#National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

[doctorfriend79]

🍦 Happy National Vanilla Ice Cream Day! 🍦

[rabbitcruiser]

National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

Classic, creamy, and ever so delicious… who doesn’t love vanilla ice cream? You can have it with chocolate cake, apple crumble, sprinkles, strawberry sauce… the list goes on! Of course, it’s just as delightful on its own. A dessert as scrumptious and versatile as this deserves to be celebrated, and Vanilla Ice Cream Day gives you the perfect excuse to do so! Vanilla Ice Cream Day gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in this sweet treat and to experiment with different ways of enjoying it.Like most ice cream flavors, vanilla ice cream was created originally by cooling a mixture of vanilla, sugar, and cream above a container of salt and ice. The sort of vanilla that is used to flavor ice cream varies based on located. In Ireland, more of anise-like flavor is chosen. In North America, a smoky flavor is more desirable. History Of Vanilla Ice CreamSo, who do we have to praise for this tasty and incredible creation? Well, you need to start by understanding the origins of both vanilla and ice cream first! Ice cream can be traced back to the 14th century. There is evidence that ice cream was served during the Yuan period in the Mogul Court.

The idea of using a mix of salt and ice for the refrigerating effect, though, began in Asia. The method then spread when the Moors and Arabs traveled to Spain, between 711 and 1492. The Italians became involved in making ice cream once this method had spread to Europe. By the early 18th century, there were recipes for ice cream in France as well. The French added egg yolks or egg to the recipe to create a richer and smoother food.

Vanilla was first used amongst people from Mexico. By the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors, who were exploring present-day Mexico, had come across Meso-American individuals who were consuming vanilla in their foods and drinks. Because of this, the conquistadors brought vanilla back to Spain.

In Spain, they started using vanilla to flavor a chocolate drink that consisted of honey, water, corn, vanilla, and cacao beans. The drink eventually spread to England and France, and then the rest of Europe by the early 1600s. In 1602, the apothecary of Queen Elizabeth I, Hugh Morgan, suggested that vanilla should be used separately from cocoa.

When this happened, the French really started to use vanilla in drinks and foods without cacao, and they started to flavor ice cream with it. When Thomas Jefferson discovered vanilla ice cream in France, he brought the recipe back to the United States with him, where the natural color of the ice cream was brown.

How To Celebrate Ice Cream Day

Of course, the best way to observe Vanilla Ice Cream Day is to have a go at creating your own vanilla ice cream.

Other Ways To Observe Vanilla Ice Cream Day

Make your own ice cream sundae creation! There are so many different ways you can use vanilla ice cream. Why not grab a mason jar and create your own ice cream sundae creation? The toppings that go with vanilla ice cream are never-ending. You can add in broken up cookie pieces. Or, what about drizzling in toppings, like toffee, dark chocolate, or melted caramel? You can also mix in pieces of your favorite candy bars. Or, if you really want to switch things up, why not try unexpected flavors, like maple syrup and chilli chocolate?

Get your friends and loved ones around to try the vanilla ice cream that you have created. They will definitely be impressed to learn that you have created your own vanilla ice cream from scratch! You can serve it with a homemade dessert or you can get everyone else in on the fun of creating their own sundaes.

Create your own vanilla ice cream cocktail – There are so many amazing cocktail recipes that involve vanilla ice cream. Why not make your own boozy ice cream cocktail in order to mark the occasion? One of our favorites is the Blackberry gin Fizz Float. Combine blackberry puree, vanilla ice cream, gin, ginger ale, fresh mint, and lime juice! This is a refreshing and luxurious cocktail, and you will be wondering why you have never had it before!

Source

[murderousink23]

07/23/2024 is National Vanilla Ice Cream Day 🍦🇺🇸, Hot Enough For Ya Day 🇺🇸, International Yada Yada Yada Day 🇺🇸

[gpstudios]

Celebrate National Vanilla Ice Cream Day! 🍦

Happy National Vanilla Ice Cream Day! 🍦 Celebrate the timeless delight of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy it plain, as a sundae, or with mix-ins. Here's to the joy of this classic treat! #VanillaIceCreamDay

Introduction Happy National Vanilla Ice Cream Day! 🍦 Today, we celebrate one of the most beloved and classic flavors in the world of desserts: vanilla ice cream. Simple yet delicious, vanilla ice cream serves as the perfect base for countless toppings, mix-ins, and creative recipes. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a sundae, vanilla ice cream is a timeless treat that brings joy to people…

[subby-sab]

Today is 23rd of July.

