#Scenic Accessories

[bosscovers]

Capture the beauty of nature with our Mountain Valley Phone Case, featuring vibrant colors and stunning designs that bring the majestic outdoors to your device. This case showcases a collage of mountain landscapes, colorful tiles, and polygon art, making it a unique and eye-catching accessory. Choose from three distinct designs, each offering premium protection for your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel device. Whether you're an adventurer at heart or just appreciate a beautiful view, this phone case is the perfect blend of style and functionality. Elevate your everyday carry with a touch of nature's wonder!

[thebramblewood]

Helena's been capturing scenes of Britechester over the course of an entire autumn for her elective photography class, and she just developed the pictures! 📸

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[shahid26]

get in touch: https://ghurtecholo.com/

Scenic park operators in China's Henan province were forced to acknowledge that the country's highest waterfall got a helping hand from a pipe due to a lack of rainfall

[heedzhee-art]

My old edits of Ukraine wearing a more accurate (simplified) traditional costume in comparison to the Sharovarshchyna-like clothes she has on in the original

Sharovarshchyna is basically pseudo-ethnic clothing that has nothing to do with Ukrainian national wear, and only pretends to be ethnic through kitsch elements. Sooo... something like this:

Sharovarshchyna:

Cheap, thin fabric, often glossy. Eye-straining red + white colour combination. Large and very vibrant flowers on the clothes, sometimes glued on. Generally very saturated colours, plastic-looking flower crowns that have no usage in traditional rituals or holidays. Often very low in details, minor accessories like a single necklace. Men often depicted wearing vibrant red boots (symbol of femininity? most of the time brides would wear those). Has nothing to do with Ukrainian heritage. A caricature, theatrical costume popularized in the late 19th century, later endorsed during the soviet era, when russification was especially violent, and only the "correct" showcasing of Ukrainian things wasn't persecuted. Still used by Ukrainians as a scenical costume for the very purpose it was created - because it's cheap, and easier to dance in.

"Sharovarshchyna" comes from the word "sharovary" which is the name of the stereotypical loose Cossack pants

Traditional Ukrainian costume:

Mostly muted colour scheme. Dark red, black and white often used as dominant colours, with details of other tones with higher saturation. Many elements vary depending on the region and occasion. Typically linen or thick cotton fabric. Detailed decorative embroidered elements have spiritual and symbolic meanings. Flower crown-like headwear worn by women during holidays and ceremonies (like weddings). Decorative tassels and fringe are often used on sleeves, hems, and headpieces to add texture and flair.

Also! Aprons, scarves, sashes, belts, and a lot of different headwear! (⁠っ��.⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)⁠っ

edit: for additional context, the second picture showcases wedding crowns and hats

Also some bonus examples of modern Ukrainian ethno-fashion ↓

Thanks for reading. I plan to do a more elaborate post with illustrations about Ukrainian traditional wear sometime in the future 🙏

[chirpy-poppy]

Our Pin

When Darkwick allows you to choose one of the houses to join, how will they convince you?

Inspired by this ask/post.

Frostheim “Wait,” Jin grunts at you as you approach the door, done with his errands for the day. He tosses something at you which you barely manage to catch. When you do, you recognize the deep blue pin. “You’d be set for life with the connections you make here. Choose wisely.” Jin is a man of few words, but you’d hear most of Frostheim’s pitch from Kaito who basically begs you to join them. Lucas would come with a few logical points about why you should choose Frostheim, and Tohma would keep you so busy with tasks, you wouldn’t be able to visit other houses during your decision period.

Vagastrom “It’ll be pretty cool if we lived a little closer together, Senpai. I’ll cook for you every day.” Sho is the only one who’d want you at Vagastrom. Alan gives you a stern warning not to do something so dangerous. Leo’s existence alone convinces you to stay far away.

JabberwockThey use their fluffy animals to their full advantage. Haru takes you on a Cappybus tour to see all the cutest animals while Towa engulfs you in the most fragrant flowers. Ren might actually beg you to join them too since you are actually willing to do the chores. Towa gives you such a puppy look while Haru discreetly pins the orange brooch onto your lapel. Peekaboo lets out the saddest “Booo” when you leave for the day. How can you ever refuse them? 

SinostraRomeo had given Taiga a lecture on their objective just before you were scheduled to meet them, so the captain actually remembers who you are when you walk in. “Hello, Kitten,” he purrs as you come in with some documents. He somehow gets you strapped into his torture chair and is about to stab the brooch into your jacket when Romeo bursts in. “You’re supposed to convince her, not force her!” “Why? It’s so much easier this way.” Taiga spins his revolver before placing it on your temple. Ritsu steps in at this moment to quote some law that no one is really paying attention to. Taiga and Romeo get into such an argument that no one notices you slipping away and running for your life.

Hotarubi The three invite you over for tea. At the end of it, Subaru presents you with the amethyst brooch in an intricately carved wooden box. “We would love it if you would join Hotarubi, PC. Of course, we want you to make the decision you believe is best for you, but you should know you are always welcomed and appreciated here.” As Haku walks you home, he purposefully takes a scenic route through Hotarubi. He’d gently pitch his own house but reminds you they are here for you no matter what decision you make. 

ObscuaryWas unfortunately not one of the options available to you. Rui is quite relieved though. He isn’t sure how he can live constantly worried about touching something as weak as a human. He also knows he could never live with himself if something happened to you, and the risk of it increases so much more if you stayed in his dorm. Lyca is completely bummed though. He thought he had a chance to finally have a friend at the dorm. He does not understand why you can’t stay at Obscuary since he’s here and he’s human too. Ed thinks it’s a shame, but he is sure you’d visit often still.

Mortkranken“Humph! You should feel honored to even be considered joining Mortkranken,” Yuri gloats, dangling the brooch in front of you. “He desperately wants you to join,” Jiro deadpans. “Jiro! Can you shut it! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you did since you are a very interesting subject.” Yuri’s blush isn’t fooling anyone as he shoves the teal accessory into your hands. Despite his shyness, he still keeps you around for another three hours helping him pipette. As you get ready to leave, he calls your name. “Consider it. You… You aren’t repulsive, at least.”

A/N: Thank you to those who sent in prompts. I'm sorry if I don't get to yours, but I will only be writing those that spark an idea. I don't want to write something bleh just to fulfill an ask. Thank you for your submission though!

[crystallinestars]

How they choose an engagement ring for you

Short little headcanons (scenarios?) about how the boys go about picking the perfect engagement ring for you.

Features: Diluc, Kaeya, Childe, Zhongli, Ayato, Itto, Kaveh, and Alhaitham. Reader's gender isn't mentioned, but Ayato's part implies fem!reader.

