#Penny Stocks Master

[atlafan]

candy

summary: harry needs to learn how to use his mouth better, so he goes to see someone who can help him with just that words: 7.9K warnings: sex work, oral (giving and receiving) a/n: not proofread I the song candy by cameo inspired this, def recommend listening because it's so good I if you like what you read here, please consider joining my patreon for access to exclusive fics not posted on tumblr I i haven't posted fic on here in a while. Please, please, please reblog, leave notes in the tags, and/or send me asks!!

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Harry was…embarrassed, to say the least. But he supposes places and services like these exist for a reason, so he shouldn’t be ashamed for going. Plus, if he boiled it down, he’s going for purely academic purposes. He needs help with something, and he’s going straight to the source to become a pro.

Taking a deep breath, Harry opens the door to the lobby of the building and goes straight to the elevator to the eighteenth floor. He takes his phone out to look at the code he was instructed to punch into the keypad on the door, and then he’s buzzed in, able to check in at reception.

“Um, hi.” He says just above a whisper to the woman behind the semi-circle desk.

“Good afternoon, sir.” She smiled warmly. “How may I help you?”

“I have an appointment at 4PM with, uh,” he looks down at his phone, “is her name really Candy?”

“No.” She chuckles. “But all of the girls have stage names, so to speak. It’s for extra security. Please, have a seat, and I’ll let her know you’re here.” She gestures to the waiting area where a few other men are waiting. God, this is mortifying, he thinks.

Harry sits down and keeps his eyes locked on his lap, not wanting to make eye-contact with any of the other guys there.

“Mr. S.?” He hears the woman from behind the desk say. “You can head down to room ten.” She gestures to the hallway and Harry gets up to go, grateful just his initial was used and not his actual name. He needs privacy just the same as these women.

When he finds room ten, he punches in the same code into the keypad and goes inside. The room is dimly lit. It looks like a large bedroom, a master suite. There’s a king-sized bed, but also a loveseat, three-seater couch, and a bureau. He also spies what looks like a bathroom. Wow, nothing’s even happened yet, and Harry’s already realizing that this is going to be worth every penny.

“Hey, baby.” Candy comes out of the bathroom dressed in a black, silk teddy dress and heels. She’s wearing thigh-high stockings as well. “Can I take your jacket for you?” Harry nods at that and unbuttons his suit jacket, shimmying it off and handing it to Candy. She makes a show of walking over to the small closet and hangs it up on a hanger before coming back to him. “This is your first time here, isn’t it.” It’s not a question, but Harry still nods. “You don’t need to be nervous, baby. You booked me for three hours, so we have all the time in the world to get comfortable. Do you want something to drink?” She gestures to the bar cart on the other side of the room.

“No, thank you.”

“Alright.”

“And I don’t want you to have one either.”

“Then I won’t.” She smiles. “Do you want to sit on the bed, the couch…?”

“The couch.” He decides, and they both go sit on it. Candy tucks her feet under her bum and props her head on her fist, resting her elbow on the back of the couch. “You’re very,” his eyes drift down to her cleavage, then back up to her face, “pretty.”

“Well, thank you, baby.” She gives him a beaming smile. “You’re a sight for sore eyes yourself.” She laughs. “I have to do this with a lot of guys I’m not particularly attracted to. I got a little excited when I saw you were assigned to me today.”

“That’s kind of you.” He blushes. “They make you have sex with guys you normally wouldn’t say yes to?”

“I mean, no one makes me do anything. There’s about a dozen different secret buttons around this room for me to press to call for security. No one gives us any trouble here, but you should know, there’s no funny business.”

“I wouldn’t dream of doing anything without your permission.”

“So, why don’t you tell me what you want, baby? How can I make you feel good? I can suck you off, let you bend me over the bed, or-“

“I want to go down on you.” He blurts out, and it takes her off guard.

“Come again?”

“I want to go down on you.” He repeats, a little slower this time. “That’s all.”

“Are you serious?”

“Do guys not normally go down on you?”

“No, some do, but most guys are here to take care of their own needs, mine don’t usually matter. Not that I mind. I have to use so much lube to get even remotely wet for some of these guys. I’m thankful that a lot of them don’t even ask to go down on me.”

“Oh.” He looks away for a moment, then back to her. “So, this is weird…”

“Nah, everyone has their kinks and fetishes. If you like going down on women, then-“

“I need practice at it.” His cheeks heat for the millionth time that day. “I’m not very good at it, not confident, and I can tell when I’m with a woman, or someone with a vagina, that…well, I get the tap a lot.”

“The tap?”

“You know,” he taps the top of one of his shoulders, “when someone gives you the tap to cut it out and get on with it. I’m confident with my cock, lots of orgasms have been had on my cock, but I know that’s not always what a woman wants, and I care so much about getting a woman off, but it’s so awkward to have to keep asking, ‘do you like that’, or, ‘is that good’. So, I just need someone to practice on so I can get better at it, and then feel more confident when I’m having relations with someone.”

“You’re telling me you’ve tried to go down on women, and they haven’t told you how to do it?”

“Some try, and then they just get frustrated, and then I get frustrated. And…I’m not all that confident with my fingers either. Sometimes I can make it happen, and other times I can’t. I feel like making a woman come during foreplay is really important. It helps them relax, gets them more into it, and then I feel better, which means I can perform better.”

“So, you booked me for three hours so I can help you get better at eating someone out, and that’s all you want to do?”

“Yes.” He nods. “I’ll probably come in my pants from doing it. I get off knowing I’m getting someone else off. So, if it’s okay with you, I’ll probably just strip down to my underthings, so I don’t ruin my pants.”

“Baby, I see people naked every day, of course it’s okay with me.”

“Do you call every guy baby?”

“I…what?”

“I don’t want to be called what you call everyone else. It feels impersonal. How am I your baby already? We just met.”

“Well, are you a precious thing.” She smooths his hair back from his forehead. “What would you like to be called? A lot of guys don’t use their real names, same as me.”

“I’d rather be called by my name. Is that okay?”

“Yes, and don’t worry, you have my discretion. We all sign NDA’s when we take on new clients.”

“That’s good to know.” Harry sighs with relief. “My job…I’m one of the faces of my company.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” He shrugs.

“Did you ask any of your friends how they approach things? Or, like, have you watched lesbian porn? It’s still exaggerated, but no one knows how to go down on a woman more than another woman, in my opinion.”

“I was too embarrassed to ask my friends. We don’t talk about things like this. They only brag about the good stuff, no one talks about their weaknesses. And I have watched…all kinds of porn, and as helpful as the visuals are, I learn much better by doing.”

“Okay.” Candy stands and claps her hands together. “Let’s get comfortable on the bed. I think we should act out what you usually do when you’re getting ready to sleep with someone. Kiss me, touch me, do whatever you usually do with a woman.”

Harry nods and stands up. “My name’s Harry.”

“Hi, Harry.” She smooths her hands up his chest. “Can I loosen your tie for you?”

“Yes.” He watches her nimble fingers work the knot and slides it off his collar. She takes the material between her thumb and index finger.

“This is quality material.”

“I don’t fuck around with my clothes.” He smirks, letting some personality shine through, and she makes an impressed face. He takes the tie from her and gently places it to hang on the back of the couch. He brings his hand up and tucks some hair behind Candy’s ear, a little unsure of how to start. “So, we can kiss? You want to do this really?”

“Yes, Harry, I do.”

Hearing his name on her lips sends a zip of electricity through his body. He leans in and brushes his Cupid’s bow against hers, then takes her top lip between his own. He gives it a gentle suck, and revels in the way she kisses him back. She keeps it slow, going at his pace. His hands cup her jaw as he licks into her mouth. Candy moans lowly, melting into him.

They stand there like that for a while, just the sounds of their lips smacking, their breaths huffing, and the spit being swapped between them filling the room. Harry presses his pelvis against Candy’s, and she squeaks, immediately putting a hand over his erection to palm it. He snatches her wrist and shakes his head no.

“But, you’re hard.”

“That’s not what I want from you.” He brings her knuckles up to his lips, kissing on them, and then up her arm and to her neck.

“Oh, fuck.” She moans breathlessly, clutching at the hair on the back of his head to keep him where he is. “I love being bitten.”

Harry whimpers into her, nipping at her tender skin a little harder. Her other hand flies to his back, clutching at the material of his dress shirt. Her knees nearly buckle when his teeth nip at her earlobe. He walks her back towards the bed, and they topple on top of it. Harry wedges his thigh between Candy’s and grinds it in hard.

Candy is absolutely perplexed. Surely this Harry guy is joking because from kissing alone, she can’t imagine him not knowing what to do with her other set of lips. He’s insanely good at this part of things.

His teeth drag along her collarbones, and his hand hovers over one of her breasts. “Can I touch you here?” He asks.

“Yes.” She presses her hand over his, squeezing. “Kiss me here too.”

Harry nods and sucks on her nipple through the silk material of her teddy. She lets out a loud moan, and Harry moves to sit up. Unbuckling his belt, he shimmies out of his pants, leaving his boxer-briefs on, and undoes his dress shirt, taking that, along with his white t-shirt, off, then gets his mouth back on Candy’s.

“Jesus, you’re ripped.” She says, smoothing her hands over every hard ridge of his abdomen. “And your tattoos…so sexy.”

“Has everything been okay so far?”

“Better than okay. You’re a really good kisser.”

“I’m gonna work my way down now.” He tells her, kissing down her silk covered body. He pushes the material up to bunch around her hips. “You’re not wearing any underwear.”

“I’m aware.”

“Don’t women like being teased over them?”

“Some do, and some don’t. I personally don’t like it, so I don’t usually wear any panties under my teddies.

“Right, I need to remember not everyone is the same.” He says more to himself. “Okay, walk me through it.”

“Just do what you normally do, and I’ll correct you if need be.”

Harry nods and spreads Candy’s lips apart. She’s glistening, and it goes right to his cock because she literally just told him she needs lube for most of her clients, and she clearly doesn’t need any for him. He leans in and-

“I’m gonna stop you right there. This is where you should be teasing me.” She props herself up on her elbows. “Kiss on my inner thighs, blow cool air over me. I should be quivering and pulsing for you.”

Harry kisses from Candy’s inner left knee, and down, down, down, blows cool air over her sex, and then kisses up her other inner thigh. He sucks bruise after bruise into her, and she puts one of her legs over his shoulder, pulling him in by digging her heel into his back.

“I’m ready now, want it.”

“And should I be quick to give it to you, or should I keep teasing?”

“Keep teasing but give me your fingers first.” He raises a hand to her, and she takes two fingers into her mouth. She takes them down deep until she’s spitting up, soaking them. “Slide them through my folds.”

Harry almost blew his load right then and there. He brings his fingers down and slides them up through Candy’s folds. She spreads her legs wider and uses her own fingers to pull her outer lips up and apart so he can see her clit.

“I know where the clitoris is.” He rolls his eyes.

“Apparently you don’t if you’re getting the tap, as you called it.” She smirks. “Just take a second to look at it. It’s throbbing for you, Harry, all swollen and full of blood. It wants your tongue, your hot mouth, so badly.”

“Fuck.” He leans in and licks over it with the flat of his tongue.

“Good, do that again.” And he does, he gives it long licks over and over again. “Now, spit on it, watch it slide down my slit.” She watches him do it. “Okay, now do what you usually do.”

It felt good, at first. Candy liked the way Harry’s tongue swirled around her clit, but before she could sink into it, he licked into her cunt and curled his tongue, which also felt good, but again, by the time it was really starting to do something for her, he dragged his tongue back up to her clit. Normally, this would be edging, but this isn’t fun edging. She thinks that Harry is unaware of what he’s doing.

“Stop.” She tells him, and he does. “I see the problem.”

“How bad was it?”

“It wasn’t terrible, but you keep changing it up too quickly. It’s not a race.”

“I know that.”

“Then why do you keep moving from my clit to my hole every two seconds? You’re not giving me enough time to enjoy it while it’s happening. You gotta pick one and stick with it. What do you feel more confident with, tonguing my clit or my hole?”

“I…” He sits back and blushes. “I guess this is the part where I’m a little selfish and greedy. I feel more confident working the clit with my mouth, but I really like to taste and suck on the pussy.”

“Harry,” she chuckles, “you’re allowed to be selfish and greedy. All of that is going towards pleasuring your partner. And that doesn’t mean you can’t still do both, you just need to listen to your partner a little. See what they like, get them off, then go be gluttonous and have your feast.”

“Okay.” He nods. “How do you like it, then?”

“Don’t worry about that-“

“Candy, I really want to make you come.”

“Alright.” She nods and lays back. “I need constant stimulation to my clit, and I need fingers inside me. Get me off that way, and then you can suck on my pussy.” Harry smiles softly and dives back in, wrapping his lips around Candy’s clit. “That’s good, while you suck with your mouth, use your tongue to swirl around my clit…oh, fuck, yeah, just like that.” She reaches to brush a few stray curls back off his forehead. “And look up at me, watch me go through the motions.” His eyes flit up to hers, and her hips buck towards his mouth. “Such pretty green eyes, Harry.”

He moans and slides his middle finger inside of her. She’s so wet, and it’s driving him crazy. He ruts into the mattress, so desperate to taste everything she’s giving him. But he wants to do this right, so he focuses on her clit.

“I need two.” Harry slips a second finger inside her. “Good, pump them in and out slowly, let’s build up to things. And it’s also okay to give your mouth a break, it’s all part of the teasing.” He pops off her and watches his fingers go in and out of her tight hole. “Spit on it, keep it messy.” Harry spits onto her clit. “Now suck it back into your mouth and flick that tongue against my clit.”

He’s a good listener, open to constructive feedback, so he does as told. He’s rewarded when he feels Candy tighten around her fingers. Harry thrusts them deep inside, keeping them there as he curls them to pet against that spongey bump. Candy gasps and props herself up on her elbows as she watches Harry. Her mouth falls open and she starts rocking against him, moving her hips along with his fingers. A man hasn’t found her g-spot in ages, if ever.

“Like that, j-just like that, Harry.” She bites into her bottom lip, and he looks up at her as his tongue licks her clit in tight circles. The sound of her wetness is driving Harry crazy, but he pushes his urge to taste her down. This is about Candy right now. “Oh, wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow.” Her head falls back, and her hips raise. Her back arches, and she starts moaning out loudly, uncontrollably. “Don’t stop, Harry. Fuck, please, please, please, please! Ah, ah, ah!”

When Candy comes, she snaps her legs closed around Harry’s wrist, and nearly snaps it from the way she twitches and moves. She grabs the base of his wrist and moves it so he’ll keep fucking his fingers into her through the aftershocks. She moans gutturally one more time before falling limply against the bed.

Harry slowly pulls his fingers out of her and sucks on them. He looks down at Candy’s drenched core and lifts her thighs over his shoulders before licking inside.

“Oh!” She gasps and tugs on his hair, not to get him to stop, though. Harry moans as he drinks her in. “S-spread my cheeks and lick my other hole too.” His eyes light up, like he’s just been given a golden ticket. In a matter of seconds, he’s flipping Candy onto her stomach and pulling her up by her hips so he can spread her ass and lick her puckered hole properly. “Fuck, Harry, that’s so good. You can smack my ass too, if you want.” She jolts forward when his large hand comes down hard on her cheek. “Fuck me with your fingers from behind, really beat them into me.”

This time, Harry fucks her with three fingers, and he does it rapidly as he continues eating her peach.

“Harry, I…I think I’m gonna…” she doesn’t get to finish her sentence. The wave of relief crashes over her and she gushes. Harry’s fingers slide out, and slap against her clit quickly, keeping the mess flowing. “Fucking hell.” Her chest heaves as she moves to lay on her back. Harry lays down next to her.