World Sjögren's Day, National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, National Sprinkle Day, International Yada Yada Yada Day.

[kamencorpse]

HOLY SHIT TODAY IS NATIONAL VANILLA ICE CREAM DAY

HAPPY VANILLA ICE CREAM DAYYYYYY🍦

[raw1111official]

Hey #Lovers❤️‍🔥! Celebrate National Banana Split Day 🍌🎉 with a delicious vegan twist on 🌺RAW1111.COM🥑 🍨✨. Indulge guilt-free! #GVWU Go Vegan With Us 🌱💚

[lewisvinga]

so high school | max verstappen x fem! singer! reader

summary; in which max feels like a sixteen year old in high school whenever he’s around y/n

word count; 976

warnings; ?

taglist; @namgification @louvrepool @locelscs @thehufflepuffavenger1 @minseok-smaus @goldenmclaren @ollieshifts @lavisenri @graciewrote @xoscar03 @c-losur3 @fall-bambi

note; requested ! i dont listen to taylor swift so im not familiar w this song, but i hope this is good enough!😫 n so sorry this took a bit longer than usual, a lot of things happened in my life rn + i’ve had major writers block 🙁

masterlist !

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

i just want to find you in a crowd just to hide from you

Max stood at the podium with a proud smile on his face. Another race won another race closer to being the world champion. The sound of his nation’s national anthem filled his ears as his hands found their way through his blonde locks.

His bright eyes scanned the crowd searching for her.

The start of the season was always a grand event. Drivers often brought their girlfriends along with them to enjoy a sunny Bahrain and the beginning of the season. When the first race of the season came around, Max couldn’t help but ask his girlfriend of just a few months and a world-famous singer to accompany him.

He thought it was a good idea. He really did.

However, the second his eyes landed on her wide smile from the top of the podium, he felt his heart skip a beat. She stared at him with so much love in her eyes that he became flustered. His cheeks began burning up and he secretly hoped and prayed that others would think his rosy cheeks were from the bright sun.

He had to hold back a laugh, a giggle even. Max Verstappen, The Max Verstappen, giggling and blushing over a girl that was already his? It was unheard of. He knew if he kept staring his cheeks would be too red to be just from the sun.

As quickly as his eyes found her, he looked away and instead focused on calming down his heart rate.

i’ll drink what you think and i’m high from smoking your jokes all damn night

Max was always the type to drink his coffee black. No cream. No sugar. That changed the moment he started dating Y/n and learned about her addiction to a milky and very sweet iced vanilla latte.

She claimed it helped her and her melodic voice that he adored so much.

It was another late-night session in the studio and the Dutch driver had brought over two iced vanilla lattes, one with just a little less sugar than the other.

He honestly hated the sugary milky beverage. He could barely stand a sip but he refused to tell Y/n that. He only drinks the vanilla iced lattes because he loved to see her face light up whenever he’d give her the rest of his drink because he ‘didn’t want to finish it’.

“Here, have the rest of mine. I don’t want it.” Max said with a chuckle as he noticed her pout after she finished her own.

“Are you sure, Maxie?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Here.”

Y/n laughed and pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek, leaving behind a pink lipgloss mark. Max couldn’t help but laugh with her as she happily took his drink.

She sat down across from him on the couch in the studio. She began to tell him a story about something that happened to her and Lando days prior. He honestly wasn’t focusing much on the story. His focus was 100% on the smile on her face and the laughs she’d let out every other sentence.

If her laugh was a drug, he’d sure be high every second of the day. Hearing her laugh was an addiction to him. He adored it and if forcing himself to drink a sugary ice vanilla latte to accompany her during studio sessions just to hear her laugh, he’d do it without a problem.

the brink of a wrinkle in time, bittersweet sixteen suddenly.

Y/n let out a yawn as she walked down the halls of her and Max’s shared home. She needed a break from writing songs. Her mind was blank and she couldn’t think. The iced vanilla lattes weren’t helping her creativity flow and neither Jimmy nor Sassy helped.

She was walking towards Max’s gaming room where she knew he’d be on the simulator. She suddenly heard him say her name and she stopped right outside the slightly open door.

