#are they a healthy snack? no. are they there in the fridge one reheat away from my tummy? YES!

[ceaselessbasher]

It's always "don't eat leftover tacos de canasta daily" and never "thank you for being the only one who is eating from the batch of leftover tacos de canasta so that they don't go bad" smh

[hayleyarts]

Broken Without You (Jasper Hale x OC) | chapter 2

Author’s note: Thanks to those who liked the first chapter! I already had the first two chapters of this written so i figured I’d post the second part for you guys. Give me some feedback on what parts you like and what not. Also, the first few chapters might be dry because i’m trying to develop some character and backstory, but don’t worry, our cowboy will be joining us soon ;) also sorry for the shorter chapter, I’m going to try to have each chapter to be at least 2000 words (this one is just a filler tbh) P.S. Don’t come for me but Alice and Jasper are obviously not dating in this; and no she doesn’t have a mate. I think she’s an independent woman who doesn’t need one. 

Previous Part

Summary: Eleanor Rae is starting to realize why she hates high school so much; discovering that even some of the people you admire can be condescending. Warnings include some language i believe but nothing else i can think of. 

Word count: 1316

Track 02 - I Don’t Exist by Olivia O’Brien

The thing about Forks High School, is that the people within your grade are the same people you’ve been going to school with since the beginning; small towns have that luxury. The horrible part about being with the same people since middle school, is you get to see who really wants to be your friend and who morphs into a mega bitch and feeds you to the wolves. 

I’m referring to my ex-friend Maya Jensen. We were basically twinning throughout middle school and suddenly in the summer of eighth grade, while preparing for our first year in high school, she drops me. This was a time in my life when I needed support the most, but she thought I was suddenly too nerdy and that my family was too odd to be friends with me and she decided to become the exact type of person we would silently judge when we were younger. I tried to talk to her and eat lunch with her during freshman year, but she absolutely wanted nothing to do with me. To make things even worse, her and her new friends decided it would be hilarious to make my life at school a living hell. They would trip me in the hallway, steal my books, copy my homework; just treat me like this piece of shit that they’d rather not spend time with or treat like a human being. Once sophomore year rolled around, she stopped interacting with me completely; no pushing, no copying, just making me feel completely invisible. To her and her friend group, I ceased to exist; while I cropped her out of old photographs, she cropped me completely out of her life. 

So, as I walk by her table in the cafeteria, I stare at her for the first time since school ended last year. She still looked as perfect as ever; which is funny because when we were friends, she never had perfect teeth or perfect hair or a slim body. When I disappeared, so did her flaws. Was I considered one of her flaws? Her unnaturally blonde hair looked freshly dyed, sitting perfectly straight at the middle of her back. Her spray-tanned skin looked more fake than usual next to the white of her lace tank-top, showing far too much cleavage in a high school, and to be honest, I’m surprised she hasn’t been dress-coded yet. Her boyfriend Jason, who had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, was captain of the swim team, and he was just as you’d image what an athlete in high school looked like. He was fit, had a buzz cut, and was probably sleeping with every other girl he laid his eyes on. 

I sigh softly, sending a glare their way as they whisper insults in my direction. I hated the cafeteria last year, and I’ll hate it again this year. Waiting in line for food with a bunch of people who would rather not care about me is the most draining thing. I place my tray on the belt, fake smiling at the lunch lady as she places the reheated slice of pizza on my plate, letting me move along to grab the provided snacks and boxed and/or bottle beverages in the mini-fridge. 

While following the students in front of me, I scan the tables and notice an empty, small two-chaired table in the far back corner near the window; making a beeline for it and sitting down ungracefully. No one even batted an eye in my direction during the whole maneuver. 

I sigh as I begin eating the sad pizza when the Cullen family make their way into the cafeteria, people sneaking glances at them as they seemed to not notice, or maybe they didn’t care. I didn’t sneak glances; I blatantly admired them. Their unnatural beauty is meant to be admired. The group of adoptive siblings were led by the pairing of Edward and Bella. Edward was tall and fit, not too muscular but also not too lean. What made him stand out like a sore thumb was his hair; it was this bronze shade of brown and had more volume than my hair ever will. He had his arm around Bella’s waist, showing everyone their obvious intimate relationship. She looked the most normal out of the group; wearing simply skinny jeans and a woven sweater. Her hair was long, but she had it tied up in the prettiest messy bun I’ve ever seen. The next to follow were Emmett and Jasper’s twin Rosalie. Rosalie had blonde, wavy and beautiful hair that Maya wished she had. She looked like a model, or an actress, or both; even her clothes looked designer. Emmett, clearly her boyfriend, looked like he could bench press a bus; built like a brick shit-house. He didn’t look like he cared much about his appearance, similar to his sister Bella; just in a sweatshirt and jeans. But he made an Adidas sweatshirt look good. Lastly was Jasper and Alice. They didn’t walk attached to the hip like their other siblings, they didn’t look like they were in any kind of intimate relationship. To say that Alice was tiny was an understatement; she couldn’t have been taller than 5’5”. Her dark, pixie-cut hair made her straight-up look like a character from Tinkerbell. She even walked with a dance-like grace that made her look strange, in a perfect way. And of course, there was Jasper Hale.

I roll my eyes, looking down and focusing on my food as they take their seat two tables from mine, also in front of the window. Because they were sitting relatively close, I had the chance to admire Jasper more. His wavy hair looked healthy, framing his face as he and his siblings inaudibly have a conversation. His nimble fingers gracefully unbutton his sweater, revealing a baby-blue coloured shirt, making his blonde hair look even more blonde. The only thing that bothered me about his appearance were his fucking god-awful cowboy boots. 

Edward snickers softly, glancing at Jasper momentarily before nodding in what looks like my direction. I notice Jasper look at him quizzically as he glances in my direction; resulting in us locking eyes for a millisecond. I quickly look away, my cheeks flaring up in blush. Were they talking about me? I nimble on my lip as I open up the wrapper for my granola bar. I could feel Jasper’s topaz eyes still staring at me. What the hell is he looking at? 

I glance up, meeting his eyes once again, and again I could feel the flare in my face. This time I was determined to not look away, however. I narrow my eyes, smirking in a challenging manner. He chuckles, looking away and whispering something to Alice who was to his left. I could she her smiling wide before whispering something in return. Yep, they’re definitely talking about me. Laughing at me probably. 

I sigh, glancing back down at my half-eaten lunch. I suddenly didn’t have the appetite to finish it, so I grabbed my tray and walked to the nearest garbage can. I could still feel their eyes on me as I make my way out of the cafeteria. I look back at them quickly, noticing the frown on Jasper’s and Edward’s faces. I roll my eyes and leave, walking down the hallways towards the front door. I didn’t need to stay in that damn place. I knew to most people I didn’t exist, but I didn’t think that people would still be talking about me like some plague. Knowing someone is talking shit right in front of you is the worst feeling in the world. Who was I kidding? The Cullen family weren’t some mystic, beautiful family, with this unnatural grace; they were the same as everyone else. They only cared about themselves and even to them, I basically don’t exist. I’m not a somebody to them; I’m a nobody.

[malcolmwhitly-bright]

Yours, Mine...Ours

Chapter One: Uh-Oh

The cold blows harshly through New York City. It’s nipping temperature lowering steadily while the sun hides behind the thick clouds in the sky. A strong breeze sweeps through the city as Dani steps out of her apartment. It picks her thick curls off her shoulders. A single curl gets caught on her eyelash, a mild spike of painful itching distracting her from her mission. She’s frustrated, her nerves grated to their raw ends. She suspects that aggravation is not going to end soon.

“Detective,” Manuel greets from behind the counter. He spares her a hasty glance before looking back down at the textbook he has on the counter. She has known Manuel since the first week she moved into her apartment. Manuel’s father owns the convenience store as it was passed down from his father to him. Now, Manuel’s father hopes to pass it down to Manuel. Only, Manuel wants to be a teacher. Still, he spends every night, four p.m. to twelve a.m., working the shop. He hates it but his father means more to him than spending the weekend terrorizing the neighborhood with his friends.

Dani needs one thing. Masterfully, she glides along the aisles. She gets a tub of Ben & Jerry’s, brownie bits because it’s been a long and bad day. She deserves the brownie to ice cream ratio. That and, hopefully, Manuel will look over what she’s really here for. 

Pregnancy tests.

Manuel’s hand hovers over the box, his eyes glancing up at her. A silent, quick judgment on how far he can push her on the matter at hand. The matter <i>under</i> his hand. “You good,” he asks, placing both items in the same bag. He hadn’t seen Dani in some time but he knew well enough that she hadn’t been with anyone, seriously, since Estime. Unless, of course, the brownie bits Ben & Jerry’s counts. She’s always had a stable relationship there but it’s a bit one-sided.

Dani sighs heavily and wonders if she should unload her stresses on a seventeen-year-old with enough on his plate. She glances down at his textbook, math problems cover the waxy pages. Nodding, she retrieves the bag from the counter. “I’m good. Are you though? That looks pretty complex.” She motions to the textbook and Manuel’s eyes squint.

He nods, his mind no longer wrapped up on the pregnancy test. “It’s calculus,” he explains with a sigh. The low light of the shop enhancing the bags under their eyes, the tired bloodshot scleras. “It’s driving me crazy,” he adds, frowning down at the textbook. “I’ve got a test tomorrow.”

Dani hums, shaking her head. She doesn’t miss high school. “I’ll leave you to that.” He smiles at her and she feels his eyes on her as she leaves. As she climbs the stairs back to her apartment, she realizes she’s got a test too and for the first time in her life she’s not sure if she wants to pass it or not.

----------------

She locks her apartment door behind her. Stopping only at the refrigerator to collect a half-finished Gatorade. It had been in the fridge for… well, she’s not sure but she’s hoping it’ll speed this process on rather quickly. 

One line.

She holds the test in one hand, head tilted. “Oh,” she chuckles, but deep down this doesn’t feel right. It feels too easy. “That’s too good to be true.” So, in pajamas, she goes back down to the corner. She buys more tests and more Gatorade, Manuel doesn’t comment. 

“This better work.” She pees on her hand a little and it’s disgusting. Then she thinks about a baby. The amount of pee and poop she’s going to get all over her hands if she’s pregnant. Five minutes pass and two lines show up. She throws the test against the wall. It breaks in half with a satisfying crack.

With her knees drawn to her chest, she sobs into her knees. She loses track of time before she stands back up. Pulling her hair into a loose bun, she drinks another Gatorade, preparing for another test.

Just to be sure.

----------------

“These are probably better,”  Manuel holds up a bottle of prenatal vitamins. They’re pink, unlike the blue bottle Dani is reading the back of. “I did… some research.” The comment slips right past Dani, she’s caught up more in why there are so many options. She takes the bottle from Manuel and puts in her little basket. “Have you gone to the doctor yet,” he asks.

She frowns, she’d read some blogs. Mostly, she’s looked at corporate women in business breaking down how to hide a baby bump in each trimester. She hadn’t thought about the doctors yet, not once. She can’t help the blush that creeps up her cheeks,” uh no.”

Manuel frowns but doesn’t say anything. 

“So, how’d that test go?” He steps out of the way and allows her better access to the end of the aisle. She needs to pick up healthier snacks, things to keep the babu healthy and a few of the extra ‘baby pounds’ off. 

Manuel grins at her,” about as well as yours.” She ignores his comment and he fills her in. “I got an A- but considering the class is mostly self-taught, I’m counting it as a win.” His proud little smirk melts her heart and she wonders how she’s going to pass the next few months with raging hormones. “How are… your things?”

She elects to ignore his little in tone, the inclination that he’s talking about any one of the hundred problems she has right now. Especially, the ones she told him about while tipsy on box wine three months ago. More so, the one growing in her right now. “I’m fine, Manuel.” Except she’s not. She isn’t going to tell him that though. “Ring me up?”

He looks defeat, probably hoping those raging hormones would loosen her tongue a bit. No such luck.

“Be good,” she says as she leaves him. She rolls her eyes towards the sky, what a little shit.

----------------

“You okay?” The small tilt of Malcolm’s head gives away that he already knows the right answer. His eyes are stupidly blue and full of compassion and genuine interest. It makes her stomach tie itself into tight little knots. Her chest feeling cracked, nearly broken as her heart races. “You don’t look like you feel well,” he adds.

She doesn’t feel good. Her mother called last night and that call ended in mutual tears and a frustrated goodbye. There’s a box of positive pregnancy tests in her bathroom. Estime won’t pick up her calls and now Malcolm… Well, he’s looking at her with those stupidly, adorable blue eyes all concerned and caring and it’s not helping. “It’s been,” she considers lying. Then she remembers that little head tilt and knows there’s no point. “I’m exhausted and this case isn’t helping.”

He sighs in agreeance, settling himself on the edge of her desk. “Wanna talk about,” he offers but it’s like bait. He’s luring her in, even if he is genuinely interested. A part of her does want to tell him. To unload all this weight she’s carrying but she hasn’t even told her mother about the baby yet. If anything, her mother and JT should know before Malcolm does. 

Right?

She pulls herself to her feet, stuffing her paperwork back into its manilla folder. She glances at him only once, knowing her mouth will come unglued if she looks too long or spares a second glance. Those blue eyes will get to her. Remind her that he cares, that he’s more than willing to let her air her dirty laundry. Why does he have to be so damn charming?

“You okay?” He seems to be asking her that a lot lately. 

“I’ll be right back,” her tight smile doesn’t bid well with him. It… it isn’t right. Dani’s smile makes the skin around her eyes lift and crinkle. It’s contagious to everyone in the room. The corner of the right side of her face always lifts a little higher than the left, crooked. This smile was forced, it wasn’t real.

She comes back from the bathroom ten minutes later. Malcolm notices how ginger she is with her stomach, a hand half raised to protect it. His mind races to fill in the problem, the anxiety and concern eating his own stomach away. She’s not okay and she’s lying. Dani never lies, at least not to him. It’s like, around him, she says every thought that happens to cross her mind. She leans into him, his touches. Of late, she’s silent and avoidant. 

Has he done something?

“She was twenty-four,” Edrisa hands them the paperwork. The killer had brutally torn apart a young woman, defiling her in such a way that made her unrecognizable. Leaving Edrisa to put her back together and take hair follicles to give their young victim a name. “Her name was Samantha Hinegrad,” Edrisa hands Gil a picture so he can pin it to their board. “She was a mother of two.”

The sudden paleness of Dani’s features all makes sense. The wrist she keeps pressed to her lower stomach, the long bathroom breaks, and the near gag at lunch when JT reheated eggs. “You’re pregnant,” the words leave his mouth softly. It’s still an accusation and they all know who at. 

All eyes turn to Dani, her paler getting suddenly worse. “W-What?” 

They both stutter. JT’s face is a cloud of mixed emotion, aggravation and confusion. It makes Malcolm uneasy, suddenly thrown off. It does the same to Dani. She stands too quickly, her stomach hurting and she knows another bout of morning sickness is washing over her.

She’s hurt, too. Naive hope had left her to believe she could do this on her own. She could keep it her little secret. It would be easy, she coached herself each morning. Just as easy as getting knocked up in the first place. Then, she had to put up her tighter fitting t-shirts, a perfect little bump protruding from her favorite. Each week, was a little harder than the one before. 

Then there was the morning sickness. That was new to this week and whoever dubbed it ‘morning’ sickness was a cruel, mistaken bastard. 

Her chair falls over as she rushes to the bathroom. She falls to her knees, hard. Nothing comes up because she hasn’t eaten since this morning. She threw up what little of the bagel she could get down. Miserable, she leans against the toilet. Letting the cool porcelain touch the bare skin where her shirt has risen up.

“Here,” warmth. Something warm is pressed into her palm and she realizes its a heating pad. A hand eases it’s way around her torso, pressing it to her stomach. The room smells of Irish Spring and fruit. Malcolm. “Have you eaten?” She allows him to pull her away from the toilet, leaning back against his boney chest instead. She shakes her head. 

He hums thoughtfully. His sensitive stomach finally coming in handy for something. “Let’s get you off the floor, yeah?” He eases her up, bearing her weight as her knees tremble underneath her. “How about some Gatorade and saltines?”

She nods her head, resigning herself to being taken care of. 