“So, all of that was good?”

“It was very good.” She pats at his chest. “I can’t remember the last time I’ve come so hard.” She turns her head to look at him. “Did you end up blowing in your underwear?”

“Yeah.” He smiles sheepishly. “It was hard not to.”

“Damn, I would have gladly sucked you off after all that.”

“I’ll get hard again.” He waves her off. “We’re not done yet.”

“Right, you still have me for a couple more hours. Did you want to fuck now?” She turns on her side to face him fully, and he mirrors her, resting his hand on her hip, rubbing her skin affectionately with his thumb.

“No, I want you to sit on my face so I can practice that way. One time with you facing me, and another with you facing away.”

“Okay, just…I need a minute.”

“Sure, take your time.” He smiles softly, keeping his hand on her hip. “You probably hear this all the time, but you have a beautiful body.”

“I do hear that a lot, but it feels more genuine coming from a nice guy like you.” She chews on her bottom lip for a moment. “Whoever you’re practicing all this for is going to be a lucky girl.”

The air in the room feels tense for a beat.

“Okay, we’ll start off with me facing you.” Candy says. “This way is all about the woman. Then, we’ll do it with me facing away from you and I’ll suck you off at the same time. It’s good to practice staying focused on your girl’s pleasure while she’s pleasuring you.”

“That sounds good.” He lays back, a little nervous. “There’re so many different ways to do this. Like, should I just stick my tongue out flat and let you grind against it? Should I just suck on your clit? Should I have you rub against my nose while you ride my tongue?”

“You’re over thinking it, Harry. It’s up to the girl you’re fucking to set how she wants it. Personally, I’d love it if you put your tongue up inside me. I’ll rub my own clit.”

“What should I do with my hands?”

“You can squeeze and smack my ass, rub my rim.”

“Fuck.” He murmurs. “Get on me, now.”

Candy swings her leg over Harry’s face and hovers over him for a moment. She squeaks when he pulls her down. He licks up inside her slowly, letting her adjust to the muscle, then he pulls her down even more until she’s fully seated on top of him. She spits onto her fingers and lazily rubs her clit as she grinds down on his tongue. Harry curls it and flicks it inside her, moaning at the taste. His large hands squeeze her ass, giving her a few swats before spreading her apart and rubbing the pad of his thumb around her rom.

“Ah, fuck.” Her head tips back and free hand buries in his hair. “You can put your thumb in, if you want.” Harry doesn’t need to be told twice. He gently works his thumb into her tight hole. “Yeah, just like that.” She moves her hips in slow circles, reveling in the way Harry’s moaning and groaning underneath her. She’s soaked and he’s slurping on her. “I…I think I’m getting close already, wow.” This never happens. It usually takes her a while to start feeling that familiar tingle at the base of her spine, but she’s rubbing her clit faster and moving on Harry’s tongue faster, and then she’s screaming. “Shit, Harry!” She yanks roughly on his hair as she comes, and she comes hard. She goes to move off him, but he keeps her seated, mumbling something against her. “What?” She asks breathlessly.

“M'not done yet.” He says, briefly coming up for air before diving back in. He sucks her clit with one last pop, then pets her ass. “Okay, you can turn around now.”

Candy swivels around and leans forward, pressing her hands into the mattress between Harry’s legs.

“There’s a few ways to do this, but I can’t stress this enough, everyone is different, so I’m going to tell you how I like it.”

“Okay.” He presses a kiss to one of her cheeks, and it makes her face sizzle. Why did he have to be so cute. “Tell me how you like it.”

“Fuck me from behind with your fingers, bury your face in my ass, and use your free hand to rub my clit.” She slips her hand into his briefs to pull his cock out. “How do you like your blow jobs?”

“Sloppy, don’t…don’t be pretty about it.”

Candy responds by spitting on the tip and taking it into her mouth. Harry’s mouth falls open, loving the way her hot mouth feels on him. But he has a mission to accomplish. He’s working on building a tolerance. He runs his fingers between her wet folds before slipping them inside. From there, he does exactly how she told him: his mouth works her ass, his fingers pound into her g-spot, and his free hand rubs her clit.

“Ohhhh, shit, Harry.” She gasps around his cock, choking a little. She pulls all the way off and jerks him.

“Candy.” He moans. “Did I find it, sweetheart?”

“Yes, you did, yes, yes, yes!” She moves back against him to meet his thrusts, then gets her mouth back on him. She takes him down her throat, gagging around him, and using that spit to jerk him a little faster.

Their bodies are so in sync. They’re both wet and drippy for the other, both spurring the other on. The second Harry feels Candy spasming around his fingers, he lets himself come, and Candy swallows all of it, sucking him dry before rolling off onto her back.

“Holy shit.” She breathes.

“Yeah.” He gives her ankle a fond squeeze as his chest heaves. “You’re something else.”

“You’re unreal.”

“You taste really good.”

“So do you.” She turns her head to look at the clock on the wall. “You have me for hour and a half. What do you feel like doing?”

“We just did all of that in thirty minutes?” He sits up. “That was really fast.”

“Yes, it was.” She giggles. “But it was good.”

“Come here, come sit in my lap.” Candy does so, wrapping her legs around his waist. “You’re so beautiful.” He runs his thumb over her bottom lip.

“And you’re sweet.” She hugs him, resting her face in the crook of his neck. “How come you booked me up for the rest of my shift?”

“Because I could.”

“Oooh, well, aren’t you special.” She pulls back and smirks at him. “You know, most of the people that come here are wealthy, so that doesn’t impress me.”

“I wasn’t trying to. You asked me a question, and I gave you an honest answer. I don’t like doing these types of things with people and then leaving immediately after. I needed extra time for this.” He lets himself fall back, keeping her to lay mostly on top of him.

“Oh.” She snuggles into him. “Well, I rarely get to cuddle, so this is fine by me.”

“Do you like this line of work? I’ve always admired sex workers. This isn’t an easy job at all. It takes a lot of courage and bravery.”

“Thank you for saying that. I’m one of the luckier ones. I’m not on drugs, can’t be because they do regular blood tests. I have a salary, a retirement account, and other benefits. It could be a lot worse.”

“Do you also provide escort services?”

“No. Some girls do, but I don’t. I like to keep everything related to this job in this room.”

“Is this all you do for work, or is this a side hustle?”

“Nope, full time, hence being a salaried worker.

“Oh, duh.” He chuckles, then reaches for one of the throw blankets to drape over them. “So, how’d you end up here?”

“Most of us are all a thin line away from being homeless. My job let me go when COVID first happened. You can only stay on unemployment for so long. All these companies say no one wants to work, but no one wants to hire either. And, I’m sorry, but I’m not settling. I should be paid enough that I shouldn’t need a side hustle. One of my friends who ended up having a sugar daddy told me about this place. I started out part-time, just to pay some bills, but they told me some people wanted repeat appointments, then I was getting regulars, then I was getting paid more. It all sort of just fell into place, and I didn’t look back.”

“What were you doing for work beforehand?”

“I was a backend coder for a major financial firm. They got rid of the entire department and contracted out their cyber needs from a company that specialized in that because it made more sense fiscally.” She rolls her eyes. “It was for the best, I hated it.”

“And you love this?”

“Honestly, I like it a lot better than sitting behind three monitors all day, five days a week. I’ve actually gotten in better shape from having sex full time. Do I have to fake it for most guys, yeah, but none of them are mean to me. They just want someone to make them feel special for a little while, and I’ve found that I like having the power and ability to do that.”

“You have more control over your own life.”

“Exactly.” She looks up at him. “What about you? What do you do?”

“I…sort of own an airline company.”

“How do you sort of own an airline?”

“I’m a nepo baby.” He smiles sheepishly. “My father stepped down a few years ago so I could move up while he was still around. I’m lucky and fortunate, so I try not to complain about things too much. So many people have it far worse than I do.”

“Wait a second…Harry S…” She sits up and scrambles away from him. “You’re Harry Styles!”

“Is that a bad thing?” He sits up. “Shit, please don’t tell me you’ve fucked my dad.”

“No, it’s nothing like that. But you have fucked one of my friends. You used to date Jennifer Harris, right?”

“Yeah, years ago.”

“Fuck! And now I have to keep this insane secret from her. She’d be so pissed off, Harry, like, you have no idea.”

“If you’re such good friends with her, then hoe come we’ve never met prior to this?”

“I didn’t become friends with her until after you two parted ways. She told me so much about your relationship. She never mentioned anything about you being bad in bed, though.”

“I never said I was bad in bed either, I just needed some help getting better at one aspect of it.” He gets off the bed and starts pulling his clothes back on. “How, uh, how is she? I know she got married a year or so ago.”

“She’s doing well. Her and her husband are a great couple. They’re trying for a baby.”

“I’m glad she found someone that could give her the attention she deserves. I wasn’t very good at that. I also wasn’t ready to settle down, and she was. How did you two become friends?”

“She owns the lingerie store I buy stuff from.”

“Ohhhh, right.” He nods, zipping his pants and buttoning his shirt. “That makes sense. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You clearly didn’t know it was me. You didn’t look at any pictures from when she and I were together?”

“Your hair was longer! And you weren’t as, I don’t know, beefy.”

“Thank you?” He questions with a smirk. “Is this going to be a problem? Because I’d like to be able to come back and see you again.” He makes his way over to her and tilts her head up by curling his finger under her chin.

“But…why? You did so well today.”

“I wanna see if it’s just as good for a repeat performance. And then I’d need to come back again after that to test out some of the other things I do during sex so I can get an honest review.” He leans down and brings his lips to the shell of her ear, “And I just know you’re dying to know what it’ll feel like to have my cock deep inside you.”

“Jesus Christ.” She clutches at his shoulders. “You’re going to put me in a very difficult situation.”

“You can say no to my appointment requests, but I’d be very disappointed if you did.” He pecks her lips. “I know you want to see me again.” He pecks her lops again, a little longer this time. “Hm? Wanna see me again, Candy?” He takes her bottom lip between his and he cups her jaw, licking into her mouth. She moans against him. Before she has a chance to really kiss him back, he pulls away. “God, I’d love to spit right into this pretty mouth.”

“You can.”

“Next time, I will.” He presses a kiss to her forehead. “Enjoy the rest of your evening. I’ll come back soon.”

Harry leaves the room, walks down the hall, and out of the suite. The second he’s back down on the street, he sucks in a breath and turns into the alley to try and calm himself down. He’s never that confident and forward with women. But she brought something out of him. When she mentioned Jennifer…it made something snap. He fucking hates Jennifer. So, if he inadvertently makes her suffer by having sex with her good friend, then so be it. Because Candy isn’t someone that Harry is going to be able to stay away from. Not after they shared something so wonderfully intimate.

//

Harry thought he’d be able to book another appointment to see Candy again way sooner, but his jaw hangs open as he looks at her availability on the app. Since he’s come in once, he’s been invited into the company’s app so he can book meetings on his own.

Two weeks. Candy doesn’t have another opening for two entire weeks. He grumbled to himself and books her entire evening on the first day he sees she’s free. And for good measure, he books out a couple other appointments so he’s not left scrambling. And for each one, he maxes out the five hour limit.

One time with this woman and he’s already pussy whipped!

The two weeks are torture. He’s jittery and agitated at work. Running it off in the gym does very little for him.

But finally, the day has come to see her again. Harry goes after work and follows the sale procedures, only this time, he’s not at all embarrassed. When his name is called, he all but sprints to Candy’s door and punches in the code. He doesn’t see her right away, but then, there she is, coming out of the bathroom in a red, silk teddy. She gives him a soft, almost shy, smile.

Harry closes the distance between them, cups her jaw, and kisses her deeply. It takes her by surprise, but it’s a welcomed one.

“Mm.” He pulls away and looks down at her before kissing her again. “Missed these lips.”

“I’m sorry I was so busy.” She circles around him to take his suit jacket off, sauntering to the closet to hang it up. “I have a few snowbirds, and they all decided to basically come see me at once before they all go back to Florida or whatever.”

“You fuck guys that much older than you?”

“Mhmm.” She loosens his tie and gives it a tug to slip it off, placing it on the back of one of the chairs. “It’s no so bad.” Her eyes find his. “Let’s talk about you. How have you been?” She leads him to the couch so they can sit and chat.

“Work’s been stressful, but it sort of always is. I had to hire a couple of corporate level people, that’s never fun.”

“What’d they do to deserve being fired?”

“They were sexually harassing a few interns, thinking they could get away with it.” He scoffs. “They thought wrong, let me tell you. I survey just about all of the security footage daily, and I saw the same two idiots bothering these young women who could be their daughters, and so I had HR get involved, and I fired them both without severance pay. Which means they’ll probably try to sue for wrongful termination, thinking it’s all hearsay, but they don’t know about the footage, so joke’s on them.”

“And the interns, how are they?”

“I think they’ll be alright. I spoke with all of them and apologized profusely. I told them that behavior like that didn’t trickle down from me, and that I take it all very seriously. They’re all continuing with their internships, which is good. I would have felt terrible if they couldn’t get credit for this.”

“Wow, I think you’re the first ethical CEO in corporate history.”

“There’s nothing ethical about capitalism.” He says lowly, shaking his head. Candy’s hand gripped his knee and she moaned.

“Don’t stop, I’m close.” She pops an eye open, and they both burst into a fit of giggles. “Handsome, kind, and self aware? Damn, you’re the whole package.”

“I’ve thought about you a lot over these last two weeks.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, and I made sure to book out some other appointments in advance.”

“I saw that.”

“Does it bother you that I book the longest blocks I can?”

“Nah, I get paid the same amount no matter how many appointments I have a week.” She chews on her bottom lip. “Last time, you mentioned that you wanted to show me how you do other things…”

“I want your honest feedback. Can we go lay on the bed for a bit?”

“Of course.” They both climb onto the bed and Harry pulls Candy to rest her head on his chest. “I like your cologne.” She mutters.

“Thank you.” He murmurs, his eyes fluttering closed. “Would it be weird if we took a quick catnap?”

“Not weird at all. I’ll set a timer for thirty minutes. Take your clothes off, we can get under the covers.”

When all is said and done, Harry turns Candy onto her side so he can spoon her. He wedges a leg between hers and sighs contently. A nap after a long day with a beautiful woman in his arms feels almost as good as when he had his tongue inside her pussy. Almost.

//

“Oh, God! You’re so good at this, fuck!” Candy moans out as Harry eats her from behind. She reaches behind herself to grip his hair and keep him close. “I’m almost there, don’t stop!” It’s not often Candy gets to have a genuine orgasm while being with her clients, so she’s taking full advantage. “Fuck!” She collapses to the bed after coming, and Harry trails kisses up her spine and along her shoulders. “You seriously have nothing to worry about. No notes.” She says as she catches her breath once Harry lets her roll onto her back.

“Good.” He smiles. “There’s something else I want to do today.” He tugs the front of her teddy down, exposing her breasts. He licks over one of her nipples, and Candy gasps. “Does this actually feel good?” He gives the sides of her breast to further pucker her nipple for him to flick his tongue over.

“Yes.” She threads her fingers into his hair as he takes more into his mouth, sucking roughly. A long moan escapes her. He travels to the other and does the same thing. “Can I please have your cock inside me?”

“No.” He sits up and pulls the teddy completely off her body, leaving her bare. “I want to eat you again.” He gets on his belly between her legs, wraps his arms around her thighs, and off he goes.

“You’re killing me.” She whines, throwing her forearm over her eyes. Harry slips two of his fingers inside of her, and she sighs with relief.

“Better?”

“Want your cock.” She sits up on her elbows. “Why won’t you give it to me?”

“Because I don’t have to.”

“You’re a sadist, you know that? You come off all timid and shy, but all of that hides a devious side to you.”