“No, yeah, Y/n and I are great. It’s just-“

“Just, what?” She recognized Charles's voice and his laugh.

“Nothing. It’s nothing.”

“Tell me! I won’t tell a soul.”

“No, it’s stupid.”

“C’mon, Max.”

Y/n furrowed up her eyebrows as her heart rate began to pick up. She immediately assumed the worst. Did Max cheat on her? Did he no longer want to be in a relationship with her? Did she annoy him?

She bit her nails as she anxiously waited for his response.

Max sighed, running his hands through his blonde locks. “It’s just that I feel like I’m a teenage boy in high school around her. She makes me flustered, like actually flustered. It’s like I’m sixteen again!”

Y/n almost let out a sigh of relief from his words, but kept quiet as she knew that he would hear her. She quietly yet quickly walks away. She finds herself back in the living room with her notebook in hand. She began scribbling across the page, finally getting the creativity she needed to write the last song for her album.

She hums in satisfaction as she finishes off the song. ‘So High School’ she had scribbled at the top of the page. Right as if it were on queue, she hears Max’s voice.

“Any luck with songwriting?” The Dutch driver curiously asks, sitting beside her on the couch.

“In fact, I’ve had plenty of luck.”

“Let me see.” He mumbled, his hand reaching towards the book.

“No!”

“C’mon, schat! Let me see!”

Y/n quickly kissed his cheek in an attempt to distract him. Fortunately for her, it did. His cheeks began to turn a rosy shade of pink. He rolled his eyes, moving his attention from the notebook to Sassy who found her way to the couch.

She had to hold back a laugh as she noticed his ears also turning pink. He really was like a 16-year-old in high school.

[niuniente]

how... how did you find 190 different icecream flavors? Like you go for the signature name they are given(like one brand call vanilla vanilla but another one calls it cream paradise)? they're manufactured, home made? from those gourmet shops? those you find in supermarkets? You travel for them? or is all that around where you live and places you have passed by? you only consider milk based or also water based(tho those usually have another name)? does popsicles and things like icecream sandwich counts as flavors? have you ever gone on a trip specifically to try a region's typical ice cream? i'm sorry i am just honestly curious how you do your icecream flavors curatorship. and what is your top five out of 190 flavors.

I find ice-creams the following ways:

Cafes (we have many cafes selling their own gelato with unusual flavors, like cinnamonroll and avocado)

Traveling (Japan is a very good place for ice-creams! Although last time there I didn't find anything new.)

Finland consumes the most ice-cream per capita in the Europe. Because we're an ice-cream nation, every summer we get limited edition ice-cream flavors for all stores and kiosks. For example, this summer's new limited edition flavors are marshmallow-Biscotti cookie, and caramel-macadamia.

Manufacturers are supposed to come up with new ice-creams and also import new flavors and brands.

International stores quite often have ice-creams and sometimes I discover new flavors from their selection.

I know how to make ice-cream but only 1 flavor from the list is self-made.

To other questions!

If it made out of milk or a milk substitute, it's an ice-cream. Popsicle, sherbet etc. are not counted as ice-creams but ice-cream sandwiches are.

We have no regional specialties that much, although I know in Porvoo city there's an ice-cream factory with really wonderful flavors. Some of their flavors are available in stores but to get to taste them all I should travel to Porvoo. Without a car it's a day's worth of trip and I'm too sick to travel just to get certain ice-creams.

Having said that, I've had some regional ice-creams in Berlin, Germany!

Someday when I'm rich and healthy, I can travel somewhere just to go to try out their ice-creams.

TOP 5 (really hard to choose, so many that I like!)

Matcha

Royal Milk Tea

Spruce

German Spekulatius Christmas Cookie

Milk

But honestly speaking? If I didn't live in the country which eats ice-cream like maniacs, I wouldn't be able to get new flavors on my list that easy. Just in the past week I gained 4 new flavors (Rom-Brittle; Quark-strawberry; Marshmallow - Biscotti cookie; Vanilla-honey)

Just in these 7 months I've found 20 new flavors, all in Finland.

My ice-cream list, which updates as I find new flavors, is here.