🦉Diluc – The more time Diluc spent with you, his lover, the more sure he was that you are the one. He knows he wants to spend he rest of his life with you, and so he decides to ask you to marry him. But first, he must find the perfect engagement ring to convey his sincere feelings for you. The Ragnvindr family is of noble origins, and Diluc is no stranger to expensive and beautiful jewelry. He decides to have your ring custom-made to ensure it encompasses all your favorite design elements. Diluc wants it to appeal to your tastes as much as possible because he wants you to like it, and he’s more than willing to spend extra mora to achieve this. The engagement ring will look beautiful and feature a garnet as the centerpiece—specially requested by Diluc. Garnet symbolizes unconditional love and protection for one’s partner, and Diluc swears to love you unconditionally and keep you safe for as long as he lives, even if he doesn’t say it aloud. He takes a more traditional approach in asking you to marry him, first wining and dining you before taking you out to a scenic place. He’ll get down on one knee and show you the ring, finally asking the question. It will be one of the few moments in his life where he will bare his heart to you and leave himself vulnerable.

🦚Kaeya – He never thought he’d find someone he’d want to marry, but here he is, browsing through Marjorie’s selection of engagement rings out of drunken impulse. He imagines how each ring would look on your hand, taking into account whether you would like the style and color because he knows your preferences down to a science. Kaeya tells himself this isn’t that serious, it’s just a fun little ‘what-if’, but he sees the perfect ring he knows will look stunning on your hand, and the same drunken impulse makes him buy it. Kaeya considers returning the ring when he sobers up the following day, but something stops him. He keeps telling himself he’ll do it later, but that later never comes. Days turn to weeks, and week into months, and that ring still sits in its box in his pocket. He’s joked about marrying you plenty of times before as a form of flirting, but asking the real thing feels impossible to Kaeya. It’s not until you find the ring by pure accident and piece things together yourself that the impossible turns to reality. Kaeya will play it cool and try to make light of the situation, but internally he will be a nervous wreck. If you accept, he’ll be over the moon, but if you reject him, he’ll be crushed.

🐋Childe – Nothing is too expensive for Childe to afford, especially if it’s a gift for you. While picking out an engagement ring for you, he will focus more on the look and style of the accessory rather than the price. His main concern is finding something he thinks you will like and will look good on you; he’s literally not concerned about the price at all. Childe buys you a ring with a large gemstone in your favorite color and an engraving on the band about his undying love for you. The Harbinger loves spoiling you by giving you gifts since it’s one of his love languages, and to him, nothing speaks louder than an engagement ring of the highest quality money can afford. Plus, an extravagant and expensive-looking ring will clearly indicate to other men that you are taken and provided for. It’s both a show of love and a means to stake his claim. He’ll wine and dine you before posing the question and pulling out the ring. Childe will be visibly excited because he really wants to take your relationship to the next stage—he knows he wants a future with you, and he hopes you do too.

🔶Zhongli – Another man that’s not concerned about the price when purchasing you the ring (Hu Tao will chew him out for putting the bill on Wangsheng Funeral Parlor’s tab again). Zhongli has a very discerning eye when it comes to minerals and craftsmanship. He carefully appraises every ring on display, studying the quality of the metal in the band, the cut and polish of the gemstone, and the skillfulness of the craftsmanship. He will easily spot any flaws in the ring’s design or any fakes that a sneaky merchant might try to sell, so rest assured that you will receive a ring made of only top quality materials. He takes his time in selecting the perfect ring. His love for you is pure and true, and he wants the ring to reflect that. Anything less than the best won’t convey his feelings for you properly, or so he thinks. He’ll take you out for dinner first and then on a nice stroll around Liyue Harbor before asking the question and pulling out the ring, being very charming and polite as he does. He’s very calm about the whole thing, but will hide his disappointment if you say no.

🧋Ayato – After the passing of his parents, Ayato kept their wedding and engagement rings as a memento of sorts. The rings symbolized the loving bond between his parents, and he wanted to remember that. When Ayato developed a deep, intimate bond of his own with you, the thought of marrying you crossed his mind. He knew he could easily afford a high-quality, expensive engagement ring since he was the head of the Kamisato Clan, but he ended up choosing to give you his mother’s engagement ring. The passion and love that his father harbored when giving the ring to his mother are the same feelings Ayato feels towards you. In his mind, this engagement ring is the perfect physical representation of those feelings, and also a good way to welcome you into the Kamisato family. He would be slightly nervous about asking you to marry him, but he would hide his nervousness well. He truly wants to form a family with you, but he’s aware being the spouse to the Kamisato Clan head will come with it’s fair share of responsibilities, and he will understand if you choose to reject him. But if you accept, then Ayato hopes to use his parents’ old wedding rings during your marriage ceremony too.

🐂Itto – It is well known that Itto barely has a single mora to his name. The man can barely afford to buy food much less an engagement ring. Itto thought about giving you a cheap imitation of one, or crafting one out of flowers because it’s the thought that counts, right? But after some thought, he decides that no, he wants to get you a proper ring to show you how serious he is about wanting to marry you. With his mind made up, Itto will work hard to earn money by taking on various odd jobs. He can’t hold down a single job for long, but for the sake of your ring, he tries. It takes the oni a long time to scrounge up the necessary money because he will turn down any help from his gang members. He wants to obtain the ring through his own effort and nobody else’s. Itto won’t be able to afford a fancy ring with the money he saves up, so expect it to look simple but tasteful (thank Shinobu later for helping Itto choose a nice ring for you and avoid getting scammed). His proposal will be public and flashy, but he’d be really nervous about asking you to marry him, even dropping the ring and almost losing it because of his nerves, but rest assured you will receive it.

🍷Kaveh – The architect is very picky when it comes to choosing you gifts, more so this time since it’s an engagement ring to you from him. Kaveh went to a local jeweler to look at their selection of engagement rings, but he wasn’t satisfied with anything they had. This ring’s jewel is the wrong size, that ring’s metal is the wrong shade, and this one’s design isn’t pretty enough for your likeness. Disappointed, Kaveh decides that he will make you the perfect engagement ring himself. He takes weeks to design it, filling his sketchbooks with sketches of potential designs and crossing off failed attempts before he finally settles on one he thinks will look perfect on your hand. When the time comes to craft it, Kaveh buys only the best quality materials, taking on more commissions to be able to afford them. He works on the ring in his spare time, being careful to ensure every aspect of it looks as perfect as his artistic skills will allow. Once its finally finished, Kaveh feels proud of himself, confident that his ring will be one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry you will ever see—and it honestly is. Even so, he’s still nervous about actually popping the question and giving it to you. When he finally works up the courage, he will take you out on a super romantic date that’s been planned down to every detail. The only unpredictable part about it will be your response to his proposal.

