#New Zealand Lamb ad

[gokitetour]

7 Delicious New Zealand Foods to Try

New Zealand is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and daring activities, but it is also a foodie's paradise. The country has a diversified culinary landscape, inspired by its indigenous Maori culture and immigration cultures. From delectable treats to Savory specialties, New Zealand has a delicious selection of foods to suit every appetite. Pavlova is a light and fluffy dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit that should not be missed. This famous Kiwi dish is a popular choice at celebrations and gatherings around the country. Another must-have is hangi, a traditional Moori way of cooking meals in an underground oven that produces smokey, soft meats and flavourful veggies. For those with a sweet tooth, hokey pokey ice cream is a must-try. This creamy dessert contains crunchy bits of honeycomb toffee, resulting in a delicious blend of textures and Flavors. And seafood fans will want to try Bluff oysters, which are picked from the clean waters of Foveaux Strait and are known for their plump texture and saline flavour. These are just a handful of the delectable New Zealand delicacies ready to be sampled. So, whether you're touring the busy streets of Auckland or the tranquil countryside of the South Island, make sure you sample these gastronomic treats for a real flavor of Kiwi friendliness.

Here are some delicious New Zealand foods to try.

1. Pavlova: Pavlova is a traditional New Zealand dessert made of a delicate meringue foundation and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits, including kiwifruit, strawberries, and passionfruit. This light and fluffy dessert, named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, is a popular choice for celebrations and special events around New Zealand. Its crunchy outer shell and soft, marshmallow-like core offer an ideal combination of sweetness and texture that is guaranteed to please the palate.

2. Hangi: Hangi is a traditional Maori cooking method in which food is steamed in an underground oven. This unusual cooking technique adds a smokey taste to the meal while keeping it moist and delicate. A hangi feast usually includes a range of meats, including chicken, hog, and lamb, as well as root vegetables like potatoes, kumara (sweet potatoes), and pumpkin. The resultant dishes are bursting with flavour and scent, making hangi a must-try culinary experience for tourists to New Zealand.

3. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Hokey pokey ice cream is a popular New Zealand delicacy made with vanilla ice cream and crunchy pieces of honeycomb toffee. The caramelized flavour and pleasant crunch of the hokey pokey bits complement the sweet and creamy ice cream, resulting in a lovely texture and taste contrast. Hokey pokey ice cream, whether served in a cone or in a dish with toppings such as chocolate sauce or fresh berries, can please any sweet craving.

4. Whitebait Fritters: Whitebait fritters are a famous dish in New Zealand, prepared from the small, transparent fish known as whitebait. These delicate fish are combined with eggs and spices before being pan-fried to perfection, yielding a light and fluffy fritter with a subtle seafood taste. Whitebait fritters, which are frequently served as an appetizer or snack, are best consumed straight from the griddle with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkling of sea salt.

5.Kiwifruit: Kiwifruit, often known as kiwi, is a New Zealand native fruit that has grown in popularity worldwide due to its brilliant green flesh and distinct tangy-sweet flavor. Kiwifruit is high in vitamin C and fiber and may be eaten fresh or added to a number of meals, including fruit salads, smoothies, desserts, and Savory foods. Kiwifruit, whether sliced and eaten with a spoon or used as a colourful garnish, provides a refreshing blast of flavor to any meal.

6. L&P: L&P, which stands for Lemon & Paeroa, is a traditional New Zealand soft drink that has become an iconic Kiwi beverage. L&P is made with natural spring water from the town of Paeroa and flavoured with genuine lemon juice, giving it a notably crisp and zesty taste that is both refreshing and thirst-quenching. L&P is a popular Kiwi drink that symbolizes the laid-back and easygoing culture of New Zealand, whether consumed on its own or blended with other beverages such as soda or ginger beer.

7. Bluff oysters: Bluff oysters are a renowned delicacy obtained from the pristine waters of the Foveaux Strait on New Zealand's South Island. Bluff oysters are renowned for their plump texture and rich, salty flavor, making them among the world's best oysters. Bluff oysters are a gourmet delicacy that seafood enthusiasts will not want to miss when visiting New Zealand. They may be eaten raw on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon juice or cooked in a variety of recipes, such as oyster stew or tempura.

 Conclusion

 Exploring New Zealand's excellent dishes is crucial for appreciating the country's rich culinary heritage. From the classic pavlova to the savory hangi, each meal represents a distinct aspect of Kiwi culture and cuisine. Whether you're enjoying hokey pokey ice cream or the freshness of Bluff oysters, there's something for everyone's taste. For those looking to embark on a culinary journey in New Zealand, acquiring a New Zealand visa from Delhi opens the door to a world of culinary delights. New Zealand's breathtaking scenery and diversified culinary scene provide a sensory feast that should not be missed. So, whether you're touring Wellington's colourful food markets, dining at a quaint café in Christchurch, or having a seafood feast in Auckland, be sure to try these delectable New Zealand delicacies for an amazing gastronomic adventure. With each mouthful, you'll experience the warmth and hospitality of Kiwi culture, providing you with memories to cherish long after your vacation is done.

[pappito]

Morrisons: Backlash as supermarket trials New Zealand lamb sale

""The blunt commercial reality is that New Zealand lamb is cheaper to source", it said in a statement, adding that its butchers' counters will still sell British lamb"

hát akkor valami nagyon el van baszva

[sir-sanguinus]

I might be wrong (so please correct me), but wasn't there was an ad from Australia (or maybe New Zealand) with a bunch of deities having a picnic outdoors or something with the end being "Lamb, the meet we all can eat"

Was that part of this tradition?

So Australia has a yearly tradition going back over 20 years, that every Australia Day we all gather round our screens to watch an ad for a certain product. It's so ingrained in our consciousness that the ads don't even really relate to what they're supposed to sell anymore, we all just know.

This year the ad broke containment, and non-Australians are having their brains melted by this bizarre tradition, so international followers, lets see if you can work out what this is trying to sell before the last few seconds.