[doctorfriend79]

🍦 Happy National Vanilla Ice Cream Day! 🍦

[rabbitcruiser]

National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

Classic, creamy, and ever so delicious… who doesn’t love vanilla ice cream? You can have it with chocolate cake, apple crumble, sprinkles, strawberry sauce… the list goes on! Of course, it’s just as delightful on its own. A dessert as scrumptious and versatile as this deserves to be celebrated, and Vanilla Ice Cream Day gives you the perfect excuse to do so! Vanilla Ice Cream Day gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in this sweet treat and to experiment with different ways of enjoying it.Like most ice cream flavors, vanilla ice cream was created originally by cooling a mixture of vanilla, sugar, and cream above a container of salt and ice. The sort of vanilla that is used to flavor ice cream varies based on located. In Ireland, more of anise-like flavor is chosen. In North America, a smoky flavor is more desirable. History Of Vanilla Ice CreamSo, who do we have to praise for this tasty and incredible creation? Well, you need to start by understanding the origins of both vanilla and ice cream first! Ice cream can be traced back to the 14th century. There is evidence that ice cream was served during the Yuan period in the Mogul Court.

The idea of using a mix of salt and ice for the refrigerating effect, though, began in Asia. The method then spread when the Moors and Arabs traveled to Spain, between 711 and 1492. The Italians became involved in making ice cream once this method had spread to Europe. By the early 18th century, there were recipes for ice cream in France as well. The French added egg yolks or egg to the recipe to create a richer and smoother food.

Vanilla was first used amongst people from Mexico. By the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors, who were exploring present-day Mexico, had come across Meso-American individuals who were consuming vanilla in their foods and drinks. Because of this, the conquistadors brought vanilla back to Spain.

In Spain, they started using vanilla to flavor a chocolate drink that consisted of honey, water, corn, vanilla, and cacao beans. The drink eventually spread to England and France, and then the rest of Europe by the early 1600s. In 1602, the apothecary of Queen Elizabeth I, Hugh Morgan, suggested that vanilla should be used separately from cocoa.

When this happened, the French really started to use vanilla in drinks and foods without cacao, and they started to flavor ice cream with it. When Thomas Jefferson discovered vanilla ice cream in France, he brought the recipe back to the United States with him, where the natural color of the ice cream was brown.

How To Celebrate Ice Cream Day

Of course, the best way to observe Vanilla Ice Cream Day is to have a go at creating your own vanilla ice cream.

Other Ways To Observe Vanilla Ice Cream Day

Make your own ice cream sundae creation! There are so many different ways you can use vanilla ice cream. Why not grab a mason jar and create your own ice cream sundae creation? The toppings that go with vanilla ice cream are never-ending. You can add in broken up cookie pieces. Or, what about drizzling in toppings, like toffee, dark chocolate, or melted caramel? You can also mix in pieces of your favorite candy bars. Or, if you really want to switch things up, why not try unexpected flavors, like maple syrup and chilli chocolate?

Get your friends and loved ones around to try the vanilla ice cream that you have created. They will definitely be impressed to learn that you have created your own vanilla ice cream from scratch! You can serve it with a homemade dessert or you can get everyone else in on the fun of creating their own sundaes.

Create your own vanilla ice cream cocktail – There are so many amazing cocktail recipes that involve vanilla ice cream. Why not make your own boozy ice cream cocktail in order to mark the occasion? One of our favorites is the Blackberry gin Fizz Float. Combine blackberry puree, vanilla ice cream, gin, ginger ale, fresh mint, and lime juice! This is a refreshing and luxurious cocktail, and you will be wondering why you have never had it before!

Source

[murderousink23]

07/23/2023 is Qixi Festival, National Vanilla Ice Cream Day 🍦🇺🇲, National Parents' Day 🇺🇲, Hot Enough For Ya Day ©️🇺🇲, International Yada Yada Yada Day 🇺🇲

[annaphoenix1994]

Making Ends Meet

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

»»-------¤-------««

"You must really be feeling guilty if you want to take me for ice cream with it being just us." Baler snickered, poking at Simon with a mischievous gleam in his eye while he grasped the strawberry cone with his right hand. 

"Take advantage of the moment and enjoy your ice cream, lad," Simon grumbled, stuffing his wallet into his back pocket before grasping the vanilla ice cream cone he had ordered for himself. "Your mum will be home later instead of at four. Figured we'd go out into town and get some ice cream." 

"Dad, your logic doesn't make sense," Baler shook his head. "It's the beginning of the year and you're taking me to get ice cream. Fuckin' Brits-" He snickered. 

