and she was also her GSD contact. Yulia arrived precisely at the appointed time. They smiled, hugged and kissed. They could be sisters. Tall, solidly built, with jet black hair and 'Asiatic' features, though Miki was darker, having Mesoamerican blood and a dozen years of UV in Space Force. Miki poured her some Passito. They made small talk. And then Miki activated the various dampeners. The air went dead. “I can never get used to that,” Yulia said. “It's like someone closed my coffin.” “Only the dead can hear us,” Miki said with a light smile. Yulia laughed, then turned serious. “We have Yao on ice. Literally. Stuck him in a Cryo unit. The evil little peen!” she snarled. “Who is in charge?” “That would be me,” Yulia said brightly. Miki smiled. “I was hoping you'd say that.” “As if the GSD didn't tell you already.” “They were not absolutely sure. Your security has been excellent.” Yulia grinned widely. “Now that is a true complement!” Miki smiled softly. “Merely an accurate observation.” She paused a moment. “So, tomorrow...?” Yulia was to address the General Assembly. “Some boilerplate about 'Yao sending his regards etc'. And then the announcement that we're opening negotiations with the UMR vis-a-vis a Friendship Treaty. Just negotiations. Nothing final.” she said with practiced nonchalance. Miki smiled wolfishly. “Yes, incrementalism is best.” Yulia nodded. “The dick swingers will be up to their hairy asses in Mandroids before they even realize it!” Miki raised her glass. “Sisterhood!” Yulia clinked it with hers. “Sisterhood!” They upended their glasses. As Miki refilled them, she said, “So, let me tell you about these new bioforms the MoS has been working on. Detachable penises.” Yulia leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling.

[hollywoodages-blog]

Eva Mendes Height Weight Measurements

New Post has been published on http://hollywoodages.com/eva-mendes-height-weight-measurements/

Eva Mendes Height Weight Measurements

Eva Mendes Biography

Eva Mendes born on March 5, 1974 is an American performing artist and model. She started acting in the late 1990s, and after a progression of parts in B motion pictures, for example, Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998) and Urban Legends: Final Cut (2000), she showed up in Training Day (2001). From that point forward she has co-featured in motion pictures including All About The Benjamins, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Ghost Rider, We Own the Night, Stuck on You, Hitch and The Other Guys. She has showed up in a few music recordings and sung with CeeLo Green. Mendes has been a model and diplomat of Cocio chocolate milk, Magnum dessert, Revlon, Calvin Klein, Cartier, Thierry Mugler fragrance, Reebok, Campari apéritif, Pantene cleanser, Morgan and Peek and Cloppenburg garments. She outlines a style gathering for New York and Company. Mendes was born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban folks and brought by her mom up in the Los Angeles suburb of Glendale after her guardians’ separation. Mendes was raised a Roman Catholic and at one time even thought to be turning into a Catholic sister. Her mom worked at Mann’s Chinese Theater and later for an aviation organization; her dad maintained a meat dissemination business. She went to Hoover High School in Glendale and later went to California State University, Northridge, to study promoting however left school to study acting under Ivana Chubbuck. endes started her acting vocation after an ability supervisor saw her photograph in a companion’s portfolio. Her first film appearance was in the direct-to-video Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror. Mendes was baffled in her execution and she contracted an acting mentor. She then showed up in the movies A Night at the Roxbury, Mortal Kombat: Conquest, My Brother the Pig, The Disciples, Urban Legends: Final Cut and Exit Wounds. Mendes’ leap forward part came when she showed up in Training Day and prompted parts in All About the Benjamins, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Once Upon a Time in Mexico (which earned her an assignment at the Teen Choice Awards), Out of Time and Stuck on You. She was the female lead in the 2005 comic drama Hitch and was one of the primary minority performing artists to play the lead in a hit rom-com. She featured in The Wendell Baker Story, Guilty Hearts, Trust the Man, Ghost Rider, We Own the Night, Live! what’s more, Cleaner.

Eva Mendes Personal Info.

Full Name: Eva Mendes

Nick Name: Eva

Family: Juan Carlos Mendez – (Father) Caridad Corrales – (Mother) Carlo Mendez – (Brother) Janet Mendes – (Sister) Esmeralda Amada Gosling – (Daughter)

Education: Eva went to Hoover High School in Glendale, California. After that, to study showcasing, Mendes went California State University, Northridge, however soon she found that Hollywood is calling her and chose to drop out from the college.