[starseedfxofficial]

The Underdog of Forex: Mastering NZDCAD with Trade Balance Ninja Tactics A Battle of Balance Picture this: you're strolling down the supermarket aisle, confidently grabbing a bunch of bananas when suddenly, you glance at your cart and realize you've accidentally collected a year’s supply of papayas instead. You check your wallet and your balance isn't looking so hot either. Now imagine that scenario on a global scale, and you've got yourself a trade balance situation. Except, instead of papayas, it's New Zealand and Canada exchanging goods and services, and instead of your wallet, it’s their entire economy in the limelight. And we're not just talking dairy products and oil here—we’re talking about the kind of economic acrobatics that can make or break your next NZDCAD trade. The Forgotten Pair with a Hidden Punch First things first, why NZDCAD? It’s not exactly the headliner at the Forex rock concert. No, that title goes to the likes of EURUSD or GBPJPY. NZDCAD is like that underrated indie band with a cult following—if you know, you know. It’s a pair that doesn't get the spotlight but has all the right riffs to make your trading day a hit. The thing with NZDCAD is that it's largely influenced by the trade balance—the economic equivalent of the New Zealand All Blacks and Canadian Mounties politely (but firmly) arm-wrestling over who’s better at shipping goods. Why Trade Balance is Your Secret Weapon Unlike the flashier indicators that make traders feel like they’re the next Warren Buffet, trade balance is the underdog metric most traders overlook. While everyone else is busy scrutinizing interest rates or GDP, they’re forgetting that trade balance is the unsung hero that actually tells us what’s happening at the core of a country’s economy. A positive trade balance for New Zealand means they’re exporting more—likely butter and lamb. In turn, that strengthens NZD. Similarly, when Canada’s trade balance tips in favor of exports, the CAD stands tall like a glorious bottle of maple syrup. So, the next time the trade balance figures are due, don’t just ignore it like it’s the terms and conditions page on your Netflix subscription. Take a moment. Embrace it. Because when you pair it with your technical analysis, it's like adding hot fudge to your already solid scoop of ice cream—just makes it all the sweeter. Spotting the Trends: The Hidden Patterns in NZDCAD's Dance Here’s the thing: NZDCAD moves in a way that’s often misunderstood. It’s a pair driven by trade relationships that are as friendly and competitive as a neighborly barbecue cook-off. Emerging trends often depend on the commodities these countries export. Dairy for New Zealand, oil for Canada—the dynamics can shift depending on global commodity prices, and it’s your job to be in the know. For example, if you hear a sudden surge in butter demand from Europe, it might be time to consider going long on the Kiwi. When oil prices shoot up, CAD flexes its muscles. Forget looking at superficial price action; it’s about understanding the deeper rhythm. How to Hack the Trade Balance Report Release Let me break it down—when the trade balance figures come out, it's usually in the early morning hours (UTC, of course). If you’re lucky, you might be caffeinated enough to make some sharp moves. But instead of hitting that coffee as hard as you hit the sell button, let’s get strategic. Step 1: Check the Forecast vs. Actual — Market analysts will have their forecasts published, and boy, do they love to be wrong. Compare those predictions with the actual figures. When they don’t match up—especially by a wide margin—you've got yourself an opportunity. This is when you can see sharp movements in NZDCAD that create trade opportunities. Step 2: The "Butter and Oil" Theory — Remember that trade balance impacts NZD and CAD differently, depending on the commodities they deal in. If you hear news of Canada’s oil reserves suddenly striking gold (not literally), or New Zealand finding itself with a dairy surplus, that's your cue to move accordingly. Step 3: Use Correlation — NZDCAD is often correlated to other commodity currencies like AUD or even USD pairs. Using these correlations can help you identify potential divergences that aren’t visible on a single chart. So, keep those tabs open and your trading desk looking like an FBI crime investigation scene. An Unconventional Approach: "The Black Sheep Strategy" The "Black Sheep Strategy" isn’t something you'll find in any Forex trading course—it’s the advanced technique that separates the casual traders from the true ninjas of Forex. This strategy is all about predicting the reaction to trade balance data before it even hits the market. How? Through following commodity reports, global dairy trade auctions (seriously, these are gold mines of information for NZD traders), and Canadian oil industry announcements. You want to be ready before the rest of the market blinks. Use Sentiment Analysis to Enhance Trade Balance Data It’s one thing to know that New Zealand has a trade surplus—it’s another thing to understand how traders feel about it. This is where sentiment analysis comes into play. Market sentiment can amplify or nullify trade balance figures. The big trick here? Go social. Yes, I mean check Twitter—those real-time reactions can be a treasure trove of information, letting you know if people are hyped about New Zealand's latest butter bonanza or if Canadian oil is leaving everyone cold. Ride the wave of sentiment, or play contrarian if the market’s overreacting—it’s all fair game. Why Most Traders Get it Wrong (And How You Can Outsmart Them) Most traders look at NZDCAD the way people look at Brussels sprouts—they don’t want to bother unless they absolutely have to. The truth is, NZDCAD is one of the best pairs for practicing divergence strategies. Here's why: the fundamental drivers for NZD and CAD often go in completely opposite directions. When New Zealand is flying high with dairy exports, Canada could be facing headwinds in oil—these discrepancies create trading opportunities that are ripe for the picking. But here’s the secret sauce: most traders fail because they try to predict one currency in isolation. When you understand both sides of the trade balance equation, you’re not just looking at where NZD or CAD will go individually—you're seeing where they go together, and why one’s flight could mean the other’s fall. A True Story: The Trade Balance Gamble That Paid Off Let me share a quick story: back in 2023, NZD experienced a sudden surge thanks to an unexpected trade surplus driven by Asian dairy demand. No one saw it coming except for a handful of traders (including yours truly) who were keeping their eyes on those obscure agricultural reports—the kind most Forex traders don't even consider reading. CAD, meanwhile, was lagging due to falling oil prices. While most traders were caught off-guard, those in the know reaped significant gains, trading NZDCAD long while the rest of the market played catch-up. That’s the difference between taking calculated, informed risks versus just riding whatever wave comes your way. The Elite Takeaway: Wrapping It Up NZDCAD may not be the star of the Forex market, but if you’re armed with the knowledge of trade balance dynamics, commodity correlations, and a little sentiment analysis, you can trade this pair like a rockstar. The next time you see those trade balance figures pop up, think twice before scrolling by. Remember, this underdog pair is quietly making moves while everyone else watches the spotlight. Want to join the cult of NZDCAD success? Master the balance—and maybe keep a few tabs on butter production while you're at it. Here's What You’ll Learn to Apply - Understand why NZDCAD is worth trading—it’s not just about price action, it’s about economic fundamentals that drive each currency. - Spot market opportunities when trade balance figures diverge significantly from forecasts. - How to use sentiment and correlation to predict moves before they happen. - The secret "Black Sheep Strategy"—getting ahead by following commodity-specific reports before others catch on. - Leverage the underdog mentality of NZDCAD to find trends and opportunities others are missing. Don’t Let the Opportunity Pass You By If you're ready to elevate your NZDCAD trading game, now’s the time. With access to the latest economic indicators and Forex news (check out StarseedFX Forex News) and free trading plans and journals to guide you (Free Trading Plan), you have all the tools needed to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, get exclusive insights by joining the StarseedFX community. Make this pair your secret weapon—the one your competition never saw coming. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article

[kritblogs]

The Timeless Charm of Wool Fabric

Wool fabric, derived from sheep and other animals, has woven its way through centuries of textile history, celebrated for its warmth, durability, and versatility. From ancient civilizations to modern applications, wool remains a staple in our wardrobes and homes.

Why Wool?

One of wool’s fabric most notable attributes is its natural insulation. This unique structure traps air, offering excellent thermal regulation. Whether you're battling cold weather or staying cool in warmer climates, wool’s moisture-wicking capabilities ensure you remain dry and comfortable.

