#Water-efficient faucets

[uptodatehome]

Water Conservation During Renovations: Save Water with Low-Flow Toilets & Rainwater Systems

Renovations are the perfect opportunity to update not only the aesthetics of your home but also its functionality. With growing concerns about water scarcity, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate water-saving measures into their renovation projects. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, upgrading your landscape, or even revamping your entire home, focusing on water…

[emergencyplumbingil]

Stay dry with your local plumbing pros.

Facing a flood of plumbing problems?

Are you dealing with unexpected splashes, drips, and plumbing surprises at home?

At Emergency Plumbing / Smart Housing Systems Inc, we’ve got the tools and expertise to fix everything from mischievous pipes and broken faucets to sump pump mishaps and chilly water heaters. Quick, reliable, and always professional, we ensure the water only flows where you want it to.

Stay dry with Emergency Plumbing / Smart Housing Systems Inc! We’re your licensed, insured, and local plumbing pros serving Highland Park, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Lake Zurich, Northbrook, and beyond. From persistent pipes leaking to rebellious faucets, sump pumps, or water heaters, our expert team tackles it all with efficiency and skill. Count on us for fast, friendly service that keeps your home safe and sound.

Get in touch now for swift service that brings back your comfort and peace of mind

Call us today—your neighborhood solution for all things plumbing!

Phone 224-754-1984

[blissfulbathroom]

Mastering the Art of Fixing a Dripping Faucet: Your Ultimate Guide

When it comes to dealing with the pesky nuisance of a dripping faucet, we understand your frustration. That incessant, rhythmic drip not only wastes precious water but can also disrupt your peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, we, the experts in plumbing and household maintenance, will empower you with the knowledge and skills to fix that dripping faucet like a pro.

The Irritating Symphony of a Dripping Faucet

A dripping faucet is not just a minor annoyance; it's a hidden source of water wastage that can significantly impact your utility bills and the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single faucet dripping at a rate of one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water in a year! Moreover, the incessant sound can lead to sleepless nights and frayed nerves.

Tools of the Trade

Before we delve into the step-by-step process of fixing your dripping faucet, let's gather the essential tools and materials you'll need for this DIY plumbing endeavor. Having the right equipment on hand will make the task smoother and more efficient.

1. Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is your trusty companion for loosening and tightening various faucet components.

2. Replacement Parts

Depending on your faucet type, you may need replacement parts such as O-rings, washers, or cartridges. Make sure to identify your faucet model and purchase the necessary components.

3. Screwdrivers

Both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are essential for removing screws and accessing hidden parts within the faucet.

4. Plumber's Tape

Also known as Teflon tape, plumber's tape is crucial for preventing leaks in threaded connections.

5. Bucket and Towels

Be prepared for some water spillage by having a bucket and towels nearby to catch and clean up any mess.

Identifying the Culprit

Understanding the anatomy of your faucet is the first step in resolving the issue. While there are various faucet types, most dripping faucets can be attributed to one of the following common culprits:

1. Worn-Out O-Rings

O-rings are small rubber gaskets that create a watertight seal within the faucet. Over time, they can deteriorate, leading to leaks.

2. Damaged Washers

Washers, located in the faucet handles, can wear down or become damaged, resulting in a constant drip.

3. Faulty Cartridge

Cartridges control the flow of water in modern faucets. If the cartridge is defective, it can cause leakage.

4. Corroded Valve Seat

A valve seat is the connection between the faucet and the spout. Corrosion in this area can lead to leaks.

The Fixing Process

Now that we've identified potential issues, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Follow these steps diligently to fix your dripping faucet:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you begin, ensure that the water supply to the faucet is completely shut off. Look for shut-off valves under the sink or at the main water supply.

Step 2: Dismantle the Faucet

Using your adjustable wrench and screwdrivers, carefully dismantle the faucet. Be sure to keep track of the removed parts and their order to facilitate reassembly.

Step 3: Inspect and Replace Components

Examine the O-rings, washers, cartridge, and valve seat for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Replace any faulty components with the new ones you've gathered.

Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet

Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure that all parts fit snugly and securely.

Step 5: Turn On the Water Supply

Once the faucet is reassembled, slowly turn on the water supply to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, congratulations! You've successfully fixed your dripping faucet.

Preventative Maintenance

To avoid future faucet troubles, consider implementing regular preventative maintenance:

Periodically clean and lubricate the faucet to prevent mineral buildup.

Check for and address leaks promptly to prevent further damage.

Install water-saving aerators to reduce water wastage and save on utility bills.

By mastering these simple techniques, you can keep your faucets in optimal condition and enjoy a drip-free, peaceful home.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we've equipped you with the knowledge and skills to conquer the annoyance of a dripping faucet. By identifying the root causes and following our step-by-step fixing process, you can save water, money, and your sanity.

Looking for more tips on bathroom maintenance and fixtures? Check out these informative articles on BlissfulBathroom:

Easy Ways to Fix a Dripping Faucet: Dive deeper into faucet troubleshooting and repair techniques.

Is Your Bathroom Vanity High Quality?: Learn how to assess the quality of your bathroom vanity and make informed choices during renovations.

How to Clean Bathroom Taps: A Step-by-Step Guide: Discover a thorough guide to keeping your bathroom taps sparkling and functional.

Are Faucet Cartridges Universal?: Gain insights into faucet cartridges and whether they are interchangeable across different brands.

So, don't let that pesky drip continue to torment you. Take control and become a DIY plumbing pro. Fixing a dripping faucet is not just a household chore; it's a step towards a more sustainable and tranquil living environment.

A well-maintained faucet is a happy faucet.

[stargrltara]

RED HOOD - JASON TODD

·.✧ ✦ ✧.·

Jason Todd who’s act of love is acts of service. He lives for the saying ‘ actions speak louder than words ‘. He loves when he comes home to a warm meal cooked for him, or even when you would spontaneously help him to clean his suit after he comes back from patrol. Sometimes, he returns from his patrols late, so he would never expect you to be awake at 2AM waiting for his exhausted state. But to his surprise, you’re always awake for him. Just the simple things like waiting for him, and that small tired smile that paints across your lips; just heats up his chest, and makes little red butterflies flutter in him.

Jason Todd who hasn’t really been efficient with communication, due to past trauma, so he attempts to show his love for you with actions. Jason yearns for you, and it’s pretty obvious by the way he would sometimes lay sweet kisses on the back of your shoulder or your neck whilst your doing the dishes with him, or he’ll linger around the kitchen, slightly glaring at you whilst you cook up a perfect meal for the both of you. You’d always notice in the corner of your eye how he glared at you in awe. Though Jason tries to hide his emotions, you always see straight through his sharp eyes, and right though his mistreated soul.

Jason Todd who of course, loves you, but sometimes fucks you like he hates you. On nights that don’t really go his way; nights when he comes back with bruised knuckles and a developing black eye, he’ll walk straight into your shared bedroom. You always notice the thump of heavy footsteps arriving into your room, it awakes you. Jason never wasted any time, he immediately strips and hooks his gloved fingers around your shorts waistline and pulls them down, your panties along with it. Ramming into you mercilessly, shoving your face into the pillows below, and you’re always unethically wet; the slick noises filling the atmosphere and the dim lighting from the far billboards and city lights creating a light flare in the room. You just take it as he ignores your mumbles and cries into the pillows, instead he groans pleasurably over your words. Jason doesn’t stop until he’s satisfied, until he’s left his seed dripping out if you. You never realise when he’s done, but you always hear the sound of the shower faucet turning on.

Jason Todd who sometimes fucks you so well, he forgets about his own needs and pleasures. On nights when it’s just you two, romantic and intimate, jason loves to make his favourite girl feel good. Honestly, holding hands, mating press, peppering wet kisses trailing from your throat up to your ear and whispering sweet nothings softly. The night doesn’t end until you’ve had at least 5 orgasms, and he’s ran you a warm bath. He loves doing these things for you, treating his girl like how she deserves to be treated. You always press your head up against his chest when cuddling at nights like this, and he’d wrap his arm around you, securing you like your his prized possession.