“You okay?” Gil and JT are waiting just outside the doors. She wonders if they fought over who would come in to check on her. When neither step forward to peel her away from Malcolm’s side, she has her answer. 

Malcolm mumbles something but her attention is split. She only feels the deep rattle of his voice in his chest. “Alright,” he leads her to her chair not moving away until she’s completely settled. “Saltines and Gatorade, you need or want anything else?”

 As he looks at her, crouched down on his knees she has to force her tears at bay. She can’t do this alone, she realizes. She doesn’t have to either. Malcolm smiles at her as he rises back to his feet, heading for his coat to head out into the cold, for her. JT and Gil keep nearby too, sparing her glances and small smiles. 

She’s got a family. Her baby will have one too. 

(When you could have posted this nearly three hours ago but instead have a tiny meltdown because you retook the Myers Briggs and went from an ENTP to an ENFP)

[frickfracksnatchisback]

A Strange Confession (Monster AU-Part 1)

Trying to sort of write some romantic fluffiness this time! (Which is a first, so it might be a bit odd, haha) I love the heck out of SugarRush so I figured, why not? With a tiny bit of werebeast angst/fluff mixed in, this should be fun! (Warning!  Mentions of blood and animal death, but that’s about it) Also there should be a second part “soon”, but we’ll have to see.

@teenytinyhatkid I blame you for this ;)

***

As CC looked out the window, the moon shone brightly in the dark night sky. The silver light mixed in with the dark clusters of clouds above. The stars were plentiful, twinkling like diamonds. And the moon was so big, it shone like an enormous pearl hanging in the sky. A very beautiful sight indeed.

However, it would be even more beautiful if she could stop worrying her head off.

CC sighed heavily as she leaned against the windowsill. She had been tap-tapping away on the surface for the past few minutes, worried out of her mind. Of course, she probably shouldn’t be fretting at all. Yes, it just so happened to be a full moon. And a full moon always meant it would be a busy time for the whole family. That much was evident, as she turned her gaze from the sky to the backyard. Laying in the grass, sleeping, was Mu. Well...at least it was her in her werewolf form, anyways.

The werewolf puppy was curled up in the grass, fast asleep. She was getting some needed rest after hunting and having a good meal. At least, CC could guess as much from the blood stained into her fur coat. Mu’s chest rose and fell in steady motions as she nuzzled deeper into the grass. After some periods of time, the werepuppy would toss and turn a bit or yawn wide in her sleep. Her ears would flick for a few seconds, before she fell still again. While the sight was indeed cute, it raised a very important question for CC.

Where on earth were the others?

Maybe Mu was just early to come back, she thought. She was often like this, being ahead of the others with her energetic nature. But even then...Crowley and Conductor would’ve been back by now. It had only been an hour since Mu came back to the house. And they would have followed her back here, so as to keep her out of trouble. So where on earth were they?

Motherly concern clouded her mind like a storm, and it would not go away. Were they just slow tonight? Were they having difficult hunt tonight? Were they both asleep in the woods? Were they just forgetting about how late it is?

Then, the concerns became more fearful.

What if they’re lost and can’t find their way back? What if they’re sick with some strange wereflu out in the woods? What if they were captured by monster hunters? What if they ran away from home? What if-

A sudden movement in the backyard snapped her out of her thoughts. A tall, dark figure moved in from behind the giant oak tree. She could see two, glowing silver eyes that pierced through the darkness. A large beak was very noticeable on this creature, with a bird-like head to match. And feathers were slowly falling from off its body. Instead of being terrified, this gave her a glimmer of hope.

Was that Conduct-?

No...no it wasn’t. Turned out it was just Crowley. She could see as much from the hat and trench coat (the clothes he refused to take off even before he would turn).

The werecrow slowly crept out from his hiding place, inspecting the backyard with his predatory eyes. Once he was in more light, she could see his beak was also stained with patches of blood. His head bobbed slightly as he took long strides across the grass, which he always couldn’t help but doing. He had such long legs after all. He made his way close to the front of the house, his eyes falling on CC. He could see her through the window, clicking his monstrous beak in curiosity.

CC forced a smile on her face and waved at him.

Crowley stared at her for a few minutes before looking away, uninterested. His gaze fell on Mu instead, cocking his head at the sleeping pup. He came even closer to Mu, which made CC tense up a bit. Please don’t wake her up, she thought.

And luckily he didn’t. Instead, he careful groomed her fur by nipping at it ever so gently. He managed to find a few bugs, and chirped happily as he ate them like tiny snacks. This made CC cringe a bit, but at least he was helping. Once he was through with that, he backed away from Mu and left her be. He proceeded to stomp his giant crow feet on the grass, flattening a single spot, before sitting down with his legs tucked under him. He started slowly drifted off to sleep next to Mu, his large eyelids closing shut.

As relived as CC was, she still had a feeling of unease. She expected Conductor to come in lumbering after Crowley. Though, Conductor use lead Crowley instead of letting him take the lead. Crowley wasn’t exactly an experienced werebeast, and Conductor knew this even in beast form. So CC still waited, and expected the beastly owl to come by at any second. Any second now he would be-

“What are you doing up so late?” a voice behind CC said, startling her badly. She let out a small yelp before looking behind her. She stared, and then sighed as she realized who it was.

“Oh thank goodness it’s just you, Snatcher. You gave me a real fright there!” she laughed awkwardly. The vampire gave her a curious look, quirking an eyebrow.

“Who did you think I was? A burglar?” Snatcher joked, but didn’t smile. He was wearing his silk pajamas, all black with purple accents. His hair was a bit of a mess since it wasn’t brushed out. But then again, when was his hair not a mess? “And that still doesn’t answer my question, by the way.” he went on, crossing his arms in wait for an answer.

“Oh, sorry.” CC apologized, a bit embarrassed. “I was just making sure everyone got home during the full moon.” she said while rubbing her shoulder. Snatcher scoffed a bit.

“Seriously? Do you have any idea what time it is?” Snatcher fussed at her, turning and making his way back to the hallway entrance.

“Well, I should be asking you the same thing! What on earth are you doing out of bed, young man?” CC was quick to defend herself, fussing back at Snatcher as if he was her own child. She couldn’t see it, but Snatcher rolled his eyes at the comment. She followed him, wherever he was going now.

“I’m an adult. I’m not restricted to a bedtime, CC.” Snatcher waved her off as he took strides down the hallway to the kitchen.

“You’d be getting a healthy amount of sleep for once!” CC remarked, as they both walked into the kitchen. “Your sleep schedule is already a mess, and you’re always so tired!” she went on, concerned for Snatcher’s health as she always was.

“Yeah, well, that kind of comes with being a vampire. So it’s not like I can fix that anytime soon.” Snatcher said as he made his way towards the fridge. CC scoffed at his ‘excuse’. He always said that whenever he was not getting enough sleep. And it didn’t help that he was working such a time-consuming job either, being a lawyer and all. She perked up as she noticed him rummaging through the fridge.

“What are you looking for, sweetie?” CC offered to help.

“I need a midnight snack.” Snatcher said, taking things out of the fridge and putting them back. But CC knew what he really meant.

“The blood bags are at the bottom, dearie.” CC sighed, shaking her head. Of course that would be why he woke up. It usually was. He’d been doing this for days now, drinking blood at the latest of hours. And if he kept on doing this, they’d be all out of blood bags. Which meant she would have to get more. Then the cycle would continue again, like it always did.

“Why do they have to be all the way at the bottom?” Snatcher mumbled under his breath, reluctantly leaning down to look for them. And after shifting through the contents of the fridge, he managed to grab his prize. He stood up, blood bag in hand, and went to pop his back. He winched once it made a prominent cracking noise and went to open the cupboard. He looked back at CC, noticing that she was still watching him.

“Aren’t you going to bed any time soon?” Snatcher asked her, feeling a bit awkward.

“Hm? Oh, sorry.” CC perked up, she had been staring off into space. “Well...I can’t just go to bed now.” she explained, looking out the kitchen window with a worried expression. Though Snatcher couldn’t tell exactly why. It looked like she was just staring at the moon to him.

“There’s nothing stopping you.” Snatcher said as he got one of his favorite coffee mugs from out of the cupboard. He waited for a response, but there was nothing. “Listen, I’m sure Mu is doing just fine. She’s got two adults looking after her.” he explained, thinking that that was the cause of CC’s worry. Although he used the term ‘adult’ lightly. Conductor certainly wasn’t responsible. And Crowley was...well... He was trying his best, Snatcher supposed.

“Mu came home already. And so did Crowley.” CC went over to the kitchen table and pulled up a chair. Once she sat down she continued to stare outside, hand on her face and worry in her eyes.

“Oh, Really?” Snatcher placed his cup onto the counter. “Didn’t think they’d be back so early.” Snatcher said, before taking the blood bag and tearing it open with his teeth. A piece of plastic got stuck on one of his fangs and annoyed, he picked it out. “Let me guess, the old man isn’t back?” Snatcher asked her, turning back to the counter to pour the cold blood into his cup.

“Yes, he hasn’t shown up yet...” CC sighed, placing her hand on her face.

“And you’re worried about him of all things?” Snatcher said without a shred of concern, turning back to CC. No response again, just her staring out the window sadly. It made him more awkward to see her like that, so he tried to ignore it. He simply opened up the microwave to put in his cup, closed the small door, and punch the ‘reheat’ button. But even the tapping of his fingers on the countertop combined with dull hum of the microwave couldn’t take his mind off of it. “I’m sure Conductor can take care of himself.” he manged to say after a few minutes had passed.

“I’m not too sure about that, sweetie.” CC mumbled. “You know that Conductor isn’t the best at...taking care of himself.” she tried to put it lightly. She didn’t really like way the words came out of her mouth, but it was true.

She couldn’t count how many times Conductor would nearly drown himself in alcohol. She still remembered the time she found him passed out on the couch after having a few dozen bottles of scotch. Or the time he got into a nasty fight with one of the Mafia. He wouldn’t even let her tend to his injuries or even see said injuries after that. Recalling those moments just seemed to prove her point. And make her even more concerned for his well-being...

“Okay, let me rephrase that. He can take care of himself when he’s turned.” Snatcher said, the timer going off a few seconds afterwards. “I don’t understand why you should be worrying so much about him. He knows his way around the woods, he should be back soon.” he took his mug out of the microwave, taking a sip immediately. The sip turned into a gulp as he nearly swallowed it all right then and there. He let out a relived sigh, licking the blood off his lips. CC simply looked away, not caring to see Snatcher drinking his blood. Snatcher saw this and, reluctantly, pulled up a chair from the table.

“Alright. Talk to me. Maybe it will make you feel better.” Snatcher said bluntly as he set his mug onto the table. CC stared at him, a bit surprised. Was he trying to make her feel better? Snatcher took another sip out of his mug, not taking his eyes off of her. The room was deathly quiet, with only the wall clock ticking away and the crickets chirping outside to break the silence.

“I’m not sure what to say.” CC bit her lip. What did he want her to talk about exactly?

“Fine. How about telling me why you’re worried about him?” Snatcher asked her, a bit harshly this time.

She opened her mouth to say something, but fell short. That was a good question. Why was she so worried about him? Of course, she was also worried about Mu and Crowley. They were part of the family too! But...something in her mind centered around Conductor specifically. Sure, he was ill tempered. Sure, he was loud and eccentric. Sure, he was irresponsible sometimes. But he wasn’t like that all the time.

Deep down, she knew he was still a good person. Albeit a bit strange, but a still good person. He cared for Mu like his child, helped Crowley as a werebeast, and even offered to do favors for her once or twice. And while he was hot-headed most of the time, he always went out of his way to ask her how her day had been. When he was around her, it was like she could see something in him that no one else could. There was just something about him that made her feel... Pity? Concern? Worry? She didn’t know what this strange feeling for him was. Unless…

Could she be-?

“Hellooo? Earth to CC? Are you there?” Snatcher interrupted her thoughts. She startled a bit, blinking blankly at him.

“Oh! Sorry about that, sugar. I was just...thinking about something.” she mumbled nervously. Snatcher started to give her a concerned look, before quickly shrugging it off.

“I think the sleep deprivation is getting to you. Are you going to bed yet?” Snatcher grumbled, beginning to tap his fingers on the tabletop out of boredom. CC rolled her eyes a bit, but took his words into consideration. Maybe he was right, it had been a long night. Perhaps she should go to bed and get some rest?

“I’m not sure… What do you think I should do?” CC asked him. Snatcher perked up a bit at the question, before giving her a fake smile.

“Why, whatever you think is best!” Snatcher’s sarcasm was unbelievably heavy. He was getting tired of going back and forth with this nonsense. At this point, he just wanted her to get some rest so he could finish the rest of his blood. And maybe, if she could take the hint, he could get himself another blood bag to treat himself. Preferably without getting fussed at. Yes, that would be very nice right about now...

While Snatcher was busy thinking about food (when was he ever not thinking about that?), CC didn’t seem to pick up on his sarcastic wit. She actually thought he was being serious. What she thought was best? Well... she only had one thing on her mind right now. And it certainly wasn’t going to bed. But this gave her an idea. An idea so sudden, so immediate, that she decided she was going to go through with it. After all, what did she have to lose?

“You know what? I think I’ve finally made up my mind.” CC boasted, quite proud of herself.

“Oh really? About time.” Snatcher said half-amused, going to his mug once more.

“I’m going to go looking for him.”

Snatcher eyes went wide as he nearly choked on his drink. He stopped, mouth still full of blood, and forcefully swallowed it down. But that didn’t stop him from sputtering after.

“W-what?!” Snatcher tried to yell, though it was hard since he was coughing. “Are you insane?!” he looked at her as if this was the case. “At this hour?! During a full moon?! What are you even thinking?!” he couldn’t even stop himself.  But CC shushed him, giving him motions to calm down. Calm down? Calm down?! How could he calm down after she made that suggestion?! The idea was madness, not to mention incredibly stupid!

“I’ve already decided, and you can’t change my mind.” CC said firmly, getting up from her chair quickly. “Besides, didn’t you want me to decide for myself?” she reminded Snatcher, giving him a bit of a smirk. He just sat there with his mouth agape.

“What? No! I said for you to ‘do what’s best’, not for you to go out and kill yourself!” Snatcher blurted out, quickly getting up to follow her.

“Sweetie, I said nothing of the sort-” CC started to go further into the hallway. But before she could, Snatcher had caught up with her and grabbed her arm. She noticed this, and tugged a bit. But his grip was firm, and very tightening. “Snatcher, honey, please let go of me.” she tried to escape. But he just wouldn’t budge.

“No! This is crazy! Do you have any idea what kind of danger you’d be putting yourself in?!” Snatcher warned her, still holding onto her arm as she struggled. He kept tightening his grip, partially afraid that he was hurting her. But if it keep her from going outside, he’d take his chances.

“Snatcher! Let me go! I’ll be fine just-”

“No, no you won’t be fine! What if he hurts you?! Or what if he bites you?!” Snatcher yelled, picturing the image in his mind too well. Conductor in his wereowl form, standing over CC with his claws and teeth bared. And CC, shaking all over with unbridled fear in her eyes. Because she was so sweet and kind, she wasn’t even using a spell to defend herself. Which meant there was nothing stopping the best from lunging towards her and-

“...Snatcher? Are you shaking?”

Snatcher stopped his terrible thoughts right then and there. And he noticed that yes, he did have a slight tremor. He let go of CC’s arm and turned his back to her, pretending like it was nothing. He hugged himself and squeezed his shoulders tightly. Seeing this, CC stepped closer to him. She slowly put a hand on his shoulder, rubbing it softly.

“Are you going to be alright?” CC asked him in the most calming voice she could muster. Snatcher hesitated, almost shying away from her. He said nothing, trying his best not to show that he was scared. Because he wasn’t scared at all. He wasn’t scared that the one person he considered to be like the mother he never had was putting herself in mortal danger. Not at all.

“Sweetie? Please...talk to me.” CC whispered to him, moving in to hug him. But before she could get any closer, Snatcher straightened himself. He took a deep breath in, and a deep breath out. He was still a bit shaky, but he pretended not to notice.

“What am I supposed to tell the kids...if you get hurt?” Snatcher finally managed to ask, his voice cracking slightly. He cursed at himself for letting it slip out. CC, a bit surprised at his sudden worry for her, moved closer to Snatcher to put her arms around him.