"What was said about cursing?" Simon scoffed, arching his brow.

"No cursing around mom or the twins. She never said anything about cussing when she's not around..." 

Simon couldn't help but breathe a laugh at his remark, "Fair point. Just don't make a habit out of it," He warned, joining the teenager outside at the nearby table, looking around at the nearby tourists as well as well as many vehicles driving through downtown Main Street. "We've had good weather all week. Might as well take advantage of it before the second half of winter comes back."

"Thoughtful. I'll give it to ya." Baler shrugged. 

"Don't get used to it," He huffed. "Best eat your ice cream before it melts." 

"I see the military demands never left." 

"Never will, unfortunately." 

"Wha-?" 

Suddenly, both Simon and Baler looked at each other, Simon's gaze falling to the mound of strawberry ice cream that had fallen from Baler's cone - a clear indication that he had been eating the ice cream from the cone at its base, quite literally licking it right off the cone and onto the pavement below. "Here, take this." Simon offered, not hesitating to give the kid his own, even if it was Baler's mistake in the first place. 

"Hope you like vanilla." 

"It's basic," Baler shrugged. "But it'll do." 

Simon couldn't help but breathe a chuckle, "That'll do." before he furrowed his brows in a snicker. "What?" 

"You're so British, dad." 

"Last I checked, I am British," He huffed. "Better eat that ice cream. I spent two dollars on that cone and as much as I hate to complement a stranger, these transplants sure know how to make bloody good ice cream. I'm glad I got to enjoy it while I had the chance before somebody dropped theirs for not knowing how to eat it right." 

"Must not have had as much practice as you," Baler retorted back with a heavy arch in his brow, enjoying just how far he could get under Simon's skin. "But on a serious note, what's a transplant?" 

"Your mum says it's when someone moves from one place to another and tries to make that new place the exact same as the one they left." 

"That doesn't make any sense?" 

"That's why you're in school, lad. One day it'll catch on." 

They sat there in silence for a few moments, Baler enjoying his new loaned ice cream cone that Simon didn't hesitate to give up, keeping a watchful eye over the teenager through his peripheral vision as he kept his primary gaze on his surroundings. You were right, kid, the military will never leave me. 

It was almost exhausting, really - being so worried about keeping an eye on your surroundings with the constant worry of an ambush or explosion, having to feel like you needed to keep a firearm on you at all times, having the paranoia after every national holiday that involved fireworks, all while trying to juggle domesticated life while dealing with constant worries. Not only did he have this struggle, but he always assumed Kiera to have it the worst, except she hid it way better than he did. A part of him wanted to ask her about how she dealt with her post-traumatic stress, but he refused to as the last thing he wanted was to make her think about all of the past events as he knew she couldn't easily move on from it after it was brought up. 

Without noticing the other's facial expression, they both found themselves making awkward eye contact with an older man who was too well dressed to blend in with the locals of Wyoming. 

"Is he a transplant?" Baler whispered, licking his lips free of ice cream after they both watched the man continuing to walk down the sidewalk towards the building complex that housed many offices.

"Prime example," Simon assured him, removing his phone from his pocket to see the text Kiera had sent him. "Your mum will be home around five." 

"So... Are we going fishing?" 

"I'd like to. Finish your ice cream. Traffic is piling up." 

"Yes, sir." 

"Not sir today." 

"Oh, so there are certain days for that?" 

"Not anymore." 

"So... dad?" He guessed. 

"That'll do." 

Baler couldn't help but snicker, "Fuckin' Brits." 

"Best get those curse words out of your system while you still can. Last I need is your mum to scalp me for letting you do it." 

"Do you... Still love mom?" Baler asked suddenly.

Simon was flustered by Baler's question, taken aback at the sudden concern that left the teen's lips. "What makes you ask that?" The question didn't give Baler the reassurance he was hoping for and Simon sensed it as he took the question to be offensive instead of one that sought reassurance. 

"It's nothing." He sighed. 

"It's something if you asked me a question you should already know. Of course I still love her – that'll never change." 