Jason Todd who loves blowjobs. And i mean, sloppy, dirty, mouth watering, gorilla gripping, carpet clenching, eye tearing, fanny fluttering head. He’d shove your face into his cock, making sure your nose is touching his pelvis. Your hands fly up, pressing against his thighs for some sort of support as he face fucks you roughly. Your babbling noises fill the room, and as you glance up you always notice the way his eyes roll back and his head is falling back along with it. It motivates you, so you shove your head further onto his length and bring one of your palms up to massage his balls, earning the sluttiest moan you’ve ever heard in you’re whole life. Hell, jason’s sure he’s never felt like that before. Jason looks down on you, it’s degrading, but you can’t deny the hot slick sticking to your panties. He’d even hold your nose and mutter, “—Go on, you can take it. I know you will.” Everything sounds a blur, and he’d pull your head back by your hair and push a finger into your mouth, widening it enough for him to spit clearly into it, using his finger tip to smother the saliva all over your lips. And by the end of it, you’re sleeping like a baby.

Jason Todd who discourages inviting you to his family gatherings. First of all, he believes you wouldn’t be able to keep up with his families drama. But second of all, he does not want you meet his older brother Dick Grayson. The boy scout, the flirt, the sexiest second most sexiest man in the world. Jason knew that if you ever met Dick, you two would get along way too well. And quite frankly, jason doesn’t like you talking to other men that aren’t him. He literally fucking despises when another man so much as looks your way, or checks you out. That’s probably why he always leaves hickeys and marks all over your body, to put on show what’s his, and will always be his.

Jason Todd who loves head scratches and massages. Hear me out, a movie is playing on the TV as you both relax on the couch; the only light reflecting off the TV and the lighting which strikes outside, rain pouring down. Hes got his head resting in your lap as he lays on the couch and you play with his hair while paying more attention to the movie than him. Nothing is more important than him. He’d push his head up into your hand, like a sleepy puppy to gesture his yearn for more as you lose your focus in scratching his scalp with your freshly manicured nails. You’d chuckle to yourself as you notice how needy he is to be in your touch. As you lightly scratch and massage his head and hair, you feel him start to relax under you. That’s when you look down and notice his pale lips slightly parted, and his eyes closed. A small smile paints on your lips when you begin to hear his quiet snores, and you lean down to lay a passionate kiss on the tip of his nose.

·.✧ ✦ ✧.·

[hmmarble]

HMMARBLEDESİGN - DRAGON+ (2)

Marble Bathroom Sink

When it comes to home design, few materials evoke a sense of luxury and timeless beauty quite like marble. A marble bathroom sink not only serves as a functional wash basin but also elevates the overall aesthetic of your space. The elegance of marble exudes sophistication, turning an ordinary bathroom into a serene oasis.

Marble Bathroom Sink

A marble bathroom sink is not just a functional component of your bathroom; it is a statement piece that adds elegance and luxury. Marble, known for its unique veining and rich texture, brings a timeless charm to any space. When choosing a marble bathroom sink, there are several factors to consider to ensure it complements your bathroom design.

First, consider the style of your bathroom. Whether you are going for a modern, classic, or rustic look, a marble sink can fit seamlessly into any theme. The color palette of the marble also matters; white and cream marbles can lend a fresh and airy feel, while darker hues can create a dramatic effect.

Maintenance is another important aspect to consider. While marble sinks are stunning, they do require some care to maintain their beauty. Regular sealing and careful cleaning will help prevent stains and etching, keeping your sink looking pristine over the years.

Installation is another key consideration. Marble is heavier than other materials, so ensure that your cabinet and plumbing can support your chosen marble bathroom sink. Consultation with a professional can help you navigate this aspect of your renovation.

Ultimately, a marble bathroom sink is an investment in both aesthetics and functionality. By choosing the right type, color, and maintenance plan, you can enjoy the beauty of marble in your bathroom for years to come.

Wash Basin Sink

A wash basin sink is an essential fixture in any bathroom, offering both functionality and style. When selecting a wash basin sink, it is important to consider various factors such as size, design, and material.

One popular choice among homeowners is the marble bathroom sink. Known for its elegance and durability, marble sinks can elevate the aesthetic of your bathroom. Their unique veining patterns ensure that no two sinks are alike, providing a one-of-a-kind centerpiece for your space.

When choosing a wash basin sink, you will encounter various types including undermount, vessel, and pedestal sinks. Each design has its own benefits and can enhance the overall look of your bathroom. For instance, vessel sinks are often mounted on top of the countertop, making them a stylish option that complements modern decor.

Aside from aesthetics, the wash basin sink should also offer practical features. Consider looking for a model with easy-to-clean surfaces and a design that accommodates your bathing and grooming needs. The right choice will not only enhance your bathroom’s style but also improve daily usage.

In terms of installation, make sure to consult with a professional if you are unsure. Proper installation of your wash basin sink will ensure that it functions efficiently and lasts for many years to come.

Lastly, don't forget to incorporate additional features such as stylish faucets and accessories that complement your wash basin sink and add to the overall design of your bathroom.

Ancient Roman Baths

The Ancient Roman Baths were an essential aspect of Roman culture, reflecting the importance of hygiene, social interaction, and relaxation in ancient society. These baths, also known as thermae, were large public bathing complexes that served as a social hub for citizens of all classes.

Typically, the layout of a Roman bath included a series of rooms with varying temperatures and functions. The caldarium (hot bath) heated the water through a sophisticated system of hypocaust, allowing steam to rise and warm the space. Next to it was the tepidarium (warm bath), which served as a transitional room, and the frigidarium (cold bath), where bathers would plunge into cooler waters to invigorate their bodies.

In addition to hygiene, these baths featured amenities such as libraries, gymnasiums, and gardens, encouraging a sense of community and leisure. Romans often visited to socialize, conduct business, or simply enjoy the art and architecture that adorned these luxurious facilities. The decorative mosaics and grand columns were not only functional but also represented the wealth and sophistication of the society.

The significance of the Ancient Roman Baths can also be seen in their architectural innovation. The Romans mastered the use of concrete and arches, allowing for grand open spaces and intricate designs. These structures have inspired modern spa designs, embodying the idea of relaxation and wellness.

Despite their popularity, the fall of the Roman Empire led to the decline of these spectacular sites. Many were repurposed, and their intricate plumbing systems fell into disrepair. However, remnants of these ancient baths still surface in archaeological sites, offering a glimpse into a fascinating aspect of Roman life.

Today, while we may not indulge in the same communal bathing practices, the legacy of the Ancient Roman Baths endures. Their emphasis on hygiene and social engagement continues to influence how we design our own spaces for relaxation and community interaction.

[sosa2imagines]

For the Dad Bucky ask, if this hasn’t been asked already. Bucky having to handle a toddler just learned to walk and getting into everything because of course toddlers love to explore when they learned how to move around more efficiently.

Congrats on 500+ followers hope you reach another milestone of followers before 2025.

Warning- Pure fluff.

Disclaimer- Thank you so much @iwudbutnah and I really loved the idea!!!!! I hope you like this.

Bucky walked into the living room, and laid a large rug on the ground underneath the play set he had put in the corner.

A colorful playmat with a large tree and animals was centered on the rug.  His daughter had just learned to walk, and each step was a triumphant declaration of her newfound freedom.

Despite Bucky's meticulous efforts to baby-proof the house, his daughter had a talent for finding the one spot that wasn’t completely secured.

Bucky had just finished setting everything, when he heard a thump behind him. He whirled, arms already held in a defensive position, only to find that it was just his baby girl, standing in the doorway to the kitchen.

Bucky's heart raced as he saw his daughter, barely a year old, gleefully tossing Tupperware lids onto the tiled kitchen floor.

Each clatter sent a wave of panic through him. He could imagine your face, glaring at him. He hurried over to her, careful not to move too quickly, but his mind was already running through all the worst-case scenarios. 

“Alright, kiddo,” he said, scooping her up, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. “Let's get you set up with something a little less... destructible.”

Bucky quickly snatched up the last few Tupperware lids and placed them back in the cabinet. He had just started to breathe a sigh of relief when he noticed his daughter staring intently at the toaster. Her tiny hands were reaching out, trying to press the buttons and twist the knobs. 