Date of Birth: 05 March, 1974

Birthplace: Miami, Florida, United States

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Religion: Christian

Ethnicity: Multiracial

Nationality: American

Profession: Actress, Model, Spokesperson, Singer, Businessperson, Designer

Measurements: 35-25-36 in or 89-63.5-91.5 cm

Bra Size: 34C

Height: 5′ 6″ (168 cm)

Weight: 123.5 lbs (56 kg)

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Dress Size: 08

Shoe Size: 9.5

Dating History:

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George Augusto Gargurevich (2002-2011) – Eva had long time association with Peruvian film/TV maker. They began dating in December 2002. However, it is not known when the team quit dating each other, yet it is some place around 2011.

Jason Sudeikis (2011) – Jason and Mendes were Rumored to be a thing around June 2011 – July 2011 as they were spotted together on dates.

Ryan Gosling (2011-Present) – Eva Mendes was spotted with Gosling at Disneyland amid a few days of Labor Day 2011. They were seen kissing and clasping hands at the recreation center. The couple respected their first youngster, a little girl on September 12, 2014.

Known For: Eva Mendes has appeared in movies like, “Ghost Rider” (2007), “Stuck on You” (2003), “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003) and “Last Night” (2010).

Active Year: 1998 (present)

Favorite TV Show: Downton Abbey (2010-)

Favorite Book: The Fountainhead (By Ayn Rand)

Favorite Holiday Destination: The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Favorite Beauty Product: Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation

Favorite Movies: Best in Show (2000), Legend (1985)

Official Twitter: Twitter Account

Official Facebook: FB Account

Eva Mendes Filmography:

Filmography

Film

Year Title 1998 Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror A Night at the Roxbury 1998 Mortal Kombat: Konquest 1999 My Brother the Pig 2000 The Disciples Urban Legends: Final Cut 2001 Exit Wounds Training Day 2002 All About the Benjamins 2003 2 Fast 2 Furious Once Upon a Time in Mexico Out of Time Stuck on You 2005 Hitch The Wendell Baker Story Guilty Hearts 2006 Trust the Man 2007 Ghost Rider Knocked Up We Own the Night Live! Cleaner 2008 The Women The Spirit 2009 The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans 2010 The Other Guys Last Night 2011 Fast Five 2012 Holy Motors Girl in Progress The Place Beyond the Pines 2013 Clear History 2014 Lost River 2017 Fast 8

Search Terms:

Eva Mendes And Ryan Gosling. Eva Mendes Age. Eva Mendes And Ryan Gosling Married. Eva Mendes And Ryan Gosling Baby. Eva Mendes And Ryan Gosling Daughter. Eva Mendes And Ryan. Eva Mendes Sister. Eva Mendes Spouse. Eva Mendes Siblings. Eva Mendes Daughter. Eva Mendes Dad. Eva Mendes Dating Gosling. Eva Mendes Family. Eva Mendes Fast 8. Eva Mendes First Movie. Eva Mendes Facebook. Eva Mendes Filmography. Eva Mendes Father. Eva Mendes Gosling. Eva Mendes Husband. Eva Mendes Hair Color. Eva Mendes Hispanic. Eva Mendes Wiki. Eva Mendes Engaged. Eva Mendes Education Eva Mendes Ryan Gosling. Eva Mendes Ryan Gosling Baby. Eva Mendes Real Name. Eva Mendes Twitter. Eva Mendes Tv Show. Eva Mendes Upcoming Movies. Eva Mendes Is Married To. Eva Mendes On Marriage. Eva Mendes Parents. Eva Mendes Profile. Eva Mendes Partner. Eva Mendes Zodiac. Eva Mendes Bio. Eva Mendes Brother. Eva Mendes Baby Name. Eva Mendes Next Movie. Eva Mendes Married. Eva Mendes Movies List. Eva Mendes Model. Eva Mendes Mother.

[sarahburness]

Happiness Techniques From Around The World That Can Change Your Life

When we look back across our lives, it is often the most prominent of events and landmarks that we remember: a kiss, a birthday party, a new job, or a sporting achievement. Yet it is the way we live our day-to-day lives that truly defines who we are and how we feel. Happiness breeds happiness, and it is important to start with the fundamentals.

All around the world, ordinary people and famous achievers alike have developed ways to buoy their daily experience for thousands of years. Whether due to the local climate, religious and cultural tendencies, or just a chance habit that caught the imagination of others in that region, every place has its own techniques to share on how to make regular life just that little bit nicer.

So let’s take a look at things folk from around the world do to give their day that tweak it needs, and how you can adapt these ideas to your daily life.

Japan

The Japanese have a relatively new ‘tradition’ to reconnect with their souls. It’s called ‘shinrin-yoku’, or forest-bathing, and was developed in the 1980s in an atmosphere of suffocating cityscapes and omnipresent technology.

To practice shinrinu-yoku:

Go for a walk in the forest, or a wooded area of your local park

Take time to think about every sound you hear while you walk

Appreciate the smells and the texture of the trees

Reconsider your existence in the context of our ancient natural world.