“I’m not going to get hurt. I promise you.” CC cooed, hugging Snatcher to comfort him. “I know Conductor wouldn’t try to hurt me, so I’ll be fine.” she reassured him. But this just made him tighten himself in her grasp.

“This...isn’t Conductor. He’s not all there, CC. You should know this.” Snatcher said through gritted teeth. Although his angered tone was geared more towards himself. He couldn’t help it. He was panicking. And he hated when he panicked. “What if he bites you?” he asked her again, this time more paranoid than ever. “What am I supposed to do if you get infected? I can’t just-”

“I’m not going to get infected.” CC surprised Snatcher by turning his whole body around to face her. As bold as her action was, she gave him a soft smile. “Listen, I’ll try and be back as soon as I can. And I promise you, if things go wrong I always have my spells.” she calmed him by touching his cheek lightly. “Just...don’t worry too much about me, alright?” she half-joked, letting out a short chuckle. Snatcher stared at her, a complete lost for words.

All of a sudden, he leaned into her to give her a tight hug.

CC let out a quiet yelp as she was almost tipped over. She definitely wasn’t expecting to get a hug back from him. Not to mention he was a lot taller than her, which made it harder to balance. Slightly confused, she patted and rubbed his back. She thought she heard Snatcher whimper in her ear...but she decided not to bring it up.

“You better be back, or I’m coming to get you.” Snatcher mumbled in her ear. CC was taken aback by this. He usually wasn’t the type to care for someone so openly. But it made her feel safe, and it reminded her about how much she loved this family. Even her grumpy vampire ‘son’.

“Of course, Snatcher.” she patted his back once more. “Thank you.” she added in. Snatcher got off of her, which was a big relief, to look at her confusedly.

“For what?” Snatcher asked her, as if that whole ordeal didn’t happen.

“For caring so much about me.” CC gave him a warm smile. Snatcher’s eyes widened and his face flushed a light pink.

“S-shut up.” Snatcher said under his breath, his hair puffing up. “I was just...making sure you didn’t…do something stupid...” he mumbled even quieter, almost trying to hide his face in his hair.

“Right, of course.” CC giggled. She pretty much understood Snatcher-speak by now. “Well, I’m off. Get some rest, sweetie.” she stood on her toes so she could pat his head. He accepted the pat, but scoffed afterwards.

“Whatever...” Snatcher said, making motions as to ‘shoo’ her away. CC didn’t see it though, as she was already walking through the hallway to the front door. Snatcher watched her, not moving from his spot, until he heard the sound of the door opening...then closing. He waited a bit longer, the room felt colder without her here. Not like it mattered, just an odd detail. He lean let out a big sigh, and turned to walk towards the attic stairs. He wasn’t going to get his second blood bag. He just wasn’t in the mood. At this point, he just wanted to sulk in his bed for no apparent reason. As angry and concerned thoughts swarmed his mind, one thing was for certain.

This was going to be a restless night for him.

***

As CC walked through the forest, the soft winds blew in her direction. Although the cold was much worse than the wind, making her shiver as it nipped at her skin. She pulled her jacket tighter around her for a small bit of warmth. All the while she thought to herself. Where on earth could he be? And how deep was she in the forest? Well, no time to worry about that now. She pressed on, the autumn leaves crunching under her shoes.

“Conductor? Are you there?” CC cuffed her hands to her mouth so she could call out to him. She waited for a reply...only to hear nothing but her own echos. She pulled her jacket around her once more, and kept going. Surely, she would find him soon. She had to eventually. Where else could he be?

She wondered what he was doing. Or more exactly, what she would most likely walk in on him doing. Maybe she’d find him sleeping in a nearby cave, all cuddled up in a make-shift nest built out of leaves and twigs. Or maybe she’d see him feasting on a deer carcass. That image made her cringe a little bit, but it was nothing she hadn’t seen before. Or maybe she would find him doing both. Eating deer meat, curled up in a cave and-

She stopped in her tracks as she heard a loud, animal noise.

It wasn’t uncommon to hear owls in the forest. But this…‘hooting’, if one could even call it that, was not like any normal owl. It was deep, thunderous, and she could hear it ring throughout the entire forest. Her body went completely stiff once she heard it. And while most people would run away from such a noise, CC ran closer towards it.

“Conductor?!” CC yelled out, her pace quickly gaining. “Conductor, it’s me! Are you alright?” she called out to him. She kept going, ducking and weaving through the tall trees that surrounded the area. She struggled to keep a hold of her jacket. It nearly slipped off of her, with what speed she was going. But she pressed on.

As CC kept going in further, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. She had managed to find a much easier trail to follow. But it wasn’t exactly your average forest trail. It was a trail of feathers. Big, yellow feathers that made a beeline deeper into the forest. For some strange reason, CC felt the need to pick up one of the bigger feathers that she found along the way. So she did, stopping so she could lean down to pick it up. She took a moment to look at it, turning it over in her hands.

It was definitely bigger than any owl feather she had ever seen. Though this one was obviously one of the better preened feathers, with it looking much smoother than the others. It was soft around the edges, and very fluffy to the touch. CC brought her finger around its curves, feeling the small fibers that made it so incredibly soft. She then smiled, reassured.

Yes, this was definitely her Conductor.

Another noise came from the end of the trail. She stopped looking at the feather and snapped back to what she was doing, stuffing the feather into her coat pocket. She continued along the path, making long and quick strides. Then her strides went into a run, and she started to sprint through the forest. She huffed for breath as she kept going, but she was smiling all the same. She was going to find him, alive and safe.

She was getting closer now, she could tell by the feathers one the ground. While the beginning of the trail started with a small number, the amount of feathers increased the farther she went on. She could see a clearing up ahead, the moonlight showing her the way. She could barely control herself.

“Conduct-”

She skidded to a halt, dust clouding beneath her shoes. The opening was very clear, a circle of trees surrounding her. The air was still, except for a few gusts of wind. But there were no caves. Not even the body of a dead deer. Yet, there was a nest still. A giant nest, about the size of a boat. One that could only have been built by a very, very large bird. It looked like a well-built nest too. The fall leaves mixed in with the twigs made it look rather lovely. But there was only one problem.

Where was Conductor?

“Conductor? Sweetie?” CC called out in the clearing. There was nothing but the sounds of the wind. “Conductor! This isn’t funny! Can you come out now? Please?” she yelled his name once more, her worries starting to grow bigger. Why on earth was there a nest here with no Conductor? He was nowhere to be found, as she spun around to look at every angle.

Her old concerns started to come back. Where was he? Had he gotten lost? Had he hurt himself somewhere further off? Had monster hunters found him, caught him, and then dragged him away? The more she started to think about it, the more she could feel herself panic.

“Conductor?! Please?! Are you-”

CC stopped as she heard a loud, low growling noise behind her. She recognized that growl. She recognized it too well. She slowly began to turn around, feeling like she already knew what was behind her. Or more specifically, who was behind her.

“…Conductor?”

There he was, standing not too far away from behind her. He was up on his hind legs, and he was incredibly tall compared to her. His eyes seemed to glow a bright sliver, illuminating the darkness. He had an angry scowl on his face and his claws were slightly outstretched. He looked angry, not to mention very feral-looking. CC felt herself stepping back a little, without meaning to. She shouldn’t be afraid. This was Conductor for goodness sake! And she knew he wouldn’t hurt her, right?

She realized he was starting to step closer.

As he took each predatory step towards her, yellow feathers fell off his body and onto the ground. His avian feet crushed the leaves beneath him, making loud crunching noises with each step. CC backed up with each step he took. She knew Conductor still had a temper, even in his beast form. And as much as she didn’t want to admit it right now, she was dealing with a wild animal. Therefore she had to give him some space. Although this was a lot of space, with Conductor getting even closer and closer-

CC’s steps where brought to a halt, as a large tree behind her stopped her from going any further. She watched Conductor, never taking her eyes off of him, as he kept advancing towards her. She felt her pulse beginning to quicken, but she knew not to run. If she were to run, Conductor might start chasing her. But even then...that wouldn’t be a bad thing, right? Because Conductor would never hurt her. And he could still recognize her even in his beast form, couldn’t he?

Conductor was extremely close now, only being a few feet in front of her. His breathing was wild and heavy, the cold creating small puffs of vapor near his beak. His eyes were glowing bright and staring directly at her. CC couldn’t help but press her back up against the tree behind her. She glanced from side to side, but it wouldn’t help to move either direction. At this point, Conductor could easily grab her before she could try to get away. So...looked like she only had one option.

“H-hi, Conductor! Are you doing alright?” CC spoke with fake cheer, her voice quivering a bit. Conductor said nothing, and just stood where he was. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You really made me worried! I thought you were...” she tried to explain to the wereowl, but trailed off at the end. He had started to narrowing his eyes at her and growling deeply, cutting her words off. CC felt herself gulp. “Conductor? Do you not...recognize me?”

Before she could say anything, Conductor took a couple more steps until he was right in front of her. He happened to be so incredibly close, that the feathers on his chest could tickle her nose. She felt herself flinch, despite not wanting to. She slowly looked up, only to get a small dribble of drool on her forehead. She made to wipe off the drool...before realizing that his beak was so close above her head.

“C-Conductor? Please, sweetie, it’s me...” CC felt herself shrinking back and sliding off the tree to gain more room. But Conductor saw this and leaned his beak down closer, and closer. “Do you remember me? It’s me, CC! P-please don’t-” she spoke barely above a whisper. The sensible part of her mind told her to use a spell, any spell! But...she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She couldn’t just hurt the one person she had been trying so hard to look for. He was just confused right now...wasn’t he? He had to be. It’s not like he would try to eat her or-

Without warning, the wereowl clamped it’s massive clawed hands around CC. She let out a shriek, and realized that he was trying to pick her up. She tried to squirm in his grasp as she was being lifted up to his beak. But no matter how much she struggled, his grip was tight enough to keep her stuck. He lifted her up until they were face to face with one another. Or, in this case, face to beak. She felt tears in her eyes as tried to use a spell. But at the same time, she just couldn’t. Not at this position. She could seriously hurt him, or worse…

“Conductor, please...it’s me...” CC felt herself sobbing out of fear. She didn’t want to use a spell. She just couldn’t use a spell. Conductor’s beak came closer to her hair, and he started to sniff her. She tensed, the hot air puffing onto her in small waves. Then, she saw his beak begin to open slowly. She shut her eyes tight, bracing herself. She shook all over, waiting for the clamp of a sharp beak and the breaking of her body. She waited, and…

She could feel her hair being gently nipped at.

She opened her eyes, as Conductor began to lightly preen her hair. He carefully nipped at it with his giant beak, making gravely purring noises. She could see her bangs falling down on her face. Her hair was more or less being made a mess more than being groomed. But hey, at least she was still alive.

“H-hey, stop that! It tickles.” CC started laughing, despite the fresh tears in her eyes. Conductor seemed to understand her, stopping immediately and bringing his head back. He cocked his head in curiosity, letting out a deep chirp. CC started to wipe the tears from her eyes, giving Conductor a smile. “You nearly scared me to death, you know.” she felt herself laughing again, making Conductor look back at her with confusion. She stopped as Conductor leaned in to give her a big nuzzle against her cheek. She was surprised, feeling the fluffiness of his feathers on her skin. “Conductor? Are you feeling alright? You’re usually not so-”

“Woah!” CC yelped out as Conductor brought his head back to turned himself around. He started to walk back, with CC in tow. “Hey! Were are you taking me?!” she asked him, noticing that they weren’t moving in the direction of home. Instead, she turned to see that he was moving towards the huge nest. The one she had found earlier. “Conductor? What are you-” she started to ask. But once they reached the edge of the nest, Conductor carefully lower her down into it. He freed her from his grasp, letting her tumble into the open nest. As she tried to gain her balanced, she found that the inside was rather...soft. “What is…?” CC felt herself say, as she looked down at the bottom of the nest.

There were feathers. Lots of them. An entire pile of feathers was right in the middle of the nest. They were all different sizes and colors. Some were yellow, blue, red, or even slightly green. Others were duller colored, with there also being a few grays, browns, and blacks. Upon closer inspection, some of the black feathers looked...familiar. Were those some of Crowley’s feathers? Actually, now that she looked at the pile closer, she noticed a few of the feathers were covered in blood. This is strange, CC thought to herself. Where did he get all these feathers? And why?

Just then, she heard Conductor’s chirping behind her. She turned around to see him standing behind her, watching eagerly. He plopped onto the ground with a thud, crushing the leaves beneath him. He poked his head in and put his hands on the nest edge, clicking his beak excitedly. Though she couldn’t tell why. What was he trying to tell her?

“Conductor? What’s with all the feathers?” CC decided to ask him. But Conductor said nothing, and continued to chirp at her. He almost looked like he was smiling, as if he was waiting in anticipation. But for what? “I don’t understand. Why did you want me to look at a bunch of feathers?” she asked him again. Conductor’s face seemed to drop once she asked this, and he stood still for a moment.

Conductor’s ears began to fall, and his expression turned from excited to slightly saddened. He whimpered sadly, his head hanging low. And seeing this made CC immediately feel guilty.

“Hey, it’s alright! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you upset!” she tried to comfort him, panicking that she did something wrong. She quickly turned around to the feathers, and picked one from the bunch. Not knowing what else to do, she offered the feather to Conductor. “Here! Will this make you feel better?” she asked, holding out one of the black feathers, the one that she figured was Crowley’s. Conductor perked up at this, staring at her hand and the feather.

He let out an annoyed chirp and nudged it back towards her.

“Wha-?” CC said, as she watched Conductor using the tip of his beak to shove her hand. “No, no. Here, I want you to take it!” she offered again, pushing her hand back to him. Conductor stared again, before puffing up his feathers and making an annoyed face. This time he used his whole head to pushed her back, nearly tipping her over. But CC managed to catch herself, before almost falling back into the feather pile. She looked back at him, confused, and then back at the feather. “I don’t understand. Why won’t you take it?” she asked him, before picking up a few more. Maybe he wanted a different-

Conductor let out a loud squawk, making CC jump in surprise. She looked back at him, and he almost looked like he was smiling back. His ears twitched and she could hear a steady thumping noise from behind him. Was he...wagging his tail? She decided to pick up another, and then another. The Conductor steadily watched her, his eyes gleaming excitedly. He seemed to act really happy when she picked up the feathers. But why was that the case? Unless…could it be?

“Are these...for me?” CC asked the wereowl, slightly amazed. And she was even more amazed when he quickly nodded back. She took a moment to look at the feathers in her hands, then back at the pile of feathers. “Did you get all of these for me?” she asked him again. And Conductor let out a happy chirp. She felt herself dumbfounded. Was this why he hadn’t come home before the others? It was because he spent all night getting these feathers as gifts? To her of all people? She kept staring at Conductor.

She couldn’t help herself, as a huge grin spread across her face.

CC smiled, and stood herself back up in the nest. She started to come closer to Conductor, carefully making sure not to step on any more of the feathers. She stopped until she was at the very edge of the nest.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” she smiled, slowly reaching out a hand to pet him. And the wereowl was quick to accept it, pushing his head into her hand. She smiled, running her fingers through his soft feathers. And she chuckled to herself as Conductor purred deeply. “But next time...” she added in, stopping the petting so Conductor would listen. “Maybe you should have warned me about this first.” she scolded him, wagging a finger in his direction. The wereowl nipped at the air playfully, which caused her to take her hand back. She then smiled, and gave his beak a big hug. “You rascal!” she laughed, before planting a small kiss on his beak. Conductor froze still once she did, the still-human-part of him causing him to blush underneath his feathers.

“Alright, come on. I think it’s about time we go home.” CC announces, getting up off of Conductor’s beak and patting it lightly. Conductor growled after, slightly upset that they were leaving the nest so soon. “Come now, you’ve been out here long enough.” CC scolded him again, like he was a giant puppy dog out on a walk. “We need to get home, before everyone gets worried.” she said laughing at the last part a bit. Conductor simply grunted, standing himself back up on his feet. But he didn’t leave just yet. Instead, he waited for CC as she made to get out of the nest.

But she stopped for a moment, not getting out just yet.