Bucky quickly scooped his daughter into his arms, preventing her from reaching the toaster. His heart pounded as he thought of the potential dangers.

“No, no, no,” he said gently, lifting her up to eye level. “The toaster is for grown-up hands only. You can't play with it, okay?”

His daughter looked up at him with big, innocent eyes, giving him a gummy baby smile, completely oblivious to the danger. “Pa!”

Bucky couldn't help but smile back at his daughter's gummy smile. Her giggle was contagious, making his heart feel inexplicably light. He lifted her up and carried her over to her pile of colorful blocks, setting her down gently.

“Here we go, kiddo,” he said, ruffling her hair lovingly. “Let's play with your toys instead.”

His daughter's eyes widened at the sight of her blocks, and she immediately set to work, pulling them out of the basket and slamming them down on the floor.

Bucky watched as his daughter played with her blocks, but it was clear her attention was fleeting. Within minutes, she had lost interest and begun crawling off in search of her next adventure.

He quickly followed her, wary of what she might get into next. He was surprised at how quickly she could move, he couldn't even blink without her ending up at a new spot in the room.

Bucky's heart skipped a beat as he saw his daughter's next destination, the bathroom. She had already pulled herself up to a standing position and was now attempting to reach the faucet on the sink.

He lunged forward, his hands grasping her just as she managed to turn the faucet on. Water splashed everywhere, but thankfully, he had managed to prevent a full-fledged flood.

“Whoa, kiddo,” Bucky said, holding her in his arms again. “Bathrooms are off-limits, remember?”

Bucky sighed in relief that he had averted the bathroom disaster, only to find that his daughter had already moved on to her next target. She was headed straight for the bookshelf in the corner.

Bucky was all too familiar with this tactic. His daughter loved pulling books off the shelf and flinging them onto the floor. It was a never-ending battle to keep the bookshelf stocked and tidy.

He hurried over, scooping her up again just as her tiny hands reached out to tug at a spine.

“No pulling books, princess,” he said firmly, looking down at her with a stern expression.

She giggled, completely unfazed by his disapproval, and tried to twist out of his arms. She was getting stronger each day, and Bucky was starting to feel like he was wrestling with a tiny tornado.

Despite the chaos she was causing, Bucky couldn't help but smile at his daughter's mischievous antics. He knew this was just part of being a parent, and he wouldn't trade it for the world.

“You're a handful, you know that?” he said, trying to sound disapproving but failing. “But you're my handful, and I wouldn't have it any other way.”

Later on, Bucky's heart filled with warmth as he glanced down and saw his daughter trying to shove a pair of his socks into the laundry machine. She was holding one sock in each hand, giggling as she attempted to force both into the small opening.

“Trying to do laundry, huh?” Bucky crouched down next to her, a smile pulling at his lips despite the mess she was making.

Throughout the day, Bucky remained steadfast and patient, keeping up with his daughter's endless antics. He was like a one-man cleaning crew, tidying up after her as she moved from one hazard to the next.

But despite the chaos, Bucky couldn't help but feel a deep well of affection for her. Each giggle and mischievous glance reminded him how lucky he was to be her father.

As the day wore on, her energy level slowly began to dwindle. The endless exploring and playing had finally caught up with her and she began to yawn, rubbing her eyes.

Bucky noticed the change in her demeanor and quickly scooped her up, cradling her in his arms. “Looks like it's time for a nap, kiddo,” he said, his voice softer now.

Bucky gently placed her in the crib, and stood over, watching his daughter's small chest rise and fall with each breath. His heart filled with an overwhelming tenderness as he looked down at her peaceful face.

The adventures had taken their toll on both parent and child. Bucky's muscles ached from the nonstop chasing and tidying, but the exhaustion was nothing compared to the love that filled his heart.

He finally sat down, the quiet of the apartment almost surreal after the whirlwind of the day. His phone buzzed, a message from you. “How's it going?”

He snapped a picture of their sleeping daughter and sent it back with a caption: “Exhausted but victorious.”

You were quick to reply, “You are the best dad in the whole world.”

As he read the text, in that moment, surrounded by the chaos of toddler exploration, Bucky knew he wouldn't trade this journey for anything.

TAGLIST- @imyourbratzdoll @blackhawkfanatic @ordelixx @sapphirebarnes @ilovetaquitosmmmm

@differenttyphoonwerewolf @vicmc624 @thezombieprostitute @nekoannie-chan

@mrvl-addict @mercurial-chuckles

@emerald-writes @caplanbuckybarnes

@redbloodedgurl @cjand10 @chemtrails-club @slutforchrisjamalevans @gracescor3

@ghostlythinggoingaround @princezzjasmine @3xclusivemariii @ephemeral-oasis @zuri-767-666

@geeky-politics-46 @dexter99 @calwitch

@caplanreblogsfics @winterslove1917

@pono-pura-vida @renegadesgirl1991 @iwudbutnah @ghalouha @sebastians-love @saranghaey @greatmistakes @baw1066

@bucks-babe @lolzies123r @kandis-mom @purplecolordeer @avioletkurt

@unaxv @pattiemac1 @lovely-geek @hzdhrtss

[thelampisaflashlight]

Aeon, watching Dew wash the dishes: "How come you organize the dishes before you wash them?" Dew, rinsing out a glass: "Makes it more efficient, plus my brain hates clutter." Aeon: "But isn't your room-" Dew, pulling the extendable faucet to max range and pointing it at Aeon: "Choose your next words carefully." Aeon, not scared: "Swiss tried the same thing last week and he couldn't hit me even from that ra-" -getting viciously sprayed in the face by cold water- "-AAAHHH!" Dew, using what little magic he inherited to extend the reaches of the water: "DROWN, BRAT!"

[konekoling]

Hi hello since the states are gonna get blasted with cold soon I figured I'd shave some Helpful Cold Survival Advice I've absorbed as someone who lives in an area that hits -50C/-58F temperatures periodically

-Starting with a somewhat obvious one, but HOLY SHIT DO NOT BRING BARBECUES, GENERATORS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF OUTDOOR HEAT SOURCE INSIDE FOR WARMTH. CO poisoning WILL kill you if you don't accidentally start a fire in the process.

-If you wanna stay in your car and turn the heat up for warmth DO NOT do it in the garage. Again. CO poisoning.

-You can turn up your stove/ oven and crack the oven door open in an emergency if you have zero other heat sources available, but only if its electric (Gas stoves will generate carbon mono...yeah you get it already), and even then its going to be much less energy efficient than a normal space heater, and you're gonna want to stay nearby while it's on to make sure you don't start a fire.

-Don't plug a space heater into a power bar or extention cord unless you're 100% sure it has a high quality cord. They need an absurd amount of power to run, and most extention cords in particular aren't insulated enough to handle those levels of power without becoming a fire hazard. And for the love of God, don't run multiple heaters on one power bar.

-Candles don't actually do much to generate heat unless you're ina very small area, but they ARE an excellent light source should power go out

- tragically, the best way to keep warm in the absence of home heating is through boring ol layering, especially on your feet and head. Avoid jeans, as they're somehow terrible at heat retention despite how thick they are, and throw on a pair of long underwear/leggings if you have some. Also feel free to pile as many blankets as you own on top of yourself, you deserve it.

-Youre gonna want to stay well fed, too. Keeping your body temperature up in the cold is pretty calorically demanding, AND the digestive process tends to heat your body up as well. Its a win/win.

-Also unfortunate: another excellent way to stay warm is through your enemy and mine, physical activity. Every half hour or so, pace around your living space to get the ol blood pumping a bit.

-If you get wet outside while it's substantially cold out, get inside as soon as possible bc that WILL suck the heat from your body. This goes for sweat too, so layer responsibly if you're out shoveling

-Electric blankets are a scam, don't buy them.

-heating pads and heated mattress covers are less of a scam, but don't fall asleep with them on bc once again, fire hazard.

-If you have any faucets in your house that don't see a lot of use/you live somewhere that doesn't usually see cold weather, keep all your faucets on just a bit so your pipes don't freeze and/or explode. This WILL cost thousands of dollars to fix.