“A sadist wouldn’t let you come at all.” He kitten licks her clit before sucking it between his lips. “Is that how you want it to be?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I just need…more.” He slips a third finger inside of her. “More.”

“I don’t think your little pussy could handle it.” He lets her legs go and crawls up her body, slotting his mouth over hers. His fingers are still inside her. He starts pumping them shallowly and lets the heel of palm beat into her clit. “God, listen to you. So fucking wet for me. Do you get this wet for your other clients?”

“No, never!” She whimpers. “I usually need to use lube.”

“Poor thing.” He pouts down at her. “Can feel you squeezing around me, are you getting close?”

“Yes.”

“Are you gonna come? Gonna come for me, sweet girl?”

“Oh, fuck!” Her hips move upward and then she’s coming. She twitches around his wrist a few times before he pulls his fingers out. He sucks them into his mouth and moans.

“Do you call yourself Candy because you know you taste like it?”

“Stop.” She chuckles. “Pussy does not taste sweet.”

“Yours does.” He presses a kiss to her forehead, then looks down at the painful bulge in his briefs. “Would you mind, uh, sucking me off?” A blush creeps over his cheeks.

Candy smiles and grabs a pillow to kneel on before getting off the bed. She spreads Harry’s legs and pulls his briefs down. He leans back on his hands and lets her get to work how she wants. His head rolls back the first time she swallows around him. He’s in absolute heaven, and from the sounds of her moans, it’s safe to say she is too.

//

Every meeting started the same. Candy would take Harry’s suit jacket and loosen his tie. Then, they’d sit on the couch, and slowly move to the bed as they talked. Sometimes Harry wanted a quick nap, and other times he was ready to start right away. He still hadn’t properly fucked her, but he’s fucked her with several dildos and vibrators. He wanted to work on those skills just the same. He even fucked a plug in and out of her ass.

They’d been going at it for at least two months at this point. He still didn’t know her real name, but he knew a ton of other things. He enjoyed talking with her, probably more than he should. Because when Harry goes out on a few different blind dates, he finds himself comparing every woman to Candy. The hollow look in their eyes while they smiled and nodded did nothing for him.

On this particular evening, Harry showed up with a bouquet of flowers for his girl.

“Harry, this was so thoughtful, thank you.”

“Can we talk for a minute?” He takes her hand, and they go to the couch. “I’ve tried going out with other women, and none of them are you. I know I don’t even know your real name, but…”

“Harry, I know where you’re going with this, and the answer is no. I’ve never accepted any sugar baby offers for a reason. At some point, you’ll get bored, kick me out, and then I’ll be shit out of luck. I don’t want a man directly paying my way. It would make me feel powerless and trapped.”

“That’s not what I was going to ask you, like, at all.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I wanted to know if I could take you out on a real date sometime, when you’re not on the clock as Candy.”

“I can’t do that either, Harry.” She puts her hand on his knee, giving it a squeeze. “I keep these worlds separate. Men can’t handle that I fuck other men, they always ask me to quit, and-“

“I would never ask you to do something like that. If you ever end up leaving this place, it should be because you want to.”

“Jennifer is my best friend.”

“She and I broke up ages ago. Pretend like she’s not a factor in this. Would you go out on a date with me?”

“I…” she bites into her bottom lip.

“If no really is your answer, I’ll respect it, and we can keep things as they are, but…I have to be honest with you…every time I’m around you, I get this feeling. And it’s only with you. I wanna know if you feel it too.”

“I feel very strongly for you, more so than I have for any other client.”

“I’m so taken with you, sweetheart.” He cups her cheek and runs the pad of his thumb along her skin. “I think about you all the time, from the second I wake up in the morning. Just the thought of you has me tossing and turning and has my eyes rolling back. You have this affect on me, and you fascinate me, and I want to know everything about you. You’re so sweet, you’ve completely stolen my appetite.”

“Fuck, Harry.” She moves to straddle his lap, and she wraps her arms around him. “I’m so wet right now.” She says lowly into his ear.

“Don’t.” He grips her chin. “Don’t try to distract me.”

“I was just being honest the same way you just were. You…you’d really be okay with me continuing to work here if we started up?”

“Yeah.” He shrugs. “You don’t get this turned on by any of your other clients, do you?”

“Nope, only by you.”

“Then I think I could learn to compartmentalize things. This is work, not play.”

“Exactly.”

“Would I still be able to come see you here?”

“Yes, but don’t go taking up all my open slots. That kind of possessiveness doesn’t turn me on.”

“Noted.” He smiles softly. “So, I was thinking, for our first date, I could bring you home with me some night, and I could cook for you.”

“You cook?”

“It relaxes me. I can make whatever you like.”

“I can’t remember the last time someone cooked for me. That sounds nice.” She bites into her bottom up. “Say things go well, and we start dating regularly…what will you tell me people about me?”

“Whatever you’d want me to tell them. I can be as open or as private as you like. I’ll admit, I was embarrassed the first time I came here, but I’m finding that these types of places are way more common than I thought.”

“You could say we met at work. Not a total lie. When I’ve dated in the past, I usually tell the guy to tell others that I’m a masseuse.”

“Are you comfortable with that?”

“Yeah. It feels like the most accurate thing to say. I provide pleasure and relaxation.”

“You sure do.” He smirks. She rolls her eyes playfully at him. “Are you free tomorrow night for a date?”

“Yes.” She smiles.

“Great.” He trails kisses along her jaw line and nips at her earlobe. “Bring an overnight bag. I’m gonna give my cock tomorrow night, and if I do my job right, you won’t be able to walk afterwards.”

[theocddiaries]

Alfred: Why don't you let them open their presents? Bruce: Because I told you we were doing a simple Christmas! Alfred: Oh, well, I didn't think you meant me, too. Bruce: Oh, you knew I meant you, too, and you ignored me! You've been winking and waving at me all over the place since I picked up the first of those kids! Dick: That's very uplifting. Alfred: Well, I am sorry, Master Bruce, but there is no way I was participating in that insanity. A simple Christmas is just really a boring idea. You don't cut back at Christmas. It's Christmas! Bruce: …Who are you? When I was a kid, for my allowance, I got one cent for every year of my life. That means when I was 12, I got 12 pennies. Alfred: And when you turned 18, you got billions that you mostly know how to spend. Your welcome. Bruce: That's beyond the point. Alfred: And back then, I was trying to parent. Now I'm a grandparent. I must to be grand. It's in the title! Tim: Oh, my God! Talking globe?! Thanks, Alfred! Bruce: You got him the talking globe?! Alfred: Yes, I did, and I would do it again! The only good thing about getting older is you get to be popular. If I have to buy those kids' love, I will. Let's get that straight right now. Bruce: I was trying to teach them a lesson. Alfred: Why, did you read an article or something? Calm down! Your kids are gonna be fine! Bruce: I just wanted them to have a heartfelt Christmas, you know, to appreciate the orange. Alfred: …What's the orange? Jason: Thank you! Bruce: The orange in the stocking! Your mom got an orange? She was really grateful? Alfred: Oh, God, that? You get oranges year-round now. Who cares? Bruce: I care! Dick: He always flips out at Christmas. Alfred: Tell me about...

[lillaydee]

In Time Part 3

Rancher Joel Miller / Reader

You lost your dear Uncle. Your TV Star boyfriend dumped you. You needed a job. You got one at a ranch in Wyoming. Where you met Joel. A very grumpy man. Grumpy man has issues.

WARNINGS:

Grumpy Joel, Hurt Joel, Grieving Joel, Joel is Bad at Feelings (The Last of Us), Joel Needs a Hug (The Last of Us), Joel Has PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (The Last of Us), Mentions of Hostage Situation and Shooting, Alternate Universe - No Cordyceps Outbreak (The Last of Us), Mutual Pining, Fluff and Angst

SERIES MASTER LIST

Part 2

---

Everyone looked at each other in silent recognition and took a deep breath of disappointment. Ellie stood still, hands fidgeting with her hoodie, head down. Tess pulled a chair out, and told her to go get herself some breakfast, ignore him, she said.

Ellie ate quietly, quickly, and asked to be excused before you even finished breakfast. Penny went with her, and Maria and Tommy left soon after, telling you they’ll be seeing you around.

On your way to town, you asked Tess how long she had worked at the ranch. She told you she practically grew up there. Her dad worked there, a close friend to the Millers. Tess’s dad used to take her to the ranch after picking her up from school, being a single father. She would spend time with the Miller boys, be it taking extra classes with a tutor or just roughing it with them. When her dad died when she was sixteen, the Millers took her in, sent her to college, generally becoming the daughter they never had. And she had stuck around ever since, coming back to manage the ranch after college. The Millers were retired now, living at a community for seniors that they started with their friends about fifty miles away. Joel and Tommy ran the ranch now, with her assistance.

She then asked about you, and you told her the gist of your life story. She was very friendly and seemed to take no nonsense from Joel at all. He can be an ass, she said, but he’s a good guy. You found yourself rolling your eyes out the window at that.

You longed to ask what his problem was with you and Ellie but decided against it. That’s the problem with you, though. You were reserved. Sometimes you wondered if that was just you, or it was the remnants of your late, very British parents in you. Always overly polite, always apologizing, always keeping your thoughts to yourself.

When you got to town, you took your phone out for the first time that day, since you didn’t have cell reception at all since you arrived. You scrolled through the texts you received, one from Tess telling you she left dinner on your deck, one from your friend asking if you had arrived safely, and 73 messages from David. You didn’t bother reading them all, but from what you could gather, he came looking for you when he heard you had sold Benny’s house. You rolled your eyes at this – you lived there for five whole months after Benny passed, handling his estate. No David came-a-looking then. He wanted to know where you were. His messages went from pleading to anger to long rants of how it was your fault he cheated, to more pleading before reverting back to anger and finally a ‘fuck you’ ended the long list. You just took a deep breath and deleted his thread completely.

You got your list out and prepared yourself to make your stay at the cabin easier. A new phone number that guaranteed cell service and internet connection at the cabin, a lot of ramen, other toiletries, groceries and the likes. The store was pretty well stocked, but the most important item on your list was nowhere to be found. You stared at the long wall of coffee and tea, looking for the brand and type of tea you couldn’t live without, and couldn’t find any. Shit. You only brought a box with you. You needed to order some online. With you feeling so out of place here, you needed the tea to feel at home somehow.

You stopped at the camping section, looking at fire starters and electric heaters, Tess joining you with a quizzical look on her face. You finally had to tell her about last night’s shenanigan with the stove, and she told you she will send Joel to teach you how to use it properly.

“NO!” you blurted out, a little too quickly for your liking. “I mean, it’s okay, I have cell service now. I can YouTube it. No need to trouble him.” You looked away quickly, still deciding to get the space heater just in case, placing the huge box in your trolley.  

Tess rounded up on you, her eyes fixed on yours. “Amy, the fuck did he say to you in the truck on the way over?”

You kept quiet, not wanting to say anything to make matters worse. Tess wouldn’t let it go. She kept muttering that she will kill him, already guessing what he had done despite you not saying anything. You had to beg her not to do anything. You just wanted to live in peace. Please. She huffed a breath and finally relented, telling you to go to her and Tommy straight away if he gave you any grief.

You stopped at the winter clothing section, getting yourself what you needed to survive working outdoors during winter, with Tess’s guidance. You ended up buying too many cable-knit sweaters and a much better, heavier jacket and gloves for yourself, all at a fraction of the price that useless puffy jacket you had come with.

After what felt like hours and two whole trolleys of stuff, one just filled with your new and improved winter clothing, you headed for the checkout counter. Tess grabbed some flowers from the flower section on the way there. As you were preparing to leave, you noticed Tess push one of your trolleys to an area between the entrance and exit, a wall of pictures and a row of flowers decorated it.

It was a memorial.

Lest We Forget, it said, followed by a date from 2 years ago.

There were about ten photographs there, pictures of employees and customers, you assumed. Tess stood silently between two pictures, before blowing kisses on both, and placed the flowers she bought beneath the pictures.

One was of a young teenage girl.

Sarah Miller.

Another of a beautiful brunette.

Annie Williams.

Tess pushed the trolley out, and you followed, choosing not to say anything at that moment.

---

***Warning*** Some vague description of a hostage situation ahead.

About ten minutes into the quiet drive back to the ranch, Tess spoke up.

“Sarah Miller was Joel’s daughter. Annie Williams was Ellie’s mother.”

You kept quiet as you digested the news. Joel had a daughter who died? The poor man.

“What happened?

“Some fugitives who were on the news were in the store, someone called 911 and when the cops got here, they held the whole store hostage to avoid being captured. Sarah and Annie lost their lives,” Tess wiped the tear that was threatening to slide down her cheek away. “Annie was a single mother, Penny’s best friend. So we took Ellie in, adopted her officially. Joel was never the same since. I mean, he had always been a grump, but after Sarah…” she shook her head slightly, “he hadn’t always had it easy ever since Sarah was born, with Sarah’s mother… but he made it work, and now…” she took a deep breath, quickly taking her eyes off the road for a second, looking at you with eyes that pleaded for you to understand why he was the way he was.

You nodded slowly, deciding not to press her further – although you were dying to know about Sarah’s mother. No matter. Not important. None of your business.

“Thank you for telling me.”

---

You stopped at the main office for lunch. Joel was just leaving and saw the amount of shopping you had done, all visible through the windows. He shook his head, muttering something under his breath, a cynical smirk on his lips. You wanted to pummel him. There you were, feeling sorry for him for what you had just learnt, and there he was, annoying the living shit out of you for no apparent reason. Again. Tess called your name from the front door, shaking her head, telling you to ignore him.

You met Ellie again during lunch. The girl was only 14. Your heart ached for her, losing her only parent as young as she did, as young as you did, in fact. You knew what it felt like. But at least, she had Tess and Penny, and you had Benny. You were both lucky someone cared enough for you two to take you in. But in retrospect, no one hated you the way Joel seemed to hate Ellie. You wondered why. But again, it’s none of your business.

She was very chirpy indeed. She marveled at your accent, not fully American, since you mostly talked to Benny and David who were both British, but not quite as British as the people on Downton Abbey, she said. You couldn’t help but laugh. This girl was going places, you thought. She asked you question after question upon finding out you had been to Europe, Florence, Italy, more specifically. She wanted to go and paint there one day, she said. When Tess told her it was time for her to do her chores, she groaned, but very quickly perked up when Tess said she was taking you around later to show you around. See you then Doc, she had yelled before running off through the back door. She’s a good kid, Tess said, getting up to drive you home, and you heartily agreed.

You were still unpacking your considerable shopping spree when someone knocked on the door. Tommy came in, bringing in more firewood for you, telling you that there were some in the box on your deck, and the shed between your office and the barn. He showed you how to use the stove really quickly, leaving the hatch slightly open and fiddled with a lever on the flue once he got the wood burning, and within seconds, you had a roaring fire. He told you when and how much you should close the hatch, and what to do with the lever, before leaving, saying he had something to attend to, but to give him or Tess a call should you need anything. You thanked him profusely and took your jacket off, enjoying the warmth that was starting to fill the room.

Air ventilation. Shit. What an idiot, Amelia.

You sat down with a cup of tea in your hands and some biscuits, intending to take a few minutes before Tess came to show you around. You mindlessly scrolled through your Instagram when you saw something that caught your eyes.

Dave Landon and Cleo Savvant are engaged!

Followed by a picture of the two kissing, a huge diamond ring glittering on her finger. There was a video too, where David spoke openly about how he had found the one, that he couldn’t live without her, how she was the love of his life, how he couldn’t believe he had wasted all this time on meaningless romance when she was right there in front of him.

Meaningless romance?

Fuck you David.

You went through your DMs, and saw one from him, over 50 messages.