“Hold on.” CC told him, before going back to the feather pile. “I want to take some of these home with me. I think I know what I’ll do with them...” she said as she rummaged through the fluffy pile. She couldn’t take all of them, she knew this. There were just too many to carry! So instead, she picked out all the ones that she thought would be best. She picked out a different colored one each time, tossing the blood-covered ones aside. She stuffed the feathers that she liked into her coat pocket, but only a few of them. And yet, as she looked through the pile for one last feather, she felt like she was missing something.

She then remembered the feather in her coat pocket, and quickly went to pull it out. Conductor noticed this, clicking his beak at her curiously. She took it out, looking it over like she did before. She went to touch its edges, the softness still very much there. Out of all the feathers he picked out for her, none of them were his own. Which was a shame, because his feathers were so very soft…

CC let out a surprised yelp as she felt Conductor’s hands lifting her back up. Before she even knew what happened, Conductor had picked her up out of the nest himself. He then dropped her back onto the ground, and she somehow managed to keep herself steady. CC took a moment to look back up at Conductor, who was giving her a rather impatient look.

“Alright, alright. You’re just testing me tonight, aren’t you?” CC fussed at him, only receiving a quiet growl as a response. Yet despite this, she gave him a warm and endearing smile. She reached for his hand, quickly taking hold of it. Conductor’s ears perked up, as he looked down at her in confusion. She just came closer, leaning her face against his feathery arm. She sighed, happy that she had managed to find him. “Come on, sugar.” she came off his shoulder to give his hand a slight tug.

“Let’s get you home.”

[ikesenlemonadestandstories]

Sugar

Felt like swimming in a sea of cotton candy and clouds this evening after my post this afternoon. Here is some fluffy modern AU Nobunaga to cleanse the palate. Got some help from a few lovely people :) thanks 

Had Yiruma’s - ‘Love Me’ and ‘Kiss the Rain’ on loop while I wrote this if you’re looking to set the mood?

All other Ikesen works are located to the right on the Master List. Without further ado...I give you...Nobunaga One-Shot! tagging @little-mini-me-world

Always <3 Admin T~

---------

It had been a long day at the office, it felt like everyone was either sick or on vacation, leaving him to do the job of four people. What a nightmare. As a result he hadn’t been home much, and while he typically enjoyed his work, not being able to interact with you was starting to gnaw at him. Pulling into his designated parking spot in the garage under his apartment, he sighed trying to weigh all of the pros and cons to calling you at this hour of the night.  He knew you wouldn’t mind, you never did, but just because he never slept didn’t mean that you needed to be kept up all night as well.

He slid the keys into the lock on the heavy apartment door, it turned with the familiar heavy thunk as he let himself in. Reaching for the light switch he noticed the incandescent above the sink was already on gently illuminating the kitchen. Odd. He thought he had turned those off this morning. Opening the fridge to grab a very late dinner and maybe a glass of wine, he found stacks of Tupperware littered with sticky notes in your pretty, swirly cursive.

“For a late night” unfolding the directions underneath the note that read - Miss you babe, borrowed your kitchen to make something yummy for your so I at least know you’re being fed properly. Each sticky note has a clue to the candy of your dreams! Enjoy <3

I fished through the rest of the fridge finding notes leading me to the containers labeled “snack” “something healthy that doesn’t taste like dirt” “lunch” going through them all until I reached the last one on the counter behind my toaster, “for the konpeito feind.”

Naturally I reached for the box, inside was meticulously arranged sugar stars, clearly home made just based on the lack of a uniformity in their shape. I rolled one between my fingers, feeling the dull ridges before placing it on my tongue. It was perfect, not too sweet, staying around just the right amount of time. Not like some of those convenience story candies where the sugar took so long to dissolve they seemed to hold your mouth captive, these were something to marvel at, and keep hidden from Hideyoshi for certain.

He slipped off his tie hanging in haphazardly over his briefcase while he sat on the couch taking his dress shoes off, waiting for his dinner to finish reheating. The shrill beep of the microwave roused him from his thoughts, pulling the dinner you had made him out onto the counter, he absentmindedly stirred it around before popping it back in. He had three minutes to kill so it made sense that he whould go change and eat in something a little more comfortable.

About to turn on the overhead can lights in his room, he stopped when he heard a soft mumble and saw the human sized lump in his bed. What was he going to do with you? Changing quickly he sat softly near the head of the bed, gently tangling a broad calloused hand in the hair closest to your scalp. He honestly hadn’t meant for it to get stuck, but here he was, microwave screaming in the adjacent room, hand stuck to your head. If there was ever a time to silently panic it was now. Using the hand he had originally placed on the mattress for balance to try and help the other, he successfully freed himself without relieving you of too many soft strands.

Bending over he gave you the softest kiss to your forehead before gliding out of the room to finish his dinner. At least that had been the idea, the moment his lips pulled back your dark heavy lashes fluttered and you looked up at him in a daze. After several quiet seconds a lazy smile graced your perfect lips and he found himself at a loss for words as your curled up against his thigh. This time, he ran a hand softly over your hair following it all the way down your back, and your smiled only grew, who needed lights when all he needed was this to brighten his night? You softly nuzzled against him before drawing back to look him in the eyes.

“Welcome home.” and his heart danced in his chest, fluttering around until the sensation reached his toes. This. This was what he wanted. What he needed, that one simple phrase had melted all of the days stresses away, his mind completely devoid of anything work related. He looked down at you again, now lids heavy, as your breathing grew deeper and steady. He gently pried you off him, working his way back to the kitchen...he needed to put the chicken away or all your hard work would go to waste, and he couldn’t have that.

He padded back into the room to see your slight frame curled up with one of the many pillows on the bed. It wasn’t long until he worked his way in beside you, leaning over you to kiss the soft patch of skin just below your ear, whispering the faintest of “I love you’s” before curling you up in his sure embrace as he fell asleep to the rhythm of your breathing.

[foodcloud]

Get Order Baked Snacks - Food Cloud

There are a lot of options available to you when it comes to where to order baked snacks. Food Cloud is an app that lets you order them from local restaurants and bakeries and have them delivered directly to your doorstep. Its free delivery service is convenient, and you can even get them delivered for free! This app is great for people with dietary restrictions or food allergies. The app has an easy-to-use website, which you can visit to place your order.

There are plenty of places to order healthy baked snacks from, but Food Cloud is one of the best. This online bakery curates a list of healthy Paleo snacks that you'll love. For instance, their baked mathi has 70% less fat and 30% less salt than most other snacks! No matter what your diet is like, you'll be able to find a variety of options on Food Cloud. If you're looking for healthy, delicious snacks, try Food Cloud. It's worth every penny!

Many people love to eat brownies, granola bars, cookies, muffins, and cakes. However, buy homemade baked snacks isn't always as simple as you think. There are many options, including packaged, pre-made treats, so you'll want to take into consideration the following three factors before making a decision. One: the snack you choose should be guilt-free. If you're looking for a snack that will keep you satisfied and keep you from getting sick, then you'll want to consider ordering an item from an online store.

Have you ever wondered how to order homemade baked snacks? These delicious baked goods are easy to make at home, and are deliciously healthy! Healthy baked snacks include apples, carrots, cheez-its crackers, and banana boats. You can find many different recipes on the Tip Junkie Creative Community, which offers over 340 recipes. To make Caramelized Apple Chips, just combine apples with water and sugar. Afterward, add cinnamon and sugar to taste.

There are plenty of ways to make tasty, healthy baked snacks that don't contain refined ingredients. You don't have to give up all of your favorite potato chips, so you can enjoy a snack that is not only healthy, but also delicious. These snacks are great to have on hand and are ideal for on-the-go eating because they can be stored in a fridge or freezer until you need them. They are also a great way to stay away from unhealthy, high-fat and high-calorie snacks.

Muffins are a great choice for healthy baked snacks, as they naturally portioned into perfect snack size servings. They also freeze well, so you can easily reheat them in the microwave when you need a quick bite. Blueberry muffins are a delicious option - they are sweet, but not overly so. They're also the perfect size for pre-dinner snacking. And because they're low-calorie, you can even freeze them for up to two weeks.

If you don't want to make a sandwich, you can also opt for a snack made of vegetables. Carrot chips, baked sweet potatoes, and eggplant sticks are great for snacking. Baked eggplant sticks are quick and easy to make and go great with marinara sauce. Crusty roasted chickpeas are another tasty option. The recipe only requires a few ingredients, including apples, water, sugar, and soy sauce.

 The order baked snacks market is expected to witness significant growth over the next several years, as more consumers opt for these foods. With millennials becoming health conscious, baked savoury snacks are becoming increasingly popular. And with the rising popularity of on-the-go foods, manufacturers are coming up with new recipes and styles to make them more palatable. ITC, for instance, recently introduced Bingo Starters, which are healthy baked snacks. With this product, the company aimed to satisfy changing tastes and desires of the consumers.

For those on a budget, you can opt for no-bake granola bars. They take just 15 minutes to make and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. They also make delicious energy balls and savory snacks. Make sure to use low-sodium baking powder to avoid affecting your sugar intake. Just be sure to watch the sodium content - too much salt can lead to increased blood pressure. So, try these delicious baked treats and stay healthy. And remember, don't forget to enjoy them with your favorite drink.

If you're looking for a buy homemade baked snacks to eat for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, consider making your own granola bars. This recipe is easy and low-sugar and packed with good-for-you ingredients. They're also vegan, low-glycemic, and delicious. You'll be glad you tried it. This snack is an ideal way to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep your blood sugar levels steady all day long.

Another order healthy baked snacks option is dried oranges. These treats are a great choice for after-school snacks. They are great finger foods for toddlers and are great for after-school or recess snacks. These are also easy to make at home and can be eaten by the whole family. And if you don't want to use a dehydrator, you can simply dry oranges in the oven. Then, you can use them for any purpose you wish.

[mydin76]

Use this bank holiday weekend to boost your health and wellbeing

You can’t remember the last time you had any annual leave, you’re in the middle of a massive project at work and you haven’t had time to watch any Netflix at all this week. Just when you thought things were getting on top of you, you remember a glimmer of hope on the horizon…a online pharmacy .

Bank holidays can be a great time to stop for a moment and take stock. Stress might’ve been building at work and people have been bringing a lot of cakes into the office (it’s rude not to accept one… or three, right?) so you might not be in tip top condition. An extra day off work can help to dust off the cobwebs and get your mojo back.

Meal plans

Working sporadic hours and overtime can mean that healthy eating goes out the window. Having a free day can help you plan your meals for the week ahead. Therefore, research recipes online and make a rota to decide what to prepare. Do a food-shop to ensure you have all the ingredients you’ll need, otherwise it’s easy to discard plans if you have to buy things after work. Sticking to a list when you go shopping also means that you won’t go ad-hoc and pick up lots of things you don’t need.

Why not make the first meal you’ve planned on your day off? You can whack it in the fridge and reheat it when you get home from work the next day. In fact, you could do this for a few of the meals you’ve planned just to get you started and practice the recipes. It takes the stress out of deciding what you’re going to cobble together with the contents of your cupboard on the way home from work. As well, snacking is a big issue too and all too often grazing at your desk all day can lead to piling on the pounds; bring in healthy things to nibble on like vegetables or seeds.

Reassess

It’s very tempting to go and spend all day in the pub on a bank holiday and drink or smoke excessively, ending the evening by stopping off at your local takeaway for a burger. But a bank holiday can give you time to refocus. Make a plan for your bank holiday that doesn’t involve the bad stuff; revisit something you love whether it’s reading, writing, knitting or catching up with friends. Making plans means you’re less likely to fall off the wagon.

Even sitting down and calculating how much you spend a month on smoking, drinking and junk food can give you some clarity. Give yourself some targets, this might be financial or health wise. You can plan on putting the money you save per month towards a reward, which could be something like a holiday.

However, it’s difficult to cut out some things altogether, so don’t try and do this straight away. Even cutting down slightly on your vices can make a big difference to your overall wellbeing and wallet. There’re plenty of apps you can download which can help you record the units of alcohol consumed, money saved on cigarettes and calories saved on junk food. You’ll find yourself feeling less lethargic and with more energy in no time.

Exercise

Your bank holiday could be the start of a new exercise regime and use each bank holiday as a marker to help measure your progress. Put together an achievable training plan that fits around your working schedule. There’re plenty of plans put together by personal trainers online and you can find one that suits you. Don’t go too hard straight away, you need to be realistic. It’s important to build on the regime you do choose though and increase the intensity of your workouts, otherwise you won’t improve. Identify exercises or sporting activities that you find fun, so that you’re more incentivised to complete them. Training with a friend can also be a good idea as you can encourage each other and it’s more difficult to get out of, as you’ll feel guilty cancelling.

You don’t have to be a gym member to have a good workout. Little things like walking home instead of getting the bus or doing a few sit-ups in the ad-breaks of the programme you’re watching can all add up. The benefits of exercise and a better diet aren’t just physical, your mental wellbeing can also improve and they can give you more energy and help you to deal better with stress.

[leftfics]

It’s One of Those Days

Dream Daddy, VegaMarch fic. Rated T for sexual suggestion (there is nothing explicitly sexual or intended). WC: 2532

AO3 Link

“Nah, nothing’s wrong. I just… wanted to make sure. Nothing big happened today?” Lucien cautioned. “Not a thing, son.” Oh. Lucien thinks he understands now. It’s one of those days.

He heard the jingling of keys, the muted crack of the door, and then the dragging of feet. Lucien was on the couch, scrolling through his phone as his dad returned from work.

“Hello, Lucien. How was school?” came the rehearsed question.

“Fine, dad,” came the automatic response. But something about the way his father merely hummed, dropping his work bag soundly by the foot of the stairs, pulled Lucien’s attention just the slightest. “How was work today?” he cautioned, “Everything go alright?”

“Yes, of course. Nothing particularly eventful transpired today,” Damien replied as almost a question. Lucien was still wary about that answer. His father sounded sincere in saying nothing upsetting had happened, yet held himself with a stature that suggested everything but.

“You sure? Kevin is giving you space? Leonard didn’t try to fix something out of his pay grade again, did he?” Lucien sat up on the couch, looking over the back of it to see Damien standing listlessly at the kitchen island.

“No, not at all. In fact, most of the troublemakers were quite docile. Sharnelle from work even brought donuts in today. She saved the dairy-free one for me. Why? Is something wrong, son? It’s rare to see you so invested in my boring world of computers.” Damien cracked a wry smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Nah, nothing’s wrong. I just… wanted to make sure. Nothing big happened today?” he cautioned.

“Not a thing, son.”

Oh. Lucien thinks he understands now.

It’s one of those days.

Quickly, Lucien tapped out a text. Locking his phone screen, he hopped off the couch to go to his dad. He righted the slumped-over work bag, slipping out Damien’s water bottle to place in the fridge. Keys went swiped off the dining table and placed in the bowl by the door.

“Did you eat yet, dad?” Lucien already knew the answer, walking over to the pantry to search for a few ingredients for some classic comfort food. “I was gonna make pasta for tonight.”

“Thank you, dear.”

Lucien frowned just the slightest, away from Damien’s line of sight. His father was wearing out fast. These noodles would need to cook accordingly. Damn, why can’t water boil right away? He broke the pasta into the water, covering it loosely before turning around to see Damien sitting at the island, gaze a million miles away. It didn’t seem that his dad was going to snap out of it any time soon, not on his own.

Remembering how his father occupied his free-time in the past few days, Lucien silently slipped upstairs to the library in Damien’s home office, shuffling through the books that were strewn across his desk. Lucien scanned the titles, finding a crinkled paperback, pages soft with use and bent just the slightest from every read. Oscar Wilde’s A Life in Letters. It was safe and something his father could read on even the worst of days.Especially on his worst days. Damien could probably recite every entry by now.

Lucien jogged down the stairs and slipped the book near his father, barely sparing Damien a glance as he went back to watching the pasta.

“It’ll take about half an hour,” he said in lieu of explaining himself.

The only sounds in the kitchen were of the bubbling water and scuffs of wooden spoon against a metal pot. Lucien wouldn’t have been worried on a regular day, but this wasn't one. Lucky enough, he heard their sliding door click about, signaling that someone was coming in.

“Hey Lucien, hey Damien,” Ernest greeted, toeing his muddy shoes off and tucking his bag underneath the island.

“Oh! Ernest, I didn’t realize you were coming over, dear boy. Let me get you a snack, do you want something to drink?” Damien shot upright and went for the fridge but a pale hand stopped him.