🎧Alhaitham – He’s not exactly frugal when it comes to buying things he likes or thinks are necessary, but he won’t buy you a super expensive engagement ring. In fact, he will get you a simple silver ring with minimal decoration. Haitham prioritizes function over fashion. He doesn’t see a point in giving you an extravagant and flashy ring that would probably hinder you in your daily activities when a simple ring will serve the exact same purpose and be less bothersome. But just because it doesn’t look extravagant doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Oh no, Haitham makes sure the metal is the real deal and made by a professional craftsman. He understands this would be a big step in your relationship, and he wants the ring to convey the seriousness of his feelings for you. The Scribe also won’t make a fanfare out of gifting it to you, he will simply pose the question during a calm and private moment between the two of you. He won’t show any nervousness or excitement on his face, and will be very understanding if you refuse but a part of him does hope you will agree. Haitham seldom likes to spend his time in the company of others, so for him to want you to be a permanent part of his life speaks volumes to how much he loves you. Not having you be a part of his life would certainly leave a mark on him.

[mya-valentine]

Headcanon: Pantalone Spoiling His S/O

Pantalone, being the wealthiest of the Harbingers, spares no expense when it comes to his S/O. He loves seeing them draped in the finest clothing, accessories, and materials from all across Teyvat. Whether it’s an exclusive Mondstadt perfume or rare jewelry from Liyue, he makes sure his S/O has the best of everything.

He doesn’t just buy expensive clothing off the rack. Pantalone hires the best tailors to design custom outfits that perfectly fit his S/O's tastes and appearance. He’s incredibly detail-oriented, ensuring that every piece of fabric, every gem, and every stitch is flawless.

From surprise gifts of luxurious items to extravagant gestures, Pantalone is always thinking of new ways to spoil his S/O. One day, it’s an elaborate silk gown, the next, a beautifully crafted weapon. He loves the look of surprise and delight on their face when they open his carefully selected gifts.

Pantalone takes his S/O on luxurious, private getaways to the most beautiful and exclusive locations in Teyvat. Whether it's a private island off the coast of Inazuma or a secluded villa in Liyue, he makes sure they can enjoy time together without any interruptions. The trips are filled with candlelit dinners, scenic views, and decadent experiences.

He knows every high-end restaurant and chef across the lands, and he’s always treating his S/O to the best cuisine Teyvat has to offer. When they dine out, he always ensures they get the finest table with a view and the best service. If his S/O prefers to dine at home, he’ll arrange for private chefs to come in and prepare gourmet meals tailored to their favorite tastes.

Pantalone is a connoisseur of precious gems and metals, so naturally, he spoils his S/O with rare and exquisite jewelry. Whether it's a sapphire necklace from Snezhnaya or a rare diamond bracelet from Fontaine, he makes sure his S/O shines wherever they go.

Pantalone ensures that their home is nothing short of palatial. He spares no expense in decorating the home with lavish furniture, rare antiques, and fine art. Everything is designed for comfort and beauty, giving his S/O a place to relax and indulge in the life of luxury.

Pantalone knows the importance of relaxation, and he loves to spoil his S/O with spa days. Whether it’s in an exclusive bathhouse or a private spa in their home, he ensures they are pampered with massages, baths, and all the treatments they could want. He'll even join them for a relaxing day, ensuring they feel completely at ease.

Pantalone will sometimes send his S/O out with their own personal shopper, ensuring they have access to the latest fashion, trends, and accessories. He enjoys seeing them embrace their own style, and often arranges to have new pieces custom-made to suit their preferences.

While he loves to lavish his S/O with the finest things, Pantalone is also attentive to their emotional needs. If they express interest in a book or a trinket from a local shop, he’ll make sure they have it—whether it’s an expensive item or a simple keepsake. It’s these thoughtful gestures that show how much he truly listens and cares.

Despite his generosity, Pantalone doesn’t give gifts to flaunt his wealth. He has a subtle elegance about how he spoils his S/O, always ensuring that the attention is on them and how much they deserve to be treated well. He enjoys their happiness more than anything else.

Beyond the material wealth, Pantalone ensures his S/O feels secure in the relationship. His loyalty and devotion are unwavering, and he’ll do anything to keep them safe and content, using his influence and power to protect them from any threats.

Pantalone spoils his S/O not just because he can, but because he truly believes they deserve the best. His lavish gestures are just one way he shows his affection, and he delights in making his S/O feel cherished in every way.

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.

.

Masterlist

[randomnfandom]

Simon "Ghost" Riley

So I'm still in recovery but its been 2 months and I said I'd give you more stories so here is a short one because I'm not in a state to do my normal long ones

Simon Riley from cod x Reader (You)

Unexpected Acts of Sweetness:

Ghost, with his tough exterior, surprises you with unexpectedly sweet gestures. Whether it's leaving a note with a heartfelt message or picking a flower during a mission, his thoughtfulness melts your heart.

Shy Affection:

Ghost, known for being reserved, becomes a bit shy when it comes to expressing affection. His way of showing love might be a gentle touch, a soft smile, or a subtle glance that speaks volumes.

Shared Snacks:

Ghost has a weakness for a particular type of candy or snack. You both develop a tradition of sharing these treats during quiet moments, turning simple snacks into cherished bonding moments.

Movie Nights:

Despite Ghost's tough image, he secretly enjoys cuddling up for movie nights. You both take turns picking movies, and it becomes a delightful mix of action-packed films and surprisingly heartwarming romances.

Matching Accessories:

Ghost, in his mysterious way, surprises you with matching accessories – maybe a set of dog tags with engraved initials or a pair of subtle matching bracelets. It's his way of symbolizing your connection without being too overt.

Playful Teasing:

Ghost may be serious in the field, but when you're together, he's not afraid to engage in playful banter and teasing. His dry sense of humor emerges, making you laugh and adding a lighthearted touch to your relationship.

Spontaneous Adventures:

Ghost loves surprising you with spontaneous adventures, whether it's a late-night drive to a scenic spot, a surprise picnic, or a sudden decision to explore a new place. These unplanned moments become some of your favorite memories.

DIY Gifts:

Ghost, being resourceful, often makes DIY gifts. It could be a handcrafted piece of jewelry, a small scrapbook of memories, or even a personalized item with a significant meaning. The effort he puts into these gifts makes them extra special.

Taking Photos Together:

Ghost may not be one to smile for the camera, but he indulges in taking photos with you. The candid shots capture genuine moments of happiness, and you both create a scrapbook of memories that grows over time.