-Likewise, if you're traveling for the holidays see if you can have someone come by to turn the faucets on every day or two so you don't come home to find your house sunk into the ground

-ALSO if you're traveling and think "hm, I think I'll turn off the heat while I'm out to save some money that is the devil speaking, do NOT listen. (Heating helps keep the pipes warm and unfrozen)

-Fill your bathtub up with water and/or stock up on bottled water if you're gonna be getting unusually cold temperatures in case your pipes DO freeze, since you're probably not gonna want to hit up the store should this occur

-Stay off the roads if you can help it. Turbocold weather makes cars periodically fail to start, and also the second snow touches the ground people somehow forget how to drive.

-IMO If it's below -38C before windchill, you have a substantial commute, and you have any PTO/can afford to miss a shift at work, don't bother going in. Just lie and say your car wouldn't start.

-If you absolutely need to go to work/go out for whatever reason, take public transit if possible. If thats not possible, keep some blankets, food, candles, and a lighter in your car in case the battery dies on the road so you can stay toasty and Alive until help arrives.

Probably gonna add more as I remember it, but thems the basics! Stay warm!

[tgmsunmontue]

Get your motor runnin' - 3/6

Bradley, a bit of a (very talented) grease monkey and Jake, who has been sent to see him because he's apparently the best mechanic Maverick knows.

A longer fleshed out fic at the request of @poetryandpickles based on their idea in this post. Likely going to be 5-6 parts and likely an excuse for lots of smut. Just as an FYI.

PART ONE PART TWO

PART THREE

                He hasn’t done casual sex in years, and it’s not been because of lack of opportunity. Jake isn’t the first person to ask him out under the guise of propositioning him, he is the first that Bradley has taken up the offer though. At least in his place of business. Fuck. This is probably a terrible idea. They haven’t even exchanged names properly, or kissed or… yeah they might have had an immediate flare of attraction but it doesn’t always translate into anything worth something. Hopefully it’s at least a decent orgasm.

                He normally has a shower after he finishes work. It’s an outside shower, given how dirty he can get, the tubing for the water running back and forth over the roof of his little house, heated during the day by the sun. He only resorts to using the electrically heated water inside on cold days. Fuck it. Jake Seresin can deal with him getting clean. Will probably appreciate it. And Bradley can invite him to join, see whether he’s as confident naked as Bradley suspects he will be.

                He bends over to unzip his boots, steel caps heavy and dusty, places them in the locker he has beside the outdoor shower with its angled screen providing a modicum of privacy. But it’s still outdoors and anyone walking around the garage would know he’s naked. He knows he’s putting on a bit of a show as he pulls his shirt over his head, before tugging the arms of his coveralls where they’re tied around his waist and doing a little wiggle to make them fall around his ankles. He shoves it into the locker, stepping away to pull off his socks and threadbare basketball shorts he’d had on beneath. It leaves him standing there in nothing but a pair of boxer-briefs, which he’ll leave in place for the time being.

                “Thought you were going to show me your bed��” Jake drawls and Bradley smirks.

                “Nothing wrong with taking the scenic route. You going to join me?” Bradley asks, flicking the shower faucet on.

                “Nope. Quite happy just enjoying the view…”

                “You can enjoy it much closer…”

                He stands there, unashamed of his almost nakedness as Jake openly lets his gaze wander. It’s arousing in a way he hasn’t experienced in a while, the blatant open appreciation and he steps under the water, scrubs his hands with the gritty heavy-duty handsoap which still doesn’t always get all the grease off his hands.

                “Yeah, okay.”

                He looks over to where Jake is standing, pulling his own t-shirt over his head and Bradley grins, because he can see wide expanses of skin being exposed, and then jeans being pushed down, some awkward hopping as he kicks off his shoes.              Part of it is quick and efficient, reminding him that Jake is Navy, would be used to changing quickly. As familiar with his flight suit as Bradley is with his overalls. Except he’s in civvies and also he’s busy looking at Bradley than paying attention to what he’s wearing and what he’s taking off. Then Jake is taking a deep sucking breath in, like he’s bracing for something and then he steps under the spray of water with him.

                “Oh… it’s warm.”

                “Yeah. Solar. Come here.”

                Then he’s curling his fingers around Jake’s hips and tugging him closer, there’s maybe an inch height difference between them, Jake pressing in close, angling his head for a kiss. Instead of complying he licks over Jake’s clavicle, nibbles his way up his neck, noses the hair behind his ear and then sucks gently on his earlobe then along his jaw before finally kissing him. Grinds their bodies together, their wet briefs adding extra friction against their cocks and his groan of pleasure mingles with Jake’s.

                He shoves and hand between them, palms Jake’s cock, has no interest in dragging it out. Not only because the warm water isn’t infinite, but he’s tired and hungry and now incredibly vested in getting off; hornier than he has been in months when faced with the naked, attractive and now soaking wet man in front of him. As he keeps kissing him he grinds his own cock against Jake’s thigh, grateful when Jake’s hand push down his underwear and firm sure fingers wrap around his cock and start working up and down.

                “Fuck yeah…” he mumbles between breaths, shifts so he can push Jake’s underwear down and he can return the favor. As he chances a glance down he sees it, the smear of grease on the bare skin of Jake’s flank, despite the fact he’s washed his hands he’s left marks; he cannot bring himself to care. In fact finds he quite likes the idea, if the jerk of his cock in Jake’s hand is any indication.

                It is not fancy or in anyway elaborate, both of them just working their hands hard and fast, bodies shifting and jerking toward the pleasure, breathing becoming increasingly erratic, lips moving to biting kisses or simply loose presses of open mouths against stubbled skin as they both get closer and closer, underwear still around their thighs. There’s muttered mumbled instructions in half-breaths, harder, faster, fuck, please, just like that, yeah, good.

                Jake comes over his fist first, his come immediately being washed away and his grip on Bradley’s cock spasms harder and he jerks into it, mumbles another yeah, fuck into the side of Jake’s neck to urge him on. Lucky for him Jake is good at following instructions and also able to focus on other things despite just coming, his hand picking up speed and mouth on Bradley’s neck as he jerks him off and then he’s coming, muscles in his gut clenching and releasing, making him shudder as he comes and he shoves himself against Jake, kisses him until they’re both even more breathless.

                “Mmm…”

                “Fuck, I needed that.”

                “Glad to be of service,” Bradley says with a smirk and Jake snorts, but he looks just as good all wet and post-orgasmic as he did walking into Bradley’s workshop fully dressed. Now that the need to come has been taken care of his stomach is reminding him that all he had for lunch was a salad and a protein shake, consumed while he tried to do paperwork. His stomach grumbles and he pulls away a little.

                “Can I interest you in frozen pizza and a second round?” He sees Jake hesitate and has to hold back the roll of eyes. Fucks sake. Men and their fucking repressed emotions. “I’m not going to read anything into you wanting to eat food and a get second orgasm. Trust me.”

                “Yeah. Okay. And maybe I’ll actually get to see this infamous bed you say you have.”

                “Maybe. If you’re lucky.”

FOUR

[peachy-posy]

Stargazing (Vash the Stampede x Reader)

Summary: An encounter with a bounty hunter leaves you feeling uneasy.

A/N: Vash has me in a chokehold, all I can do is write fics. Pls send help. Anyway, I am once again combining elements of both 98 Vash and Stampede Vash because best of both worlds and all that <3 Posted here on AO3

Warnings: Non-graphic violence, strong yearning (pre-relationship ofc), idiots in love

Word Count: 2.5k

Today was too close.

Rapidly cooling water drips down your sore arms as you hug your knees to your chest in the bath. The only sound in the bathroom of the quiet inn is the occasional drip of the faucet leaking into the cloudy bathwater. You close your eyes, resting your forehead on the tops of your knees.

A bounty hunter had caught you both by surprise. The pair of you were nearing the next town in your travels, laughing and chatting with each other like always. You had been admiring him; how the sunlight made his hair shine like gold, how his brilliant blue eyes would sometimes peek over his sunglasses if they slipped too far down his nose when he laughed. 

Then, there was a gunshot. 