“Don’t sweat it, dad. Ernest is my guest. I’ll handle it.” He turned to the smaller boy. “You want anything, bro? I’m cooking pasta, it’ll be done in a bit.”

“Nah, I’m fine man. I can wait.” Ernest sat at the island adjacent to Damien, pulling his laptop out of his bag. “Hey Damien, do you wanna listen to this track me, Sita, and Pablo have been working on? I was gonna show Lucien but, uh, you can listen if you wanna. Or whatever.”

“I would love to, darling. You said you collaborated with Carmensita and Pablo? What project is this?” Damien certainly sounded interested, but Ernest could tell that behind his eyes, the man was using up what little energy he had left to be invested. Damn him.

“Sita’s dad was talking about getting some new ambiance music for his store, he asked if we wanted to help out. I’m more of a lyric guy, but Sita and Pab looked really excited so I agreed to collab.” Ernest tugged at the edges of his hood, looking away from Damien’s inquisitive eyes.

Lucien had asked him to come over and help cheer up his dad. Ernest liked Damien enough, and he’s been over often, even a healthy handful of times where Lucien wasn’t in the house. Damien was as much Ernest’s friend as Lucien was, and if there was anything Ernest prided himself over, it would be how much he cared about his friends.

“Anyway, here’s Wonderwall.” It wasn’t Wonderwall.

What came out of the laptop was low synth, some expert guitar picking, and what sounded like a record crackling. Eventually, a steady, jazz drum beat kicked in, adding a bit of pop to the mix. There weren’t many lyrics, but what was there sounded like a sound clip from some classic Hollywood film. Casablanca, Damien thinks.

“This is beautiful, Ernest. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything quite like it,” he hummed.

“Thanks,” came the mumbled reply.

Overall the music was incredibly calming, washing over the still, late Thursday afternoon. The three of them were a regular Edward Hopper, locked in a moment of time. Lucien was watching the pot, Ernest was working on some homework, and Damien was glossing over his book.

Ernest shared a couple looks with Lucien, glancing quickly over at Damien to assess the situation. He wasn’t completely sure what to do in times like this and Lucien was being no help.

“Are you in a talking mood, Damien?” he asked.

“If there’s something on your mind, son, you needn’t hesitate with me.”

“No, it’s not that. I’ll talk if you wanna talk. I don’t have a ton to say, but I’m, like, being considerate and shi—uh, stuff.” Ernest threw a glance to Damien before darting back to his paper. Damn, he hated math.

“I’d like to hear about your day. Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee I’ll be a very good conversation partner.” At least Damien was being honest with himself.

“Yeah, I can do that. Uh, lemme see. So dad dropped me and Lucien off at school. Lucien went to his early class, and I hung out with some people at breakfast in the cafeteria. Sita came in later when breakfast was about to end, OH, but it’s okay! ‘Cuz she had her pill speaker with her! And…”

Lucien stopped listening for a second to pull out his phone, scrolling through his contacts to find the last piece to their puzzle.

Wrestle Dad

L: hey are you out of the school yet

H: ? Yes, I just came home. H: It’s quiet, is Ernest with you?

L: ye he is. im making pasta for dinner, you should come over too

H: Is something wrong? Are you all okay?

L: we’re fine. nothing bad, don’t freak out, hugo. it’s just dinner

H: Alright then, I’ll be there shortly. Thanks for cooking, do you want me to bring anything over?

L: np. bring garlic bread if you guys still have some. dad doesn’t eat it, but regular humans do

Read 5:36pm  

“... so the bell’s about to ring but I can’t stop dancing now or I would lose! But Sita just picked up her speaker and started walking down the hall to her class, so obviously I had to follow her, but I couldn’t stop dancing. I ended up walking all the way to her class, but I finished the song just before the bell rang. Then I had to run out and get to my class before the teacher got angry. It was pretty funny, and I got five bucks out of it.” Ernest continued.

Lucien started draining the noodles, half listening to Ernest, half trying not to burn himself as the steam came up and fogged his entire face. He placed the noodles into the sauce and stirred the carbonara thoroughly, complete with his favorite greens and a healthy serving of vegan meatballs.

“Food’s done,” he called, nodding at Ernest to get him to help set up the table. They moved over to the dining table to set it all as the sliding door clicked again, signalling Hugo’s entrance.

“Hello everyone. It smells great in here, Lucien,” he greeted, slipping off his shoes and heading straight to Damien. “Good afternoon, love. How was work today?” he asked into Damien’s temple, leaving whisper soft kisses there.

“Uneventful, dear. I received a donut, although.” Damien turned his head slightly to plant a welcome kiss onto Hugo’s lips, wrapping his arms as best he could around the teacher from their position.

“Sounds eventful to me, cariño,” he returned somewhere in the region between Damien’s mouth and his chin.

“Disgusting!” Ernest fake gagged and Lucien placed his hand over Ernest’s eyes.

“Fathers, in front of our salad?”

“There’s no salad on the—”

“Think of the children! Of the pasta.”

“Alright, you two, knock that off. Overdramatic children don’t get garlic bread.” Hugo waved the tupperware of reheated bread menacingly at the kids, unwrapping himself from Damien but leading him to his seat, all the same.

He could tell immediately why Lucien had given him the impromptu invitation. Damien was wilting when he came in. Hugo held his hand as he took his seat next to Damien, squeezing it gently but making sure not to have a hint of pity in his eyes. He wasn’t sad for Damien, he just wanted his boyfriend to be happy again.

They ate at their normal volume level, minus one voice. Damien chimed in the best he could, but as it was, he was running on reserves. Not even his portion of the meal was as big as it usually is.

Days were discussed, teasing remarks thrown back and forth. It was normal, comfortable, almost routine. Most importantly, it was safe, it made Damien feel safe, having his family all in one room, the grounding presence of Hugo’s hand on his. His energy might have left him, but so were the clouds fogging his mind.

After dishes were cleared, the Vega boys offered to clean up, Lucien retreating off to his room and Damien still sitting where they had left him. Hugo caught that thousand-yard stare and turned to snap Damien out of it.

“Go upstairs, hon. I’ll meet you when we’re finished down here,” he punctuated with a soft peck under Damien’s jaw. He received a nod in reply, watching with sad eyes as Damien slowly made his way up the stairs.

“Is he gonna be okay?” Ernest asked quietly, focused on the dish at hand.

“Of course, mijo. It’s not the first time this has happened, and it won’t be the last. The important part is that we are there for each other. Damien has always helped us, even from the day we first moved here. I can only hope that one day we can repay him.” Hugo sighed as he continued scrubbing a bit of dried pasta stuck to the pot.

“Damien likes us, doesn’t he? Then I think we’ve repaid him plenty. But I still like doing nice things for him and Lucien. They’re, like, our best friends.”

“They really are, kiddo.”

After the dishes were complete, Hugo dried off his hands and climbed the stairs to get to Damien’s room. He entered, seeing Damien sitting at the head of his bed, knees pulled up and gazing straight ahead. The only reason Hugo knew Damien acknowledged him was because of the slow turn of his stare and the faintest uptick of his lips.

“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you changed into something more comfortable.” Hugo approached Damien, gingerly picking up his hand to lead him onto his feet, slipping the glasses off his face. He started by shuffling through the drawers and finding some loungewear for Damien.

First, Hugo slowly began unbuttoning Damien’s polo, untucking it from his jeans and lifting it over Damien’s head. Immediately, Hugo leant up to kiss at the crook of Damien’s neck, trailing onto the strap of his binder and ending at the edge of his shoulder.

The binder itself was the next to go, Hugo gingerly peeling it off, trying not to move too roughly. Hugo trailed his hands down Damien’s ribcage and rubbed gently, helping the muscles acclimate to the lack of confines. He turned Damien around and massaged at his neck and back.

“Does this feel okay, love?” he whispered onto a pale shoulder.

“Perfect, my dearest,” Damien hummed back, lolling his head to one side. Hugo definitely took that opportunity to cover his mouth onto that spot.

He grabbed the shirt he picked—one of Hugo’s own, actually—and threaded it onto Damien. The messy ponytail on Damien’s head was carefully plucked off, Hugo regathering hair to put it into a loose bun.

From his position behind Damien, he slipped his arms around Damien’s waist and went to pop the button of his jeans as he rest his chin on the taller man’s shoulder. Once unbuttoned and unzipped, Hugo placed a finger on the waistband of Damien’s boxer-briefs as a way of asking permission.

“Would you like me to take it out?” he whispered gently, stroking across the waist band. He felt Damien nod his head, and that was all Hugo needed to quietly take out his packer, setting it aside and then helping him step out of his jeans. Hugo bent down to help loop Damien’s feet through his lounge pants, stopping to kiss at the tops of Damien’s thighs as the pants were pulled up, cinched around the waist.

“Do you need anything, cariño?” Hugo let his lips ghost over Damien’s lips, chin, jaw, and throat, waiting patiently for an answer. His hands were at Damien’s hips, tracing soft, warm circles with his thumbs. He was almost worried at how long it was taking Damien to answer, but at the feeling of two arms coming up to wrap around his shoulders, Hugo relaxed.

“Hold me, my love. I just want to hear you breathe.”

Hugo led them back to the bed, still on top of the covers but snuggled close together. He had Damien’s head on his chest, the both of them curling into each other. Hugo’s free hand came to rest on Damien’s back, swirling around in meaningless shapes. His lips were firmly planted on the crown of Damien’s head, and he listened until their breaths were in sync.

“For you, mi amor, anything.”

[frostedpetticoat]

Stylish Summertime Tupperware Lemonade & Snack Bar

Thank you Tupperware for sponsoring this post.

The official start of summer is moments away and with it comes a wave of nostalgia. The smell of sunblock, salty beach breeze, melting popsicles, and snacking out of Tupperware containers. Today I’ll be serving up warm-weather memories by creating a stylish summertime lemonade and snack bar for all your entertaining needs.

The biggest hosting challenge I face during the summer months is the critters. We have all been there… the watermelon is perfectly sliced, veggies & dip set out for the munching, ice-cold lemonade glistening in the sunshine, and bugs on every edible surface. You finally get to enjoy some outdoor adventures in the sun and you end up swatting at flies the whole time. It’s one of life’s horrible ironies. Especially now that I live in Texas, this has become a quite unappetizing problem. The flies in the Lone Star State are literally the size of quarters. They’re huge and can sniff out an exposed piece of fruit from a mile away. So like my mother before me, I have turned to an old school, but still terribly stylish, solution… Tupperware!

Normally, when you think of Tupperware, you might think of storing goods in the pantry or leftovers in the fridge. But did you know that they have a whole colorful array of serving and entertaining products?! I know! This realization was like being smiled upon by the nostalgic entertaining gods! The Tupperware Impressions Collection is the perfect solution to all summertime party woes. Here’s how I am utilizing the set to pull off proper summertime entertaining…

Whether it is inside the house or out, I will be using the Tupperware Impressions Collection to create a Stylish Summertime Lemonade & Snack Bar. This way, all the ingredients are set for a fun warm-weather day, without having to worry about keeping the items fresh or away from swarming critters. The set includes: 1 2-Qt./2L Pitcher with Infuser Insert set, 1 Serving Center® Set, Tupperware® Impressions 16-oz./500 mL Tumblers set, 1 Tupperware® Impressions Classic Bowl Set, and Microwave Reheatable Luncheon Plates. Each item in the set is absolutely fabulous, so let’s walk through them together.

The gorgeous Pitcher with Infuser Insert is a wonderful way to offer up a unique summer lemonade. I suggest filling the Infuser Insert with fruit for a fruity and customized drink for all your adventures in the sun.

Once your fruity lemonade is ready for sipping, you’ll want to have a set of Tupperware® Impressions 16-oz./500 mL Tumblers on hand. Not only are they perfectly sealed to keep the drink fresh and bug-free, they’re vibrant colors make for some serious summer vibes.

The Tupperware Serving Center® Set is the piece-de-resistance of the entertaining bar. It’s unique design is ideal for separating and organizing anything from taco fillings, ice cream toppings, fresh fruit and chocolate sauce, fresh vegetables and dip, condiments for cookouts and more. I’ve set out a fun and eclectic array of dipping goodies and munchies for breaks between running through the sprinklers.

Next I used the Tupperware Impressions Classic Bowl Set to create a tower of snacking goodness. Featuring watermelon slices, kettle corn, and chips for dipping, I am keeping the seals on for maximum freshness.

And last, but certainly not least, the Tupperware Microwave Reheatable Luncheon Plates are on hand for when it’s time to take a break from the heat and raid the Lemonade & Snack bar.

Isn’t Tupperware perfect for the summer months? Their products allow you to live smarter with innovative kitchen solutions from food preparation, to storage, to cooking. Tupperware gives you efficient tools, so you can focus on yourself, have more time to live life, and prepare healthy meals. Make sure to visit the Tupperware website to purchase your own Serving Center® Set today.

from http://bit.ly/2X2A34i via IFTTT

[fuelyogurt6-blog]

30 Easy Recipes for College Students

It’s that time again! Time to settle in for the semester and really hit the books. But don’t let food take a back seat. You need to keep yourself nourished and full of energy to make it through those classes, study sessions, and that part-time job, too. I know it’s easier to just stop and grab some fast food, but taking a few minutes to prepare a homemade meal can be both nutritious and therapeutic. So, I’ve put together this list of 30 Easy Recipes for College Students to help you get through the semester without coming out the other side feeling like a casualty!

And just as a side note, these are recipes for college students who have access to a kitchen, even if a very limited kitchen. With all the restrictions on equipment allowed in dorm rooms, dorm room cooking is a whole different beast. Originally Posted 8-23-2014, updated 8-17-18.

I was a broke college student when I started this blog, so this is a category that I am very familiar with. To make the cut for this list of Easy Recipes for College Students, the recipes had to be simple (not many ingredients, no fancy equipment, and a simple preparation method), they had to strike a good balance between comfort and healthy (because let’s face it, when you’re stressed you want comfort but eating bad can make you feel worse), and they needed to make good leftovers.

I’ve divided this list into four categories: Easy Dinners, Snack Foods, Make Ahead Meals (including breakfast options), and Cold Meals (perfect for taking with you to school).

Easy Dinners

Curried Chickpeas with Spinach – When the autumn nights start to get a chilly bite, warm up with a hot bowl of these hearty curried chickpeas with spinach. Packed with flavor, this vegan dish is delicious and filling enough to finally bring vegetarians and carnivores together over one meal.

Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles – The next time you’re tempted to grab take out, try this incredibly simple noodle stir fry. It will satisfy those take out cravings, but you’ll have complete control over the ingredients. Add some simple steamed greens to round out the meal! (Or try the original, vegetarian version of Dragon Noodles)

One Pot Chili Pasta – This One Pot Chili Pasta is total comfort food, but with all the goodness of beans and no-mystery ingredients like you get with boxed hamburger meals. And I promise, this is SO EASY with just one pot to wash afterward. ;) Oh, and this makes great leftovers, so you’re set for the week! (Here is my vegetarian version, Cheesy Vegetarian Chili Mac)

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry – Grab a bag of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots), and this meal is insanely fast and easy to make. Better yet, it’s full of fiber and protein, so you can help curb that freshman 15. ;) (Feel free to use ground pork, turkey, or chicken in place of the Beef, if preferred.)

Bowties and Broccoli – This has been my go-to “emergency meal” for decades. Literally. There’s nothing more satisfying than pasta with a little butter and Parmesan, and I add broccoli florets to balance things out, plus a little pepper and red pepper flakes for kicks. Insanely easy and all of the ingredients can be kept on hand pretty much indefinitely, so it’s ready to go whenever you need something FAST.

Poor Man’s Burrito Bowls – We all know burrito bowls are life (thanks, Chipotle!), but they don’t have to be fancy to be super delicious or satisfying. This is my pared down, no frills, as-simple-as-it-gets version of a burrito bowl because when you’re in college, ain’t nobody got time or money for all those fancy toppings! Bonus: you can meal prep these!

Creamy Tuna Pasta with Peas and Parmesan – Are you feeling homesick? This comfy pasta will remind you of home and those boxed pasta meals mom used to make, but it’s all simple ingredients that you can feel good about. This one is for those weekend that you can’t get home to see your mom (but sorry, I can’t help with your laundry).