Global Wool Production

Australia leads the world with 25% of wool production, followed by the U.S. and China with 18%, and New Zealand at 11%. This global industry highlights wool's enduring importance.

A Rich History

Wool's use dates back to around 6000 BCE. Domesticated sheep provided wool, meat, and milk, becoming vital to early human societies. By the Roman Empire, wool was a key textile, and during the Middle Ages, it was central to European life and economy. By 1200 AD, Italy's wool production was thriving, underlining wool's significance through the ages.

Diverse Applications

Wool’s versatility shines across various domains:

Clothing: From tailored suits and outerwear to sweaters, knitwear, socks, and base layers, wool’s insulating and soft properties make it a favorite.

Home Textiles: Wool blankets, throws, rugs, and carpets are cherished for their warmth, coziness, and durability.

Performance and Outdoor Gear: Ideal for hiking socks, base layers, and jackets, wool regulates temperature and wicks moisture, with Merino wool particularly favored for its breathability and odor resistance.

Fashion and Accessories: Winter hats, scarves, gloves, and even some bags and shoes benefit from wool’s aesthetic and functional qualities.

Types of Wool

Merino Wool: Soft, fine, lightweight, and breathable, perfect for activewear and everyday garments.

Cashmere: Luxurious and expensive, sourced from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily in Mongolia, China, and India.

Alpaca Wool: Exceptionally soft, warm, and lightweight, favored in high-end textiles and fashion.

Virgin Wool: Also known as lamb’s wool, from the lamb’s first shearing, prized for its softness, durability, and insulation.

Vicuna Wool: Exclusive to Peru, known for its exceptional softness, warmth, and lightweight properties.

Llama Wool: Luxuriously soft and warm, ideal for outerwear garments, from the Andes mountains of South America.

Final Thoughts

Wool’s journey from ancient times to modern applications showcases its timeless appeal and unmatched versatility. Whether in clothing, home decor, or performance gear, wool continues to be a beloved fabric that offers comfort, style, and practicality.

[ashu-digiroads-01]

Exploring Cultural Influences on Middle East Red Meat Cuisine

Introduction:

Cuisine is more than just sustenance; it's a reflection of history, geography, and culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East, where red meat holds a significant place in culinary traditions. From aromatic spices to unique cooking techniques, Middle Eastern red meat cuisine offers a journey through the region's rich cultural tapestry. In this blog, we delve into the cultural influences that shape Middle Eastern red meat cuisine, while also exploring the dynamics of the Middle East red meat market.

Cultural Influences on Middle Eastern Red Meat Cuisine:

Historical Legacy:

Middle Eastern cuisine is deeply rooted in history, with influences from ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia. The consumption of red meat has been prevalent throughout the region for centuries, often associated with celebratory feasts and communal gatherings.

Culinary Traditions:

The culinary traditions of the Middle East are diverse, owing to the region's multiculturalism. Each country boasts its own unique blend of flavors and cooking techniques. For example, in Lebanon, the use of garlic and lemon zest in marinades adds zing to grilled meats, while in Iran, slow-cooked stews like Ghormeh Sabzi showcase a fusion of herbs and spices with tender lamb or beef.

Influence of Religion:

Religion plays a significant role in shaping dietary practices in the Middle East. For instance, Islamic dietary laws, such as halal, govern the consumption of meat, ensuring that it is slaughtered and prepared in accordance with religious principles. As a result, Middle Eastern red meat cuisine often adheres to halal standards, with lamb and goat being popular choices for celebratory meals, especially during Eid al-Adha.

Regional Variations:

The Middle East is vast, encompassing diverse landscapes and climates, which in turn influence culinary preferences. In coastal regions, seafood might feature prominently alongside red meat, while inland areas favor hearty meat dishes cooked with local spices and herbs. For example, in Jordan, the traditional Mansaf, a rice dish topped with lamb and yogurt sauce, reflects the country's Bedouin heritage and nomadic lifestyle.

Middle East Red Meat Market Dynamics:

Growing Demand:

The Middle East red meat market is witnessing steady growth, fueled by population expansion, rising disposable incomes, and urbanization. As consumer preferences evolve, there is a greater emphasis on quality, traceability, and ethical sourcing of red meat products.

Changing Consumption Patterns:

While traditional cuts of red meat remain popular, there is a growing demand for convenience and value-added products. Processed meats, such as kebabs, sausages, and ready-to-cook marinated cuts, cater to busy lifestyles while offering a taste of authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

Export Opportunities:

Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are significant importers of red meat, sourcing products from countries like Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand to meet domestic demand. This presents export opportunities for meat-producing nations, driving trade and economic growth.

Conclusion:

Middle Eastern red meat cuisine is a vibrant tapestry woven from a rich tapestry of cultural influences, culinary traditions, and regional variations. From the aromatic spices of Morocco to the succulent kebabs of Turkey, each dish tells a story of heritage and identity. As the Middle East red meat market continues to evolve, it offers both challenges and opportunities for producers, marketers, and consumers alike, shaping the future of this beloved culinary tradition. So, the next time you savor a tender lamb stew or a juicy grilled steak, remember that you're not just enjoying a meal—you're experiencing centuries of history and culture on a plate.

[beardedmrbean]

Helsingin Sanomat carried an interview with Nokia's CEO Pekka Lundmark, asking him why the company is in trouble yet again.

On Thursday the company said it may lay off up to 14,000 of its employees around the world, with nearly 450 of them reportedly in Finland.

In the last few years, Nokia has been able to expand its market share through the introduction of new network products such as 5G infrastructure, but global markets have unexpectedly cooled down.

In response to the declining demand, the company has unveiled cost-cutting measures, with plans to reduce costs by at least 800 million euros over the next three years, resulting in the elimination of between 9,000 and 14,000 jobs, 447 of which in Finland. Currently, Nokia employs 86,000 workers worldwide.

The slower rollout of 5G mobile networks and services has played a pivotal role in this reduced demand, Lundmark told HS. Telecom operators have been more conservative in building 5G networks than initially expected. Worldwide, only 25 percent of cell towers outside of China have been upgraded to 5G.

Despite the challenges, Lundmark said Nokia remains optimistic about the mid-term. However, market recovery remains uncertain due to various factors, such as macroeconomic conditions, inflation, interest rates, and political crises.

Lundmark added that the company is confident that improvements will come, but it's unclear how long it will take to mount such a comeback.

Finland's new citizenship requirements

In the wake of Interior Minister Mari Rantanen's (Finns) announcement on tightening citizenship criteria, tabloid Ilta-Sanomat compared Finland's proposed citizenship law to other European countries.

The current criteria for Finnish citizenship requires applicants to pass a language test (Finnish or Swedish) and to live in the country for five years before applying. In the newly-announced plans, in addition to a tougher language test, there will also be income requirements and a separate citizenship test. Additionally, the time of residency required to apply for citizenship will change from five to eight years.

The paper found that Sweden had some of the loosest citizenship criteria as it only required five years of residency and had no language or citizenship tests.