It was all so fast. The rapid shifting of his expression made you feel like someone had dumped a bucket of ice cold water over your head. He shoved you, and then you were on the sand, looking up at him as a bullet tore the side of his shoulder.

You were frozen, the shock of it gluing you to the ground. He was virtually unphased, drawing his gun with a focused expression and frightening efficiency. He fired a single shot, and you registered someone grunting in surprise. Vash taking off in that direction was what shook you out of your stupor - you scrambled clumsily to your feet, drawing your revolver and following him.

The rest of it was a weird blur in your memory. The fight ended the way all of the other ones do. But for some reason, this one was so different. You couldn’t get the image of Vash being struck by the bullet out of your mind, even now.

The bullet that was supposed to hit you.

Luckily, it was just a graze. He didn’t even really need much first aid. But while he laughed and shrugged it off, you trembled the whole way into town.

You open your eyes once more, blinking a few times to focus your vision. The cloudy water ripples gently around you, and you realize that you are shaking. The water has grown quite cold, and you take that as a sign that it’s time to get out. 

After pulling the drain, you lift yourself out of the old tub, carefully maneuvering over the ledge. You make quick work of toweling yourself dry, wanting to escape the chill of the water. Goosebumps raise on your skin regardless.

You change into the set of clothes you brought into the bathroom with you, running a brush through your hair carelessly. You didn’t have it in you tonight to care all that much about your hair of all things.

After finishing up, you reach for the doorknob, but find yourself hesitating just before reaching it. The idea of sitting in the room with Vash made you feel nauseous. 

What a great friend you are.

You feel sick with guilt over that stupid graze on his shoulder. Logically, you know that it’s not your fault and he doesn’t blame you. You know that you would have shoved him out of the way if your positions were reversed. You know that both of you have had much, much worse injuries from various encounters with enemies. So, why are you feeling so weird? 

You swallow thickly. Suck it up. Stop being weird and go sit with him. Talk like you always do.

Inhaling deeply and finding your resolve, you square your shoulders and open the door. He’s sitting on one of the two beds in the room, cleaning his gun meticulously. Locks of his golden hair fall in his face, and he shakes his head to the side to move it out of the way. You find yourself smiling fondly at his focused expression, his bright eyes flicking up at you for a moment before returning to his task. He smiles softly, hands working all the while.

“Hey,” he calls softly.

His focused expression, while endearing, reminds you of how he looked earlier today. You feel your resolve crumble, and that constricting feeling squeezes your chest once more.

“Hey,” you manage weakly, walking over to your old, worn boots sitting by the door. You sit down, lacing them up. 

Coward.

Out of your peripheral vision, you see him look up at you, more intently this time. He says nothing for a moment, likely seeing if you plan on explaining where you’re going. 

“Everything okay?” He finally asks, the silence stretching on long enough apparently. 

You tighten the laces with a firm tug and sigh. “I’m okay. I’ll be back in a little while.” He seems like he’s about to question you some more, so you add in a teasing tone, “Go have a bath. You could use it, Stampede.”

He gasps with mock offense, his hand clutching his chest. You crack a smile, and you can tell he’s stifling a smile of his own.

“You’re so mean!” He pouted. 

You finish with your laces, standing up and putting your hands on your hips. “Doesn’t mean I’m not right!” 

He frowns playfully in response, and you shoot him a grin, turning to face the door. You reach for the knob, but the sound of your name from his lips has your hand coming to a halt before reaching its destination. You turn your head to the side, silently waiting for him to continue. 

He catches your eye, hesitating as he settles on what to say. “Be careful,” he finally murmurs softly, and you give him what you hope is a reassuring smile. You feel more guilt squeezing your heart at his affectionate expression. 

“I will,” you promise. With that, you twist the doorknob and quietly leave the room.

You don’t even know where you’re going. You left with absolutely no plan, letting anxiety and avoidant tendencies drive your decision to flee the room. You let your feet guide you out of the building, walking onto the small street. At this hour, there aren’t many out. You pause, sighing and lifting your gaze to the clear sky. The stars look stunning. 

You know where you want to go. 

There is a large rock formation right near the inn. You remember seeing it on your way into town today. The vantage point it would provide would make for some excellent star gazing. 

You walk around the base of the large rock aimlessly for a bit, trying to find a way up.  Eventually, you stumble upon a small, worn portion of the stone, making a path of sorts. Looks like the locals enjoy coming up here too.

You slowly make your way up the rock, the worn, smooth path becoming clearer as you ascend. At the top, you find that there are lots of flat spaces to sit down at, so you choose one near the edge. The ground is cold, the air is cold, but it’s all worth it for the view. 

The rock sits behind the inn, tall enough to be above the buildings of the town. You can see the vast, open desert stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction. The inky, dark sky is clear, the stars glittering brilliantly above you. Your cold, wet hair clings to your skin as you hug your knees to your chest. You feel most at ease under the night sky like this. Your problems feel small in magnitude when they are compared to the vastness of the universe.

You don’t know how long you sat in that spot, unmoving, thinking about both everything and nothing. It was apparently long enough to warrant a search party of one, though, you soon find out. 

You feel a sudden warmth drape over your shoulders. You turn around, but know who it is before seeing him. The warmth surrounding you comes in the form of a long, red coat you know very well. Your eyes travel up the tall figure behind you, eventually finding his own staring down at you. The look he gives you is nothing short of fond exasperation. You are certain your confusion is clear on your face, because how did he find you?

He crouches down, reaching for your wet strands of hair. He lets a small, wet lock slide between his fingers, and he sighs.

“You’ll catch a cold out here like this, Mayfly.”

You clutch the red coat that is engulfing your frame, drawing it against your chilled body more tightly. 

“How’d you find me?”

He sits down beside you, close enough that your shoulders are brushing against one another. 

“Because I know you. When in doubt, I go to the highest point I can find, and you’re usually looking at the stars up there.”

Well that makes your chest feel weird. You didn’t even consciously do all that, but he knows you well enough to spot those subconscious little patterns and habits. 

“Oh,” you breathe out, not knowing what to say.

He doesn’t suffer from the same predicament, apparently, because he keeps going. 

“I also know you well enough to know when you’re avoiding me.” You suck in a breath, ready to cut him off and argue that statement, but he shushes you, continuing. You relent begrudgingly, because… well, he’s not wrong. “Let me explain! It’s okay - well, it’s not necessarily ideal, but I’m not upset. I just want to know what’s wrong.”

Oh, this is dangerous. Because you’d tell him anything he wants to know if he looks at you like that for much longer. He locks eyes with you, gazing at you so earnestly, so kindly. You start to look down to avoid the eye contact that has you under its spell, but he quickly reaches out to lift your chin back up. 

“Please, Mayfly. Let me in.”

The dam cracks ever slightly. 

“How’s your arm?” You ask, and he furrows his brows. 

“It’s… fine? Why?”

He’s wearing that black turtleneck he always wears. You reach out to gently graze his arm, keeping your touch featherlight. He watches you curiously.

“I don’t know. I really—“ you cut yourself off with a sigh, feeling stupid. “I’ve just felt weird ever since you… well, you know.”

He regards you for a moment, an unreadable expression on his face. He says nothing, prompting the dam to crack a bit more.

“And I know today wasn’t that out of the ordinary. I know that. But…” you feel the traitorous burn of tears in your eyes, but keep going. “It scared me. That’s all.”

His expression doesn’t give much away, but you swear he seems… sad. Yes, definitely sad. You furrow your brows as he gives you that fake smile, the one you know he hides behind so often with others. It hurts to have it directed at you.

“Listen… I completely understand if you don’t want to travel with me anymore. Having danger constantly at your heels? It is scary. Of course it is. I know that better than anyone.” His voice is soft, and there’s a melancholic sound to it that you recognize from spending countless hours with him. He takes a deep breath, continuing. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to protect yourself… this is your life we’re talking about. That’s something that’s precious, something that needs to be protected. I promise you, there will be no hard feelings if you want to part ways.”

Wait, wait. What is he saying? Does he think you’re afraid because the bullet could’ve hit you?

Well of course he does. Why would he think otherwise? You haven’t explained yourself. This is probably the most logical conclusion for him to jump to. 