Weeknight Black Bean Chili – I call this one “weeknight” black bean chili because it’s a super fast and easy version of chili. No need to let this one simmer on the stove top all day for maximum flavor. Throw this warm and hearty chili on the stove for your tailgating parties, or just when you need something to keep you warm and full as you study.

Dragon Noodles – And of course this list wouldn’t be complete without the classic Dragon Noodles. They’re faster than take-out, super delicious, and completely customizable. Throw in any vegetables you might in have in the fridge, or try changing up the sauce with a little peanut butter or lime. Browse through the comments to discover all the variations readers have made over the years!

One Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese – If you think homemade mac and cheese is complicated, think again. This version uses ONE POT and comes together quickly without having to make a roux-based cheese sauce. Check out the plain (no bacon or broccoli) version here: Will It Skillet Mac and Cheese (it can be made in a pot instead of a skillet)

Snack Foods

Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas – Quesadillas are the perfect snack (just ask Taco Bell). This spicy vegetarian mix of black beans, corn, onion, and cheese is 100x better than anything you’ll get at the drive through. More flavor, more fiber, more filling, and still extremely easy. Promise.

Spinach Feta Grilled Cheese – Grilled cheese is the ultimate study/comfort food. Take it up a level with some frozen spinach, a little garlic, red pepper flakes, and feta. You now have a super fancy grilled cheese AND a good dose of vegetables. WIN.

Pizzadillas – When you have a pizza craving (when do you not have a pizza craving??) but don’t have the time or energy to make a homemade pizza yourself, pizzadillas are you quick and easy answer! Plus, without all that thick buttery crust, they’re probably a little more healthy, too. ;) No delivery fee for the win!!

Pizza Roll Ups – OR make your pizza in roll up form. It’s still way faster and easier than making traditional pizza, and a LOT less expensive than ordering delivery. These are great for football parties, too!

Caramelized Banana and Peanut Butter “Quesadillas” – If you have a sweet tooth, this is the PERFECT quick snack! Creamy peanut butter and caramelized banana slices make the perfect sweet and warm gooey filling for a crispy tortilla. YUM.

Ultimate BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – These are SO GOOD you guys! Plus you can make a batch ahead and stash them in your freezer. Then just warm them slowly in a skillet over low flame until they defrost and heat through, and the tortilla gets nice and crispy!

Homemade Freezer Garlic Bread – Put down that box of frozen garlic bread! It’s far too easy and inexpensive to make your own! Keep these garlic bread slices in your freezer and on hand for anytime that you get a craving. They also make a pretty killer grilled cheese sandwich, too. Talk about study fuel!

Creamy Black Bean Taquitos – Why is food so much better when you can dip it? I don’t know, but it’s true. These cute little vegetarian Creamy Black Bean Taquitos are the perfect snack for studying with their crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy filling. MMmmmmm.

Make Ahead Meals

Golden Milk Overnight Oats – Golden milk lattes are probably the hottest drink at that trendy cafe on the edge of campus, but you don’t need to spend $4.50 to get the health benefits of golden milk. Make it a meal by soaking your oats in the delicious golden milk overnight, so you have pre-made breakfasts to grab and go all week!

Make Ahead Microwave Breakfast Scrambles – If savory breakfasts are more your jam, try these make-ahead egg scrambles. The ingredients are customizable and all you have to do is add an egg, stir, and microwave each morning. Super fast and easy!

No Sugar Added Apple Pie Overnight Oats – This is another great make-ahead breakfast option that can easily be made vegan by using almond or soy milk. You won’t believe how much this tastes like apple pie, even without ANY added sugar!!

Make Ahead Bean and Cheese Burritos – Stock your fridge or freezer with these simple burritos and you WON’T be sorry. It’s such a relief to be able to just grab and reheat a burrito when you’re starving and homemade are way better than those sad little guys you buy in the freezer section of the grocery store.

Freezer Ready Mini Pizzas – Speaking of store bought convenience food, you can make your own little freezer snack pizzas, too! to avoid having to buy a million topping ingredients, hit your local salad bar to grab just a handful of each topping. ;)

5-Ingredient Freezer Biscuits – Okay, let’s be real. On Saturday morning when you have a hangover and you just want some comfort food without the work, you can grab a few of these biscuits out of the freezer, pop them in the oven, and have fresh, fluffy biscuits in just a few minutes. You can thank me later.

Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep – I never get tired of burrito bowls, and thankfully they are just made for meal prepping. You can make a few for the week ahead, or stash them in the freezer for longer storage. Either way, it’s just a quick reheat to total burrito bowl bliss.

Cold Meals

Tuna and White Bean Salad – Tons of protein and fiber to keep you full and fueled through a long day of classes! Pack it up with some crackers for dipping, or stuff it into a tortilla to make a wrap, and you’re set. Oh, and NO MAYO. ;)

Spinach, Chickpea and Quinoa Salad – This amazing salad is packed with all the healthies, is hearty enough to act as a full meal, and somehow manages to hold up in the fridge without getting too wilty. It’s a total winner!

Curried Tofu Salad – Super simple prep, and it holds up in the fridge for days! You can serve it over a bed of greens as a salad, or make it a wrap by stuffing it into a tortilla. So fresh and light, it won’t make you groggy in those afternoon classes. ;)

Quinoa Tabbouleh – This is another great multi-purpose salad that you can make in the beginning of the week and serve several different ways over the next few days, so you don’t get tired of it! Stuff it into a pita, add some grilled chicken on top, or just serve it on its own. However you eat it, it’s so yummy you aren’t likely to get tired of it before you hit the bottom of the bowl.

Make Ahead Kale White Bean and Pesto Salad – Make ahead salads are my savior. This one uses kale, which is not only a nutrient superstar, but also hold up incredibly well in the fridge, and a simple jar of pesto as the “dressing.” The pesto also helps soften the kale and make it just that much more yummy!

Also check out my Meal Prep archives for plenty of ideas for packed lunches!

So there you have it, my top 30 Easy Recipes for College Students. What was/is your favorite recipes to help you get through the semester? Share in the comments below!

Source: https://www.budgetbytes.com/top-10-recipes-for-college-students/

[vincentpennington]

Whole30 Instant Pot Basics

Did you just get an Instant Pot—or do you have one still sitting in a box that you’ve been too intimidated to break out and use? Well, if you’re doing a Whole30, it’s about time you experienced the magic of pressure cooking in an Instant Pot—my favorite kitchen appliance of all time. (And no, I’m not sponsored by or a spokesperson for Instant Pot—I just love it!)

WHY YOU SHOULD USE AN INSTANT POT

It Saves Time

First and foremost, an Instant Pot saves you time, making meal prep a breeze! Yes, an Instant Pot is a multi-cooker, meaning it can work as a slow cooker, a rice cooker, a yogurt maker, etc. But for me (and most other Instant Pot evangelists), the Instant Pot’s pressure cooker function is far and away the most useful. As a pressure cooker, the Instant Pot can cut the conventional cooking time of your dishes by half or more. Time is one of the scarcest commodities in our lives, so an Instant Pot is truly a lifesaver.

That said, while the Instant Pot and all pressure cookers do cook dishes faster, that doesn’t mean that a recipe with instructions to “cook under high pressure for 20 minutes” will actually be on the table in 20 minutes. Why? Because it normally takes about 10-15 minutes to reach high pressure (or longer if your Instant Pot is filled to capacity) BEFORE the 20 minutes of pressure cooking can start. It might take even more time if the recipe calls for you to wait for the pressure to drop naturally (~15 to 20 minutes) post-cooking. If you are pressed for time, always look at the “Total Cooking Time” on my recipe cards to get an idea of how much time you’ll actually need. For recipes that take longer than you want to spend in the evening, cook it in the morning, and it will be hot and ready when you come home to eat!

Set It and Forget It

Similar to a Crock Pot or a slow cooker, you can set an Instant Pot and walk away. But generally speaking, any stew, soup, or braise that you can make in a Crock Pot or slow cooker can be made much faster and tastier in an Instant Pot. Best of all, your food will stay warm in an Instant Pot until you’re ready to eat it—so you can say goodbye to waiting for hours for your food to finish cooking while your kids go bonkers with hunger. Additionally, in head-to-head taste tests, my picky family insists that the dishes I quickly throw together in the Instant Pot taste better than their slow cooker versions (e.g., Instant Pot Kalua Pig vs. Slow Cooker Kalua Pig). Faster and more delicious is a win-win in my book!

It’s Perfect for Meal Prep

Before I got an Instant Pot, I rarely if ever did any meal prep for the week. That all changed when I realized that I can use my Instant Pot to easily stock my fridge and freezer with a variety of cooked meat and veggie basics that I can grab and go or transform into leftover makeovers.

Using an Instant Pot means that I can cook when it’s convenient for me. For example, I can pressure cook a batch of easy-to-peel “boiled” eggs or spaghetti squash while I take a shower or use the Instant Pot to make a big vat of chili while I’m running errands. If my kids tell me the they feel like they’re getting sick, I plop some bones, aromatics, and water in the Instant Pot to make a batch of homemade bone broth right before I go to bed and the soup’s hot, depressurized, and ready for me to strain in the morning!

Bonus: you’ll spend less time washing dishes, because you can sauté and pressure cook in the same pot. You can even just dump the Instant Pot insert into your dishwasher!

It’s Perfect for the Whole30

Cooking for yourself is imperative on the Whole30 ’cause you’ll know exactly what you’re putting in your mouth—but you’re going to want to whip up food with a minimum of muss, fuss, and expense. The Instant Pot is the tool that’ll help you do it! Here’s how:

You can cook for volume!

I have a 6-quart Instant Pot and it’s the perfect size for my family of four: you can easily cook five pounds of stew meat at a time, which means you’ll have dinner plus plenty of leftovers. If you’re cooking for just a few people, start a Whole30 cooking club where you can share your Instant Pot dishes. Form a group of 6 to 8 people—each of whom will commit to cooking a different Instant Pot dish. Then, meet regularly with empty storage containers and split the results. You’ll save time because you’re just cooking one dish, but you’ll end up with a ton of variety and plenty of Whole30-friendly eats!

You can save money!

Cooking at home will definitely be cheaper than eating out at restaurants. Even better? You can save even more money because the Instant Pot makes cheaper cuts of meat delicious! The best dishes to pressure cook in an Instant Pot are stews and braises that call for inexpensive, collagen-rich cuts like pork butt, chuck roast, and oxtails. They’ll end up tender and delicious in an Instant Pot with little fuss or slaving over the stove for an excruciating amount of time.

You can stock your freezer!

The best recipes to make in an Instant Pot are hearty stews, braises, and soups and all of them freeze and reheat well. I always make sure to freeze portioned-out servings in containers so I can easily dump ’em back into the Instant Pot to reheat. For most stews and soups, I can plop them in the Instant Pot while still frozen, and then cook under high pressure for 3 to 5 minutes to reheat. (Note: It does take longer to reach high pressure when cooking from frozen, but you can set it and walk away.) They’re perfect for quick make-ahead Whole30-compliant weeknight meals!

Instant Pot meals are perfect for any time of year!

No matter what time of year you decide to do a Whole30, the Instant Pot is the perfect kitchen tool. If you’re tackling a #JanuaryWhole30, you can easily make hearty winter-weather food like Instant Pot Yankee Pot Roast. And if you do a Whole30 in the summer, it won’t swelter up your house like oven- or stovetop-cooking when you make Instant Pot Summer Italian Chicken! See? You have no excuses not to break out your Instant Pot!

WHOLE30 BASICS TO MAKE IN AN INSTANT POT

Here’s the thing, though: not everything should be made in an Instant Pot. If I were you, I’d avoid pressure cooking anything in an Instant Pot that can be more quickly prepared using a conventional method like sautéing or stir-frying. Otherwise, you’ll risk overcooking your food in the Instant Pot, and in the end, you won’t save much time.

Instead, start by making a few basics in the Instant Pot that will help sustain you through your Whole30. These Whole30 Instant Pot recipes are some of my weekly staples:

Instant Pot Hard “Boiled” Eggs: I always keep a dozen easy-to-peel hard cooked eggs in the fridge so I can eat them on the go or for a quick snack.

Quick Instant Pot Bone Broth: I freeze bone broth into cubes by following this method. Whenever I need to make a super quick soup (e.g. Simple Egg Drop Soup), I just plop a few cubes in a saucepan!

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash: Once I learned that I could cook a whole spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot in minutes, I’ve never looked back. Keep the cooked spaghetti squash in the fridge to use as a healthy pasta substitute!

Instant Pot Kale and Carrots: My kids love this vegetable side dish, and I still can’t get over how fast and easy it is to make!

Instant Pot Beets: Beets cook in a fraction of the time in an Instant Pot. Once they’re cooked, keep them in the fridge so you can quickly add them to your salads or blend them up to make a tasty Beet Hummus!

Instant Pot Crispy Potatoes: Steaming potatoes in the Instant Pot is dead simple. Then, whenever you need a fast Whole30-friendly side, fry them up in a skillet!

Instant Pot Kalua Pig: I don’t like to pick favorites, but this recipe may be my favorite Instant Pot recipe of them all. Instant Pot Kalua Pig is cheap, fast (or at least faster than the slow cooker version!), and easy—and the leftover liquid is perfect for making soup!

Of course, these basics only scratch the surface of what you can make in an Instant Pot during your Whole30. Want more Instant Pot recipe ideas? Bookmark my ever-expanding list of Instant Pot recipes—and they’re all Whole30-compliant, too!

No Instant Pot? No problem! Go check out the hundreds of other Paleo recipes on my blog. Be sure to bookmark this master list, and check back, ’cause I update it whenever I post a new recipe!

Last but not least: wanna buy an Instant Pot after reading this post? I track Amazon for sales on my favorite models and update my finds daily on my Instant Pot Deals page. So what are you waiting for?

A note to my Nomsters: This is one of a series of daily blog posts I’m writing in the month of January 2019 to help those doing a Whole30 to kick off the New Year. Not sure what the Whole30 is, or want info on how to get started? Read my Whole30 prep post—and then come back to Nom Nom Paleo every single day for recipes to inspire, delight, and sustain you on your Whole30!

Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!

The post Whole30 Instant Pot Basics appeared first on Nom Nom Paleo®.

[mangohealth]

5 Healthy Kitchen Shortcuts You Need to Know

Perhaps you had a long day, or the supermarket was extra crowded. Whatever your reason: even though you might have the healthiest of intentions, it’s often easy to crash and burn. Diabetes advocate Kelly Kunik shares a few kitchen shortcuts to help ensure that healthy eating is always your easiest option.

If healthy food is always ready to go in my fridge, I have no excuses. So I wash lettuce and spin it so I’m “salad ready” at all times.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to cook. But there are days when I come home, and it’s the last thing I feel like doing. So I end up eating a grilled cheese or cheese and crackers -- maybe with some raw veggies, on a good day. To prevent the “I’m too tired to cook” excuse from rearing it’s ugly head, I rely on the following healthy kitchen shortcuts.

 1. Dedicate weekly time to prep veggies Whatever night I shop, I put my groceries away when I get home and start dinner -- usually something easy, like scrambled eggs. While said super easy dinner is cooking, I wash and prep veggies for the week.

Why veggie prep? If healthy food is always ready to go in my fridge, I have no excuses. So I wash lettuce and spin it so I’m “salad ready” at all times. I also wash and chop staples like sweet peppers, carrots, and broccoli, then store them in the fridge to cook on future nights or to grab as on-the-go snacks. (If you’re a fan of eggs, try boiling a few during this prep time too -- they’re great as salad additions or standalone snacks.)

 2. Your freezer is your friend In case you’re unable to prep fresh produce for any reason, frozen veggies make for excellent stir-fry and soup options. One of my favorite frozen veggie options is shelled edamame: it’s good both chilled or hot. For easy, at-home (and usually healthier) treats, consider frozen pizza dough and pie shells, either for quiche or dessert.

Doubling up on recipes is easy, and it saves time -- in terms of cooking as well as cleaning up, after the fact.

I also store fruit in my freezer when it looks like it’s on the edge of going south, especially peaches and overripe bananas. Some fruit doesn’t need to be overripe to warrant a trip into the freezer, like berries and green apples. Regardless of your reason for freezing fruit, they’re great to use in smoothies.