On the other end of the spectrum, Spain had some of the strictest citizenship criteria, requiring 10 years of residency as well as a language proficiency test, a citizenship test and proof of adequate income.

IS noted that 13 out of 27 EU member states feature citizenship tests while 22 have obligatory language tests.

Meat labeling on Wolt

Farmers' union newspaper Maaseudun Tulevaisuus (MT) examined how consistently restaurants on the delivery platform Wolt explain where their meat comes from. The paper went to 65 Wolt-listed restaurants in Tampere and Helsinki to find out.

While Wolt requires restaurants to list the country of origin of the meat they sell, MT found many omissions. Wolt attributed this to human error that can occur when a restaurant updates a menu, for example.

As far as listing Finnish meat, pizza and kebab restaurants were the most consistent performers, according to MT. In the Helsinki area, several restaurants clearly indicated the origin of the meat, and in many cases the meat was Finnish.

MT noted in the case of Chinese restaurants, there was almost no use of Finnish meat in their sample pool, and chicken was mostly from Thailand, but also Brazil, Lithuania and Poland. However, the restaurants were open about the origin of their meat.

According to the paper, Wolt-listed Nepalese restaurants did not mention the origin of the fish they used on the app, but often noted that their lamb — a staple in South Asian cuisine — usually came from New Zealand.

[ataleoftwopitties]

PET CLUB HAUL - Product Reviews & Nutritional Considerations

Pet Club has been one of our go-to local pet stores in the Bay Area for a few years now. We like going here because we tend to find lots of food/treats at reduced pricing, and lots of toys (Blanca's fave) for less than $15. They also have self-service pet wash stations at their Emeryville and Santa Rosa locations!

You can find coupons and more info on their website: https://www.petclubstores.com

Here are some good finds from the other day, some of which we already purchase pretty regularly and others that just seemed worth a try ---

Fruitables Superblend Digestive Supplement - a canned pumpkin-based puree with added vitamins and minerals Normal retail price is usually ~$7 per can, but we bought it from Pet Club for $5.49 per can Ingredients: Pumpkin, Apple Pomace, Spinach, Tomato Pomace, Choline Chloride, Ginger, Calcium Carbonate, Cinnamon, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5) Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12 Supplement. Why we like it: Helps to promote healthy stools and digestion.

Pumpkin is considered a "superfood" for pets because it is full of antioxidants - it is a source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, potassium, and beta-carotenes. The soluble fibre content in pumpkin aids in firming stools by absorbing water as it passes through the GI tract, and also acts as a prebiotic to support the presence of healthy gut bacteria.

The Fruitables Superblend "Weight Loss" formula also contains ground oatmeal and inulin to help dogs and cats feel more full and enhance bowel movement - it's good for pets that would benefit from a low-calorie/high-fiber diet, i.e. patients who are obese or need to lose weight, or have diabetes, chronic/severe constipation, hyperlipidemia, liver/galbladder disease, IBD or lymphoma, etc. This product's efficacy has actually been clinically proven through feeding trials done at Texas A&M University (here's the article - "Lipid Metabolic Alterations and Satiety with a Pumpkin-Based supplement in Obese Dogs") There is also a "Switch" version, which is just 100% pumpkin puree (no additives) - useful when transitioning diets or introducing new foods.

Fish & Venison Jerky by The Real Meat Company - made with sustainably wild-caught hoki and mackerel and free-range venison from New Zealand Normal retail price is usually $20-25 per 12 oz. bag, but we bought it at Pet Club for $16.99. Ingredients: Fish, Venison, Lamb, Dried Chicory Root, Vegetable Glycerin, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (used as a preservative).

Why we like it: The meat is gently air-dried to preserve its nutritional value, and supplemented with dried chicory root (a natural prebiotic) to prime the gut. There are no artificial preservatives, coloring, or fillers --- "mixed tocopherols" are actually a combination of different sources of vitamin E, and can come from nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and leafy green vegetables like spinach. Also, the vegetable glycerin used in their products are indeed vegetable-based, with Kosher certification, refined to meet USP grade - meaning that the glycerin is naturally extracted with low vapour pressure, low toxicity, and low flammability to reach high purity levels. In addition, Blanca's current diet mainly consists of venison and fish as protein sources...

Venison/deer meat is low in fat, but rich in protein, and loaded with iron, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins that help support healthy metabolism and red blood cell production, and boost energy. It is also considered a novel protein, which makes it less likely to cause allergic reactions in pets with food sensitivities or inflammatory bowel disease.

Fish like hoki and mackerel are packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to pets' overall health by improving the body's inflammatory response, easing pain and swelling of the skin, organs, and joints. Moreover, the wild-caught fish are sourced from certified sustainable fish populations in New Zealand that strive for the highest standards in reducing mercury contamination.

"Joey's Favorite" Salmon Treats by Dr. Marty - 100% real freeze-dried salmon bits Normal retail price is usually $20-26 per 4 oz. bag, but we bought it from Pet Club for $16.99 Ingredients: Salmon. Why we like it: Only one single ingredient, and since it is freeze dried, it still contains a good portion of its nutritional content. They're good to serve as treats or pour as meal toppers.

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that help support skin and coat health, cognitive function, and improve mobility in dogs with joint or inflammatory diseases.

Lickable Actives Calming Peanut Butter by Green Coast Pet - peanut butter supplemented with L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea leaves that eases stress-related behaviors

Normal retail price is usually $20 per jar, but we bought it at Pet Club for $15.99 Ingredients: Ground peanuts, L-Theanine. 

Why we decided to buy it: Good for spreading on lick mats or stuffing in rubber toys for enrichment, or even distractions while bathing/grooming or during vet visits. Might also be a good ingredient for making treats at home. This product also doesn't contain any added sugars or xylitol like many commercial peanut butters do. The NASC seal on its label indicates that the product maintains its quality and safety through regular third-party testing.

L-theanine can help to decrease anxiety by raising serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, without causing any negative side effects or overt drowsiness. Research says that L-theanine supplementation in dogs result in reduced behaviors triggered by fear, such as flight avoidance, hyper-vigilance and trembling. There was a study done in 2010 to examine the effects of L-theanine on dogs with noise phobia undergoing behavioral therapy - those that received L-theanine tablets consistently over a ~2-month period tended to exhibit less panting, drooling, lip licking, yawning, vocalizing, attention-seeking from owners, and other compulsive behaviors (here's the article - "Effectiveness of L-theanine and behavioral therapy in the treatment of noise phobias in dogs ").

Although this next product isn't food, it caught my eye because Blanca was due for a bath. She always tends to form some redness/irritation on her chest/upper abdomen area from laying on the ground and wearing her harness.