You didn’t even read them. If they were anything like his texts they would just pull you down.

You deleted your Instagram account immediately. You didn’t want to think of this douche anymore. No one’s died from not having social media, right?

You added more wood in the stove, suddenly feeling slightly lighter than yesterday.

You looked around the cabin, the furniture had your stuff on them. This could be home for a year. As long as you can stay away from that grumpy man, you will be fine. You knew how to start a fire now. You’ll be okay.

Tess took you around that day, joined by a very willing Ellie. Your office was just a few yards away from your cabin, so that’s good. Frank, your assistant, lived just further down the road from you with his husband Bill, who was in charge of the stables. They seemed friendly enough, well… Frank seemed friendly. Bill was… something. But at least he wasn’t rude to you, or muttered under his breath at you, unlike a certain someone. Ellie seemed to have a great relationship with both of them, although Bill seemed to be annoyed with her most of the time, but even you could see he was not really annoyed.

As you went around looking at your new workplace, you felt more and more at ease. Your only trouble was with one man, and he seemed to be surrounded by very nice and welcoming people. Your new set of winterwear seemed to work well too. You no longer walked around like a vibrating, rustling robot, at the very least.

When you went home that day, the fire had gone out, but you managed to restart one, and it stayed burning. A happy smile lit your face. The cavewoman in you feeling so fucking accomplished with the successful lighting of the stove. You wanted to beat on drums while chanting, dance around naked and present offerings to the moon. You knew how silly it was. But really, you genuinely felt like you had just jumped past a huge hurdle.

After dinner, you wore your thickest sweater, put your thick elephant feet bedroom slippers on and slipped the hot water bottle between your layers. You went out onto the deck, your tea and a thick blanket in your hand, the stars twinkling merrily in the cold night. You sat on one of the wooden recliners and laid back, spreading the blanket over your lap. It was dark. You deliberately chose not to switch the lights on. You wanted to enjoy this for real. The twinkling stars, the kind you had never gotten to experience in LA.

“Hi Benny. Miss you.”

You told Benny about your day. Told him you learnt something new that day. You lit the fucking stove Benny! You bragged and bragged about it, as if nothing was more important in this world. Told him about Ellie, Tess, Penny, Tommy, Maria, Bill, Frank, Mrs Adler… and chose to stop there. You talked and talked and talked, laughed at your own jokes, sipping on your tea as you continued talking to him. You could just imagine his replies, his facial expressions, his body language.

God you missed him.

You sat up and crossed your legs. You took a deep breath and told him David was engaged. And that he called his relationship with you a meaningless romance. You didn’t want to, but suddenly your eyes filled with tears. You just felt so stupid. After everything. He used to worry he would forget himself. That he would become one of those actors. The one who forgot the people who had been there for him. And yet, here he was, doing exactly that. You felt used. Belittled. You didn’t realize it, but a few drops of tears fell on your lap.

You heard footsteps. You looked up and down the street and saw someone walking towards your cabin. You couldn’t see who it was. You fiddled with your mug and waited for the person to pass – you still wanted to talk to Benny but didn’t want to be caught talking to yourself. The person got closer, he stopped for bit, fiddled around his pocket and suddenly there was a small flare of a lighter illuminating his face. He continued walking once the cigarette was lit.

Oh damn it. It’s him.

Yeah…

“Good night Benny. Talk tomorrow.”

His pacing faltered slightly, and then continued. When he got nearer to you, he looked around a bit, and not seeing anyone, asked who you were talking to.

You got up, shaking your head a bit, and said good night Mr Miller.

“Joel.”

You stopped in your tracks and turned around to look at him. He must’ve been able to see your confused face.

“Call me Joel. Mr Miller is my dad.”

Oh wow. He sounded… human. You didn’t know what to make of that, so you said goodnight again, not bothering to address him by his name, and went inside to the warmth of your cabin and shut the door. You could hear him shuffle about a little outside before his hesitant footsteps started walking away again. When you peeked, he was going back to the main house, instead of the other way.

Wait – was he here to see you? Why else would he walk this way, only to turn back once you went inside?

No… that couldn’t be.

Nah…

That night, you went to bed in a simple pair of pajama pants and t shirt, and there was only one duvet on your bed, the room was nice and toasty.

See? Things were already looking up.

---

Joel walked back towards the main house, feeling frustrated at his failed mission. Tess had come barging into his house after driving you back, asking him what he had done to you on the journey to the ranch.

The thing about Tess was, she had a way… something… that made him nervous. She had balls. He was sure she could skin him alive. Tess went on a rant about how alone you must be feeling, being in a new place, having lost the man who raised you, leaving all you knew and were familiar with behind, and him scoffing and mumbling under his breath at every little thing you did was not helping. He couldn’t even get a word in edgewise. Her words came out like bullets, and they were all aimed at him.

He had no defence. Well, he did, but he couldn’t tell her. Even he knew his defence was dumb. He just couldn’t help himself. He’s an ass. He would willingly admit that. He knew you were already determined to stay away from him. He knew the moment you refused his offer to drive you over for breakfast. He knew you had come to the realisation that you were the target of his frustrations, although you didn’t know why, and you were refusing to acknowledge or communicate with him further. You were staying out of his way.

But of course, Tess being one of the few people who could knock some sense into his head, managed to make him feel bad for how he acted towards you. In fact, he felt bad when he heard you sniff in the truck as he made his way out of Jackson Hole airport. He felt bad when you refused the sandwich he bought for you at the gas station. He felt bad when his attempt to coax you into eating came out like a fucking bark from an aggressive dog, complete with a rant stemming from his tired bones and frustrations. He had no idea why he did that. When you somehow fell over and your head landed in his lap, his heart softened. He had to stop himself from stroking your hair. You just looked so vulnerable. He did manage to utter a civilized sentence to you, but you seemed to have had enough of his nonsense and ignored him. You had ignored him since then.

And still he couldn’t help himself from being huffy about the little things you did. Tea over coffee indeed. Who does that? And that useless puffy jacket you wore, and that woollen hat with the pom-pom thing at the top.  And the amount of shopping you did. And your accent. You had lived in LA most of your adult life. Pronounce your Rs for God’s sake.

Actually, you did look adorable in that jacket and hat. They bring out the colour of your eyes. The pom-pom thing wobbled when you moved, it made you look cute. And your accent made you sound really smart. And the way your lips moved when you speak…

Anyway.

He walked over to your place to apologize. He had to walk, to gather up the courage to say sorry. To tell you he was sorry for being a grump. As he got closer his nerves got worse, the walk had done nothing to calm him down. He decided to take a smoke break before knocking on your door, but you were outside. The shock of hearing you speak in the dark rendered the supposedly calming smoke break useless. He asked you who you were talking to, just to break the ice. But you had shut him down. You called him Mr Miller. And ignored his request for you to call him Joel. He felt so dumb. He contemplated knocking on your door, complete the apology mission. But he was worried you might think he’s creepy.

So he walked back home, internally kicking himself.

He will try again tomorrow.

---

You decided to go to the stables the next day. You were due to start working on Monday, so you wanted to at least get to know your patients before you did. You went into the smaller stable first, Bill already there before you. He was very helpful, introducing you to the horses one by one, letting you get yourself acquainted to them.

Ellie came in while you were there, happy to see you. She beelined towards a chestnut mare, and the sweet creature nuzzled her, welcoming her, clearly happy to see her, making her giggle. You gave an apple to a particularly handsome stallion, Callus, which he happily accepted, making you smile. But when Bill told you he was Joel’s personal horse, you thought, shame! Such a gentle giant having to deal with such a grumpy man. You gave him a few head rubs, before going over to join Ellie.

“Who is this beautiful lady?” you asked her.

“This is Shimmer. She’s my favourite,” Ellie said.

“I can tell,” you said, “She likes you. Do you ride her often?”

“No… I’m not actually allowed…”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” a low voice reverberated through the stable.

You, Ellie and Bill turned around. Joel was standing in the middle of the stable, his fists clenched by his side, his face serious. He was clearly angry, but controlled his voice, determined not to spook the horses.

He took a few steps closer, his eyes fixed on Ellie. You immediately stepped in front of her.

“Joel, don’t,” Bill said to him calmly.

Joel ignored him. “I told you never to come near her. How many times do I have to say it? Go!”

Ellie quickly walked out, head down. You stared at the grumpy man, putting all your feelings, your frustrations, dissatisfaction, disapproval, disappointment into your stare, before following Ellie out.

Joel closed his eyes, disappointed with himself. He had come in here looking for you, hoping to apologize. But when he saw Ellie with Shimmer… he looked towards the door, only to be met with Bill’s disapproving look.

He sighed, and gave Shimmer some head rubs, chastising himself internally.

---

“Ellie, wait.”

She stopped and turned around. She looked upset but was not teary at all. Strong girl, you thought. You didn’t remember being that nonchalant when someone chastised you at her age.

“Come with me,” you said, pulling her hand with you to your cabin.

She looked around your cabin in wonder, and her eyes positively rounded when she saw you had pop tarts. You popped a couple in the toaster and the two of you sat down, nibbling at the hot snack.

“You okay?”

“Yeah… he does that a lot. I’m used to it.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s right.”

“I know. But he has a good reason to hate me. So I just try to stay away from him.”

“He hates you?”

“Yeah. He told me many times to stay away from Shimmer, but I never listen. I like her.”

“Why won’t he let you go near Shimmer?”

“Shimmer was his daughter Sarah’s horse.”

“And?”

Ellie kept her head down, seemingly very interested in the pop tart.

“I’m the reason Sarah died.”

---

Part 4

[ms-scarletwings]

Aberrant Fish

Updated November 2024

The first hint many an angler will get of the dark, insidious secrets these waters hold,

and yet, they are the first thing to be accepted as only another flavor of mundane.

The game text calls them grotesque. The fishmonger calls them corrupted. You get to call them a bonus. Rather than fear and revile them, tradesmen will pay a shiny extra penny to add them into their stock. They are gestured to and spoken of, but never truly elaborated on by the townsfolk. They have probably been here long before most of them, and so will be here long after they are gone. They were certainly here before you. Maybe you don’t need their answers, and yet if you are like me, you still witlessly question and keep dredging for more.

Like many things pulled from those cursed depths, they whisper flecks of madness from an impossible voice. What messages do they carry, and what forces do they play vessel to? Are they the lingering embers from a long-extinguished calamity, or are they harbingers of the next one to come?

I believe we have already seen signs of fire with our own eyes- impossible, great beasts that prowl the four (now five) coasts, the dying cult, gibbering fog…. That damned book. These tortured creatures are but another form of the same smoke.

To the question of where they came from, if your fisherman pokes around enough and braves the darkness, he may have already found a response in one of the many obelisks scattered around the map. Specifically, I refer to this.

This would suggest the aberrants themselves are what leaked in through the cracks that the largest of all monsters wants to rend apart? Not entirely, but in part. For the researcher at the Stellar Basin came to her own conclusion I want to factor in.

Her words give credence to the possibility that it is actually those greater beasts themselves at the heart of the corruption. I think she was half onto something, because what if these twisted forms, both large and small, were blooms along the same set of festering roots?

The more dark stones you disturb in the frenzy of your own madness, the more you learn about the age before your arrival, about the islands, and especially about their current guardians. The Mindsuckers- carrion puppet masters given a home, the Basin creature- a spore that miraculously survived its dive to the abyss, and the Serpent- lifeless stone made animate and malicious, all had their creation remembered in great detail by the obelisks. Some hints point that their emergence was rather recent, relative to even more powerful beings, such as the leviathan.

Maybe there are even more unseen horrors far below, blessedly out of our reach, for now. My view is that the malformed beasts are the aimless children of such unfathomable things waiting beyond the veil. With them came its influence, and its corruption, and from them it continues to spread to all life surrounding. The smaller rifts were always a transformative disease upon the harbor’s fish, but with the rise of the new monsters, the sickness runs farther and less avoidably than ever. Whether these aberrant spawn are a gift to the worthy, or another deceptive evil that leads to madness remains left to be seen.

I have given a spotlight to each of these fascinating specimens at the back of Dredge’s encyclopedia, including those found in the Pale Reach and Iron Rig expansions, for further comment, ponderance, and appreciation.

[#104-109]

[#110-115]

[#116-122]

[#123-129]

[#130-135]

[#136-141]

[#142-148]

[#149-154]

[#155-159]

[#160-164]

[#165-168]

[#169-172]

[#173-180]

[#181-187]

[#188-194]

[#195-198]

[#199-202]

[#203-207]

[#208-212]

[#213-218]

[#219-224]

[#225-229]

[#230]

[Bonus I. Night Angler]

[Bonus II. Serpent]

[Bonus III. Basin Creature] (WIP)

[Bonus IV. Mindsuckers] (WIP)

[Bonus V. Unseeing Mother] (WIP)

[Bonus VI. “Narwhal”] (WIP)

[Bonus VII. Gleaming Goliath] (WIP)

[violetsandfluff]

Sugar Cookies & Santa Hats

a/n: it’s been forever since I wrote for tumblr, so go easy on me! 😂 I will probably be less and less active in coming weeks, but I wanted to let you all know how much I love and appreciate you. happy holidays!!

wc: 1.5k

summary: girl dad!Harry sets out to convince his crestfallen daughter that Santa is real.

TW: …”Santa”

:readmore:

“Who wants to make some cookies for Santa Claus?” Harry asked and his suggestion was greeted by a shrill shriek of excitement from two-, nearly three-year-old Penny, who was standing on her tiptoes to peer inside her stocking, which hung from a coat hook near the front door. 

“Santa Claus!” she repeated, throwing her hands in the air and spinning around herself until she grew dizzy and came to an abrupt stop on the ground. 

The family cat, Agnes, eyed her through the corners of her unamused eyes before turning back to the crackling fire to continue licking her jet-black paws. 

Penny raced Harry to the kitchen, her bubbly giggles filling the room behind her as she ran. “I win!” she panted as she skidded to a stop before the refrigerator, followed by a triumphant, “I beat Daddy!”

Removing the family’s matching aprons from the pantry, you helped Penny into hers and handed her one to bestow upon Harry before donning your own. 

Contrary to her younger sister’s enthusiasm, Ruby stayed on the stairs and somberly watched her family disappear into the kitchen. 

“Come on, Rubes!” you called, hoisting Penny up to the sink to wash her tiny hands. “We need our master baker to show us how it’s done.” 

Ruby let out a soft sigh, refusing to respond. After a moment, Harry poked his head out of the kitchen, making eye contact with his eldest daughter, his brow furrowed with concern. “What’s wrong?” he questioned, but his toddler’s joyous shrieks drowned out his voice. He placed Ruby’s folded apron into her hands, but she thrust it back at him. 

“I don’t think I should make cookies for Santa,” she said after a moment, her green-gray eyes welling up with tears. 

“Why not?” asked Harry incredulously. “I thought you loved to bake cookies!”

“I do,” Ruby began, shaking her head, “but I don’t think Santa…needs them.”

“Of course he does,” laughed Harry. “Cookies keep him awake so he can bring us presents, you know!” 

Ruby shook her head once again, her ashamed eyes darting from her father to the Christmas tree and back. “Daddy,” she whispered earnestly, lowering her voice so Penny couldn’t overhear. “Santa Claus isn’t real.” 

Shocked, Harry’s eyes dropped. He heard Penny in the kitchen, cheerfully singing, “Jingle bells! Jingle bells!” paired with the crackling of the fire. He felt his cheeks grow warm as he looked from his daughter’s tearful eyes to his fidgeting hands, and back. 

“Who told you that, Ruby Doo?” he murmured softly as she began to cry. 

“People in my class,” she sniffled, looking up at him with round, glassy eyes. 