“No! Vash, wait, no. Please,” you reach out, taking his hands, halting the rambling he was engaging in while you sorted your thoughts out. “Listen.”

He obeys, watching you carefully, and gives you his attention with a nod.

“I wasn’t afraid for me. I was afraid for you.”

He looks completely taken aback. “Me?”

You frown. “Yes, of course you!” You squeeze his hands, not liking how surprised he sounds. “I care about you a lot, and today, I think I just realized that I need to do better. I need to be better. You wouldn’t have gotten hurt at all if I’d noticed that bounty hunter the way you had. I don’t want you getting harmed, especially not because of me.” Your voice trembled as you spoke. At some point during your admission, the tears you’d held back finally spilled. The dam broke. You sniffle, turning away from him.

He breathes your name so softly, you almost miss it. “C’mere.”

You feel arms wrap around your shoulders, pulling you close, and you don’t hesitate to curl into him. He holds you tight, hand threaded in your wet hair.

“I’m okay. No more tears. Not for me,” he murmurs, resting his chin on the top of your head.

It’s at this moment that you realize the true crux of the issue. You are terrified of losing him. He has become the most important person in your life, and so many people want him hurt or dead. That’s terrifying. This man, this kind, gentle person, is so hated for no reason. 

He’s become so much more to you than just a travel companion, or even a friend for that matter. That… is also a terrifying thought. 

“I promise I’m okay. And I’ll be okay. You don’t need to worry about me.”

You pull away from his chest enough to meet his eyes. “I’ll always worry about you.”

He softens, a smile forming on his lips.

You lean back into his chest, sitting together quietly, neither making a move to separate from the other. You watch the starry night sky, leaning your head onto him. His arm stays wrapped around you, keeping you close. 

He’s the first to break the silence.

“It’s… nice,” he remarks softly. “It’s been a while since I had someone to worry about me. Or to cry for me.”

Your eyes widen, heart breaking at his words. This world has been so, so unkind to him.

“I know that sounds bad to say. I guess I just mean… I’m glad I have you,” he whispers, chin resting on your head. You can hear the smile in his voice.

This starts a whole new wave of fresh tears. You turn around and face him, a tear sliding down your cheek. If you weren’t so heartbroken by his words, you would’ve laughed at the expression of pure panic he gives you.

“Wait! No, don’t cry! I’m sorry!”

Shifting to sit on your knees in front of him, you wrap your arms around his neck, squeezing him in a tight hug. You feel his jacket slip off your shoulders, but you don’t care. 

“It doesn’t sound bad at all. I’ll be that person for you. Always,” you murmur. “I’m sorry that people have been so cruel to you. If I could undo the hurt that others have done to you, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

You feel him slowly wrap his arms around your waist, reciprocating the embrace as he processes your words. Though belated, he’s holding you just as fiercely as you’re holding him. 

“Please… stay with me. I know it’s selfish to ask—“

“I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, Stampede.” You smile at him. “I don’t know how you put up with me.”

“It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

[rileyslibrary]

Imagine Ghost hitting the showers at the base

I wrote this as an outline for a fic I was working on. But I won’t use it so, here *slides it across the bar* take it.

Want more?

———————————————————————

He wants some privacy so he showers late at night or in the early hours after his workout.

Depending on the time of day, he adjusts the temperature to a relaxing lukewarm or crisp cold to wake him up.

He’s not picky about the products he uses, but he always carries his own: a 2-in-1 shampoo/shower gel and a deodorant. (No, there’s no Soap here, sorry 😉)

And he doesn’t use a loofah or a scrub. When he’s on a mission, he uses his hands to lather everything all over his hair and body.

He’s very conservative with water and efficient with the process too. He lets the water run on him, turns it off, lathers, then turns the faucet back on to rinse.

He doesn’t pay too much attention to his face. If he needs to shave, he'll do it in the shower, holding a tiny mirror. He wants to make sure that nobody walks in on him since shaving is a lengthy process.

He uses a small towel to dry himself up. He rubs his hair first before patting down his face and body. Then, he wraps the towel around his hips and tucks it on the side before stepping out of the shower.

He's puts on his mask first to avoid anyone seeing his bare face. However, he's okay with unwrapping his towel in front of others.

He’s very picky about his underwear. Very. Since his uniform is uncomfortable, he wants to at least feel good underneath it. So he prefers microfiber or micromodal boxer briefs (they’re breathable and prevent skin irritation and infections when he’s out in the desert.)

Finally, he leaves the showers to either get dressed for the rest of the day or go to bed in the evening.

Bonus: He drapes his towel on his shoulder as he walks out of the bathroom (I have a thing with making him put garments on his shoulder don’t I. I also imagine him doing that with a kitchen towel as he barbecues, but that’s for another time!)

———————————————————————

[billietherock]

There was no Weirdmageddon (pt10)

By: Billietherock

Chapter 4- Knock

Soon after Fiddleford left to call his brother, Stanford Pines got out of sweater town and sat at the edge of his bed. He really stank, he needed to shower. He needed to think. He trudged to the shower and turned on the faucet.

The water was cold, normally Ford would have preferred something cold, fast and cold and back to work but right now he wasn’t feeling that at all. He wanted something to warm him, to stimulate his mind like Bill did… he shakes his head and sits on the edge of the bathtub. He felt like his problem was equated to a teenage girl who just got broken up with.

If that was the case, why didn’t he just eat a pint of ice cream or get drunk. Why didn’t he feel like doing any of that?

He felt the water, it became warmer. He thought of the mechanics of how the faucet worked, how the knobs on the shower worked, maybe he would just redo the plumbing. He smiles lightly at the thought, but then frowns, not knowing if his idea for the new faucet would make it more or less efficient. Bill would know. Bill always knew how to make his equations, his inventions, his ideas just better.

Maybe that’s why he was so stuck, Bill just made him think so clearly that he doesn’t know what to do without him. He sat, naked, on the side of the bathtub contemplating how Bill would make his idea for a more efficient faucet better.

He lightly touched his neck, where Bill had made him scratch himself a few weeks ago, just now the scabs were starting to heal up. That was the risk of working with a demon, he understood that but… why does it still sting, is it because that was the last interaction he and Bill had?

So many questions and no answers, stuff he’s been pondering for weeks. Steam starts to come out from the shower. Stanford stood up and walked into the shower, then he sits down again.

Water dripped from his hair and down his face, dirt started to wash away as Stanford sat and thought of questions. Questions that he couldn’t seem to answer. What’s worse, he was starting to think his classmates were right about him. He really was one decision away from going crazy.

He squirts shampoo in his hand and spreads it around his head, everything hurt, on the inside. His head hurt, his stomach hurt, his heart hurt.

Stanford sat in the shower, watching the soap and suds wash away until the water became cold again. Once this happened he moved to turn the water off and just sat in the tub.

He closes his eyes, just wanting this anticipation to end. For Bill to come into his mind and tell him that it was just a joke or that he found someone else. Because then Ford could move on. But right now he was stuck asking questions and not getting answers.

Then there was a knock on the door.

At least Ford thought it was, odd, since Fiddford has a key. Maybe he lost the key, that didn’t matter, since he didn’t really want to talk with Fiddleford anyway.

There was another knock at the door.

Stanford was confused at the way this person was knocking, almost too loose with the knocks, like someone was sliding their hand against the door. Ford got up, he put on a towel and decided if it was Fiddleford, he wouldn’t care seeing him in a towel.

There was another knock at the door.

This time it was a little firmer. Stanford quickly decided that if it wasn’t his assistant, then that person would care to see him in just a towel. He grabs a robe, Fiddleford’s robe, and ties it around himself.

There was another knock at the door.

Stanford Pines walks down the stairs and looks at the front door. He was nervous, he was kind of a wreck. What if it was someone he didn’t know, or worse, someone he did. He starts to panic, he would say the wrong thing, looking like a wreck, that’s how rumors are spread.

There was another knock at the door.

Stanford grabs hold of the door knob and unlocks the door. He didn’t open the door though, something was weird. Fiddleford would have stopped knocking by now and start humming a tune. Any sane person would have left. Who was this? The IRS?

There was another knock at the door.