CannaLove Medicated Antimicrobial Shampoo - a safe and gentle solution to heal hot spots and skin irritations; controls dry, itchy and flaky skin caused by seborrhea or non-specific dermatitis

Normal retail price is usually $20 per bottle, but we bought it at Pet Club for $18.99 Ingredients: Water, Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, Disodium cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Cocamidopropyl amine oxide, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Cannabis sativa (Hemp) seed extract, Urea, Honey, Quil/aja saponaria (Soapbark) bark extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Urtica dioica (Nettle) extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract, Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen) leaf extract, Humulus lupulus (Hops) extract, Lawsonia inermis (Henna) leaf extract, Equisetum arvense (Horsetail) extract, Salvia officinalis (Sage) extract, Benzalkonium chloride. Why we bought it: Hypoallergenic shampoo designed to eliminate ringworm and topical parasitic infections, yet safe to be used daily. It's hemp-infused and pH balanced to be ideal for all fur types. The product has been third-party tested, and actually has a QR code on each bottle that takes you directly to detailed results of every batch test.

[petfunbd]

ZIGNATURE® LIMITED INGREDIENT ZSSENTIAL FORMULA DOG FOOD 13.5 LBS

Zssential’s Multi-Source Protein recipe is made from Turkey and Turkey Meal from the American Midwest, Salmon from the Northwest, Duck Meal from France, and Lamb Meal from New Zealand. 

Zssential is exceptionally high in protein, low in saturated fat, and is loaded with heart-friendly essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin B12 and Selenium, while being a good source of Riboflavin, Thiamin, Niacin, and Phosphorus. Our nutritionally correct ratio of fruits and vegetables rounds out the recipe with powerful antioxidants and fiber-rich low-glycemic carbohydrates. Physiologically Tuned™, limited ingredient premium food for dogs.

 Hypoallergenic meat first recipe, with no Corn, Wheat, Soy, Dairy, or Chicken, Chicken Eggs, or Chicken By-Products. 

AAFCO stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials. Zignature® recipes are formulated to meet all the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. 

This certifies that Zignature® is a nutritionally complete product that can be fed to your pet as its sole ration without adding any other substance except water.

 We use a limited ingredient formula because in most cases simple is best. Zignature® is formulated to serve your canine companion’s needs by delivering the highest quality, well balanced diets. 

Our limited ingredient formula uses No Potatoes, No Grain, No Chicken, No Eggs, No Glutens, No Tapioca, No Corn, & No Soy. Our Single Animal Protein Formulas are extremely palatable, encouraging a healthy appetite and providing high-quality protein for strong muscles.

[gokitetour]

10 traditional New Zealand dishes

Do you have aspirations of discovering New Zealand's breathtaking scenery and lively culture?  The food of New Zealand, ranging from creative Kiwi innovations to native Maori specialties, provides a fascinating window into the country's diverse cultural heritage. Come along as to explore ten foods that are a must-try and will tantalise the taste buds and leave you craving more. be ready to explore the flavours of this fascinating country through an amazing culinary adventure.

Here are the top 10 traditional New Zealand dishes

Hangi:

Start your culinary adventure by getting acquainted with one of the most traditional methods of cooking in New Zealand for Māori people, Hangi. Slow roasting of meats, fish and vegetables in an earth oven gives a rich full taste, which is a very traditional New Zealand meal that samples the Maoris original culture.

Pavlova:

Craving for sweets? Then try Pavlova: a dessert based on meringue and named in honor of the great Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Having a delicate crispy coat over its creamy inside, it is usually decorated by slices of kiwi and passion fruits.

Kumara:

Do not fail to grasp the virtues of Kumara, which is a local product and enjoys something of a place in Kiwi cuisine. However, this vegetable is perfect for roasting either alone or as a part of mashed food and a soup that not only adds deliciousness to the New Zealand cuisine but also comes with a new twist.

Whitebait Fritters:

Whitebait fritters are a common dish of New Zealanders, who shred small delicate fish obtained by pan-fried into South latites and pest lightly scorched It is a must-have in the event that you desire to venture out around New Zealand demanding flavors.

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream:

One of the unique things about Kiwi’s dessert is Hokey Pokey ice cream. This rich treat is filled with honeycomb toffee and gives a vast array of texture and flavor sensations coupled with this you will never want to consume anything else.

Kiwi Burger:

Get your teeth stuck into a Kiwi Burger; popular from New Zealand, versions of this hamburger are one of the best things to bite into. Adding beetroot as well as crowning it with a fried egg alongside uncommon ingredients, it stands tall and proud epitomizing Kiwi novelty in the sphere of culinary arts.

Lamb Roast:

Taste the unique culture of New Zealand farming with a heavenly Lamb Roast. Delicately prepared and cooked the more costly way this dishe's flavor choice incorporates the nation’s element uncommon nature of sheep.

Green-Lipped Mussels:

Avoid the mally and head for the coast to enjoy the fabled Green –Lipped Mussels. This meaty and tasty huntington paellas mollusk is traditionally fried or seen, a pleasure to eat which brings out the delicious taste of seafood.

Kina:

Sea urchin delicacy available to daring palates. When served raw or fresh, it has a distinct, salty flavour that accentuates the variety of seafood available in New Zealand.

Afghan Biscuits:

 To round off your meal, try some sweet Afghan Biscuits. These chocolatey sweets are a delicious way to finish off your discovery of traditional flavours in New Zealand, capped with frosting and a walnut.

Every dish in New Zealand's food range is a celebration of the country's natural richness and cultural past, so keep that in mind as you plan your Kiwi vacation. Good food and may your travels bring you many wonderful memories that connect you to the spirit and heart of New Zealand forever with the help of New Zealand Visa from Delhi . hope your future culinary adventure goes well and safely.

[artsbakery22]

The Best of Grill Menu and Kebab Dishes from a Top-Rated Local Cafeteria in Glendale

Any die-hard food lover cannot shy away from delicious kebabs, grill plates, soups, French fries, Pilafs and salads that are served to him/her fresh and hot on the plate. And, this is exactly where a cafeteria, with its flavorful assortment of meat dishes, prepared from pork, beef, lamb and chicken go on to satisfy the palate and taste buds of foodies that love savoring onto something, which is lip-smacking, chewy, munchy, tender, soft, juicy and truly filling to the tummy.

 If you’re residing in a city like Glendale CA, you can now taste the best of grilled dishes, which are served as Entrees, appetizers, main course meals, sides and snacks for the evening. And, it is a local eatery like “Art’s Bakery & Cafe” that brings to you a world of finger-licking meat preparations for enjoying a filling breakfast, brunch or lunch. Just order online, and get the grill delivery to your home. Else, simply drop-in at the cafe for a ‘sit-n-dine’ experience, or an instant takeaway, soaking into the flavorful vibes and aromatic ambiance, all created by the authentic spices, herbs, sauce and oil.

 Smoky Flavored Grilled Dishes are Always the First Choice among All Gastronomic Freaks

 Whether it's a Berkshire grilled bone-in pork ribs, grilled Salmon steak, Zucchini kotlet, chicken kotlet, beef kotlet or Berkshire pork bacon chunks, you’re going to love every single bite you take. It creates a burst of flavors in the mouth, with the spices and herbs adding to the olfactory sense effect. So, if you’re looking for a Glendale grill menu with a huge variety, it has to be a cafe or a restaurant that has the best chefs, preparing mouthwatering stuff from ingredients that are sourced from the local farmer’s market.