“Do you know what, bug?” Harry asked, lowering his eyes to a whisper. “When I was your age, kids at school told me the same. But do you know what happened?”

Ruby shook her head, wiping her nose on the back of her hand and listening intently. 

“On Christmas Eve, I went to bed sad, but right at midnight, I heard jingle bells and hoofbeats on the roof.”

The six-year-old’s eyes lit up. “Reindeer?” she asked, and Harry nodded. 

“When I poked my head out of my bedroom, I saw Santa arranging our presents under the tree.” 

“Really?” Ruby asked, her eyes wide as saucers. “Did he see you?” 

“He didn’t,” Harry replied, feeling the pit in his stomach disappear at his daughter’s budding excitement. “When I woke up in the morning, he had eaten all of the cookies and milk and fed the carrots to his reindeer. He even left me a special note in my stocking.”

“What did it say?” breathed Ruby and Harry gave her an impish smirk. 

“That’s between me and Santa Claus. Now. I’m guessing it’s about time to cut out the cookies.” 

Before he had time to rise to his feet, Ruby sprang off of the stairs and donned her apron as quickly as she could. She sprinted into the bathroom to wash her hands before meeting the remainder of her family in the kitchen. 

“Just in time to help us roll out the dough!” you exclaimed, casting Harry a secretive smile as you pulled a step stool up to the counter for Ruby. 

“We’re making cookies for Santa!” cheered Penny, bouncing on her toes in excitement. 

Ruby held the handles of the rolling pin tightly and you placed yours over hers, guiding their movement over the dough. When the sheet sprawled across the counter, flat and smooth, you retrieved a bag of cookie cutters from the cupboard opposite where you were standing. 

“I want to make Santas!” shouted Penny, reaching for the bag as you set it on the counter before her. 

“I want to make trees and snowflakes and snowmen!” exclaimed Ruby, reaching for the bag. “I think Santa likes snowmen the best.”

“I want to make snowmen, too!” said Penny decisively. 

While the girls distributed the cookie cutters, Harry pulled you aside. Wrapping his arm around your shoulder, he lowered his lips to your ear and whispered a secret plan into it before returning his attention to his girls. 

“I’m making snowmen, Santas, bells, and reindeers!” Penny cried out joyfully as Ruby helped her press the cookie cutters into the sweet, malleable dough. 

You and Harry helped them make the most out of the sheet of dough, resulting in two pans of warm sugar cookies less than an hour later. While Harry and the girls were infatuated by a rerun of the Polar Express, you placed the cookies on cooling racks and mixed food coloring into small tubs of frosting.

“Are you ready to decorate?” you called into the darkened living room and Penny squealed excitedly. 

“We have a surprise for you, mama!” Harry called back. He, Ruby, and Penny appeared in the doorway, decked out in matching pajamas, aprons, light-up necklaces, and antler headbands.

Giving you a kiss on the cheek, he slipped a necklace on over your head and perched a Santa hat on your head. Whinnying, Penny galloped to your side, climbing onto the step stool and peering into the bowls of colored frosting. 

“Red, white, green, pink, blue…” she named the colors, accidentally poking her finger into the blue. She licked the frosting from her fingertip and would have been successful in going back for more had you not stopped her. 

“Now you’ve got to rewash your hands,” you chided, hoisting her up to clean her hands again. 

Necklace flashing merrily,  Ruby stepped onto the stool and reached for a cookie to begin icing. 

Presently, Penny sidled up next to her and selected a snowflake. The girls contentedly smeared frosting onto their cookies until their arms grew tired and their bedtimes encroached. 

They selected the cookies they saw most fit for Santa Claus and arranged them nicely on a plate with a handful of baby carrots and a glass of water (because milk would spoil if left out overnight.)

You and Harry perched on the edges of their beds--you on Penny’s and Harry on Ruby’s-- and read aloud as many stories as it took for them to drift off, dreaming excitedly of Christmas morning. 

Once they were asleep, you and Harry slipped into your own bed to discuss your midnight plan. 

“Ruby didn’t want to ruin Santa for me,” Harry smiled, just enough to make his dimple apparent. “So I told her about my experience with Santa when I was her age.” 

“When your mom was--”