Stanford slowly opened the door. What greeted him wasn’t Fiddleford, wasn’t a classmate, wasn’t even someone from the town. On his doorstep was a walking corpse, with two yellow eyes and a grin plastered on his face.

[beautyandlifestyleblog86]

Ways to practice eco-friendly living in your home

1. Reduce energy consumption:

- Install energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs.

- Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.

- Use natural light as much as possible.

- Set your thermostat to a lower temperature in winter and higher in summer.

- Insulate your home properly to reduce heating and cooling needs.

2. Save water:

- Fix any leaks in faucets and toilets promptly.

- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

- Collect rainwater for watering plants.

- Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.

- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor spaces.

3. Practice waste reduction:

- Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal.

- Compost kitchen scraps and yard waste.

- Opt for reusable products instead of disposable ones (e.g., cloth napkins, rechargeable batteries).

- Avoid single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and water bottles.

- Use a reusable shopping bag.

4. Use eco-friendly cleaning products:

- Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products or make your own using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

- Avoid products containing harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and your health.

5. Grow your own food:

- Plant a garden to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

- Use organic and natural fertilizers instead of synthetic ones.

- Compost food scraps to enrich the soil.

6. Opt for sustainable materials:

- Choose furniture made from sustainable materials like bamboo or reclaimed wood.

- Use eco-friendly flooring options like bamboo, cork, or reclaimed hardwood.

- Select paint and other finishes that have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

7. Reduce plastic waste in the kitchen:

- Use glass or stainless-steel containers for food storage instead of plastic.

- Replace plastic wrap with beeswax wraps or reusable silicone covers.

- Use refillable water bottles and avoid buying bottled water.

8. Conserve energy in the kitchen:

- Use energy-efficient appliances.

- Cook with lids on pots and pans to retain heat and reduce cooking time.

- Opt for smaller appliances like toaster ovens instead of full-sized ovens when possible.

9. Encourage sustainable transportation:

- Use public transportation, walk, or bike whenever possible.

- Carpool or arrange a car-sharing service with neighbors or colleagues.

- Transition to an electric or hybrid vehicle if feasible.

10. Educate and involve your family:

- Teach your family about the importance of eco-friendly practices and involve them in the decision-making process.

- Encourage everyone to adopt sustainable habits and lead by example.

- Discuss environmental issues and brainstorm new ideas for greener living.

[blorboazula]

"Blood" for the azutara drabble, please :)

Thank you for the prompt!

Azula is, of course, a very competent person. A very efficient person. She can survive in basically every possible wilderness with minimal to no equipment.

She can't slice vegetables without trying to also slice her fingers off.

However, Katara thinks the most concerning part in this is that Azula's holding a dripping dishtowel, dripping with her blood, without showing any signs of pain. She's looking at Katara after saying "hi, I've cut myself" as if the kitchen doesn't look like a crime scene.

Katara opts to give Azula a scolding for the Firebender's lack of basic kitchen skills later, grabs her wrist and pulls under the faucet. The water washes away the blood, revealing a cut that is deep, but not deep enough to be easily healed without leaving scars.

Just then Azula looks like a kicked puppy, and Katara knows it's because all her girlfriend was doing was trying to cook something nice for them.

But with a kiss on the cheek, Azula is banished from the kitchen.

[baubled]

slipped [tw: none, rating: t for vague angst]

Note: Just testing a piece here to see if I want to write more. Cinna finds Effie after a long evening. Hayffie overtones with a good helping of Effie's best friend. This was a gift for a friend and fellow writer.

When Effie dipped a tentative toe into the water it was rose petal pink and still steaming, just a little. It wasn’t often that she took a bath anymore. She vastly preferred the efficiency and reliability of a shower, but there was something about being submerged that appealed to her from time to time. It was one of those nights. So, deciding it was cool enough to avoid scalding, she braced a hand on either side of the ivory claw-foot and lowered in first one foot of her own, found her balance, and pulled the other in too. The descent of the rest of her body was slow, and she reveled in the temperature change. Watched the goosebumps raise on her arms and felt the chill creep up her spine from its base to the back of her neck.

She had gathered her hair - her real hair - into a loose knot at the back of her head, hung her dress by the door and left her stockings and shoes in a neat little pile. The tub was full to bursting, and though she hesitated before sitting down completely she did it anyway. Water slipped past the rim as its cohesion failed to hold, and a soft yet persistent trickle began to spatter against the white tile floors. Effie watched the room around her slip away as she allowed her back to keep sliding against the tub, until all she could see was the high windows, the intricate tiling of the ceiling. Shut your eyes. Hold your breath.

Only when the tip of her nose touched the surface of the water did she stop. One leg was pulled up, bent at the knee, the other outstretched, her toes reaching for the opposite end of her little pool but not quite finding it. She could keep going, right on down. Until her tear reddened eyes closed. Until all of her was swallowed whole by that stillness. That warmth. The crushing weight of being somewhere that can hold you gently even as it delivers you toward something else. Effie looked at the soft skin at the back of her knee, the way drops of water were running back into the tub now that her displaced weight had ceased its pouring. It was so quiet.

She lifted herself again, just enough that her shoulders broke the surface. Her breath hitched. A long stifled cry escaped through her mouth, and the fingers that had pressed there, dripping, trying to keep it in.

Then tears came, but this time they wouldn’t bend to her. They wouldn’t stop until her shaking body had wrung itself dry and her head lilted to one side, cheek rested on her shoulder.

The faucet dripped once, then not again, as if it understood.

A knock, soft, sounded at the door. Effie raised her head a little to look at the doorknob but it showed no sign of moving. She waited, silent, the last of her tears falling to mix with the bath water. It came again.

“Yes?” Her voice was quiet but the door opened just a crack anyhow, as if the air had shifted enough to do it on its own. There was no need to ask who it was. Cinna was the only other one in the accommodation. The only one who cared enough - she shoved Haymitch’s face from her mind - and would risk life and limb to enter the bathroom when he knew she was in the tub. She had come billowing into the main living quarters not twenty minutes before, eyes downcast and slender fingers balled into fists at her sides, avoided his gaze and retreated immediately to her own rooms. That only meant one thing, he knew. It was only ever one thing.

“May I?” He asked through the crack in the door, and Effie sniffed in response but didn’t deny him. For years they had pretended, to the point of breaking themselves and one another in half, to be in love - or at least something like it. To be committed to one another. It was getting more and more difficult for reasons that they both had and had not anticipated. But it made nights like this one a little less awkward. A little less lonely. Less desperate. He slid into the room quietly, only the rustling of his shirt fabric audible as he closed the door and slid down its face to sit at the bottom. He - like her - pulled one knee to his chest. Folded his arm around it and played with the cuff at his other wrist. “You want to tell me what happened?”

His dark eyes weren’t looking at her, and her blue ones weren’t looking at him. Sometimes it felt like they shared the same cage. Beautiful. Heavy. Hollow. And sometimes there was a thin pane of glass between them, like now. Fine to hear and see one another, but it left them incapable of reaching out. There are some things you can only witness.

“Not really,” Effie murmured, her breath rippling the surface of the water, and then, “it’s nothing new.”

Cinna had known that. It hadn’t been anything new for years. And still…

“When are you going to stop doing this to yourself?” He asked again. And again she wondered if she shouldn’t have kept a tally of those words. Would it have mattered? Nothing ever seemed to matter when she wound up right back here, year after year. In one way or another it always ended the same. Alone in a room full of people. An apartment full of accomplishments. And what did she have to show for it, really? Nothing.

She looked at him, then, and with her makeup mostly gone and her eyes bright with the shock of pain she didn’t have to say anything at all.

They were silent for a long while, and then he took a breath in through his mouth, “What happened? That night?”

And she exhaled the same breath, a half laugh of disbelief releasing from her lungs, “You’re going to have to be more specific, I’m afrai-“

“The first night.” She stopped as he said the words, looked at him again, found him holding her gaze. “You never told me.”