Protective Gestures:

Ghost, true to his nature, is protective of you. Whether it's a subtle arm around your shoulder or a reassuring touch, you feel safe and loved. His protective instincts manifest in gentle yet meaningful ways.

In the midst of the chaos and danger, your relationship with Ghost is filled with these cute and endearing moments, making the tough operative reveal his softer, more adorable side.

Hope you enjoyed loves <3

[demonpiratehuntress]

birthday girl

Kaku x F!Reader

summary - Kaku always frees up his day on your birthday, because he loves to spoil you and treat you

warnings - none, but in this fic Kaku and the others are just shipwrights at Galley-La and Khalifa is just Iceberg's secretary.

a/n - my birthday is tomorrow so this is purely self-indulgent, i'm sorry <3

Kaku was a workaholic. He enjoyed what he did, so it wasn't often that he took off work for a day. But today was different, because for him today was special.

It was your birthday.

You woke up to a smell that was heaven on earth, and immediately your stomach grumbled. You blushed in embarrassment, even though there was no one in the room to be embarrassed in front of, and quickly got out of bed because you knew that smell could only mean one thing.

Kaku was home.

"Hi, handsome," you greeted with a warm smile as you wrapped your arms around his bare torso. "I see you dressed to impress."

He laughed, clad in only a pair of sweatpants, no shirt, "I know how much you love it when I cook like this, my love. Besides, this was the first surprise of the day for my sweet birthday girl."

"You took off work to stay home with me?" You smiled even more. Kaku was incredibly sweet. You kissed his cheek as he hummed.

"Mhm, but Paulie and Lucci want us to swing by Dock 1 later on so they can wish you," he turned to give you one of his sweet, gentle smiles before pecking your lips.

"That's sweet of them. But you don't plan on staying home all day, do you?" You laughed, guessing he must have planned everything out already.

"Nope," he grinned at you, before turning the stove off. "I have lots of special things planned for my special girlfriend."

You smiled even more as the two of you sat down to eat, blushing as always when you saw that he had made your favourite. You kissed him deeply before he could start eating, showing your appreciation for this gesture and for him because words were failing you.

"I love you," you pulled back and murmured breathlessly.

"I love you too," he didn't hesitate, his eyes bright as they settled on you.

Kaku did indeed have several things planned for you both to do. He knew you liked long, romantic rides on the yagaras around Water 7, so he had found the longest, most scenic route and taken you along it. Then he took you to several shops and purchased anything you so much as looked at, because he wanted to spoil you today. You ended up with an entire new outfit, complete with shoes and accessories.

"You didn't have to buy so much," you giggled as you came out of the last store. "I would have been happy with just the skirt."

"I know," he smiled innocently, "I wanted to get you all of this."

He didn't let you protest, because he swept you away to Dock 1 so that the others could bombard you with wishes and greetings and in Paulie's case, a bone-crushing hug. Kaku had to peel him off you, and you laughed as you said Khalifa's signature phrase, "Sexual harassment," and watched the colour drain from his face.

Then Kaku took you somewhere nice to eat, and the whole time just gazed at you lovingly as you thanked him for such a great day and described how much you love him.

"You're so beautiful," Kaku interrupted your little speech, his eyes twinkling with admiration, awe and love. "You're so beautiful."

Your cheeks burned, "You say that all the time."

"Because it's true."

He took your hands in his and kissed them, not taking his eyes off you, "You're the most beautiful, incredible woman on this planet and I feel very fortunate to be your boyfriend. I just hope one day you'll let me be your husband." He handed you small, handcrafted wooden ship.

Your eyes widened at his words, before settling on the ship, "What's this?"

"Another gift," he smiled, that silly little smile you loved so much.

"Kaku, you already-"

"Stop protesting," he chuckled, "Just open it."

"How?"

"That's for you to find out, my love."

You studied the ship, looking for a hidden compartment. If the cute little ship wasn't the gift, then what was? You found out soon enough, when your thumb brushed against a spot that seemed a bit loose. When you pressed it, a small drawer opened and revealed a beautiful silver ring with intricate carvings of your favourite flower.

"Kaku-" You felt like the air had been knocked out of your lungs.

"It's not a proposal yet," he blushed, "Because I know you're not ready, so it's a promise ring. As soon as you're ready, I'm going to marry you."

You teared up, "It's so beautiful."

It was such a thoughtful thing to give and his words were even sweeter, making your heartbeat speed up. You were at a loss for words, this was the most amazing gift you had ever gotten, and him saying he planned to marry you when you were ready made you fall in love with him all over again.

"Then you're perfectly matched," he slid the promise ring onto your finger, then brought your hand up to his mouth so he could kiss it.

That evening as you lay in bed, you couldn't help but wonder how you'd gotten so lucky. Then Kaku walked in to join you, but he was holding a small cake with a single candle on it, and you laughed.

"Well, isn't that cute?"

He smirked, "Can't have a birthday without cake."

He settled on the bed next to you, smiling gently as you sat up to face him. He held the cake up gingerly between you two, so he could sing to you softly and you could blow them out afterwards, after making a wish. It was the most intimate, romantic moment of your birthday so far, and you smiled at him lovingly.

"Thank you so much for today, love," you spoke between eating the cut cake. "It meant so much to me, you have no idea."

He just smiled and looked up at you with an icing-covered nose, and you giggled as you wiped it off and watched him eat messily, adoring your goofball boyfriend. He was the cutest when he ate, and in that moment you silently thanked God for giving you such a treasure.

********************************************************************

a/n - not my best work, but here it is. Hopefully my fellow Kaku girls out there still enjoy it :)

[yhwhsdaughter]

Yoon Bum x Female Reader

Continuation of this

“Really?”

It was unlikely that you were joking.

To answer his question, you pulled out a pair of keys. “Yeah.” Jamming it in the knob, you opened the door slightly. “Well, I just moved in..”

So it was true.

Bum couldn’t really picture you living here. Not that it was bad.. the area was bad.. in the sense that it was not the best way to live. The spaces were so limited, everything cramped. Essentially the rooms were composed of a few broke college students, abandoned elderly, unemployed folks, and some disabled individuals—all of whom were just trying to survive.

The reason for Bum’s confusion was your presentation during high school. It’s not that you wore designer clothes or accessories, but you always seemed clean and well-put together. Your uniform fit perfectly that one might think it was tailored specifically for you. Your shoes didn’t have a speck of dirt and your hair smelled good (or so he heard) and your face glowed.

He imagined you were from a silver spoon family.

Before his thoughts could derail, you waved with a sincere smile, “See you later, neighbor.”