 In one such grill preparation, the meat is cut into chunks, marinated with yogurt & sauce, pierced through iron grills, along with veggies like onions, tomatoes, tofu and bell pepper, thereafter roasted on charcoal fire in a BBQ oven, till it releases the juices. After the meat is properly cooked, it is sprinkled with all the spices and herbs, thereafter served alongside rice, Harissa, Pilaf, French fries, salad and soup. So, whether you’re tasting Buffalo chicken wings or New Zealand lamb chops, it is the flavors of the spices that creates a gastronomically satisfying effect.

[dustedmagazine]

PJEV, Kit Downes & Hayden Chisholm — Medna Roso (Red Hook)

Photo by Niclas Weber 

Medna Roso by PJEV / Kit Downes / Hayden Chisholm

The pipe organ is one of music’s most spiritual sounds. It spans enormous range, from flute-into-piccolo trills at the high end to gut-swirling foghorn blasts at the low. If you grew up in a church that had one — I did — the pipe organ probably sounds the way you imagine god sounding: enveloping, all-forgiving, luminous and full of power. All of which is to say that it is a pretty important piece of Medna Roso, but not, rather surprisingly, not an all-consuming or overwhelming piece. This live performance brings together the surging power of pipe organ with haunted threads of saxophone and the buzzing, close harmonies and dissonances of a female a capella vocal quintet from Zagreb.

The disc presents a live performance in Cologne, Germany in 2021, which British jazz and classical keyboardist Kit Downes played the massive pipe organ at the Agneskirche, while New Zealand reedist Hayden Chisholm added saxophone, shruti box, analogue synthesizer and throat singing. PJEV — that is, a collective comprised of five women singers from the Balkans — joined in the haunting, minor-key songs of their region. This is a remarkable, stirring piece of work that works right into your bones.

The concert intersperses traditional songs from Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia sung in their original languages with freeform instrumental interludes. The songs put the very human sound of longing, remembering, mourning and celebrating at the forefront; the instrumental breaks suggest a large-scale spiritual and historical context. “Što si setna, nevesela,” a Serbian song from Štrpce village in Kosovo whose title means something like “Why are you unhappy?” begins with a single voice against a silvery vibration. The melody winds sinuously in and among notes, the Eastern influence prominent in the singer’s flickering, note-shifting lament. The group sings together afterwards in the Serbian song, “Oj djevojko, janje umiliato” (“Oh the little lamb,” roughly), largely in strong, brash unison, but with sudden clashing dissonances and shadowy harmonies. The primal way in which their voices challenge and support each other is extremely moving.

The interludes bring pipe organ and saxophone up to the front, the sax flitting meditatively against long surging tones of organ. In “Interlude III” Chisolm’s tones fade out as Downes erupts in roiling, obliterating chords, and then you hear the sax again in an almost human cry atop it. In “IV” breathy tones melt into lingering auras of organ sound. The music takes shape out of a boiling stew of potential.

There is likely much to learn about these spectral melodies — where they come from, what their history might be, how they differ from other songs from the next region over or a hundred miles away. The disc includes extensive notes and translated lyrics if you want to delve into the specifics. And yet, you could, equally, just sit and take in the music, which is strident and spiritual, awe-awakening and mysterious, all by itself.

Jennifer Kelly

[pravalika]

Wet Pet Food Market - Forecast (2022 - 2027)

The Wet Pet Food Market size is estimated to reach $36.4 billion by 2027. Furthermore, it is poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period of 2022-2027. Wet pet food has been a growing market owing to rising consumer preferences to feed nutritional or functional foods to their pets. Wet pet foods have a predominant portion of water, added to the dry ingredients which allow the pet owners to provide the necessitated water intake. Additionally, owing to old age various dogs or cats are not able to digest dry ingredient food items, which in turn allows the market to grow. Wet pet food is often fulfilled with necessary protein and amino acids, hence, non-vegan options such as beef chicken turkey pork are regarded as pet’s favorite. Furthermore, surveys have revealed that pet owners have established a humanitarian bond with their pets which propels them to buy various treats in form of kibble or others. Additionally, an amalgamation of taste and functionality would be a keen space for marketers in the coming period. The animal feed industry has been observing certain key trends from wet pet food and is readily adopting strategies to amalgamate their current offerings with future potentials. Product development along with the humanization of pets supplemented by a wide product offering along with better technology connecting pet owners with each other and veterinarians and diet suppliers are some of the key factors driving the Global Wet Pet Food Industry in the projected period of 2022-2027.

Request Sample

Wet Pet Food Market Report Coverage

The report: “Wet Pet Food Market Forecast (2022-2027)”, by Industry ARC covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Global Wet Pet Food Industry

By Animal Type- Dog, Cats, and Others.  By Nature- Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian.  By Distribution Channel- Offline and Online Retail. By Geography- North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, United Kingdom (U.K.), France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, and Rest of Asia Pacific), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South America), and Rest of the World (the Middle East, and Africa)

Key Takeaways

Wet Pet Food Segmentation Analysis- By Animal Type

The global wet pet food based on animal type can be further segmented into Dogs, Cats, and Others. Dogs held a dominant market share in the year 2021. Dogs have had shared a prime focus in terms of adoption, as pet owners have often stated that they connect on a scale higher to dogs as compared to cats. Additionally, the humanization of dogs has allowed them to hold a massive share. As per a US study, around 67% of households or about 90.5 million homes own a pet, of which dogs account for nearly 64%. Moreover, pet owners have confirmed that wet pet food allows easy digestion for older dogs and allows them to stay away from dental maladies. Further, pet shop owners have commented that owners wish to spoil their dogs with diverse meals-which has been a prime focus. However, the cats’ segment is estimated to be the fastest-growing, with a CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period of 2022-2027. Cat adoption has been growing, and predominant offerings and product developments are now being centered around cats, which allows for better opportunities. Further, around 45.3 million households own a cat in the U.S., which is projected to increase with time.

Inquiry Before Buying

Wet Pet Food Segmentation Analysis- By Nature

The global wet pet food market based on nature can be further segmented into Vegan and Non-Vegan. Non-Vegan held a dominant market share in the year 2021. The non-vegan option includes and is not limited to beef, lamb, chicken, salmon, and chicken broth. Moreover, each form of meat offers unique advantages to pets. Various forms of proteins and amino acids are present in red meat. Additionally, the omnivore nature of animals makes them favor non-vegan options more than vegan options. As per Pet Food Institute, around $1220 million worth of beef was being used for making pet foods. Additionally, around $691 million worth of lamb was being used for making pet foods. However, vegan options are estimated to be the fastest-growing, with a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period of 2022-2027. Humanization of pets has been a prime reason for the estimation, as humans are turning heavily cautious of consuming only sustainable and cruelty-free food items, they have been trying to adopt the same for their pets. Additionally, plant-based meats are now being developed pets-which can be given in the wet form. Additionally, a blend of vegan and non-vegan offerings would push the use of vegan ingredients. As per Pet Food Institute, whole grains have been the most used ingredient by weight-comprising a value equivalent to 1.87 million tons.