Harry nodded, propping his head up on his elbow. “We should do the same. Be up by midnight?” 

~~~

Harry roused you five minutes before midnight. 

You awoke to a white, curly synthetic beard against your face. When you opened your eyes, you could distinctly make out the silhouette of your husband, decked out in a complete Santa suit, holding an armful of gifts and stocking stuffers. 

With a charming smile, Harry extended a hand to you, helping you out of bed, but nearly losing a few boxes in the process. 

You helped him steady his load before creeping silently downstairs to arrange the gifts beneath the elaborate tree. 

Once the living room was finished, lit only by the tree, which was just bright enough to see the presents stacked beneath it and the empty plate beside it, you crept up the stairs and knocked lightly on your daughters’ bedroom door. Knowing Penny was a sound sleeper, you didn’t worry about awakening her. 

Ruby, who was drifting in and out of a restless sleep, sat up immediately at the sound. Tiptoeing so as not to wake her younger sister, she let herself out of the bedroom and peered down the stairs. The sight her awestruck eyes beheld was one she would never forget. She clamped a hand over her mouth to prevent a delighted squeal from escaping, lest she blow her cover. Silently, she watched the man in the red suit distribute presents beneath the tree and slip some candy canes into the stockings. 

After a few minutes of baffled silence on her part, the six-year-old began tiptoeing back to her room. She let herself in silently and slipped back into bed with a new kind of warmth and assurance brewing in her core. What a story she would have to tell her children one day.  ~~~

Taglist: @fishingirl12 @sortingharryshairclip @groovychaosavenue @madybeth21 @mrspeacem1nusone @tenaciousperfectionunknown @cayleyhannha-blog @whitemancumslut @xxrosebunny @daisyharry @madeintheniamh and I think that’s it? I could very well be mistaken as I’m doing this from memory. thanks for everything ❤️🎄

[scotianostra]

October 31st 1860 saw the death of Thomas Cochrane, Earl of Dundonald, Scottish sailor, MP, and eccentric.

There will no doubt be many of you who will not know of Thomas Cochrane, but of those that don’t, if you have visited Culross you will have seen his bust which sits in front of the palace there, as swn in the pic.

Thomas Cochrane was one of the most remarkable of all naval sea captains. He was the inspiration for both C.S. Forester’s Horatio Hornblower and Patrick O'Brian’s Jack Aubrey novels. (The film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is based on O'Brian’s novels.)Cochrane made his mark as sea-captain, politician, admiral and naval innovator.

Born at Annisfield in Lanarkshire, he joined the Royal Navy as a 17-year-old midshipman, serving first under his uncle, Alexander Cochrane. Soon promoted to Lieutenant, he took command of the brig HMS Speedy and quickly won a reputation as one of the most ingenious and audacious naval officers - the Speedy captured more than 50 ships, 120 guns and 500 prisoners within a year.

Most famously, in 1801 Cochrane captured the Spanish frigate El Gamo. He wielded a cutlass himself as his men stormed aboard El Gamo, forcing the Spaniards to surrender within minutes. Speedy lost only one man killed and three wounded, and Cochrane was immediately promoted to Captain. It’s the type of swashbuckling scene that you see in movies, but it was for real.

Napoleon called him Le Loup de Mer (the Sea Wolf) and ordered his capture.The headstrong and outspoken qualities which made Cochrane a brilliant captain worked against him when he campaigned for naval and parliamentary reform as a politician. In 1806 he entered Parliament as the MP for Honiton, Devon, and then in 1807 for Westminster. In years gone bt it wasn’t unusual for the well off to “buy” seats far from where they came from.

He railed against inefficiency and corruption at the Admiralty and among MPs and was falsely accused of fraud during the 1814 Stock Exchange scandal . At his trial Cochrane was fined £1,000, sentenced to the pillory, expelled from the Commons (to which he was immediately re-elected), stripped of his rank, deprived of his knighthood (which was not restored until the 1840s) and put in prison. Cochrane escaped from jail, was rearrested in the House of Commons and fined another £1,000, which was paid by his Westminster electors who gave a penny each.

Persona non grata in his own country, Cochrane went on to command the Chilean, Brazilian and Greek navies, helping them fight for independence. In 1831 he succeeded to his father’s title, becoming 10th Earl of Dundonald. There was a complete change round - he received a Royal pardon and was fully reinstated and was made an Admiral. For three years from 1848, Cochrane commanded the Navy’s American and West Indies station. Only his age (he was 79) prevented him from being put in command of the British fleet during the Crimean War.

Cochrane died in on this day 1860 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. He is considered Scotland’s greatest naval hero, while his exploits might give the impression of a swashbuckling hero, as I pertained to earlier, not all he did was heroic, he advocated the use of gas and chemical warfare, although not used in his lifetime his ideas were evident in the later first world war, for that we have to hang our heads in shame.

More on that on the link below

[tilbageidanmark]

Movies I watched this Week # 147 (Year 3/Week 43):

Loro ("Them"), my 7th decadent film by Paolo Sorrentino, the breakneck, modern-day Fellini. An epic, outrageous, over-the-top look into the outlandish life of charismatic billionaire king Silvio Berlusconi. MTV-style music video of power, sex, ultimate corruption and unlimited money. A sprawling saga of a modern day Citizen Kane, promiscuous, charming and greedy. As well as a young pimp who runs an escort service, and supplies him with a harem of girls.

I love noticing chronological symmetry in movies, for example, at the exact middle of the movie (starting at 1:11), there’s this central, electrifying scene of a telephone sales pitch, even better than DiCaprio selling 40,000 penny stock shares at 'The wolf of Wall Street'. Between serving as a prime minister and serving time, Tony Servillo's Berlusconi, the greatest salesman in Italy, is in a funk, and he needs to find his groove again. So late at night he opens a telephone book at random and calls some old lady from a listing, and in 6 minutes, he sells her an overpriced apartment that have not even been built yet. I wish I could find an isolated clip of that scene somewhere. Bellissimo!

And just today, I read about the real Berlusconi’s need to accumulate, his vast, 25,000 item art collection!

🍿

"Fugayzi, fugazi. It's a whazy. It's a woozie. It's fairy dust..."

So - because of the scene above - I had to stop everything I do, and indulge, one more time with Scorsese's The wolf of Wall Street. A similarly decadent, excessive, cocaine-fueled roller coaster ride of money and addiction. With judge Fran Lebowitz, Spike Jonze as Dwayne, the broker above, and of course Palm Spring's Cristin Milioti as the first wife.

So far I’ve seen only about half of Scorsese’s 42 full features, so after ‘Flower moon’ I’m going to deep dive, and watch all the ones I’ve missed.

🍿

Another film I’ve been re-watching over and over, Paweł Pawlikowski's heartbreaking romance Cold War. When I saw it the first time, I thought it was very complex (maybe I was stoned), but it's actually extremely simple, accessible and direct. Joanna Kulig's ethereal beauty and the powerful life force of her character 'Zula' are unforgettable. 10/10.

[Waiting for his next film, The island, with Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara.]

🍿

John le Carré X 3:

🍿 Errol Morris's most recent documentary, The Pigeon Tunnel, a lengthy conversation with the fascinating writer le Carré. Based on his auto-biography of the same name. It's mostly about deceit and betrayals, as well as his tortured relationship with his larger-than-life conman father, "Ronnie". Lots of elaborate re-enactments, staged and fanciful. My best friend Danny (RIP) used to be an avid le Carré reader and fan.

🍿 First watch: The masterful The spy who came in from the cold. The first classic film adaptation and based on his spectacularly successful debut novel. Double and triple crossing in the dark days of the cold War. It was supposed to be the Anti-James Bond, and established a prolific genre of 'Flawed Spies', "a bunch of seedy squalid bastards like me, little men, drunkards, queers, henpecked husbands, civil servants playing 'Cowboys and Indians' to brighten their rotten little lives." Magnificent Richard Burton play.

[I also have to dig in and do a Martin Ritt marathon one day!]

🍿 Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy (the 2011 film, not the Alec Guinness TV series): A slow, melancholic and perfectly atmospheric thriller, with an all-star cast (Including a cameo of le Carré himself! Photo Above). Gary Oldman's vacant gaze got me to want watching his complete filmography. Also, it's funny how many movies open or end with Charles Trenet's La Mer!

Superb! 9/10.

🍿

2 horror films from British director Steve McQueen:

🍿 While waiting for his latest ‘Occupied City’, I caught his horrifying directorial debut Hunger from 2008. A re-telling of the 1981 Irish Hunger Strike, where 10 IRA volunteers starved themselves to death, as a protest against the British government. It is told from inside the prison cells. Very few films were able to transfer the horror and hopelessness of being abused by ruthless authorities like this one.

And in the middle of this gruesome narrative, there's an astounding scene, unbroken and shot with a static camera on Bobby Sands and a priest who came to see him, talking that lasts for 17 minutes. Simply amazing.

Best and most chilling film experience of the week.

Like Norm McDonald used to say (about Hitler): 'The more I learn about Margaret Thatcher, the more I don't care for her'.

🍿 Western Deep, a 2002 short, an near-abstract poem about the workers / slaves who work at the world's deepest gold mine in South Africa. Dark, jarring and claustrophobic. 1/10.

[Now that I've seen McQueen's 4 features, I have to move on to his 'Small Axe' television anthology.]

🍿

My first 2 films by Romanian Cristian Mungiu:

🍿 His latest contemplative drama R.M.N. is set in a backwater multi-ethnic village in Transylvania, where long-simmering tensions erupt over questions of national identity, globalization, prejudices and xenophobia. It opens with pig slaughtering, and ends with an old man who hangs himself in the forest. It's harsh, and coarse, and repressive. But it's told in a sublime style. And in the middle of all the ugliness and misogyny, a woman practices her cello by playing Yumeji's haunting theme from 'In the mood for love'. 9/10.

🍿 So I finally also saw his highly-acclaimed 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days from 2007, considered as 'one of the greatest films of the 21 century'. But the depressing story of a desperate young woman who's trying to obtain an illegal abortion in the last dark days of communist Romania, was as pleasant as a visit to Nicolae Ceaușescu's dungeon: Dingy, stressfully-ugly and miserable.

🍿

“…Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?…”

Airplane!, another re-watch of this classic evergreen - the No. 1 modern American comedy on most lists? With cameos by Ethel Merman, young Mike Ehrmantraut and James Howe, one of the most prolific character actors of all time, as a Japanese general committing Harakiri. Isn't it strange that the guy who played Ted Striker never had a career in Hollywood after that?

Maybe it's time for Edgar Wright to re-make 'Airplane 2024!'?

🍿

5 more by female directors:

🍿 Elaine May's Mikey and Nicky, a dark dialogue-rich, two-person crime drama about old friendship and betrayal over one long night in Philadelphia. John Cassavetes is a small-time hood with a contract out on his life. And Peter Falk is his lifelong friend who may or may not be trying to help him escape his fate. A nuanced portrayal of fragile masculinity.

🍿 The royal hotel, my second film by Australian Kitty Green, and also starring Julia Garner, playing another powerless young woman suffering male abuse and exploitation (after 'The Assistant'). Two young backpackers take a job at an outback bar, in "the middle of nowhere". A scary, ominous thriller with escalating threats and an uncomfortable sense of mortal danger. Too unpleasant for me - 4/10.

🍿 Bus Girl is the first film directed by Jessica Henwick, who plays the 2nd girl in 'The Royal Hotel'. A cute little culinary fantasy, shot entirely on a cell phone. 6/10.

🍿 Aurora’s Sunrise, my second Armenian film (after ‘The colour of pomegranates’). An adult animated feature about the Albanian genocide, through the eyes of a real life young woman, who survived the hellish years, and escaped to America, where she became celebrated Hollywood star in 1919, when she played herself in 'Carnival of souls'.

Ethnic cleansing, mass murder, exterminations, cruelty and hatred ... Armenians, Jews, Palestinians, Uygurs, American Indians, Tutsis... It's always the same fucking thing!

(Via).

🍿 Affairs of the Art, a British-Canadian craziness by Joanna Quinn, nominated in 2021 for best animated short. Spectacular and surrealistic visuals about a 59-year-old lady, a zany artist at heart, and her fully-eclectic family. Very Roald Dahl. 9/10.

🍿

On the fringe, a recent Spanish social drama with Penélope Cruz. Stressful and depressive story about folks that are being evicted from their homes. Focus on grey, marginalized and helpless people, ground up by bureaucracy, nickel and dimed by poverty, lack of time and resources is a tough watch. Especially when the story is not wrapped up with optimism or a happy end. 6/10.

🍿

“I’m glad we had this conversation…”

Viking, an alternative, "indie" science fiction allegory, scientifically naive, and featuring low-low tech and drama. An odd, simulated Canadian proximation. In spite of mirroring some scenes from '2001' and 'The Shining', it's not close to either one. Meh. 2/10.

🍿

"Kill the wabbit!"

Chuck Jones's What's Opera, Doc?, considered to be the greatest animated short film of all time. A 7 minutes riff on Wagner's Nibelung and Disney's Fantasia, and the first cartoon short to be selected for preservation for the National Film Registry. With Mel Blanc and Elmer Fudd.

🍿

... No fellow could ignore / The little girl next door / She sure looked sweet in her first evening gown / Now there's a charge for what she used to give for free ... 

"Today, I learned" that satirist & mathematician Tom Lehrer is still alive, at ninety five! He was extremely popular in the 60's and basically retired in 1972. Also, that [like Jonas Salk] he transferred all the songs he ever recorded to the public domain - "For the greater good!"

In 1967, he recorded his excellent Copenhagen concert for posterity. Delightful!

2 extras: I got it from Agnes (which is about the spread of VD), and Bergman's actor Lars Ekborg’s singing I Tom Lehrers vackra värld in Swedish.

🍿

The Insurrectionist next door, my first documentary by Alexandra Pelosi, Nancy's daughter. She was trying to humanize about a dozen individuals who participate in the January 6 attack, by befriending them and their their families, and by allowing all of them to explain that they were "just at the wrong place at the wrong time". In the end, it was just sad to see the poor children who had to cry goodbye when their father went to jail.

🍿

(My complete movie list is here)

[cleverhottubmiracle]

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect moment to rethink not just our goals but also our closets. Why not make 2025 the year you commit to a timeless wardrobe? In a fashion landscape dominated by fleeting trends, curating a collection of classic, versatile pieces is a transformative move. Not only will it save you from the cycle of constant shopping, but it will also ensure you exude effortless style year-round. If this sounds like the refresh you’ve been craving, here’s how to begin your journey toward enduring elegance. Check out proven tips on how to build a timeless wardrobe you’d be proud of… #1. Audit your current wardrobe Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Before embarking on the journey to a timeless wardrobe, it’s crucial to understand your starting point. Begin with a closet audit: take out every item you own and sort them into three categories—keep, donate, and sell. Be honest with yourself about what no longer fits your style or lifestyle. That sequined dress from 2017 that hasn’t seen daylight since? Let it go. Prioritize keeping versatile, high-quality pieces and classic staples that have proven their staying power over the years. #2. Invest in quality over quantity Photo: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels A cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe is prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than stocking up on ten trendy tops that won’t survive more than a few washes, focus on investing in fewer, high-quality items. Opt for durable, luxurious materials like wool, cashmere, cotton, and silk, which stand the test of time and elevate even the simplest outfits. These fabrics bring a polished sophistication to your look while lasting for years. Think of staples like a well-made trench coat or a perfectly tailored blazer—they’re worth every penny and will remain wardrobe MVPs. #3. Master the art of neutrals Photo: Diana ✨/Pexels Neutrals serve as the backbone of any timeless wardrobe. Classic shades like black, white, beige, navy, and gray are endlessly versatile, offering a foundation for creating a variety of outfits without ever feeling repetitive. To keep things fresh, incorporate different textures—think a soft cashmere sweater with crisp wool trousers or a silky satin blouse paired with rugged denim. This balance of tones and fabrics ensures your look remains chic and anything but monotonous. #4. Add a signature statement piece Photo: Timothy Paule II/Pexels While minimalism forms the heart of a timeless wardrobe, it doesn’t mean abandoning your personal flair. Introduce one or two signature statement pieces that showcase your unique style—a bold red blazer, a vintage leather jacket, or leopard-print loafers can do the trick. These elements inject personality and elevate your outfits without overshadowing the overall timeless aesthetic. #5. Embrace tailoring Photo: Arina Krasnikova/Pexels Ill-fitting clothes can diminish the impact of even the most classic pieces. The secret to timeless elegance? Tailoring. A trusted tailor can transform your wardrobe, adjusting garments to complement your body perfectly. Whether it’s a crisp white shirt or a pair of black trousers, a tailored fit elevates your look from ordinary to exceptional. And don’t overlook affordable pieces—small adjustments can make them look high-end. #6. Build a capsule wardrobe Photo: Skylar Kang/Pexels A capsule wardrobe epitomizes timeless style and simplicity. This curated collection of versatile pieces ensures you’re prepared for any occasion with minimal effort. Start with staples like a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, a little black dress, and a classic coat. Mix in well-fitted jeans and a few seasonal accents to keep things fresh. With this approach, you’ll have a stress-free wardrobe that’s effortlessly chic year-round. #7. Avoid trend overload Photo: Alexandra Maria/Pexels Trends may be tempting, but they fade faster than you can say “microfashion.” While experimenting is fun, building a wardrobe entirely around fleeting styles often leads to regret and wasted resources. Instead, weave in trend-inspired accessories like a metallic clutch or bold statement earrings. These subtle touches allow you to stay current without sacrificing the timeless appeal of your wardrobe. #8. Care for your clothes A timeless wardrobe isn’t just built—it’s preserved. Proper care is essential to keep your clothes looking their best. Hand wash delicate items, use high-quality hangers to maintain structure, and store seasonal pieces in breathable bags. Regular maintenance, like repairing loose buttons or fixing small tears, ensures your garments stand the test of time and stay as impeccable as the day you bought them. #9. Prioritize versatile footwear Photo: Rachel Claire/Pexels Shoes set the tone for your outfit, making them a cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe. Invest in versatile classics like sleek leather loafers, nude pumps, ankle boots, and clean white sneakers—styles that seamlessly transition across occasions. To inject personality into your look, add a pair of bold-colored flats or eye-catching printed boots. These choices strike the perfect balance between practicality and flair. #10. Be selective with accessories Photo: Yusuf Kayode/Pexels Accessories have the power to elevate any outfit, but less is often more when aiming for timeless style. Choose classic pieces such as pearl earrings, a leather belt, or a silk scarf—items that complement multiple looks without overwhelming them. These accessories never lose their charm and add a refined touch to your ensemble. Keep it simple, and let each piece shine on its own for an effortlessly chic effect. 11. Stay true to your personal style Ultimately, the key to a timeless wardrobe lies in staying true to yourself. While it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends or influencer “must-haves,” your wardrobe should reflect your unique lifestyle and personal style. Select pieces that not only make you feel confident but also comfortable. When you wear what truly resonates with you, your style will naturally shine through, creating a wardrobe that stands the test of time. #12. Think sustainably Photo: RDNE stock project/Pexels Building a timeless wardrobe aligns perfectly with sustainable fashion practices. By focusing on quality over quantity and ensuring your clothes stand the test of time, you’re not only creating a versatile collection but also reducing waste. Opting for second-hand shopping or supporting ethical brands that prioritize sustainable production methods can further contribute to a healthier planet. In this way, timeless style becomes a conscious choice for both your wardrobe and the environment. #13. Keep updating and evolving Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels A timeless wardrobe isn’t static—it evolves alongside your style. As your preferences shift, regularly reassess your collection and replace worn-out pieces with high-quality alternatives. This ongoing process ensures your wardrobe remains fresh and relevant, allowing you to feel stylish and confident year after year. The key is to stay adaptable while maintaining the core elements of timelessness. In conclusion Curating a timeless wardrobe is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making intentional choices that reflect your style, values, and needs. As you embrace this resolution in 2025, you’ll find yourself with a closet that not only looks amazing but also simplifies your life. Say goodbye to the stress of “I have nothing to wear” and hello to a wardrobe that works for you—timelessly. This year, let’s redefine fashion goals. With a timeless wardrobe, you’re not just dressing for today—you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of effortless style. Featured image: @ebonyobsidian/Instagram  For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ —Read also !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

[norajworld]