—

It had been a few days since you’d been able to hang out regularly. Bum now knew your work schedule, and you would often invite him over to your place. Well, as much as a sole room with just enough space for a mat and a few belongings could be…

“Most of my stuff were gifts from others so..-”

Bum sat on the floor, watching you dry your wet hair with a towel. For the past hour, he’d been listening to you recount your days from high school. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses for you as he once thought it was. He never would’ve guessed that you, of all people, were struggling financially.

It was a bit selfish to feel happy that this created a sense of closeness and kinship with you, so he didn’t voice his thoughts.

For the first time in such a long time, he found someone—especially someone whom he deeply admired—who felt the same as him. Who struggled equally as him, and who didn’t shy away from him in disgust.

Bum felt you settle next to him on the floor, nudging a bowl of ramyeon towards him as you blew on the steam coming from yours.

Most days were like this.

You’d share a ‘meal’ together, usually in silence. Bum liked it. This scenic moments were strangely domestic and it was the only normalcy he could experience in his life. You didn’t seem to mind either.

There were actually occasions in which you’d cling to him, refusing to let Bum go back to his room—pleading for him to spend the night with you.

With warm cheeks you’d explained that the nights there scared you. It was oddly claustrophobic despite the lack of furniture in your room. You confessed about often having nightmares that someone would break in and slit your throat.

One may think that was too much of a reach, but when you moved in—the scruffy landlord had told you a previous tenant had broken in to rob and a fight ensued, resulting in the death of the assailant and the victim.

You still shudder at the thought.

Majority of the tenants kept to themselves, but there were a few who looked particularly shady. And for some reason, you found comfort in Bum. You trusted him, and that was rare.

Bum hadn’t the heart to deny you, so he merely brought over his own mat and the two of you slept right next to each other. Nights were unbearably hot due to the lack of AC, except for the small fan you’d found in the trash.

Even then, you’d roll over in the middle of the night and wrap your arms and legs around him. Without fail, you’d reach for Bum and wrap an arm, a leg.. something around him. It happened so often that on the nights that Bum wasn’t beside you, you’d wake up with a huff, resorting to grabbing a shirt, a pillow—really anything for you to hold.

After the two of you finished eating, you rested your head on Bum’s shoulder. There was a moment of silence before you groaned and rubbed your face on the crook of his neck repeatedly. “Urghhh..!”

After you paused, you said “…We should move in together one of these days.”

Though muffled, Bum heard your words. His heart skipped a beat, the idea wonderful and terrifying. “Really?”

In the back of his mind, he always thought the moments he spent together with you would one day only be pleasant memories for him… but to make this— definitive. It scared him.

What if you changed your mind and dropped him like everybody else? What if you discovered that living with him was gross? What if—

“Yeah!” You removed your head from its place and faced Bum, “Don’t you think it would be more convenient? We could get a nicer place with both our pays, and it would be much safer too and..”

You rambled on about the benefits of living together.

Bum’s chest felt like it would explode out of nervousness and excitement, too weak to deny you what he’d always fantasized. He wanted to yell, cry, hug you, kiss you—but instead, his mouth opened first, “I-I don’t know. I mean... wouldn’t it be weird? A man and a woman living together..”

You immediately stopped talking, listening to his words before slowly frowning in thought.

He felt guilty the moment he saw you visibly deflate.

“Weird..?”

It’s true. Well… it’s not like you two were anything intimate. It was just merely like a roommate situation. Right..?

Even as you though it, you couldn’t help but see where Bum was coming from. One time, the shady man that lived a few rooms apart, had seen Bum drag his mat to your place and gave you a weird look that made you feel icky.

Yoon Bum secretly wanted, more than anything, to be with you. But his mind sabotaged his desires. Because, what if you regretted it? He could handle almost anything, except this. Bum didn’t want to risk losing you.. not when things were going well.

This always happened. Whenever he found a slice of happiness in someone or something, things went awry.

But Bum also feared disappointing you.

“Ahh, no! I didn’t mean it like that.”

He backtracked, trying to explain. He bit his lip and sheepishly reached for your hand, and was grateful you didn’t pull away.

“I just… hmm, wouldn’t it be a little strange for us to live together as.. uh.. You know, people might think... weird things.”

“What weird things?”

His cheeks reddened and he choked, contemplating on how to break it down for you, a bit mortified that you were making him explain this. He now felt like a pervert. “Well y-you know. Two friends living together, people might think we’re…” Bum wanted to hide when he saw your confused expression. Might as well have the interrogative signs on top of your head like “????”

Even now, his face grew hotter.

“People might think we're… together. Like, a couple.”

He closed his eyes, awaiting a disgusted response but opened them when he that never came.

“So?”

He screeched mentally. What do you mean “so?” ?!!!!! How stupidly innocent were you?

Lost in his thoughts, he nearly missed you asking, “Are you embarrassed to be mistaken as my boyfriend?”

He spluttered. “No..! I’m not embarrassed…!”

Shouldn’t it be the other way around?? Were you not embarrassed to be associated with him? You were really pretty and if people assumed he was your.. your boyfriend, what if they started treating you badly too? It could happen…

“Then?”

Bum could hardly look at your expectant expression. He was rattling with anxiety and… hope? Hope that he might be wrong and you actually meant to live with him. Not just out of convenience, but desire. Desire to be with him, just as he yearned.

He let out a shaky sigh, “It's not, that I'm embarrassed... it's just... you wouldn’t mind..?” He finally squeaked. The further this conversation went, the more he started to doubt his doubts. Especially when you seemed so earnest and insistent. “Why would I be?”

Gulp. “Because... we're just friends, right? People might get the wrong idea if they see us living together.”

You wanted to strangle him. Who on earth would even think that? There was hardly anyone you knew. Your friends from high school had all but vanished from your life and your family.. well, they were nonexistent too. Bum, you knew, had no friends and family either.

So, what exactly was the issue?

Could it be that he really didn’t want to and felt too embarrassed to turn you down?

Both of you stayed in silence, mulling the other’s words. You chewed on your bottom lip, frowning as you decided on how to proceed. Were you mistaken about you two… had you come across as unnervingly clingy?

Bum began to sweat a little. He had trouble expressing his true feelings and thoughts. What if he said something accidentally hurtful and you hated him for it?

It was you who broke the silence first.

“If you don’t want to live with me, just say so.”

What..?

“No!! No, wait!!”

Bum reached— he clung to you tightly, almost too tightly. “I don’t… I didn’t say I was against the idea.. I do. I do want us to live together!”

His face burned with embarrassment.

But now you didn’t look convinced. “Then why’d you say all that stuff? You hesitated Bum… I understand if I came off too strongly. And it’s alright if you don’t want to—”

“I do!!!”

“I just don’t want people to gossip or make assumptions about us. A man, a woman together.. people might think we’re up to no good.”