"It's just that... When my parents were still alive, my da-donor, would always tell my mom that he loved her and all kinds of shit, yet would always beat the fuck out of her when she did something wrong. They fought a lot and sometimes right in front of me, especially when mom found out he was cheating. I got sick of it one day when he beat my mom to literal death and I beat him like a native drum and well, you see how that turned out for him," He huffed. "I guess it's just that knowing you two are fighting right now and I can't help but think about when my parents did it—" 

"Don't ever think I'll ever lay a hand on her, lad. I wouldn't do that if my life depended on it," Simon frowned. "Yes, we are fighting, but that doesn't mean I'll love her any less. In fact, I'm grateful that she is pissed at me and has been for the last two months," He breathed a chuckle at the thought. "I did something stupid and she confronted me about it. I didn't do it with bad intentions, I just didn't want her to worry and I had to lie to her in the process. That's why she's held out for so long. Trust is of major importance to her and I broke it." 

"...What did you do?" 

"Long story short: I reinstated my status in the S.A.S. and may have to deploy again. I didn't tell her when I did it because it was a month before our wedding and the last thing I wanted her to think about was me being shipped off again after the last time. She found out and came to confront me about it." 

"You're... Leaving again?" 

Fuck, I already said too much, Simon scolded himself. "It's not certain. It's just a precaut—"

"Don't leave." Baler blurted suddenly, his brows furrowed as it was clear to Simon that he truly didn't want him to go. 

"If it comes to it, I'll have no choice to." 

"You had a choice when you were offered to reenlist." 

If Simon wouldn't have known any better, he could've sworn that he heard Kiera's voice say that last sentence instead of Baler. She's definitely rubbed off on you, lad. "You're right, I did, but I have an obligation. She understands that too. She just doesn't want to accept it for good reason and I don't blame her. I can't tell you any details about it, but just trust me when I say I'm doing it to protect you all. I'm not doing it because I miss the fight, but I know I have something worth fighting for." 

"Okay," Baler sighed, finishing what was left of the ice cream cone. "What do you want to do now?" 

"Well, I say let's go home and get those fishing poles ready and take advantage of the warm weather while we still have it, yeah?"

"But first, can we stop somewhere on the way home?" 

"Where?" 

"I want to get mom some flowers. Frankie gave me my cash this week a day early." He explained. 

Simon couldn't help but grin at the kid's warm gesture, "But you didn't do anything wrong." 

"Wasn't it you that told me to get flowers for no reason at all instead of an apology?" 

»»-------¤-------««

Once Kiera arrived home, she sighed as she grabbed her purse from the passenger seat before exiting the truck and beginning to remove Jacob and Evie from their car seats. "As much as I love you two being this tiny, there's days where I wish you two can walk already," She sighed. "Sometimes I'd rather chase you." 

Pressing a kiss to Jacob's temple, she then moved to the other side of the truck to remove Evie, silently wondering where Simon was as he always met her outside to help with the children, even during the last two months of constant tension after she had confronted him about lying about his reenlistment. If she were to be honest, she was more than ready to move on from the event, already forgiving him for it as it took a few days to truly understand his intention behind it, but her heart was crushed at the thought of him lying to her so easily without thinking about how it would make her feel once she found out. That is what haunted her, not the lie itself. 

Struggling to open the front door, she was greeted by Kimber jumping up against her leg with excitement, wagging the little nub that was once a tail as she was happy to see her owner. "I know, sweetheart, I'm home," She smiled down at the dog. "Simon? Baler? I'm home!" 

No answer. 

Deciding to go searching for them later, she gently sat the twins in their individual high-chairs for a snack and to give her aching arms a break. After setting a small plate of assorted snacks in front of them, she then checked her phone that was in her purse. 

Nothing. No call, no text. 

With her heart still aching, she then assumed that Simon just left. 

It didn't surprise her if he did as she had experienced it in the past, but just like anything else, she swore to not assume the worst until she had the evidence. Maybe they're still out in town, she thought, sighing. "You two behave," She arched her brow to the twins. "I'm going to let Kimber outside to potty. I'll be right here." 

A half hour passes by and Kiera decides to take advantage of the warm evening by setting up a play pen on the porch for the twins and a reading area for herself by setting up a thick blanket on the porch itself, refusing to sit in one of the wicker chairs as they soon deemed to be uncomfortable. Tossing the throw pillow onto the blanket, she then kept a close eye on the twins in the playpen next to her while she eased onto her stomach, the immense pressure in her back easing once she got into position. Keeping her phone next to her, she put it on ring just in case Simon or Baler were to call her, even though she was oblivious to the fact that they were at the barn. 