She still wouldn’t, but she knew he could see it in her eyes. Her hand in Haymitch’s hand. Being twirled, gracefully, on a dance floor. His lips against her ear as he whispered to her. In her memory the night was spilling out into alleyways, cold crisp air, stolen glances and kisses and words lost in the back of a car, the way she’d sucked a breath in through her teeth the first time his lips had grazed her thigh. The room, the dress, his suit jacket, the strawberries. The gasping for air that comes with being completely undone. And the nightmares. “Never,” she had whispered. Promised. Prayed. And it was all right there, on her face.

How they had never been caught-

“I slipped,” she said, finally. Simple, “and I fell.”

[missamyrisa2]

OMG Amy could you PLEEEEASE do a full version of the "shackled in shower and tickle cleaned" one, I'm (respectfully) BEGGING YOU. Just the idea of being bathed and tickled at the same time has me DRIPPING

"Awww so squirmy already? Why, I haven't even touched you yet~" I snicker and smirk and sneer over at you in equal measures as I inventory my little shower caddy ~ with a grin I tickle at your exposed underarms to make you pull on the bonds holding you inside the shower ~ always have to be sure, after all. I roll back the sleeves on my longsleeved red cropped sweater and kneel down, showing plenty of skin that could be tickled if only your hands weren't completely occupied ~ I pull out the handheld shower wand and hum brightly turning the faucet on and cycling through the various settings ~ "mmmh. mmhmmm~ ooooooh~" I test the pressure and sensation of each pattern on my palm before stopping at a wide spray with tingly pressure "uuuh huh~ that's it, that's the one~" I take the wand and let it start soaking you from your ribs downward. My tongue pops out the side of my mouth in concentration as I aim carefully to get the streams of tickly water between and around each rib, slowly working downward ~ "don't fidget now ~ gotta get you sooo nice and clean and shiny~" I work the water wand down and let the tickly water fill in your navel multiple times, pooling it watching it drain and then moving the wand back from your side to get you again ~ Once the water has you nice and squirmy and warmed up, my other hand reaches for the long scrub brush. I place the brush at your side and press a button on the handle, squirting thick soap onto your wet skin. "Hold still precious, this miiiight tickle~!" The brush starts working back and forth slowly, rubbing the suds into your twitchy cute skin. I crank the wand to switch to a higher pressure spray and work the tickly popping bubbles from your side.

"Awww did that tickle? Yeahhh? A little tickly cleaning cleaning for my sweetie pie? Gonna get you allll nice and pristine, ohh yess~" I move the brush and spray your tummy thoroughly with soap before scrub scrub scrubbing away ~ "Scrubby scrubby scrubby~ are you my scrubby sally? Mmmm? Yeahhh? Does it tickle here? Tickle cleann?" I merrily work my cleansing tool on your bouncy belly, chuckling and waving the wand teasingly before spraying your midsection down. "You can fight it all you like, I'm still gonna clean you~" I matter of factly say as the wand moves up to start soaking your underarms. I spray each armpit thoroughly with the soap, but set the brush down and reach into my caddy to slip a handheld tool onto my palm. "Theeese pitties definitely need a deeep deep cleaning. In fact ~ let's get them both at once~ we work on efficiency in the Cleansing Mama cleaning factory~" I slip another bristly tool onto my other palm and stand over you tauntingly holding the tools up for you to see ~ all those soft bristles pointing and teasing as they come down slowly. I nod and coo over you "widda widda woooooo~" I tease, as I bring them both to your helpless underarms, letting the brushes gyrate and tremble on your skin before really digging in with deep scrubbing. "Yep gotta get them alllll clean, every last bit. Get it all, all of it now~" I say over your hysterical sounds, refusing to let up no matter how much your struggle and twist ~

"Aww there there~ was it just sooo ticklyyy?" I sigh and gently blot my soft washcloth over your cheek, my other hand directing your head as I lightly cleanse your face. "There there, I knowww I know~ it's for your own good though~ you have to get clean~ mmmhmm~" I smile and run the cloth over your forehead and down your nose and under your chin ~ "Sooo cute, soo pretty yess~ don't fret my ~dirty~ little thing~ there's still plenty of cleaning for youuu oh yess there is~" I set my cloth aside and turn your head gently, humming again as I begin tracing your ear with a tiny brush, working up the curve and around the lobe ~ "don't squirm now, these are little dirty spots" I carefully work my tool around your ear's inner curves, ever so lightly dipping it in and out of the entry. Then I smirk and cock my head to one side. "Now the other oneee~" I singsong, moving to start the same procedure while gently caressing your neck with the soft cloth. Once I have both ears cleansed and you nice and giggly wiggly, I step back and take out a bottle of sweet smelling cleanser. "Oooh yes, this is the good stuff~" I hold it under your nose letting the perfume waft up before picking up the water wand and soaking your feet. "Yes, definitely need the heavy duty cleanser for these tootsies~"

I use the highest pressure on the sprayer, coating between your toes and down your soles before getting my cleanser back out and start dripping it onto my palm before rubbing my hands together in suds. "Yess darling, dahhling ~ let it alll out now~ you're safe here, safe and cleannnn this is where you belong~" I call to you through your squirms and sounds as my fingers work between each toe and rub earnestly at your insteps and soles. The slippery sweet suds filling and popping all over ~ your feet coated in white before long, dripping with my tickly cleansing technique. And then the scrubber is back on a palm. "Okayyy now ~ this is gonnnna tickle~" I briskly grasp your big toe and go to town, rapidly sealing in the soap with little strokes of my tool. "Sudsy sudsy soooooo~" I coo out, working as if you weren't hysterically flopping in the shower sending bubbles all over. I can't help but giggle myself as some hit my exposed tummy, to which I switch feet and hold the other and work my brush endlessly on your inner sole.

All through the cleaning I've been eyeing your royal area, never acknowledging it directly or touching it, but just keeping an eye like I would a slowly boiling pot. With your feet shiny and pinkened, I glance up and smirk. "Looks like the pot is boiled~" I gesture towards your royal area and pick the wand back up. I switch it to the single jet setting, one single stream firing from the center of the head of circles ~ all those openings now just watching in awe as their master gets acquainted with your girly button. I work the stream of water pressure up your legs, over your thighs crossing back and forth ~ then I suddenly cut it off and aim it directly to your princess part and squeak an innocent snicker before spraying it. "Oooh yessss must clean here toooo~" I work the water up and down your button slowly, coming in from each side and angle, occasionally drifting down or up, and occasionally reaching up to tease a nipple with my soft scrub cloth~ "Why, you're not just dirty down here ~ you're absolutely..." I crank up the pressure and hold the wand close to your protesting button, letting the vibrations of the shower tool radiate down "...filthy~!" I sneak the soft tiny brush over and let it gently love on your button as it is coaxed out fully with the cleansing tickles~ I work you up good and gaspy before cutting the pressure off and stand with my hands on my hips over you~

"Naughty thing ~ you're really enjoying this huh? Don't lieeee now~ I'll bet half that wetness there is all youuu isn't it? You naughty naughty thing ~ you need sooo much cleaning~ sooo dirty~ Cleaning right on your button? Your button? Yeahhh your buttttton~" I take the scrub brush and spray your inner thighs and girly area thoroughly with suds before scrubbing at your legs while the tiny brush works your royal parts with the utmost attention to detail. I'm bent over you, working as though I was sculpting a masterpiece ~ and maybe I am~ getting all those tickly bubbles thoroughly applied before the water starts again. And this time I don't let up, spraying down your legs, up to your belly, high pressure in your navel before circling each nipple and then back down, hand on my hip as I relentlessly cleanse your girly button, following your every squirm and thrash and buck. "Come on now~ you know you like it ~ you know you wanna be sooo naughty for your Amy ~ be naughty for me nowww~" I encourage and taunt and coo, varying the pressure up and down, but never leaving your button until I push you over into a watery drippy gigglegasm~ "gonna gigglecum for me? Yeah? Gigglecum? Ohooooh uhhuhh there you go look at you~!" I snicker as your writhe and give yourself to my cleaning, playfully tickling at your belly and thighs with my fingers all through the climax.

"MmmH! Naughty naughty! You just made yourself all dirty again~ positively filthy~ tsk tsk tsk.... " I click my tongue disapprovingly and start thumbing the wand's settings. "You knooow what that meeeans~"