At this, you poked his stomach,a mischievous grin on your lips. “What if we’re not~?”

Bum felt a jot, your touch sending butterflies throughout his body. And he looked at you, heart racing once more. “(Name), w-what do you mean by ‘what if we’re not?”

“Bum Bum” he flushed at the embarrassing self proclaimed nickname that he’d told you when you met, “..why don’t you live with me and find out ~?”

[joshfutturman]

ੈ♡˳ beach day (wip) . toby mitchell x gn reader

all he’d been talking about was the beach for at least three weeks. you let him ramble, something about the waves centring his inner chakras and how he'd take the scenic route on his bike. nodding along, you agreed, how could you not? toby was adorable when he rambled like that.

apparently, today's weather was perfect. he told you so in a text at 8am this morning. well, four texts to be exact.

despite the text waking you from your deep and peaceful slumber, you can’t help but smile at his silly yet entirely toby like emoji usage. what you couldn’t see was toby impatiently pacing in his room waiting for you to text back. his fingers are crossed, he’s looking at his phone with a furrowed brow and whispering small ‘come on’s under his breath.

you reply a quick ‘yes x’ and lock your phone, sitting up in bed. no matter how hard you try, you can’t wipe the stupid smile from your face. toby was your best friend, sure, but there was always something more than that lingering just below the surface. most people saw the shallow side to him, the side obsessed with instagram and social media fame, he was just the ditzy, handsome guy who rode a motorbike.

to you? he was way more. of course he was just a little naive and to some it came across as being conceited, but you loved him all the same. he was just. . . toby mitchell.

thankfully, since he hadn’t shut up about it - you’d already prepared a beach bag filled with towels and some other beach accessories. he liked to surprise you often, spontaneously making plans. it was sweet. you were always the first person he thought to ask.

his countless past relationships had never bothered you, why should they? toby was known for his trail of broken hearts, you’d lectured him about it many a time despite knowing he never meant to hurt anyone. but as long as he was happy, that’s all that mattered to you. he promised to get better, to stop messing around so much - he’d been single for a couple of months now to your surprise. maybe he was actually listening for once.

a small rock taps at your window and you peek behind the curtains to find him in the road, giving a small wave. he leans against his bike in that familiar brown jacket and white shirt, wide smile on display. you note that he’s holding two helmets.

your heart gives a little 'thud thud'. you sigh at the sensation.

he was just too cute.

jhutch promptober day 5 - motorbike

[coricomile]

I think Mos and Bank have good chemistry. And I do feel for Bank, who openly cried on a livestream because of the poor reception of Sunset x Vibes until Mos pulled him away. I'm sure his manager wasn't thrilled, and I can only imagine how hard he's going to be hit when this show gets eaten alive in final reviews, because it's bad.

They put their all into it, but no one could make this work.

The wardrobe and accessories in a show that is focusing on accessories are hideous. Bank is pretty, but not pretty enough to fix a bad script, bland relationship dynamics, and truly hideous styling.

We got endless montages of Sun being objectively bad in his brand new role as president of a failing company by taking his boyfriend out to scenic locations. Lin is also a rich boy heir, and it was mentioned once and never again, but "oh no this is so expensive" first date and the lying about being rich boys are just.... there. And Sun was rewarded for being a supremely bad boss while Chan did everything in his stead.

Sam and Yoh had potential to actually do the poor boy/rich boy dynamic promised from Lin and Sun, but that also fell flat because there wasn't enough time given. Why do they even like each other? Who knows. Sam just looks extra hot with a half updo and no glasses.

The Prim/Pim relationship with "I secretly loved you from afar, so I was a bitch" and Pim apparently having 0 experience with even kissing after coming out of a long term relationship (didn't want to have sex, got it, but I'm pretty sure she made out with her boyfriend at some point) gave nothing at all to the story other than filler.

The Naga fantasy plot was convoluted and made no sense because instead of spending time developing the lore and creating connections, there were 10 minute scenes of fucking on a pool table/gratuitous white paint splashing in the least subtle replacement for a cumshot/weirdly graphic blowjob sounds while focusing on Mos' back right before a massively important show.

I am here for the horny. It is my favorite. But if you're dedicating precious screen time to sex scenes, they should do something to advance either character development or the plot.

Vegas eats Pete out after torturing him and Pete likes it. Vegas wants to hurt him, but also wants to pleasure him. Pete breaks because of the contrast and starts to see Vegas as something other than just a monster. Using Bible again because dude does sex scenes right- Great and Thyme have cute, goofy sex in one timeline because they're high on adrenaline and budding feelings, and in the other timeline Thyme is cold and calculating and fucks Great in a specific way to (attempt to) humiliate him. Both scenes drive the plot forward. The sex is part of the development. Without those scenes, we lose incredibly important dynamics.

Sunset x Vibes just has pretty boys dry humping prettily. It doesn't develop the relationships or the plot and actually take away from what the story could be of given the proper room to breathe. And using Dancing With the Devil as background music makes 0 sense outside of giving a call back to Big Dragon. What devil? They just won a world award. This is a victory fuck.

Sunset x Vibes had the bones of an interesting story and plenty of time to explore it, but failed spectacularly on all counts.

[ryukatters]

Headcanons (SFW & NSFW) | Aki Hayakawa

Pairing: Aki Hayakawa x fem! reader

Content/warnings: fluff, smut, nothing too crazy to be honest

A/N: Hello! I have risen from the dead and my very first post in over a year will be dedicated to the newfound love of my life, Aki Hayakawa. I feel like headcanons are a good way for me to figure out characterization and how I want to write characters in future fics, so here we are. Also I edited this Aki screencap to make him :) instead of :(

SFW

Makes his bed every morning, even if you’re in it. So if you wake up and find that one half of the bed is a lot straighter and smoother than your half, you’ll know why.

That being said, he likes to make sure you’re nice and warm when he leaves your side every morning for work, so he makes sure to wrap the blanket around you extra snug.

Is your personal chauffeur. The good thing about Aki is that he’s not only a good driver, but he loves driving as well. You can mention wanting to go to a certain place, then all of a sudden Aki’s dragging you out the door, keys in hand. In the words of T.I., “you can go wherever you like”

Has a thing for forehead kisses, especially if you’re shorter than him. 

Likes it when you guys have complimentary or matching jewelry. 

Aki isn’t one to talk much, but around you it’s almost like his mouth has a mind of its own. He feels like he can talk about anything and everything with you, and hopes that you feel the same way around him. 