Wet Pet Food Segmentation Analysis- By Geography

The global wet pet food market based on geography can be further segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Rest of World. North America held a dominant market share of 41% in the year 2021. It is owing to the presence of major pet adopters in the countries like the U.S. Additionally, U.S. spending power allows it to cash some new pet offerings, owing to a strong humanization bond shared. For example, within the U.S., around 69 million households own a dog while around 45.3 million households own a cat. Further, food is the second highest expenditure a pet owner makes after veterinarian visits. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities over the forecast period of 2022-2027. Predominant reasons are Japan’s indigenous spot of being a leading importer of prepared dog and cat food. Additionally, markets in India and China are owed to see rising consumer expenditure trends.

Buy Now

Wet Pet Food Market Drivers

The growing number of pet adoptions throughout the study period has been of key help.

The pandemic didn’t halt the increasing number of pet adoption. Reports suggest that nearly 49% of the Americans had gotten a pet during the woes of lockdowns and other shutdowns in 2020-21. Of those surveyed, it was observed that 53% of the people bought a dog, 32% bought home a cat, and moreover, 14% had adopted both cats and dogs in the previous year. Moreover, 40% of the pets adopted were from an NGO, and the other 24% was done from taking pets from another family. Lastly, 26% bought pets from a breeder in the U.S. Additionally, pet adoption has grown worldwide, especially in developing countries. However packed foods aren’t yet present in numbers but experts estimate that better product positioning at competitive pricing would allow better entre featurettes. Additionally, pet humanization has been of key help for market growth. As per reports from industry leaders, they observed double-digit growth in 2021 owing to heavy adoptions in 2020. Owing to such reasons, the wet pet food sales grew and would continue to follow the trajectory.

The growing knowledge pertaining to animal health nutrition and product innovations along with the growing field of custom-made meals have now allowed the market to register steady growth.

Supplements along with healthy pet food nutrition have allowed the market to grow. Wet pet food allows the pet owner to provide the needed water intake along with various micronutrients. For example, Glucosamine is a prevalent ingredient/ nutrient added to dog meals to lessen the chances of developing arthritis or ailing in easy pain management with those afflicted. As per a study, around 20% of the dogs above the age of 1 and 80% of dogs above the age of 8 would start showing symptoms pertaining to arthritis. Additionally, models such as Prey Model Raw which guides pet owners to use whole prey nutrition have allowed the wet pet food market as well. A major proportion of innovations have taken due to the rising prevalence of pet adoptions in millennials. “To improve mental health” was seen as a prevalent reason for adopting pets. Furthermore, companies such as Nom-Nom-Now adapt to strategies of “nose-to-tail” nutrition, which allows pet food owners to adopt for custom portion meals, and AI along with deep tech is used to find the needed nutrition of the pet, and if the pet is underfed or overfed-the AI would alert the company and owner. Owing to such factors, the market is robustly paced.

Wet Pet Food Market Challenges

Lower shelf life along with higher product cost supplemented by incoherent owners’ preferences have impeded the overall market growth.

The product cost between dry pet food and wet pet food can be easily demarcated, and the higher cost of the latter often becomes the pain point for manufacturers. For example, a can of wet pet food can cost nearly $8.29- which roughly translates into 23.0 C/ Oz. Whereas, 20.4 lb dry pet food only costs $13.49. Furthermore, the products have a relatively shorter shelf life as they have beef broth or other gravy portions which can turn malignant in a shorter form of time, and adding various stabilizers in the mix can further harm the end-user. Veganism has been doing rounds in the western economies, and the owner interests have now started to be observed in pet foods, as owners are now replacing their meals with vegan options. However, it has been proven time and again, that animals need non-vegetarian nutrition owing to the constitutional build-up of being a predator or higher in the food chain.

[woodstockbtswriter]

Voyagers

Genre: Fluff/Headcanon

Pairing: Yoongi x Reader (Female)

Summary: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join BTS on a Bon Voyage adventure leads to once-in-a-lifetime love.

Author’s Note: The GIF... I mean, can I just cuddle him, please?!

GIF Credit: MONOSUGA

Part Five

Sunset Drive

Before you even left the highway cafe, Jin fell sound asleep behind you, so you, Yoongi, and Namjoon kept quiet and tried not to disturb him

Namjoon started looking at his phone in the backseat, leaving you and Yoongi to have your own hushed conversation

You remembered he had his wisdom teeth taken out just before the trip and asked how he was feeling

He admitted his mouth was still a little sore, but he felt mostly fine

He had been worried the trip would be difficult for him, but he was doing much better than he expected

You told him you were glad he was feeling better and that you hoped he was enjoying himself

With a faint smile, he assured you that he was

As the sun set, it painted the sky purple, and when you began your ascent up into the mountains, an impressive view opened up

You, Yoongi, and Namjoon marveled at the sight

Yoongi told Namjoon to wake Jin up to see, and Namjoon nudged him

Jin barely opened his eyes before turning his head and going back to sleep, mumbling in agreement, and the rest of you laughed at his response

A few minutes later, the producer radioed to tell you to turn off to the left

You examined the navigation app on your phone; you still had miles to go to your accommodation and there wasn’t anything on the map at this point

But as Yoongi pulled over and you saw the shimmering lake situated in the valley of the mountains, you realized the crew didn’t want you to miss this stunning scene

The crew asked everyone to exit the vehicles and explore, so you followed the boys down to the water’s edge, pulling on your parka as you walked across the pebbly shore

The view was breathtaking, and you and the boys pulled out your phones to try to capture it

While you were taking a picture, Yoongi walked into the frame, reaching down to touch the water

He immediately recoiled when he felt the temperature, declaring that it was freezing

You laughed at him, and he reached for you in retaliation, grasping your hand with his wet, icy fingers

You gasped, pulling your hand away and shaking off the water, and it was Yoongi’s turn to laugh at you

Next to you, Hoseok told Jimin he should wash his face in the lake, and he promptly complied, splashing his face while noisily reacting to the cold

Then Yoongi suggested the drivers should splash themselves to wake up, and he and Jungkook proceeded to wet their hands and faces (and in Jungkook’s case, his hair)

Curious, you hesitantly bent next to Yoongi, quickly skimming your hands through the frigid water before both of you retreated, your skin painfully red

As you headed back to the warmth of the vehicles, Yoongi wondered if the water was clean enough to drink

You replied that it was likely glacier water and so probably fairly clean, and one of the crew members confirmed your assumption

Yoongi shouted back to the others that they could drink the water if they wanted to, but they were too busy taking pictures