Hawaii

The Hawaiians have a particular method for dealing with problems in everyday relationships: ‘Ho‘oponopono’. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a colleague at work whom you feel has done you wrong, Ho‘oponopono is a means of figuring out things by yourself rather than responding rashly and making things worse.

Allowing resentment to build will ultimately hurt you more than the person to whom it is aimed. Instead:

Take a deep breath

Find ten minutes to think things through

Be grateful for what you have

Forget your own needs for a moment and consider the other person’s point of view

Express your own feelings calmly

Work towards mutual forgiveness.

Norway

‘Friluftsliv’, or ‘free air life’, is the Norwegian practice of spending time in the outdoors. Aside from the benefits of fresh air, subjecting yourself to decent amounts of natural daylight can help you to regulate your sleep and stay in touch with the natural rhythms of the world around you.

If you spend most of your time indoors:

Establish a morning and/or evening ‘outdoors ritual’, such as walking the dog

Use every coffee break at work as an opportunity to get some fresh air

If it’s warm enough, eat lunch outdoors; otherwise, take a stroll through the park before you eat indoors

Look beyond the borders of your town. It’s usually easy to find a national park or natural area to visit on the weekends.

Germany

If the Norwegians are all about heading into nature by themselves to ‘re-connect’, Germans are more about reconnecting with each other. ‘Gemütlichkeit’ is that particularly German manner of celebrating togetherness with a frothy beer, a song and a dance.

To get some of this goodness in your own social life:

Be careful not to take the people you live and work with for granted

Never miss a chance to raise a toast

Take time to greet people properly and say meaningful goodbyes, even if you see them every day.

Spain

The famous Spanish siesta is an endangered animal. Sadly, even as experts more frequently recommend an afternoon nap to boost workplace productivity, many business managers are concerned that lost time and energy is bad for profit margins.

To take a healthy, effective siesta:

Nap for no more than thirty minutes

Sleep in an armchair or sofa rather than a bed

Make sure you do it regularly and not just as an occasional treat.

See Also: Get Strong, Sleep, Repeat: The Importance Of Sleeping

France

We are a generation of multi-taskers – but often, allowing our work and personal lives to overlap means doing a bad job at both and truly enjoying neither. A little daily ritual to demarcate the various areas of your life can help you more accomplished and relaxed. The French do this by taking a small drink between work and the evening meal: the apéritif.

To leave work behind for the day:

Change into a new set of clean clothes as soon as you get home

Switch off work notifications on your phone

Pour yourself a drink of something special – it doesn’t have to be boozy!

Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil

In 1909, the French Society of Hygiene told us: “Yerba mate raises morale, sustains the muscular system, augments strength and allows one to endure privations.” What they did not mention is that drinking this special tea in the company of friends is also good for the soul.

To tap into the South American ritual of mate-tea drinking:

Always offer a drink to everyone in the room when you’re brewing up

Try to establish a ‘tea tray’ culture for meetings at work

Try the real thing – yerba mate can be found in lots of health shops and some regular grocery stores.

Turkey

‘Keyif’ is all about idle moments of relaxation and contemplation. Remind yourself to take a couple of these each day – the manner of doing so is different from individual to individual.

To identify your moment of mindfulness:

Slow down – take the long route from A to B, and never be in more than a hurry than you need

Pay attention to what makes you happy, be it the sound of the breeze in a tree you walk past each day, or a particular seat in a café that makes you feel calm

Try watching a few ASMR videos for some ideas on how the mundane can become almost transcendental.

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnian people like to break up their morning with a slow coffee, brewed in a special pot and served with sugar or candy. It’s thick and tasty like Turkish coffee, but just as important is the symbolic side: taking time to discuss the day’s events or a business proposition.

Enjoy tea or coffee as an experience in itself, not something to fuel you while you work

Use your coffee break to talk to other people, rather than staring at your phone

Look into buying a Bosnian coffee set online – it will change your life!

See Also: How to Supercharge Your Afternoon With a Napuccino (aka a Coffee Nap)

Nigeria

‘Ubuntu’ is the philosophy of putting the community ahead of the individual. Individuals become stronger in a healthy, happy community.

Try asking questions or listening rather than interrupting when you think somebody is wrong

Consider the benefits for your group as well as yourself when making decisions

Look at each group task as an opportunity to learn or to teach.

Try just a handful of these happiness techniques from around the world, and you are sure to see your quality of life improve!

  The post Happiness Techniques From Around The World That Can Change Your Life appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

from Dumb Little Man https://www.dumblittleman.com/secret-to-happiness/

[holidaysuggestions]

Today is National Apéritif Day! I have absolutely no idea what this is or means