Was very much an old man in his past life. Quite geriatric, to be honest. Goes to bed early, doesn’t upgrade his phone, reads physical newspapers in this day and age. You’ll have to live with the fact that you’re dating a grandpa </3

Aki is very, very responsible. Is always punctual, schedules appointments without needing a reminder, knows his way around legal documents and just navigating everyday life. (Though it probably has to do with the fact he’s an old man incarnate)

He doesn’t mind if he has to do things for you, either. He welcomes it, even. He likes feeling needed by you. 

Aside from cooking and driving, I imagine Aki being a somewhat proficient photographer. He has a bunch of cash to blow from being in public safety, and although he has very few vices to spend his salary on, he decided to indulge on a quality camera with the appropriate accessories

It started off small, driving to random spots on his days off and shooting pics. He was definitely more of a scenic photographer before he met you. 

Now that you’re together, you’re almost always the focus of his masterpieces. It’s almost endearing, actually, the way he asks if you’d allow him to take you out on a photoshoot date. Sometimes, he has a specific theme in mind, so he’ll buy the props he needs (including your outfits).

He’s literally starstruck every time he sees you in front of a camera. If you’re shy, he’ll encourage you until you feel more comfortable to pose the way he needs you to.

He especially likes the candid pictures he takes of you— you laughing, looking out in the distance at the view, trying a new dish at a new date spot he took you to, etc. He has a separate folder on his laptop dedicated to pictures of you, and he looks back at them whenever he’s missing you a little extra.

I’m sure this has been established already, but Aki’s love language = acts of service. He’ll do anything and everything for you, you don’t even have to ask (most of the time).

Aki is a very observant lover, to the point where he knows you better than the back of his own hand. He seems to know what you want and when you need it. And he loves being the person to give you everything. 

Speaking of giving you everything, Aki is very much fine with you spending his paycheck. He’s never felt the need to spend much on himself aside from essentials, and he has a good amount of savings for you to shop your little heart out and then some. 

Not that he thinks you’re materialistic at all, but there’s just something about a pretty girl blowing his cash that gets him a bit worked up (in a good way). 

NSFW

Speaking of getting worked up, Aki’s dick is pretty much on hard whenever you two are together. You could literally be having the most mundane conversation but if you look down at Aki’s pants you’d most definitely see Aki Jr saying hi. He can’t help it, he just thinks you’re so unbelievably ethereal. 

Honestly has no shame when he sees you’ve noticed his predicament. Raises an eyebrow as if to say, “And?” 

Back to his photography skills— one time you asked Aki if you could do a boudoir shoot and he swore he almost saw God for a second. Of course, the photos turned out beautiful, and Aki keeps the physical copies stashed away for *safekeeping*

As much as he likes taking control when you two have sex, he has a thing for getting bossed around by you. He’s comfortable enough to get into a more submissive headspace, and will gladly do anything you ask of him.

Has an oral fixation, no doubt. His mouth always needs to be occupied with something— your lips, fingers, titties, your clit 

Is obsessed with sucking on your tongue, and swears he almost passes out every time you do the same with his 

His favorite thing to do is to get you nice, wet, and overstimulated before he even thinks about putting his dick inside you. So expect to cum on his tongue and fingers a good number of times before getting fucked properly.

As reserved and put together as Aki seems to be, his favorite thing in the world is when you two are both so sensitive and overstimulated from cumming so much that neither of you can even form a coherent sentence. The way his brain turns to mush every time you two are together is almost more addicting than the nicotine he consumes on a daily basis 

I think the way that Aki loves is somewhat contradictory— quiet yet very intense. And I like to think that bleeds into the way he makes love to you as well. It starts off very tame until it becomes almost too much to bear. The pleasure only keeps building and building until you both can’t physically take any more.

A munch. 

[demifiendrsa]

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Traversing Hyrule Trailer

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will launch for Nintendo Switch on September 26, 2024.

Latest details

Regions

Welcome to Hyrule, a vast land where Princess Zelda will journey through her grand adventure. Hyrule is a land of plentiful abundance, from the Central Plateau where Hyrule Castle stands enfolded by its Castle Town, to the outermost reaches, you’ll encounter new and interesting people in each of its diverse regions.

Gerudo Desert – The Gerudo Desert consists of scorching dunes as far as the eye can see and is prone to frequent sandstorms that’s no problem for the women of the Gerudo Tribe. Though there are many ruins full of mysteries here, and an oasis—a great place to relax.

Jabul Waters – Jabul Waters is home to some of Hyrule’s most scenic waterways. It’s also where you can find the Sea Zora and the River Zora, who each reside in their respective villages. Though they don’t always get along. What could they be fighting about?

Eldin Volcano – Daunting cliffs and lava flows dominate the Eldin Volcano region. Pacarico Village is nestled at the mountain’s base, but you’ll have to brave treacherous trails to reach the home of the Gorons. Those rocks may look delicious—alas, they are not for Hylians.

Faron Wetlands – The Faron Wetlands are a lush labyrinth of vegetation. As you wander the jungle you might come across a Deku Scrub. Rumor has it these peculiar creatures have a voracious sweet tooth.

During your travels you’re likely to encounter people dealing with problems great and small. Keep track of quests by browsing your Adventure Log whenever you’d like. Helping people with their troubles is a big part of your journey, and wise heroes are often rewarded for their good deeds.

Waypoints

Objects known as Waypoints are scattered throughout the land. Once you’ve discovered one, you can return toit quickly by selecting it on your map. Even with the benefit of fast travel, getting around Hyrule can prove challenging. At times like these, why walk when you can ride? Gallop right over weaker enemies to send them flying, and hop over small obstacles with ease. Once you learn to make a Carrot Echo, you’ll be able to call upon your trusty steed from anywhere in the overworld.

Smoothie Shops

As you explore you may come across smoothie shops manned by Business Scrubs. Here you can blend the ingredients you’ve collected into delicious drinks. Smoothies have different effects based on the ingredients you choose. They’re sure to come in handy during your travels. You can also equip outfits and accessories to enhance your abilities—and to look fashionable, obviously.

Abilities: Bind and Reverse Bond

Whether you’re trekking over rugged plateaus, through winding caves, or other complex locales, creating Echoes is key to success. But sometimes they may not be enough. A huge boulder like this cannot be learned as an Echo, and your other Echo won’t move it either. For obstacles like these, Tri has got you covered with the power of Bind. Use it to make even a massive boulder follow Zelda’s movement. Bind can help you unearth buried treasure, or even reposition troublesome enemies. You can also use Bind on your Echoes. So get creative and find ways to forge ahead.

Alternatively if you want to follow a moving object yourself, you can use Reverse Bond to go where it goes. Take advantage of a creature’s ability to fly or to move around quickly. Swapping between Bind and Reverse Bond is a great way to find clever paths forward. Let your imagination run wild and you’re bound to come up with all sorts of ideas. Use Bind in combination with your Echoes to overcome obstacles. Understanding how these two abilities work together will be essential to your progress.