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect moment to rethink not just our goals but also our closets. Why not make 2025 the year you commit to a timeless wardrobe? In a fashion landscape dominated by fleeting trends, curating a collection of classic, versatile pieces is a transformative move. Not only will it save you from the cycle of constant shopping, but it will also ensure you exude effortless style year-round. If this sounds like the refresh you’ve been craving, here’s how to begin your journey toward enduring elegance. Check out proven tips on how to build a timeless wardrobe you’d be proud of… #1. Audit your current wardrobe Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Before embarking on the journey to a timeless wardrobe, it’s crucial to understand your starting point. Begin with a closet audit: take out every item you own and sort them into three categories—keep, donate, and sell. Be honest with yourself about what no longer fits your style or lifestyle. That sequined dress from 2017 that hasn’t seen daylight since? Let it go. Prioritize keeping versatile, high-quality pieces and classic staples that have proven their staying power over the years. #2. Invest in quality over quantity Photo: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels A cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe is prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than stocking up on ten trendy tops that won’t survive more than a few washes, focus on investing in fewer, high-quality items. Opt for durable, luxurious materials like wool, cashmere, cotton, and silk, which stand the test of time and elevate even the simplest outfits. These fabrics bring a polished sophistication to your look while lasting for years. Think of staples like a well-made trench coat or a perfectly tailored blazer—they’re worth every penny and will remain wardrobe MVPs. #3. Master the art of neutrals Photo: Diana ✨/Pexels Neutrals serve as the backbone of any timeless wardrobe. Classic shades like black, white, beige, navy, and gray are endlessly versatile, offering a foundation for creating a variety of outfits without ever feeling repetitive. To keep things fresh, incorporate different textures—think a soft cashmere sweater with crisp wool trousers or a silky satin blouse paired with rugged denim. This balance of tones and fabrics ensures your look remains chic and anything but monotonous. #4. Add a signature statement piece Photo: Timothy Paule II/Pexels While minimalism forms the heart of a timeless wardrobe, it doesn’t mean abandoning your personal flair. Introduce one or two signature statement pieces that showcase your unique style—a bold red blazer, a vintage leather jacket, or leopard-print loafers can do the trick. These elements inject personality and elevate your outfits without overshadowing the overall timeless aesthetic. #5. Embrace tailoring Photo: Arina Krasnikova/Pexels Ill-fitting clothes can diminish the impact of even the most classic pieces. The secret to timeless elegance? Tailoring. A trusted tailor can transform your wardrobe, adjusting garments to complement your body perfectly. Whether it’s a crisp white shirt or a pair of black trousers, a tailored fit elevates your look from ordinary to exceptional. And don’t overlook affordable pieces—small adjustments can make them look high-end. #6. Build a capsule wardrobe Photo: Skylar Kang/Pexels A capsule wardrobe epitomizes timeless style and simplicity. This curated collection of versatile pieces ensures you’re prepared for any occasion with minimal effort. Start with staples like a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, a little black dress, and a classic coat. Mix in well-fitted jeans and a few seasonal accents to keep things fresh. With this approach, you’ll have a stress-free wardrobe that’s effortlessly chic year-round. #7. Avoid trend overload Photo: Alexandra Maria/Pexels Trends may be tempting, but they fade faster than you can say “microfashion.” While experimenting is fun, building a wardrobe entirely around fleeting styles often leads to regret and wasted resources. Instead, weave in trend-inspired accessories like a metallic clutch or bold statement earrings. These subtle touches allow you to stay current without sacrificing the timeless appeal of your wardrobe. #8. Care for your clothes A timeless wardrobe isn’t just built—it’s preserved. Proper care is essential to keep your clothes looking their best. Hand wash delicate items, use high-quality hangers to maintain structure, and store seasonal pieces in breathable bags. Regular maintenance, like repairing loose buttons or fixing small tears, ensures your garments stand the test of time and stay as impeccable as the day you bought them. #9. Prioritize versatile footwear Photo: Rachel Claire/Pexels Shoes set the tone for your outfit, making them a cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe. Invest in versatile classics like sleek leather loafers, nude pumps, ankle boots, and clean white sneakers—styles that seamlessly transition across occasions. To inject personality into your look, add a pair of bold-colored flats or eye-catching printed boots. These choices strike the perfect balance between practicality and flair. #10. Be selective with accessories Photo: Yusuf Kayode/Pexels Accessories have the power to elevate any outfit, but less is often more when aiming for timeless style. Choose classic pieces such as pearl earrings, a leather belt, or a silk scarf—items that complement multiple looks without overwhelming them. These accessories never lose their charm and add a refined touch to your ensemble. Keep it simple, and let each piece shine on its own for an effortlessly chic effect. 11. Stay true to your personal style Ultimately, the key to a timeless wardrobe lies in staying true to yourself. While it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends or influencer “must-haves,” your wardrobe should reflect your unique lifestyle and personal style. Select pieces that not only make you feel confident but also comfortable. When you wear what truly resonates with you, your style will naturally shine through, creating a wardrobe that stands the test of time. #12. Think sustainably Photo: RDNE stock project/Pexels Building a timeless wardrobe aligns perfectly with sustainable fashion practices. By focusing on quality over quantity and ensuring your clothes stand the test of time, you’re not only creating a versatile collection but also reducing waste. Opting for second-hand shopping or supporting ethical brands that prioritize sustainable production methods can further contribute to a healthier planet. In this way, timeless style becomes a conscious choice for both your wardrobe and the environment. #13. Keep updating and evolving Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels A timeless wardrobe isn’t static—it evolves alongside your style. As your preferences shift, regularly reassess your collection and replace worn-out pieces with high-quality alternatives. This ongoing process ensures your wardrobe remains fresh and relevant, allowing you to feel stylish and confident year after year. The key is to stay adaptable while maintaining the core elements of timelessness. In conclusion Curating a timeless wardrobe is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making intentional choices that reflect your style, values, and needs. As you embrace this resolution in 2025, you’ll find yourself with a closet that not only looks amazing but also simplifies your life. Say goodbye to the stress of “I have nothing to wear” and hello to a wardrobe that works for you—timelessly. This year, let’s redefine fashion goals. With a timeless wardrobe, you’re not just dressing for today—you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of effortless style. Featured image: @ebonyobsidian/Instagram  For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ —Read also !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

[ellajme0]

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect moment to rethink not just our goals but also our closets. Why not make 2025 the year you commit to a timeless wardrobe? In a fashion landscape dominated by fleeting trends, curating a collection of classic, versatile pieces is a transformative move. Not only will it save you from the cycle of constant shopping, but it will also ensure you exude effortless style year-round. If this sounds like the refresh you’ve been craving, here’s how to begin your journey toward enduring elegance. Check out proven tips on how to build a timeless wardrobe you’d be proud of… #1. Audit your current wardrobe Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Before embarking on the journey to a timeless wardrobe, it’s crucial to understand your starting point. Begin with a closet audit: take out every item you own and sort them into three categories—keep, donate, and sell. Be honest with yourself about what no longer fits your style or lifestyle. That sequined dress from 2017 that hasn’t seen daylight since? Let it go. Prioritize keeping versatile, high-quality pieces and classic staples that have proven their staying power over the years. #2. Invest in quality over quantity Photo: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels A cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe is prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than stocking up on ten trendy tops that won’t survive more than a few washes, focus on investing in fewer, high-quality items. Opt for durable, luxurious materials like wool, cashmere, cotton, and silk, which stand the test of time and elevate even the simplest outfits. These fabrics bring a polished sophistication to your look while lasting for years. Think of staples like a well-made trench coat or a perfectly tailored blazer—they’re worth every penny and will remain wardrobe MVPs. #3. Master the art of neutrals Photo: Diana ✨/Pexels Neutrals serve as the backbone of any timeless wardrobe. Classic shades like black, white, beige, navy, and gray are endlessly versatile, offering a foundation for creating a variety of outfits without ever feeling repetitive. To keep things fresh, incorporate different textures—think a soft cashmere sweater with crisp wool trousers or a silky satin blouse paired with rugged denim. This balance of tones and fabrics ensures your look remains chic and anything but monotonous. #4. Add a signature statement piece Photo: Timothy Paule II/Pexels While minimalism forms the heart of a timeless wardrobe, it doesn’t mean abandoning your personal flair. Introduce one or two signature statement pieces that showcase your unique style—a bold red blazer, a vintage leather jacket, or leopard-print loafers can do the trick. These elements inject personality and elevate your outfits without overshadowing the overall timeless aesthetic. #5. Embrace tailoring Photo: Arina Krasnikova/Pexels Ill-fitting clothes can diminish the impact of even the most classic pieces. The secret to timeless elegance? Tailoring. A trusted tailor can transform your wardrobe, adjusting garments to complement your body perfectly. Whether it’s a crisp white shirt or a pair of black trousers, a tailored fit elevates your look from ordinary to exceptional. And don’t overlook affordable pieces—small adjustments can make them look high-end. #6. Build a capsule wardrobe Photo: Skylar Kang/Pexels A capsule wardrobe epitomizes timeless style and simplicity. This curated collection of versatile pieces ensures you’re prepared for any occasion with minimal effort. Start with staples like a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, a little black dress, and a classic coat. Mix in well-fitted jeans and a few seasonal accents to keep things fresh. With this approach, you’ll have a stress-free wardrobe that’s effortlessly chic year-round. #7. Avoid trend overload Photo: Alexandra Maria/Pexels Trends may be tempting, but they fade faster than you can say “microfashion.” While experimenting is fun, building a wardrobe entirely around fleeting styles often leads to regret and wasted resources. Instead, weave in trend-inspired accessories like a metallic clutch or bold statement earrings. These subtle touches allow you to stay current without sacrificing the timeless appeal of your wardrobe. #8. Care for your clothes A timeless wardrobe isn’t just built—it’s preserved. Proper care is essential to keep your clothes looking their best. Hand wash delicate items, use high-quality hangers to maintain structure, and store seasonal pieces in breathable bags. Regular maintenance, like repairing loose buttons or fixing small tears, ensures your garments stand the test of time and stay as impeccable as the day you bought them. #9. Prioritize versatile footwear Photo: Rachel Claire/Pexels Shoes set the tone for your outfit, making them a cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe. Invest in versatile classics like sleek leather loafers, nude pumps, ankle boots, and clean white sneakers—styles that seamlessly transition across occasions. To inject personality into your look, add a pair of bold-colored flats or eye-catching printed boots. These choices strike the perfect balance between practicality and flair. #10. Be selective with accessories Photo: Yusuf Kayode/Pexels Accessories have the power to elevate any outfit, but less is often more when aiming for timeless style. Choose classic pieces such as pearl earrings, a leather belt, or a silk scarf—items that complement multiple looks without overwhelming them. These accessories never lose their charm and add a refined touch to your ensemble. Keep it simple, and let each piece shine on its own for an effortlessly chic effect. 11. Stay true to your personal style Ultimately, the key to a timeless wardrobe lies in staying true to yourself. While it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends or influencer “must-haves,” your wardrobe should reflect your unique lifestyle and personal style. Select pieces that not only make you feel confident but also comfortable. When you wear what truly resonates with you, your style will naturally shine through, creating a wardrobe that stands the test of time. #12. Think sustainably Photo: RDNE stock project/Pexels Building a timeless wardrobe aligns perfectly with sustainable fashion practices. By focusing on quality over quantity and ensuring your clothes stand the test of time, you’re not only creating a versatile collection but also reducing waste. Opting for second-hand shopping or supporting ethical brands that prioritize sustainable production methods can further contribute to a healthier planet. In this way, timeless style becomes a conscious choice for both your wardrobe and the environment. #13. Keep updating and evolving Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels A timeless wardrobe isn’t static—it evolves alongside your style. As your preferences shift, regularly reassess your collection and replace worn-out pieces with high-quality alternatives. This ongoing process ensures your wardrobe remains fresh and relevant, allowing you to feel stylish and confident year after year. The key is to stay adaptable while maintaining the core elements of timelessness. In conclusion Curating a timeless wardrobe is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making intentional choices that reflect your style, values, and needs. As you embrace this resolution in 2025, you’ll find yourself with a closet that not only looks amazing but also simplifies your life. Say goodbye to the stress of “I have nothing to wear” and hello to a wardrobe that works for you—timelessly. This year, let’s redefine fashion goals. With a timeless wardrobe, you’re not just dressing for today—you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of effortless style. Featured image: @ebonyobsidian/Instagram  For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ —Read also !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

[chilimili212]

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect moment to rethink not just our goals but also our closets. Why not make 2025 the year you commit to a timeless wardrobe? In a fashion landscape dominated by fleeting trends, curating a collection of classic, versatile pieces is a transformative move. Not only will it save you from the cycle of constant shopping, but it will also ensure you exude effortless style year-round. If this sounds like the refresh you’ve been craving, here’s how to begin your journey toward enduring elegance. Check out proven tips on how to build a timeless wardrobe you’d be proud of… #1. Audit your current wardrobe Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Before embarking on the journey to a timeless wardrobe, it’s crucial to understand your starting point. Begin with a closet audit: take out every item you own and sort them into three categories—keep, donate, and sell. Be honest with yourself about what no longer fits your style or lifestyle. That sequined dress from 2017 that hasn’t seen daylight since? Let it go. Prioritize keeping versatile, high-quality pieces and classic staples that have proven their staying power over the years. #2. Invest in quality over quantity Photo: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels A cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe is prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than stocking up on ten trendy tops that won’t survive more than a few washes, focus on investing in fewer, high-quality items. Opt for durable, luxurious materials like wool, cashmere, cotton, and silk, which stand the test of time and elevate even the simplest outfits. These fabrics bring a polished sophistication to your look while lasting for years. Think of staples like a well-made trench coat or a perfectly tailored blazer—they’re worth every penny and will remain wardrobe MVPs. #3. Master the art of neutrals Photo: Diana ✨/Pexels Neutrals serve as the backbone of any timeless wardrobe. Classic shades like black, white, beige, navy, and gray are endlessly versatile, offering a foundation for creating a variety of outfits without ever feeling repetitive. To keep things fresh, incorporate different textures—think a soft cashmere sweater with crisp wool trousers or a silky satin blouse paired with rugged denim. This balance of tones and fabrics ensures your look remains chic and anything but monotonous. #4. Add a signature statement piece Photo: Timothy Paule II/Pexels While minimalism forms the heart of a timeless wardrobe, it doesn’t mean abandoning your personal flair. Introduce one or two signature statement pieces that showcase your unique style—a bold red blazer, a vintage leather jacket, or leopard-print loafers can do the trick. These elements inject personality and elevate your outfits without overshadowing the overall timeless aesthetic. #5. Embrace tailoring Photo: Arina Krasnikova/Pexels Ill-fitting clothes can diminish the impact of even the most classic pieces. The secret to timeless elegance? Tailoring. A trusted tailor can transform your wardrobe, adjusting garments to complement your body perfectly. Whether it’s a crisp white shirt or a pair of black trousers, a tailored fit elevates your look from ordinary to exceptional. And don’t overlook affordable pieces—small adjustments can make them look high-end. #6. Build a capsule wardrobe Photo: Skylar Kang/Pexels A capsule wardrobe epitomizes timeless style and simplicity. This curated collection of versatile pieces ensures you’re prepared for any occasion with minimal effort. Start with staples like a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, a little black dress, and a classic coat. Mix in well-fitted jeans and a few seasonal accents to keep things fresh. With this approach, you’ll have a stress-free wardrobe that’s effortlessly chic year-round. #7. Avoid trend overload Photo: Alexandra Maria/Pexels Trends may be tempting, but they fade faster than you can say “microfashion.” While experimenting is fun, building a wardrobe entirely around fleeting styles often leads to regret and wasted resources. Instead, weave in trend-inspired accessories like a metallic clutch or bold statement earrings. These subtle touches allow you to stay current without sacrificing the timeless appeal of your wardrobe. #8. Care for your clothes A timeless wardrobe isn’t just built—it’s preserved. Proper care is essential to keep your clothes looking their best. Hand wash delicate items, use high-quality hangers to maintain structure, and store seasonal pieces in breathable bags. Regular maintenance, like repairing loose buttons or fixing small tears, ensures your garments stand the test of time and stay as impeccable as the day you bought them. #9. Prioritize versatile footwear Photo: Rachel Claire/Pexels Shoes set the tone for your outfit, making them a cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe. Invest in versatile classics like sleek leather loafers, nude pumps, ankle boots, and clean white sneakers—styles that seamlessly transition across occasions. To inject personality into your look, add a pair of bold-colored flats or eye-catching printed boots. These choices strike the perfect balance between practicality and flair. #10. Be selective with accessories Photo: Yusuf Kayode/Pexels Accessories have the power to elevate any outfit, but less is often more when aiming for timeless style. Choose classic pieces such as pearl earrings, a leather belt, or a silk scarf—items that complement multiple looks without overwhelming them. These accessories never lose their charm and add a refined touch to your ensemble. Keep it simple, and let each piece shine on its own for an effortlessly chic effect. 11. Stay true to your personal style Ultimately, the key to a timeless wardrobe lies in staying true to yourself. While it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends or influencer “must-haves,” your wardrobe should reflect your unique lifestyle and personal style. Select pieces that not only make you feel confident but also comfortable. When you wear what truly resonates with you, your style will naturally shine through, creating a wardrobe that stands the test of time. #12. Think sustainably Photo: RDNE stock project/Pexels Building a timeless wardrobe aligns perfectly with sustainable fashion practices. By focusing on quality over quantity and ensuring your clothes stand the test of time, you’re not only creating a versatile collection but also reducing waste. Opting for second-hand shopping or supporting ethical brands that prioritize sustainable production methods can further contribute to a healthier planet. In this way, timeless style becomes a conscious choice for both your wardrobe and the environment. #13. Keep updating and evolving Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels A timeless wardrobe isn’t static—it evolves alongside your style. As your preferences shift, regularly reassess your collection and replace worn-out pieces with high-quality alternatives. This ongoing process ensures your wardrobe remains fresh and relevant, allowing you to feel stylish and confident year after year. The key is to stay adaptable while maintaining the core elements of timelessness. In conclusion Curating a timeless wardrobe is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making intentional choices that reflect your style, values, and needs. As you embrace this resolution in 2025, you’ll find yourself with a closet that not only looks amazing but also simplifies your life. Say goodbye to the stress of “I have nothing to wear” and hello to a wardrobe that works for you—timelessly. This year, let’s redefine fashion goals. With a timeless wardrobe, you’re not just dressing for today—you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of effortless style. Featured image: @ebonyobsidian/Instagram  For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ —Read also !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

[oliviajoyice21]