"B-Ba—" Evie babbled as she played with the stuffed bear that Price had gifted her for Christmas the year before. 

Kiera shot up out of excitement, "What did you say?" She smiled. 

She watched as she concluded that Evie understood her mother's question and only smiled in response followed by a thin strand of drool leaving her bottom lip as the stuffed bear's paw was now in her mouth. "I'll tell Price that you love your bear so good that you try to eat it too." She giggled, sitting up to cross her legs Indian style to return to reading her book. 

That was, until her focus was broken by the sound of multiple hoof beats caught her attention. 

It was Simon, Johnny, and Teeter all on horseback as Simon was leading Kiera's horse next to his, completely saddled and ready to ride. "The answer is no." She sighed, knowing that she couldn't just get up and go ride her horse, even though she desperately wanted to, without having to do something with her children first. 

"You haven't even heard the question yet, love," Simon answered with a soft tone of his voice, understanding her immediate answer. 

Love, she sighed to herself, missing the simple nickname that Simon had held back from saying a few times over the course of the last two months. "You'll be doing me a favor." 

"Yeah? And what's that?" 

"Well, your horse here has been a real bloke. He's been restless while he watches all of his equine lads go out on nice rides. Now, I'm no horse expert, but I think he's thinking of his rider who hasn't ridden him in a couple of months..." He trailed off, forcing himself to hide a smirk at his proposal. 

"Poor thing." She sighed, failing to hide a playful smirk of her own. 

"He'd be grateful, I'm sure. He definitely won't let me ride him because I'm too big for him."

"Is this your version of an apology?" She arched her brow playfully, although her tone was still stern. 

"No," He shook his head. "That part's extra." 

"You know I can't just up and leave, Simon. Do you expect me to just tote the kids behind me?" 

"Why do you think they're here?" He asked, nodding his head towards Johnny and Teeter. "Teeter needs the experience." 

"Why?—" She furrowed her brows before looking at Teeter herself, seeing the awful failure of hiding a smirk on her face as well as Johnny's prideful one. "A-Are you?" 

"Bred for the season!" Teeter shouted with the vile joke, making Kiera laugh. "I just hope I ain't got two in here. Not yet, anyway. I don't know how you do it, K!" 

"Well, you best get off of that horse and come give me a hug!" She smiled, watching Teeter do as she was told before she embraced the younger woman with open arms. "How long have you known?" 

"She just told me today." Johnny answered, he too getting off of his horse. 

I'm sure you took the news better than Simon did when I told him I was pregnant, she thought, sincerely happy for the younger couple as she moved to give Johnny a friendly hug. "How far along are you?" 

"Six weeks. Little ole' thang! Like a little bean in my belly!" 

"I'm sure," She giggled. "Well, your experience with my two are going to be less complicated. They get restless every now and then, but in between, they're angels." 

"Oh, I know, K. I was hopin' if I spent a lot of time with 'em, their behavior will rub off on mine and they won't be a little hellion when he or she gets here." 

"Knowing you two, I know for certain that your child will be a handful." Simon added, resting his forearm on the horn of the saddle.

"Eh, yer right," Teeter snickered. "So, ye gonna let us watch your two while you go kiss and make up to your husband? He won't stop moping around since you've been giving him the cold shoulder." 

Oh, Teeter, how you never fail to put me on the spot... 

Kiera huffed as she dared to look at Simon, looking at the hopeful gleam in his eyes while her own horse looked at her, his ears pricked forward like he was studying his rider. 

Missing her. 

Which was something Simon and the gelding had in common. 

"Do you two need a rundown?" She asked hesitantly. 

"You done told us everything when we've watched 'em before. I still got the list. Just no playin' Big Chief on yer couch—"

"Or anywhere!" Simon barked. "You two have your own place for that." 

"We got this, Kiera," Johnny assured her with a serious tone of his voice, something that she wasn't used to hearing knowing Johnny's personality, which caught her by surprise. "We'll sit out here with them until it's time to settle them in for bed. They're in good hands."

They all watched Kiera sigh before beginning to walk into the house to change out of her work clothes, both Teeter and Johnny looking back at Simon with a supportive grin. "I brought you a hat." Simon added, removing the hat that was draped over his saddle horn and offered it to her as it was his way of telling her that a hat was the last thing she would need. 