Mysterious rifts are overtaking Hyrule. What else will Zelda have to contend with in her grand adventure to save her kingdom? There’s only one way to find out!

[danjaley]

OC Deep Dive Questionnaire Tag

A set of 20 questions to get to know your OC!

Tagged by @nocturnalazure

Today is an excellent day to answer this for pre-revolution Nicolas. Tomorrow would have been a bit more complicated.

What uncommon/common fear do they have?

He’s very confident and not easily cowed. His double-life being exposed is of course the thing he wants to avoid most of all. But he sees this more as a risk than as a fear.

Do they have any pet peeves?

He has no patience with dilettantes who get their facts wrong about art-history.

What are 3 items you can find in their bedroom?

Books; an Egyptian scarab which was given to him as a lucky charm; a painting of the Forum Romanum from his Grand Tour.

What do they notice first in a person?

General appearance and demeanour. (Bonus fact: What immediately attracted him to Jonathan was that he has vaguely classical features – and what totally got him was that he speaks French with a Scottish accent)

On a scale of 1 to 10, how high is their pain tolerance?

7-8. He was brought up not to be whiny. But he's had a comfortable life in good health so far.

Do they go into fight or flight mode when under pressure?

His instinct would rather be flight (or solve the problem with money and/or influence), but if duty binds him to fight, he will stand his ground.

Do they come from a big family/are they a family person?

Not really. He grew up with only his mother as immediate family. He saw enough of his parents’ marriage as a boy to get rather disillusioned. On the other hand he’s proud of his family’s legacy and never questioned his duty to continue it. He does try to be a better husband and father than his own. But if he were just an average person of today, he wouldn’t have wanted any children. He’d be content to travel the world with Jonathan, but actually Jonathan wants more of a family-life.

What animal represents them best?

He always reminds me of a cat, being very neat and taking his privileges entirely for granted.

What is a smell that they dislike?

He lives in a time where various kinds of stench are so common that he’s glad enough to avoid those.

Have they broken any bones?

See above - he's had a comfortable life in good health so far.

How would a stranger likely describe them?

“Arrogant idiot” (Matt)

Are they a night owl or a morning bird?

He moves in circles where it’s not unusual to rise at noon, so the interesting things tend to happen in the evenings and at night. When he’s working by himself, he prefers the early hours for their better light.

What is a flavor they hate and a flavor they love?

The likes coffee, both for its aroma and as a status symbol. He doesn’t like coarse food, like gruel or badly prepared cabbage.

Do they have any hobbies?

As an aristocrat, studying Antiquity is officially his hobby, not his job. But it’s his true calling and he even made some money from it. Apart from that, he’s always ready to join in any pastime suggested by the group he’s with.

Boom, surprise birthday party! How do they react to surprises?

He’d pretend not to be surprised at all – but there’s no way he would have forgotten to organize his own birthday party. At home, this would be a very dignified meet-and-greet. In Italy it would be a picnic by some scenic ruins with good wine and a select circle of friends (plus their travelling-companions, private secretaries, or whatever they wish to call them).

Do they like to wear jewelry?

No. He retired the family’s signet ring and had a more practical stamp made for sealing letters. (Like all my characters he doesn’t wear a wedding ring because those are are such clumsy meshes, a nuisance to put on in CAS and only add to the blur of other accessories.)

Do they have neat or messy handwriting?

Neat handwriting, signature with lots of frills

What are two emotions they feel the most?

Mild amusement, cool stubbornness

Do they have a favorite fabric?

Anything that looks and feels like high quality. Not necessarily limited to a particular material.

What kind of accent do they have?

A French one, when he speaks English. His Italian is accent-free and his French is supposed to be very posh (if only my own weren't so poor!)

Tagging @windermeresimblr and @kimmiessimmies

[likeawildthing]

I just wondered, what's your evening closing routine?

Absolutely! Since daylight savings time, darkness has pretty much aligned with my work schedule. And I work from home most of the time so work/home boundaries are super important. Since I started working from my couch, even more so. I started a short closing routine to transition from work to evening — it mostly involves the senses and soft, warm vibes.

Put laptop, mouse, accessories away in a basket so they aren’t visible until tomorrow.

Close all the blinds and curtains, even if there is a little residual light left. I am embracing night and declaring the transition for myself!

Change into evening clothes — soft, cozy, usually fluffy, different from daytime soft and cozy clothes to signal night.

Turn the lamps on. Always anti-overhead lights, I have lamps throughout the bottom floor of my house. They emit a super warm glow throughout the bottom floor. Even when I go to bed, I use lamplight and not overhead light.

Light a scented candle in the kitchen while I’m cooking.

Turn on music — I have been favoring post-modern jukebox, jazz, and Christmas carols during the holidays. The music stays on while I cook dinner, eat, and do clean up.

Bring candle into living room. Think about time to or from winter solstice. To me, thinking of it in these terms has reminded me of the seasonality which has made the darkness easier to bear. Tomorrow will be two full weeks of longer days!

Have a variety of soft blankets to snuggle with.

Embrace the low activity time of year. This is a season of scaling back, resting, and regenerating for most animals. Why not for us, too? I like to try to fill this time with things that bring me joy but might take less energy than, say, gardening or jogging.

Only then do I get on my phone and I engage with online. This is the point that I might scroll, watch tv, or listen to a podcast. If I am reading or working on a project, I will put the fireplace YouTube video or Netflix channel on.

This might only be 20 minutes if dinner is short. And you can adapt it any which way , less or more. As simple as cozy clothes, a light, and a song. The general idea is engaging your senses, embracing night, and connecting mindfully to the idea that this is a season with purpose. That reflection has ultimately been the practice they has changed my mindset and kept SAD at bay this year. In the week leading up to solstice, I lit a taper candle for an hour each night.

A few other winter practices that keep me engaged with nature:

I watch the sunrise or early morning hour for about 5 minutes out of my eastern facing window.

Because I work at home most days, I choose to work in my living room which is sunnier in winter. I also have a simple prism that refracts rainbows on sunny afternoons — I call it gay o’clock.

I open the windows for 15-60 minutes every morning if it’s above 0. Even if it’s 20, the fresh air is invigorating and helps the house feel less stuffy. If it’s too cold, I put bird tv for cats on YouTube for an hour or so. Bird song really does engage our parasympathetic nervous symptom and reduce anxiety, even if we only listen for 5 minutes. A sound app can also do this for you!

When I am driving I tend to take the scenic route even if it adds a few minutes to my trip.

I take advantage of the nice days and go out when I can.