 3. Buy the right prepared foods Sometimes my time -- and my fingers -- are worth the extra money to splurge on prepared foods. Chopped butternut squash is a biggie for me. (Seriously, I feel like you need a saw to chop and dice most squash.) Most grocery stores carry pre-chopped squash, and I love it for soup and stir-fry, instead of rice.

Rotisserie chicken is another prepared food that’s worth the extra cash, in my opinion. Buy one and use as your main entree for one or two nights, then use the rest for sandwiches and soups. Baked tofu -- stop rolling your eyes! -- is also delicious and comes in flavors like teriyaki and sesame ginger. Add it to salads or sandwiches for a quick and tasty protein boost: all you need to do is open the package.

 4. Double up I like to double side dishes like sautéed broccoli and sweet potatoes -- both super tasty and blood sugar friendly. One reason for doubling up? It ensures I always have healthy choices available in my fridge and ready to reheat.

I store fruit in my freezer when it looks like it’s on the edge of going south, especially peaches and overripe bananas.

Another is a matter of convenience. Doubling up on recipes is easy, and it saves time -- in terms of cooking as well as cleaning up, after the fact. Think about it: it’s just as easy to sauté three cups of broccoli instead of a single serving. The same can be said for baking two sweet potatoes instead of one.

Beyond side dishes, I also double most soup recipes; most actually taste better after the second and third days. After a few days of delicious soup, I freeze what’s left over, labelling and dating the container to save it for later. If you’re not into soup, the same can be done with chili; chicken breasts, meat, meatloaf, burgers -- whatever strikes your fancy.

 5. Make the most of herbs I love fresh herbs, but mincing them can be a pain. Use a pizza slicer or kitchen scissors to get the job done: both options save time and add flavor. As for dried herbs, do you ever find they sit on a shelf, unused?

To prevent this, I like to place generous helpings of dried (and/or fresh) herbs in an empty ice cube tray, fill them with extra virgin olive oil, then cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight. These flavor cubes last for about two weeks, so I usually freeze a few -- just four or five, not the whole tray. Your herbs won’t go to waste, and next time you need to stir-fry or sauté, you’re good to go, flavor-wise.

 About the Author Kelly Kunik has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was eight years old. Her greatest perceived weakness (a busted pancreas) has become her greatest strength and biggest passion. Kelly is a diabetes advocate that authors the blog, Diabetesaliciousness. She’s also a writer, speaker, consultant, and creator of the #IWishPeopleKnewThatDiabetes initiative. You can find Kelly on Twitter @diabetesalish.

 If you liked this post, you may also like: - How To Eat Healthy on a Budget - 8 Ways to Stick With Your Weight-Loss Goals - How to Go Gluten-Free Without Giving In

 The posts on this blog are for information only. They are neither intended to substitute for a relationship with your doctor or other healthcare provider, nor do they constitute medical or healthcare advice of any kind. Any information in these posts should not be acted upon without consideration of primary source material and professional input from one’s own healthcare providers.

[underimagines]

Let's talk about headcanons about Food

Now, Mod Sync here is a decent enough cook. Put a recipe in front of me and I’ll be able to cook almost anything, and I can cook some things from just memory. I was making omelettes and looking up recipes and I wondered “What about the Undertale cast? What do they eat outside the game?” So, here are some things I’ve thought up about the main four!

If anyone remembers the Anniversary Q&A that happened (oh, who am I kidding, of course you guys do), then we know some things about that already. HOWEVER, I’m only going to partially use this info here. These are headcanons after all, so I don’t have to quite follow canon. 

Now, if you wish to continue, I shall leave these under a Read more, because this is gonna get wordy and also for you guys who are avoiding food for whatever reason. Also will include some other AUs.

Undertale Cast

Sans, without a doubt, loves anything greasy and fried. Pub food in partcular; burgers and fries are his go-to faves obviously, but also cheese sticks, stuffed potato skins, fried pickled, and so on. Hot pockets and mini pizza bites become a staple in his diet once on the surface. Anything he can pop in the microwave real quick. Also, mac and cheese with all the ketchup.

On the healthier side of things; He’s also very fond of anything with a large amount of tomatoes. Tomato soup with grilled cheese, sun dried Tomato slices, and many, many Italian dishes, though Papyrus has to sort of make him eat it. Except V8 juice. That shit is nasty.

Cooking-wise, he’s decent. He can make a number of different quiche by heart, and anything simple. He’ll need a recipe for anything else, and if it get’s too complicated, he’ll opt-out. Too lazy for anything fancy, leave that to his bro.

Papyrus is head of the kitchen in the Bros’ house. Strangely (or not so much) though, he’s the opposite of Sans; Paps is perfectly capable of making beautiful, complex dishes you’d see at a five-star restaurant. He likes the challenge. He could easily make Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq Au Vin, Backed Alaska, Curry from scratch, etc. But, when it comes to simpler things like Spaghetti, he’s thrown off. In his head, it’s too simple, so he adds things that the recipe doesn’t call for, thinking it will be better like his more complex ones. But…. yeah, the things he adds aren’t always even edible in general.

At the same time, he’s very fond of simple dishes. His favorite food is Oatmeal, an extremely simple dish to make for most. He has a cheese sandwich and an apple for lunch. Maybe he likes these because they’re so hard for him to make, like complex dishes are to normal people. I’d garner that the quiche Sans makes was another thing Paps favored but couldn’t make, so Sans made it for him sometimes. 

Aside from Italian, Paps would like fruit salad or salads in general, yogurt parfaits, cheese omelettes; simple, healthy things. He hates greasy foods, but he’s not above taking candy from the Inn lady, so he’s definitely got at least an ‘All things in moderation’ mentality.

Undyne is an odd ball here. We know that, similar to Sans, she’s fond of greasy foods, a call noting that she likes Grillby’s cheese fries. She also has soda and hot chocolate as choices when you hang out with her. It’s not a far stretch to say Undyne likes junk food. However, as an apparent fitness nut -stemming from needing to stay strong as Captain of the Guard- I’m sure Undyne knows that too much junk food is bad for her. However, there is one thing I can garner off her personality and one particular physical trait of hers that can tell me about what she might eat: her teeth. 

Undyne’s teeth are pointed. Meaning her teeth are sharp. I would go as far as saying that if Undyne is any particular kind of fish, it’s a Piranha. And what do Piranha like? Meat. Undyne, without a doubt, would love meat and grilling. Anything at all. Fish, Chicken, Hotdogs, Veggies, Kabobs, anything she can stick on a grill. 

Seafood is another thing entirely. I’d think seafood is more on the side of comfort food for her. Clam chowder in particular. It stems from a headcanon of mine about Undyne’s family, I’ll talk about it later if you guys want. Sushi is definitely a thing she can get behind, though may take a bit for her to build up to Sashimi.

Tea was another thing in the choices at your hang out. It stemmed from her time while training with Asgore, and she keeps some around. I think she drinks it when she’s stressed. It helps her relax and think.

Alphys is another junk food lover, but only because she’s busy with other things and doesn’t have the time to cook. Cup Ramen is her go-to, but she’s got some other stuff stored away. Finger things she can eat with one hand and type with the other. On the surface, Undyne gets her to start eating grapes or trail mix instead. 

On actual cooked foods, she’s fond of anything hearty; stews and thick soups, stir-fry, and anything served in a skillet. Also, of course she’s into oriental food. The first time she tries REAL ramen, she’s in heaven. She loves noodle dishes and once again, soups. Oddly, she has an extremely high spice tolerance, easily popping whole habaneros an a snack. Undyne refuses to kiss her after she has been.

Alphys herself is fairly decent at cooking. She learns to make a number of Japanese dishes once on the surface; onigiri, bento boxes, and her own sushi and ramen.

(I haven’t come up with any more than the skelebros of other AUs at the moment. Might do another post at a later date about with other characters if it is wanted.)

Underfell Skelebros

Sans, again, loves greasy pub food. He loves anything with a kick too. Jalapeño bites and pepper jack cheese are a constant. He also loves foods with layers or can have lots of toppings; pizzas with everything on them, subs and hotdogs piled high, and obviously his bro’s lasagna. (Don’t let him near a Cincinnati three-way, you will never hear the end of all the perverse jokes if you do.) He’s also fond of Cajun and Creole cooking.

On actual food, one of the few leafy greens Papyrus can get Sans to eat that he likes are Mustard greens, so more often than not, Paps will sauté some up as a side to whatever he’s cooked to get Sans to eat something relatively healthy. Otherwise, it’s limited to whatever Paps can sneak into a dish. Strangely, Sans is also fond of Southern style Sweet tea, even though he doesn’t care for sweet things otherwise.

Sans is an ok cook, but prefers not to if he doesn’t have to. If it isn’t microwaveable, it better be simple, or he’s gonna need a lot of motivation to make anything with more than 4 steps.

Papyrus is a literal Master Chef. He’d put Gorden Ramsey to shame. Paps can take almost anything and make it taste good. It’s the reason Sans eats anything healthy at all. Unlike UT!Paps, he can actually cook simple things too. It’s something besides his strength that he prides himself in.

On his own diet, he does love his lasagna, but also anything you can make in a casserole dish. He’s not overly picky, aside from keeping his own food to a tolerable spice level unlike his brother, but he does favor things that can last for a while and be reheated. In a world like Underfell, sometimes there are days were it’s just not safe to go out, so having a lot of leftovers can be helpful when stuck inside. So casseroles, stews, anything that can sit in the fridge and not taste bad after a day or two.

On another note, he’s fond of breads and baked goods. He makes some hella good garlic bread, and always has dinner rolls or biscuits or whatever ready as a side. Just don’t tell Sans how much he loves Monkey Bread, it’s one of the extreme few things he indulges in.

Underswap Skelebros

Sans our little taco man. Yes, he loves Mexican food. No, it’s not the only thing he cooks. No, his food isn’t that bad. He has a tendency of burning things because he gets distracted, but he knows better than to put inedible things in his food. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t get a little… creative with his cooking, but at least they’re all things that are supposed to be edible.

Through his love of Mexican food, he has a decent spice tolerance, and, though Tacos are his fave, he’s very fond of rice dishes as well. And black bean soup. He makes some fine salsa and guacamole from scratch too.

On the other hand, he’s not really picky. He’ll try anything once. He’s pretty fond of most any beef and chicken dishes. Though Paps has forbidden him from straight sugar and coffee, Sans can wip up some damn good sweets, like Mexican brownies and chocolate filled Churros. At least that way, Paps won’t drink straight honey while still getting his sugar fix.

Papyrus, on the other hand, is practically a sugar addict. He loooooves everything sweet. Candy, pastries, ice cream, anything with sugar. He’s Muffet’s taste tester if she’s making something new. Aside from honey, he’s particularly fond of chocolate in general and fruit fillings.

On the normal food side, he’s not as fond of spicy things as Sans, so Sans usually holds back on Pap’s food when it comes to spice. He also isn’t fond of complicated dishes unless it’s sweets. He likes simple things; sandwiches, salads, rice, anything you can throw together real quick or pop in the microwave. It’s not that he won’t eat healthy, it’s just it tends to be disproportionate to the amount of sweets he eats.

This also shows in his cooking. If it isn’t simple, he’s gonna have trouble. He’s not bad, he just gets a little nervous and that can lead to being a little clumsy. He’d rather Sans do the cooking, or at least keep an eye on things if it’s something he needs a recipe for.

[howellrichard]

5 Tips for Healthy Meal Prep: How to Make It Easy

Hiya Gorgeous!

What’s on your plate today, my friend?

It’s an important question, because what you eat today becomes a part of your makeup tomorrow. You’re literally creating yourself—cells and muscles, energy and skin—with every forkful.

Are you eating your way toward more health and vitality? The easiest way to tell is to examine your meals. Specifically, their color.

If they resemble a fresh-from-the-field, vibrant garden, you’re likely fueling up with the good stuff.

If a beigey, processed option is making up your meal, you’re probably doing your body a disservice.

But let’s be honest for a sec…

Cooking healthy meals can be a challenge—especially on busy weekdays.

That’s been the case for me lately. To be honest, some of my healthy meal prep habits have gone out the window!

I spent the winter living in Florida to help my parents and am just settling back in at home. Between all the unpacking, organizing, cleaning and oh yeah… running this crazy wonderful business, I’ve been relying on crappy, premade, vegan food, filled with the processed stuff that I suggest eating sparingly.

You can probably relate…

To get us both back on track, I’ve pulled together a list of my 5 favorite tips for easy, healthy eating.

My hope is that they make your life a little easier—and help you get a rainbow of healthy produce onto your plate this week.

5 Tips to Make Healthy Meal Prep Feel Easy

Tip #1 – Wash n’ chop

Easy meals can actually start when you get back from the store.

When you get home, don’t just toss your fruits and veggies (AKA my favorite pharmacy) in the fridge. Instead, give them a little TLC.

I call this a “wash n’ chop” session (and it’s 10x better with your favorite music on in the background). Here’s how it works:

Set aside 30 minutes when you return from the store.

Wash all your fresh new produce. (You can find some tips for practicing extra care during COVID-19 here.)

Then get chopping! Cut up and portion out the veggies you’ll use for dinner each night. While you’re at it, prep some fruit to toss in morning oatmeal or smoothies (and tear some greens for those, too). And don’t forget about snacks. Slice up some fruit or veggies you can reach for anytime you need to nibble!

Your main goal for your wash n’ chop is simply to have things ready to go. This one small investment of time upfront will save you hours during the week.

Tip #2 – Batch cook

When it comes to healthy meal prep, I like to keep my freezer working overtime! Freezing leftovers is an important step in reducing food waste and giving yourself an easy array of home-cooked options for super busy nights.

I also love a “Cook-Free Friday”, where I just defrost a recipe I batch cooked the previous weekend.

The best place to start is by freezing big recipes, like soups and stews. They’re easy to multiply for leftovers and they reheat well, too! Just make sure to freeze them in individual portions. That helps reduce food waste because you don’t wind up defrosting more at one time than you can actually eat.

You can also do some batch cooking during your wash n’ chop. Just toss a few trays of veggies in the oven to roast and simmer some grain on the stove while you work. Presto! Healthy meal prep for a week of hearty lunches.

This is just a small taste of how batch cooking can save you time and energy when you’re craving a night off. And FYI, most homemade things will last for 3 to 6 months in the freezer, assuming they’re stored well in airtight containers. Speaking of which, quality storage containers are essential here. I like to use either glass containers with leak-proof lids (Glasslock, Elacra and Pyrex have good options) or BPA-free, phthalate-free plastic storage containers (like OXO Good Grips or Snapware).

Another must in my house are silicone, airtight, reusable storage bags. (Think traditional zippered food bags but without all the waste and unhealthy plastic compounds.) Kiva World, WINIT and Pristi Kitchen Essentials all have good options.

These save tons of space and make our next tip even easier…

Tip #3 – Blend your breakfast

I’m a big believer in ADDING before we subtract. We’re trained to think that getting healthy is about deprivation—about taking away. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Remember this: True, sustainable health is about abundance.

It’s about crowding out the stuff that doesn’t serve you by adding in vibrant things that bring you joy. On your plate, that looks like lots of fresh fruits and veggies you love!

A smoothie for breakfast may be the easiest way to do that since it allows you to start your day with big servings of the best ingredients. Just toss ice, filtered water, and your favorite produce into a blender and whir your way to better health!

To make it even easier, apply Tips 1 + 2 to your smoothie routine:

As you do your wash n’ chop, prep your smoothie ingredients and toss them into the silicone storage bags we were just chatting about.

Stick those in the fridge or freezer and, just like that, you’ve batch prepped your breakfast for the week! (Do you see how these healthy meal prep ideas can layer together and make your life simpler?)

You can also use a vegan meal delivery service to make smoothies a breeze. I’ll tell you about my favorite in a moment.

Tip #4 – Keep it simple

I love to try an ambitious new recipe from time to time. It’s fun to learn new tricks in the kitchen, after all! But to be candid…

A worn-out Wednesday is not the time for that, toots.

You’ve just finished a full day of phone calls and meetings, decisions and discussions, laundry and dishes—only to find out that the Sunday-afternoon version of you thought it would be fun to put a two-hour dinner recipe on the menu for tonight. Thanks, weekend me.