"I already have a hat." 

"I know. I've seen it." 

He couldn't help but breathe a chuckle once she glared at him, fighting a smirk of her own before she stormed into the house, Teeter following behind as Johnny stayed behind to take their horses back to the barn and to bring up the UTV for later. "She already forgives you, mate." 

"I know. I just want the Kiera I know back," He sighed. "She has every right to feel the way she does." 

"If it makes you feel any better, I haven't told Teeter yet..." Johnny trailed off. 

"I feel sorry for you," Simon chuckled. "If you think Teeter is wild now, wait until she's emotional because of her hormones going crazy and climbs you like a tree just to tear your hair out for not telling her." 

"I know. I just don't know how to say it." 

"You and me both. But I can assure you that keeping it from her won't make it any easier, unless you'd rather have her make petty lunches for you and give you the cold shoulder for two months." 

"Nah, I'd rather her scalp me." 

"Best be telling her, then." 

After a few moments, Kiera exited the house in a pair of jeans and a loose shirt, hesitant to approach her own horse when Simon handed her the rein he was leading the horse with. "Need help?" 

"No," She said lowly, slowly mounting her horse before settling down in the saddle. "Where's Baler?" 

"At the barn." 

"Where are we going?" 

"There will be time for questions, love. Let's just enjoy the ride for now." 

She sighed before following behind him as they made their way to meet Baler at the barn, seeing that he had finished putting the foldable fishing rods into his saddle bags as well as the bait. "Hey, momma!" Baler shouted with a smile. 

"Hey, baby," She smiled softly. "Are you riding too?" 

"If that's okay?" 

"Of course." 

He nodded before mounting his own horse, "You know the way, right dad?" 

"Follow me." 

"Where are we going?" 

"Fishing." 

[gpstudios]

National Creamsicle Day: Savor the Sweet and Refreshing Nostalgia of a Classic Treat

Celebrate National Creamsicle Day on August 14th by enjoying the classic orange and vanilla treat that’s been a summer favorite for generations. Indulge in the sweet, refreshing taste of this timeless dessert!

Every year on August 14th, we celebrate National Creamsicle Day, a day dedicated to enjoying the sweet, creamy, and refreshing taste of the iconic creamsicle. This classic frozen treat, with its perfect combination of smooth vanilla ice cream and tangy orange sherbet, has been a favorite summer delight for generations. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering this timeless treat…

[subby-sab]

Today is 23rd of July.

World Sjögren's Day, National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, National Sprinkle Day, International Yada Yada Yada Day.

[oh-hell-help-me]

July 16: National Ice Cream Day

Bowser headed a family of sweet tooths.

There are no ‘if’s, ‘and’s, or ‘but’s about it, because he has seen first hand what they would do to candy and pastries- or anything with more than a spoon of sugar in it.

He almost dreaded the possibility of Luigi being the only one to not have a sweet tooth. Especially since his kids are stubborn enough to insist others to try their favorite sweets.

But once he found out Luigi was actually worse- that he practically ate dessert twice a day and snacked on any stray candy given to him?

It was a miracle that his family isn’t eating dessert for every meal.

Still, he feels like he can’t be blamed for the surprise he felt when Luigi was found to be making ice cream at six in the morning.

It wasn’t even just plain vanilla- it had a variety of flavors from sherbet lemon to strawberry to- to-

Is that triple chocolate fudge?

He yoinks the chilled dish ware containing the ice cream, barely pausing to grasp a nearby ice cream scoop to use before shoving a ball of deliciousness down his maw.

What? He never said he’d stop his husband from his culinary endeavors!

Then again- the moment he takes the time to watch Luigi is the moment he notices the darkening bags under his eyes and when he yawns-

Nope.

Not even his favorite ice cream would justify this travesty.

And Luigi- his poor, unaware husband- doesn’t notice him until well after he picks him up (thankfully done with what seems to be the tenth flavour) and shoves the ice cream into the freezer.

“Wh- Bowser?”

“Sleep.”

“But-“

“Sleep.”

And it’s with deep satisfaction that he feels his husband relax in his arms with defeat as it means that he didn’t have to wrestle him into their bed again.

And if he watched him sleep for two straight hours? Well-

Who could blame him, when the sweetest thing in his life rests right next to him?