Once everyone was back inside the SUV and the camper, you continued on your way as darkness gradually descended

Settling In

Soon, you reached your accommodation for the night, and as you pulled up to the cabin nestled in at the base a mountain, Namjoon spotted two dogs running down the driveway to greet you

As you all piled out of the vehicles, you and the boys became acquainted with the friendly grey and white dogs

Everyone then headed inside the cabin, and you warmed yourselves around the wood-burning stove for a few minutes before checking out the bedrooms

As usual, the boys made a big production out of choosing rooms

They drew numbers, then took turns picking bunks between two rooms

Yoongi, Namjoon, and Jungkook ended up in one room, and Jin, Hoseok, Jimin, and Taehyung shared the other room

Your choice had already been made for you: a small, private room with only one set of bunks on the opposite end of the hallway

Once rooms were decided, everyone brought the luggage in, settled into their bunks, and began taking turns washing up

The boys let you shower first, giving the bathroom a wide berth while you were using it to ensure your privacy

When you were back in your room and just finishing getting dressed, you overheard Yoongi in the hallway asking around for a hairdryer

Thankful that you had ultimately chosen to pack yours, you grabbed your dryer from your suitcase and opened your door to offer it to Yoongi

He accepted it gratefully, not seeming to mind that it was hot pink, but then he hesitated in your doorway for a moment

“Something smells minty,” he said curiously

You touched your damp hair, chuckling, and explained that your shampoo had peppermint oil in it

“Mmm,” he nodded, inhaling, “It smells nice.”

You agreed with another chuckle, then he thanked you for the hairdryer and walked off to find an outlet

A little later, after the last of the boys emerged from the shower, you all gathered back in the main room for dinner

First Night in NZ

A sizable buffet of comfort food had been laid out by the cabin staff, and you didn’t hesitate to load up your plate

Yoongi and Hoseok were already sharing the love seat when you came to join the boys circling around the coffee table, but Hoseok quickly scooted over, patting the seat between him and Yoongi

A silent understanding passed between you and Hoseok; you gave him a secret, grateful smile, and he gave you the subtlest wink in return

Then you squeezed between them, and Yoongi felt so warm and cozy pressed up against you, you had to resist the urge to just snuggle up to him

As you ate, the white dog (whose name was Ziki, you found out) took up an adorable vigil at Yoongi’s feet, and it reminded him how his dog, Holly, would beg for food

He asked if you have any pets, and you answered that you haven’t had a pet since you moved out of your parents’ house, but recently you considered maybe adopting a cat

And when he asked why you wanted a cat, your reply that you relate to them on a spiritual level earned you a gummy smile

After stuffing yourselves with roast lamb and potatoes (and the ramyeon and kimchi the boys just had to have), the energy of the group was fading, but you still raised your glasses to toast to “a successful trip around New Zealand”

As you lounged around on the sofas enjoying your drinks, Jimin mentioned how he was most comfortable around the other boys

Namjoon agreed, and explained that their bond was so strong from living and working together for so long

Then Yoongi shared that he was more comfortable during this Bon Voyage than he’d been during any other season

“Even with me here?” You asked him, feeling a little like an outsider with such a tight-knit group

“You fit right in,” He reassured you

The rest of the boys agreed that they were comfortable around you and that they were glad you were with them, too

“You have a comforting presence,” Yoongi added, and the boys nodded their agreement

You could feel their sincerity, and it warmed your heart and put a smile on your face as you thanked them for being so welcoming

A little while and a few topics of conversation later, you finished your drinks with a final “cheers” and another “Bon Voyage” chant before everyone dispersed

Jungkook and Hoseok wandered outside to see the stars, and you, Yoongi, and Taehyung followed

The sky was the clearest you’d ever seen, sprinkled with more twinkling stars than you could ever count

After a few moments of admiration, you each attempted to photograph it, but you all found it difficult to get a clear picture with your phones

Giving up, you put your phone away and turned around to find Yoongi pointing his directly at you

You smiled for him, then asked why he was taking a picture of you instead of the stars

He didn’t look up from his screen as he shrugged, “You’re shining brighter.”

And you wondered if he knew how he made your tummy flutter

Then you and they boys decided it was too cold to stay outside and headed back in

The production crew finally stopped filming, and was packing up the camera equipment for the night

You didn’t want to say goodnight, but you were beyond tired and could tell everyone else was, too

You waved goodnight to the boys still idling in the lounge before heading down the hallway

Yoongi followed close behind you, seeing you to your room

At your door, he expressed his hope that you’d had a good first day

You replied that you’d had the best day, and that you were looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures

Though you weren’t sure how anything could top today

You also thanked him personally for ensuring you felt included, letting him know his little gestures did not go unnoticed by you

He got a little flustered at that, touching his ears, and you found it so cute that he had no idea how to take a compliment

Then with a small bow, he wished you a good night and a good sleep, and made his way to his own room

You watched him until he disappeared through the doorway, then closed your door and settled into your bed

And despite the adrenaline coursing through your body, your exhaustion quickly overcame you

You fell asleep easily as your mind replayed all the most memorable events of the day, recalling every conversation, every smile, and every touch you and Yoongi had shared

Previous - Next

[aussie-twat]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3V1IDRM4h3c

Its how Australia fixes everything: lamb and Hemsworths.

Cheating at sport, we can’t even hang on to a prime minister.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

24th August >> Mass Readings (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle 

(Liturgical Colour: Red)

First Reading

Apocalypse 21:9-14

He showed me Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God out of heaven

The angel came to speak to me, and said, ‘Come here and I will show you the bride that the Lamb has married.’ In the spirit, he took me to the top of an enormous high mountain and showed me Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God out of heaven. It had all the radiant glory of God and glittered like some precious jewel of crystal-clear diamond. The walls of it were of a great height, and had twelve gates; at each of the twelve gates there was an angel, and over the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel; on the east there were three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. The city walls stood on twelve foundation stones, each one of which bore the name of one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 144(145):10-13a,17-18

R/ Your friends, O Lord, make known the glorious splendour of your reign.

All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,

and your friends shall repeat their blessing.

They shall speak of the glory of your reign

and declare your might, O God.

R/ Your friends, O Lord, make known the glorious splendour of your reign.

They make known to men your mighty deeds

and the glorious splendour of your reign.

Yours is an everlasting kingdom;

your rule lasts from age to age.

R/ Your friends, O Lord, make known the glorious splendour of your reign.

The Lord is just in all his ways

and loving in all his deeds.

He is close to all who call him,

who call on him from their hearts.

R/ Your friends, O Lord, make known the glorious splendour of your reign.

Gospel Acclamation

John 1:49

Alleluia, alleluia!

Rabbi, you are the Son of God,

you are the King of Israel.

Alleluia!

Gospel

John 1:45-51

You will see heaven laid open, and the Son of Man

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, the one about whom the prophets wrote: he is Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’ ‘From Nazareth?’ said Nathanael ‘Can anything good come from that place?’ ‘Come and see’ replied Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael. ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.