In your weekly meal-planning, be a little kinder to weeknight you.

Stick to staples you know (and that your family likes)

Keep your recipes to 30 minutes or so of active cooking

Minimize dishes with one-pan recipes when you can

And save the fancy footwork for your leisurely weekend days

It’s okay to go easy on yourself, gorgeous. A healthy lifestyle requires a rhythm that’s comfortable for you. So keep it simple and set yourself up for long-term success.

Tip #5 – Have a backup plan

Even with all the weekend prep and wise planning mentioned above, life still happens.

Occasionally, you’ll have a tough day or just won’t be in the mood to cook. And that’s totally okay! You’re human. It happens. Here’s the important thing…

Have a backup plan so that a no-cook night doesn’t automatically become an eat-junk night.

There are a lot of options here:

Know a few healthy items you can order from a quality take out restaurant

Have some of those batch-prepped meals waiting in your freezer

Sub in another fresh smoothie (who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?)

Use all your pre-chopped veggies to make a tasty salad in five minutes flat

Or have some dishes from a vegan meal delivery service on-hand just in case

Knowing in advance some healthy ways to respond will keep you from reaching for the super quick (but super processed) options by default.

BONUS Tip #6 – Get some support

One last bonus tip. Don’t be afraid to get some support!

I told you earlier about how busy things have been since I’ve transitioned home from Florida—and how often I was reaching for the low-quality vegan junk foods I advise limiting.

It led me to explore something I’d never been open to before: a vegan meal delivery service.

All the ones I’d heard of were super salty and often packed with added sugar. So I’d always said no thanks.

But one of my team members had been raving about Splendid Spoon, so I finally agreed to give them a try. I was instantly impressed. It’s a vegan meal delivery option that’s:

Gluten-free

Non-GMO

Low in sodium

Free of added sugar

Shipped in 100% recyclable packaging

And 100% delicious

They made healthy eating feel easy for me in this busy season.

As a new meal delivery convert, I want to encourage you to get the support you need to stay on track when you need it, too.

I arranged an exclusive deal with Splendid Spoon to give you $35 off their most popular plan.

So if you could use a little support (in the form of some healthy smoothies, soups, and bowls), then I hope you’ll give their meal deliveries a try!

Healthy Meal Prep—Made Easy

I hope these tips have shown you an easier path to prep and enjoy nourishing meals, even on your busiest weeks.

Remember that you’re worth the effort. Your health and your glorious body both deserve some of the TLC that you offer so freely to everyone else.

So implement a few of these practices and take a satisfying bite of self-care.

Your turn: What’s your favorite hack for healthy midweek cooking?

Peace & delicious meals,

The post 5 Tips for Healthy Meal Prep: How to Make It Easy appeared first on KrisCarr.com.

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Losing some weight is essential if you have. It is not just for vanity. Maintaining a proper weight can really help someone live much longer and healthier.It may seem overwhelming at first, but with some hard work and dedication, you can do it! Keep reading to learn how you can lose weight.

Don’t fall for weight loss fads like shakes and bars when planning your diet menu. These items are surprisingly calorie-dense and will not satisfy real food. They can lead to irritability and hunger shortly after you eat your meal. Also, these things have a lot sugar, which will spike your blood sugar and make you even more unhappy.

Try to have a salad before each dinner meals. Salads have a great source for the fiber which satisfies your hunger without excess calories.

TIP! Exercise to lose weight quickly. It doesn’t take as much exercise as you think to maintain your weight.

It is pretty well known that increasing your water intake will help with weight loss. Were you aware of the fact that drinking cold water can boost your metabolism work harder? When you drink cold water, your body is forced to raise your body’s temperature, and that causes your metabolism to speed up.

Adding whole grain foods to your diet is important when it comes to losing weight. You can consult a dietician about proper whole grain choices or you research them yourself. Avoid purchasing any foods that are labeled with the words “refined” or enriched.

A great way to help you lose weight is to suck on some ice when junk food. Sucking on some ice cube can be very effective in dispelling the urge to eat because sometimes it just boils down to having something in your mouth.

TIP! An important component of losing weight is learning to pack your lunch every day. When you bring your own lunch to work you choose exactly what you eat.

You should try to eat healthy throughout the entire day in order to be healthier. You will do much better by eating several small meals than three large ones. This will keep your metabolism high and stable throughout the whole day.

Eat with a friend so you eat less. Eating alone tends to make us focus on besides finishing all of your food.

A smaller plate can help you from overeating. There have been studies that show that we eat whatever size portion is set in front of them.

TIP! One fantastic way to get into weight loss would be to not take in as many calories. Eating less than you exercise off causes you to lose weight.

Try not miss any of your meals. You should aim to eat three good meals a day. This will help keep you from getting hungry throughout the day and prevent mindless snacking on sugary drinks and treats.

Work on your abdominal muscles while you sit at your desk.The muscle you must work on when trying to get flat abs is called the transversus abdominis.

You can use baggies or Tupperware containers to hold the divided portions fresh. Having the proper measurements that can just be grabbed from the fridge can make you less tempted to overeat.

TIP! Pick one day a week or month to cook a large batch of meals, then freeze individual portions. Having a freezer filled with healthy meals that could easily be reheated will help you stay away from buying pizza or ordering fast food.

There are quite a few diets out there that simply do not work alone. Try to get a gym and try committing to an exercise program. You need to exercise too. Regular exercise will burn a greater amount of calories than you consume.

Losing weight is not that hard when you consider it.The worst thing you want to be if your goal is weight loss is a couch potato.

Eating many different foods is preferable to eating just one thing when losing weight. Make sure you eat a balance diet and that you’re not denying yourself.

TIP! If you are trying to lose weight, a pedometer is a great way to help you reach your goals. Pedometers measure the amount of steps you take.

Eating healthy while you travel can be tough. Bring your own healthy food instead of going to roadside restaurants.Bring along a cooler and put plenty of healthy food choices in there like vegetables, yogurt, cheese, and some tasty granola bars. These are simple to pack and easy for you to eat while your travelling. Do not forget to bring plenty of bottled water to keep you hydrated while you travel.

You cannot skip breakfast when you are serious about losing weight. Many people think skipping breakfast will aid them in their weight more quickly.

This article has lots of information to help you lose weight. It may not be easy, but it can be worthwhile. But, you need to consider what the reward for the hard work is, and how good it will feel!

TIP! Eat oatmeal for breakfast if you want to control your weight. Oatmeal contains a ton of fiber and is part of the grains that should be included in your diet.

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10+ Freezer Hacks for (Gluten Free) Healthy Eating

New blog post! As a grad student who's also working three jobs, juggling two chronic illnesses and trying not to go crazy (errr...okay, crazier), healthy eating hacks are a MUST. And since people have been loving when I share some of these freezer hacks for healthy eating on my Instagram stories, I thought I'd write a blog post on the topic! In particular, this post is all about highlighting 10+ healthy foods that you might not know you could freeze...but are totally delicious when reheated! From hummus to homemade granola to smoothies, this post will give you some new ways to think about how to take advantage of your freezer.

So whether you're super busy with work or school, want to save money by reducing your food waste or just need some easy tips for eating a lil' healthier...I hope you enjoy reading about these 10+ freezer hacks for healthy (gluten free) eating.

1. Tomato/pasta sauce

This was the first official "freezer hack" I shared on my Instagram, and it's an awesome way to keep pasta sauce from going bad if you are cooking for one or only use a small amount of pasta sauce at a time. As I wrote in my post about unique ways to reduce food waste, the process is simple: start by grabbing your tomato sauce and a large, airtight plastic bag. Then pour the sauce inside the bag, spreading out the sauce so it coats the whole bag in a shallow layer. Place the closed bag in your freezer and let it freeze just like that so that you end up with a thin sheet of tomato sauce. And on the nights you're craving some and want just a small amount, you can "crack" the sheet and defrost your desired size of frozen sauce. Just place the sauce layer in a microwave-safe bowl, defrost it for a few minutes and dig in!

2. Hummus

Who would've thunk that hummus is so dang delicious defrosted?!? The hummus gods shined down on me in 2018 and I won several hummus giveaways...leading to hummus towers like the one pictured below ending up in my kitchen! Since I love hummus but couldn't get through that stack right away, I threw some of them in my freezer. And a few months later, I discovered I could take one out, defrost the hummus in the fridge overnight and then enjoy some cold and creamy dip the next day. I've tried this technique with Blue Moose of Boulder, Ithica Cold-Crafted and Lantana Foods hummuses with success, as well as the infamously delicious almond-based Bitchin' Sauce. So if you happen to end up with a fridge-full of hummus - or just see that your fave brand is on sale and can't resist stocking up - the freezer is def your friend.

3. Avocado

Now, I'm not gonna say that frozen and defrosted avocado slices have the same texture as fresh avocados. However, they are still quite delicious in their own right...and you won't even notice the texture if you use the defrosted avocado in guac or smoothies. Like I've explained before, I've found that the best way to freeze avocado is by first washing it, cutting it open lengthwise, as usual, and removing the pit. Then cut large slices out of each half, scoop them out of the peel and freeze them in a plastic bag. When you want to dive into your frozen avocado stash, pull out however many slices you want for that particular meal (dethaw the avocado around 20 minutes before you want to eat, and not too much longer!). Place your avocado slices in a cup of very cold water and let them thaw until soft. You know what to do next: eat!

4. Shredded vegan cheese and homemade vegan cheese sauce

Ever since dairy and I broke up after my celiac diagnosis, I've always had a package of dairy free cheese in my fridge. I've been a long-time Daiya cheese fan, but have also really enjoyed Follow Your Heart's and So Delicious's vegan shredded cheese. Because I don't use that much cheese at a time, though, I used to struggle with the cheese going bad before I get to the end of the bag. That's where my handy dandy freezer came in. Nowadays, I keep the shredded cheese packs in my freezer, and when I want to use it, I just take out the package, get however much I need and put those frozen shreds directly into my dish. This works great for meals like pizza, mac n' cheese or queso that are going to be heated anyway to finish cooking or incorporating all the ingredients. And while I can't say this technique works for every vegan cheese brand out there, it has worked well for all three of the brands I mentioned above!

But if processed vegan cheese ain't your thang...my homemade vegan cheese sauce freezes and defrosts super well, too! The ingredients will separate if just defrosted in the fridge, on the counter or in the microwave. But if you defrost it part-way in the microwave and the rest of the way in a slow cooker (for mac and cheese, for instance!) or in a pan on the stove, it is creamy, dreamy goodness.

5. Homemade granola

As anyone who has followed this blog for a long time knows, a big part of my diet (and probably my body, haha!) is composed of homemade granola. It’s just such a perfect way to sneak in hidden veggies and use of leftover vegetable seeds, ripe fruit or even failed baked goods. When I had two gum graft surgeries and needed to avoid solid foods and crunchy foods for two weeks, though, I ended up throwing my leftover granola in the freezer. That’s when I discovered that my homemade granola freezes and defrosts crazy well!

So if you want to have an easy, healthy snack or breakfast always waiting for you in the freezer, try meal prepping one of my many gluten free and vegan granola recipes. Once it has cooled, place your granola in a sealed plastic bag and put it into the freezer. Then once you want to dig in, just defrost however much granola you want to eat by placing it in the fridge. 

A few hours later, and wala! Your granola may taste a bit softer, but still has a good crunch and chewiness. Plus it tastes just as flavorful as it did freshly baked!

6. Smoothies

As all of my college roommates soon discovered, I’m also addicted to making big batches of smoothies that I then freeze and enjoy on busy mornings or night before/after class. 

Freeing and defrosting smoothies is pretty simple, but this freezer hack starts with whipping up a good amount of your favorite smoothie. And if you need some healthy smoothie recipe ideas, check out my recipe page! Then, pour your smoothie into a freezer and microwave safe container. Personally, I like to use glass rubbermaid containers and glass mason jars.

One very important note: make sure you leave enough space in your bowl or jar for the smoothie to expand as it freezes. Otherwise, it will crack the glass! Because of this, I don’t put lids on my mason jars. Instead, I just put open plastic bags over the tops so that the smoothie has plenty of space to expand.

To defrost your smoothie, you can leave it in the fridge overnight to start defrosting on its own and then use the microwave as needed, or use the microwave straight out of the freezer. The amount of time and power level you use to defrost your smoothie will depend on the microwave, but I typically use a combination of the “defrost” button (for around 2 minutes) and then microwave it at power 4 for around 4 minutes. But I do like to keep my smoothies a little icy and eat them with a spoon. So I’d suggest just experimenting with what defrosting method works for you! 

Then all you have to do is add whatever toppings you like (if you’re a smoothie topping lover like me!) and enjoy.

7. Homemade, pre-roasted fries and potato wedges

I love making healthy options to fast food fries by just roasting my own potato fries or wedges. However, especially depending on the potato you’re using, homemade fries can take a decent amount of time to bake...which is where this healthy eating freezer hack comes in! 

All you have to do is make a big batch of potato wedges, just like usual. (And if you need instructions on how to do that, just google “homemade potato wedges” or check out my recipe here). Then, after your fries have cooled, place them in sealed plastic bags in your freezer. 

At that point, whenever you want to dig into some fries, all you need to do is grab however many you want, place them on a baking tray and broil them for 2-5 minutes or until they are warmed through and crispy. Serve with some protein, veggies and a killer dipping sauce and dinner is served!

8. Steamed and roasted vegetables

Now, I know this hack may sound a little obvious, especially since you can find cooled vegetables in most freezer aisles. However, if a bunch of fresh produce happens to be on sale one day and you load up, don’t forget that you can cook veggies like sliced zucchini, spaghetti squash or green beans and then freeze them to enjoy later. 

Now, some vegetables defrost better than others. For example, I’ve found that butternut squash can get a little watery when defrosted. However, I regularly freeze and defrost spaghetti squash when I don’t feel like eating a whole huge squash on my own in one week. I just let one half of the squash cool, freeze it in a sealed bag, and later defrost it by leaving it in my fridge and warming it up in the oven with fillings and toppings.

When I’m going away for a trip and know it’ll be a few days until I can go to the grocery store when I get back, I also freeze steamed zucchini and leftover lettuce. The first I often eat plain with dinner, just defrosted in the microwave, but the latter is perfect for green-ifying a smoothie with limited ingredients on hand. 

9. Rice, quinoa and other grains.

I love me some rice, quinoa, buckwheat or other gluten free grains...but I don't always love how long they can take to cook. My solution has been cooking gluten free grains in bulk and then - of course - using my freezer to store the extras.

If, like me, you live alone or only cook for a small number of people, here's the best way to freeze your grains: let them cool and then use the same technique as I describe for the pasta sauce. In other words, place them in a large plastic bag, spreading the grains out so that they form a thin layer in the whole bag. That way, it's super easy to just break off a portion of your "block" of grains and only defrost how much you need, either by letting it defrost on its own in the fridge or popping your block of grains into the microwave in a microwave-safe container.

10. Brownies, bagels, breads and many other gluten free baked goods.

Eating gluten free can be expensive...so when there's a good deal on my favorite gluten free bread or baked good, I always stock up! That's why I've learned that the freeze comes in very handy when you're trying to preserve the freshness of gluten free baked goods. I've had very good luck freezing gluten free breads like Canyon Bakehouse and BFree Foods. I've also frozen and dethawed cookies, brownies and cinnamon rolls from some of my favorite bakeries, like the Gluten Escape, Sweet Elizabeth's Organics and Coquette's Bistro and Bakery. Most of the time, I just take out my bread or treat and let it defrost naturally in the fridge or on the counter...and then dig in!

(As always, some foods and brands freeze better than others. So when in doubt, I'd check that company's website to see if they mention freezing or Google it and see what others have written in reviews!)

The Bottom Line of Healthy Eating and Freezer Food

Food from the freezer often gets a bad rap for being "less fresh" or "less healthy" than unfrozen foods. However, as this post shows, your freezer can actually be a MAJOR secret weapon when it comes to following a healthy diet. Plus, you can freeze a lot more food than you probably ever imagined.

So the next time you have a lot of extra gluten free bread, want to meal prep a bunch of healthy fries or have more hummus than you know what to do with, I hope the freezer hacks I shared in this post give you some new ideas!

What's your favorite thing to freeze? Tell me in the comments! 

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