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect moment to rethink not just our goals but also our closets. Why not make 2025 the year you commit to a timeless wardrobe? In a fashion landscape dominated by fleeting trends, curating a collection of classic, versatile pieces is a transformative move. Not only will it save you from the cycle of constant shopping, but it will also ensure you exude effortless style year-round. If this sounds like the refresh you’ve been craving, here’s how to begin your journey toward enduring elegance. Check out proven tips on how to build a timeless wardrobe you’d be proud of… #1. Audit your current wardrobe Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Before embarking on the journey to a timeless wardrobe, it’s crucial to understand your starting point. Begin with a closet audit: take out every item you own and sort them into three categories—keep, donate, and sell. Be honest with yourself about what no longer fits your style or lifestyle. That sequined dress from 2017 that hasn’t seen daylight since? Let it go. Prioritize keeping versatile, high-quality pieces and classic staples that have proven their staying power over the years. #2. Invest in quality over quantity Photo: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels A cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe is prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than stocking up on ten trendy tops that won’t survive more than a few washes, focus on investing in fewer, high-quality items. Opt for durable, luxurious materials like wool, cashmere, cotton, and silk, which stand the test of time and elevate even the simplest outfits. These fabrics bring a polished sophistication to your look while lasting for years. Think of staples like a well-made trench coat or a perfectly tailored blazer—they’re worth every penny and will remain wardrobe MVPs. #3. Master the art of neutrals Photo: Diana ✨/Pexels Neutrals serve as the backbone of any timeless wardrobe. Classic shades like black, white, beige, navy, and gray are endlessly versatile, offering a foundation for creating a variety of outfits without ever feeling repetitive. To keep things fresh, incorporate different textures—think a soft cashmere sweater with crisp wool trousers or a silky satin blouse paired with rugged denim. This balance of tones and fabrics ensures your look remains chic and anything but monotonous. #4. Add a signature statement piece Photo: Timothy Paule II/Pexels While minimalism forms the heart of a timeless wardrobe, it doesn’t mean abandoning your personal flair. Introduce one or two signature statement pieces that showcase your unique style—a bold red blazer, a vintage leather jacket, or leopard-print loafers can do the trick. These elements inject personality and elevate your outfits without overshadowing the overall timeless aesthetic. #5. Embrace tailoring Photo: Arina Krasnikova/Pexels Ill-fitting clothes can diminish the impact of even the most classic pieces. The secret to timeless elegance? Tailoring. A trusted tailor can transform your wardrobe, adjusting garments to complement your body perfectly. Whether it’s a crisp white shirt or a pair of black trousers, a tailored fit elevates your look from ordinary to exceptional. And don’t overlook affordable pieces—small adjustments can make them look high-end. #6. Build a capsule wardrobe Photo: Skylar Kang/Pexels A capsule wardrobe epitomizes timeless style and simplicity. This curated collection of versatile pieces ensures you’re prepared for any occasion with minimal effort. Start with staples like a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, a little black dress, and a classic coat. Mix in well-fitted jeans and a few seasonal accents to keep things fresh. With this approach, you’ll have a stress-free wardrobe that’s effortlessly chic year-round. #7. Avoid trend overload Photo: Alexandra Maria/Pexels Trends may be tempting, but they fade faster than you can say “microfashion.” While experimenting is fun, building a wardrobe entirely around fleeting styles often leads to regret and wasted resources. Instead, weave in trend-inspired accessories like a metallic clutch or bold statement earrings. These subtle touches allow you to stay current without sacrificing the timeless appeal of your wardrobe. #8. Care for your clothes A timeless wardrobe isn’t just built—it’s preserved. Proper care is essential to keep your clothes looking their best. Hand wash delicate items, use high-quality hangers to maintain structure, and store seasonal pieces in breathable bags. Regular maintenance, like repairing loose buttons or fixing small tears, ensures your garments stand the test of time and stay as impeccable as the day you bought them. #9. Prioritize versatile footwear Photo: Rachel Claire/Pexels Shoes set the tone for your outfit, making them a cornerstone of a timeless wardrobe. Invest in versatile classics like sleek leather loafers, nude pumps, ankle boots, and clean white sneakers—styles that seamlessly transition across occasions. To inject personality into your look, add a pair of bold-colored flats or eye-catching printed boots. These choices strike the perfect balance between practicality and flair. #10. Be selective with accessories Photo: Yusuf Kayode/Pexels Accessories have the power to elevate any outfit, but less is often more when aiming for timeless style. Choose classic pieces such as pearl earrings, a leather belt, or a silk scarf—items that complement multiple looks without overwhelming them. These accessories never lose their charm and add a refined touch to your ensemble. Keep it simple, and let each piece shine on its own for an effortlessly chic effect. 11. Stay true to your personal style Ultimately, the key to a timeless wardrobe lies in staying true to yourself. While it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends or influencer “must-haves,” your wardrobe should reflect your unique lifestyle and personal style. Select pieces that not only make you feel confident but also comfortable. When you wear what truly resonates with you, your style will naturally shine through, creating a wardrobe that stands the test of time. #12. Think sustainably Photo: RDNE stock project/Pexels Building a timeless wardrobe aligns perfectly with sustainable fashion practices. By focusing on quality over quantity and ensuring your clothes stand the test of time, you’re not only creating a versatile collection but also reducing waste. Opting for second-hand shopping or supporting ethical brands that prioritize sustainable production methods can further contribute to a healthier planet. In this way, timeless style becomes a conscious choice for both your wardrobe and the environment. #13. Keep updating and evolving Photo: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels A timeless wardrobe isn’t static—it evolves alongside your style. As your preferences shift, regularly reassess your collection and replace worn-out pieces with high-quality alternatives. This ongoing process ensures your wardrobe remains fresh and relevant, allowing you to feel stylish and confident year after year. The key is to stay adaptable while maintaining the core elements of timelessness. In conclusion Curating a timeless wardrobe is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making intentional choices that reflect your style, values, and needs. As you embrace this resolution in 2025, you’ll find yourself with a closet that not only looks amazing but also simplifies your life. Say goodbye to the stress of “I have nothing to wear” and hello to a wardrobe that works for you—timelessly. This year, let’s redefine fashion goals. With a timeless wardrobe, you’re not just dressing for today—you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of effortless style. Featured image: @ebonyobsidian/Instagram  For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ —Read also !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

[scotianostra]

October 31st 1860 saw the death of Thomas Cochrane, Earl of Dundonald, Scottish sailor, MP, and eccentric.

Thomas Cochrane was one of the most remarkable of all naval sea captains. He was the inspiration for both C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower and Patrick O'Brian's Jack Aubrey novels. (The film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is based on O'Brian's novels.)

Cochrane made his mark as sea-captain, politician, admiral and naval innovator. Born at Annisfield in Lanarkshire, he joined the Royal Navy as a 17-year-old midshipman, serving first under his uncle, Captain (later Admiral) Alexander Cochrane. Soon promoted Lieutenant, he took command of the brig HMS Speedy and quickly won a reputation as one of the most ingenious and audacious naval officers - the Speedy captured more than 50 ships, 120 guns and 500 prisoners within a year. Most famously, in 1801 Cochrane captured the Spanish frigate El Gamo. He wielded a cutlass himself as his men stormed aboard El Gamo, forcing the Spaniards to surrender within minutes. Speedy lost only one man killed and three wounded, and Cochrane was immediately promoted to Captain. Napoleon called him Le Loup de Mer (the Sea Wolf) and ordered his capture.

The headstrong and outspoken qualities which made Cochrane a brilliant captain worked against him when he campaigned for naval and parliamentary reform as a politician. In 1806 he entered Parliament as the MP for Honiton, Devon, and then in 1807 for Westminster. He railed against inefficiency and corruption at the Admiralty and among MPs and was falsely accused of fraud during the 1814 Stock Exchange scandal . At his trial Cochrane was fined £1,000, sentenced to the pillory, expelled from the Commons (to which he was immediately re-elected), stripped of his rank, deprived of his knighthood (which was not restored until the 1840s) and put in prison. Cochrane escaped from jail, was rearrested in the House of Commons and fined another £1,000, which was paid by his Westminster electors who gave a penny each.

Persona non grata in his own country, Cochrane went on to command the Chilean, Brazilian and Greek navies, helping them fight for independence. In 1831 he succeeded to his father's title, becoming 10th Earl of Dundonald. There was a complete change round - he received a Royal pardon and was fully reinstated and was made an Admiral. For three years from 1848, Cochrane commanded the Navy's American and West Indies station. Only his age (he was 79) prevented him from being put in command of the British fleet during the Crimean War.

Cochrane died in 1860 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. He is considered Scotland's greatest naval hero, while his exploits might give the impression of a swashbuckling hero, not all he did was heroic, he advocated the use of gas and chemical warfare, although not used in his lifetime his ideas were evident in the later first world war, for that we have to hang our heads in shame. More on that on the link below.

https://www.historynet.com/sir-thomas-cochrane-the-british-naval-officer-who-proposed-saturation-bombing-chemical-warfare-during-the-napoleonic-wars.htm?fbclid=IwAR026S9db1Nsc05FJaC6HLYUhhB4Ex4IUz9UeBt3dFgKsRkHxX4ScRxeBd0

[malindasteuberalaska]

Top 5 Financial Mistakes Should Avoid in Your Business

Mastering finance helps you stay away from mistakes in your business…

A survey states that “many youngsters are ready to come up with their startups than working in 9 to 5 jobs”. It sounds good, and it shows the creativity of the people.

It is not easy to start your own venture without a business background. There are many processes to set up your startup and run the business as hiring new employees, managing income and expenses, marketing, advertising, promotion, fascinating your customers, and much more.

Entrepreneurship contains more risk and responsibilities in the early stages of business people. And, entrepreneurs should focus on the finance section. It is the lifeline for every business. In your initial stages, you should avoid many financial mistakes to save your business.

What are the financial mistakes a business should avoid? Let us see this in detail.

Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your Business

1. Not Maintaining a Separate Business Bank Account

Some sole proprietorships and startup owners assume that they do not want to start a separate bank account in the name of their business. Owners think it is not a partnership or joint stock company to open a separate bank account. They thought the company runs a single owner.

The company will enjoy more benefits when businesses have separate bank accounts. Business owners get an idea of how many debit and credit transactions are happening in a month. If you like to add another person as an investor in your concern, you will get a clear idea of calculation and profit sharing.

Your bank statement shows the company’s health and motivates you to grow your business. On an additional note, if anything happens to your business, it does not affect your personal finance.

2. Reduces the Unnecessary Expenses

Nowadays, businesses have many expenses to run successfully. Expenses of business are paying wages, machinery expenses, hiring interns and freelancers, advertising, promotion, and marketing expenses, paying suppliers, etc…

But some expenses are unnecessary for the business. So, spend your money with caution, and understand the purpose of the expenses. Before, investing heavy amounts in a single deal, think about your financial position twice a time. Ask these questions to yourself:

Am I taking the right decision?

Is this deal necessary for my business?

Is it possible to run my business after the deal?

When you get the right answer from your side, you can travel on this path. So, create a plan and spend every penny for your business. And reduce your expenses and save your money for future investments.

3. Not Considering Taxes

As a business owner, you should pay taxes to the government and be loyal to your business. When you eliminate and not consider your taxes, your business will face more issues from the tax department.

Eliminating taxes is like living in the snow world for a long time. When you stay in the snow world for more than hours. What will happen? Your body will freeze and end in your life danger. The same principle applies to eliminating taxes. It will show the complete picture in the long run.

You will get red-handed when the tax department audits your business and account transactions. So, business owners must maintain a proper filing of reports and statements.

4. No Plan B

very business owner should have an additional plan when their business is not performing well in the market. Today, many startups fail and drop out of the market due to their unfit ideas.

Start your business as a side gig along with your full-time job. Even if your business plan fails, your job will give you hands in a reckless situation. Do not blindfold yourself and trust your business plan. First, understand the market and find out the gaps available in market.

Conduct surveys to understand the mentality of people. Then, find a product or service that solves their problem and check its demand in the market. So, young entrepreneurs always carry a backup plan in their hands.

5.Ineffective Money Management in Business

Managing and saving their money in a smart direction helps to run their business in the long run. Poor cash flow and money management lead to insolvency and loss your goodwill. The owner should prepare a budget for the academic year and make proper plan for purchasing stocks, machinery, and other elements.

The owner should not buy excess stocks for storage purposes. It reduces the profits of the business in the long run. To avoid this situation, order bulk stocks at once from the suppliers. When you purchase bulk stocks from regular suppliers, you can expect discounts from them. So, this enhances a good relationship between owners and suppliers.

6. Not Having Enough Budget

Budget planning is one of the essential parts of every successful business. Your budget planning shows the future of your business. Once you start your business, it is important for promotion and advertises your product or service in the market.

Promotion in the market helps to create awareness of your brand in the market. Without advertisement, you cannot people to buy your products or services. In this digital world, every business does marketing on social media platforms to target its audience.

You can attract only target audience for your business on social media platforms. In this example, if you spend $200 on a Facebook advertising campaign, you will receive more traffic and just those customers who are interested in your goods or services.

When you do not allocate funds for marketing in your budget, you will lose all the sales opportunities and cannot withstand in the market.

7. Not Applying for Business Insurance

Every owner needs to apply for business insurance. Insurances give hands during critical situations that arise in the business. An insured business has multiple benefits:

Safeguard from the financial risk

Insure from property losses resulting from company fires or accidents.

Assign your risk to the insurance provider.

Protects the business reputation in the worse scenario

But startups and small business owners are not paying attention to business insurance. Apply for the best-suited policy for your business and give more protection.

How to Correct Your Financial Mistakes in Business?

Step 1: Identify your mistakes and accept it

Step 2: Find out the damages and losses that happen in your business

Step 3: Stop all your expenses for some time

Step 4: Ask for help from your mentors or experts in your field

Step 5: Be open to your employees and team members

Step 6: Do not stop your business operations. Continue to work in your business with more confidence.

Step 7: Turn these mistakes into a business experience

Step 8: Start learning more and take pre-cautionary measures to save your business in the future.

Closing Thoughts

In this article, we will discuss the financial mistakes to avoid in your business. Follow these steps and grow your business to the next level.

Invoices play a vital role in every business. It organizes all your finances in a single place. Use the best invoicing software to create invoices for FREE…

[starseedfxofficial]

The Hidden Formula Only Experts Use Ever wondered how to get ahead in Forex trading without feeling like you're trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded? The Hull Moving Average (HMA) and Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP) might just be your secret weapon—the dynamic duo that makes you look like you've been trading since before the Euro even existed (spoiler alert: you probably haven't). Let’s dig into how these two play together, uncovering those lesser-known secrets that separate the pros from the people who buy penny stocks as a joke. Hull Moving Average: Smoother Than Your Favorite Pickup Line The Hull Moving Average isn’t just another moving average; it's the Don Draper of technical indicators—suave, sophisticated, and often misunderstood. Unlike your run-of-the-mill Simple Moving Average (SMA) or Exponential Moving Average (EMA), the HMA is designed to reduce lag while keeping the smoothness intact. Imagine a moving average so responsive, it’s like that one friend who texts back within seconds. Yeah, the HMA is that friend. So, how does it work? Essentially, it uses weighted calculations to adjust itself faster to price changes. By doing this, it reduces the delay and gives a more accurate reflection of price action. It's like having a GPS that tells you about traffic jams in real-time rather than after you've been stuck in one for an hour—thanks, old GPS. Why Most Traders Get TWAP Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It) Ah, TWAP. It sounds like something you'd do to a mosquito, but it's actually one of the most advanced tools in a trader's arsenal. TWAP, or Time-Weighted Average Price, is a strategy often used by institutional traders to execute large orders. Essentially, it helps you not get swindled by the ever-changing price movements throughout the day. Imagine trying to buy a huge amount of EUR/USD without moving the market—TWAP is like your invisible cloak for sneaky trading. Here’s where traders go wrong: they assume TWAP is only for institutional guys in fancy suits. But the truth is, using TWAP in your trading strategy can help average retail traders like us avoid overpaying or selling too cheap. Picture it like buying avocados: you don’t want to pay more during the morning rush when everyone is grabbing their brunch ingredients. You want that steady, fair price throughout the day. TWAP does that—but for Forex. The Unexpected Secret to Mastering HMA and TWAP Together Now, here’s where the real magic happens. The HMA gives you a smooth, timely response to market movements, while TWAP helps you execute at the best possible price across a set timeframe. But why stop there? Imagine HMA as your scout—spotting opportunities faster than the competition—and TWAP as your execution ninja, slipping in and out without causing a stir. How This Combo Can Save Your Trading Bacon Let’s talk real-world application. Imagine you’re eyeing a potential trade on GBP/USD. The Hull Moving Average is indicating a nice upward trend, giving you the ‘go’ signal, but you're wary of executing at a bad price because of the market's typical noise. Enter TWAP. By executing your orders in smaller chunks across the trend, TWAP ensures that you’re not buying into a temporary spike. It’s like spreading out your Netflix binge so you don’t run out of shows too soon—but with more money on the line. Step-by-Step Guide to the HMA + TWAP Strategy - Identify the Trend with HMA: First, use HMA to determine the market direction. If the HMA line is moving up smoothly, we’re in an uptrend. If it’s heading down, well, time to reconsider those long positions. - Set Your Timeframe for TWAP: Depending on the market's volatility, decide how long you want to execute using TWAP. Higher volatility? Shorter timeframe. Steady market? A longer execution window might be more appropriate. - Split Your Orders: Instead of diving in head-first, break your trade into smaller chunks using TWAP, reducing market impact and smoothing out your entry. - Monitor the Combo: Keep an eye on how HMA is behaving during your TWAP execution. If you notice a shift, adjust accordingly. Remember, it’s all about staying adaptable—just like when you realized wearing socks with sandals wasn’t as stylish as you thought. Why Most Traders Miss This Hidden Opportunity Most traders are too focused on either getting in and out quickly or trying to predict the exact market top or bottom. HMA helps you identify quality setups, while TWAP makes sure you don’t wreck your account getting into those setups. It’s like having a great recipe and making sure not to overcook the ingredients—both are crucial if you want it to taste good. Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them - Overreliance on HMA Alone: Sure, HMA is great, but don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s the holy grail. Think of it more like a trusty compass—useful, but not infallible. - Ignoring Market Conditions: TWAP is fantastic for executing evenly across a period, but be mindful of market conditions. If there's a major news event, TWAP might actually work against you—like showing up fashionably late to a party that’s already ending. - Not Adjusting the TWAP Execution Time: Market noise can vary greatly throughout the day. Adjust your TWAP execution according to volatility. It’s a bit like deciding whether you need noise-canceling headphones or not—sometimes, the quiet setting works; sometimes, it’s total chaos. How to Predict Market Moves with Precision One of the lesser-known uses of the Hull Moving Average is for divergence spotting. When price makes a higher high but the HMA shows a lower high, it could be an early warning sign that the trend is about to reverse. TWAP, on the other hand, can be used in tandem to ensure that your entries or exits are spread out, keeping you from panicking into the wrong side of a movement. Final Thoughts: Give Your Trading the Upgrade It Deserves Using HMA and TWAP together is like combining peanut butter with chocolate—deliciously effective. HMA gives you the what, while TWAP gives you the how. By mastering both, you’re not just getting in on a trend; you’re making sure you don’t overpay to be there. It’s like investing in quality tools rather than buying the cheap versions and regretting it later. Want More Hidden Tactics? If you found this strategy intriguing, be sure to check out our latest updates on market moves and exclusive trading secrets. Don’t forget to join our StarseedFX community for live insights and to grab your free trading plan. We’ve got plenty of elite strategies that most traders ignore—don’t be like most traders. Find out more at StarseedFX. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article