#because of this I haven’t been able to cook anything beyond freezer food for like a month

[starkidlabs]

Very much dislike my uni flat. I wish I lived somewhere else.

[kookiebunnii]

what happens after || kim taehyung

→ summary: in another universe, do you think we could’ve ended up together? OR exploring how your memories with taehyung intertwine with your slow recovery from a life without him.

→ pairing: idol!taehyung x reader

→ genre: exes!au, post-breakup angst

→ word count: 4.4k

→ warnings: n/a

→ a/n: i always wanted to write something exploring the feelings of separation after a relationship. there’s a lot of works out there detailing the process of falling in love, but i think there’s something redeemable in the process of recovering from love as well. 

●●●●●

The morning after might be the hardest part.

After a night of tossing and turning, drifting aimlessly between sleep and consciousness, the sun rises like it always does. When the dawn breaks, you open your eyes slowly, hoping that when you open them—Taehyung would be there.

But of course, he isn’t.

Because if he were, you’d already be in his arms. Taehyung loved to hold you while he slept, as if it comforted him knowing that he had you within his grasp. You never minded it, because the warmth he exuded was critical for lulling you into your dreams with ease. He smelled nice, like soft detergent on freshly washed sheets mixed with something so uniquely him. You would languidly lay in bed, curled into his chest, resting happy knowing that he’d still have you when you wake the next day.

When you broke up with him the night before though, this unrealistic expectation somehow still remained. It persistently presses against your heart, trying to win out against reality, until you were forced to longer believe in it. Gazing forlornly at the empty pillow next to you, missing the person who used to always sleep on the right side of the bed, your heart breaks all over again.

If you close your eyes tight enough, grip the blankets hard enough, you could almost feel his arms around you again. You could see Tae, dark locks messy with sleep, grumbling in annoyance as you try to poke him awake. He always mumbles ‘five more minutes’ before pulling you closer and burying his face in your neck. You’d always let him have his five minutes; in fact, you grew accustomed to setting your alarm a few minutes earlier just to ensure the two of you would still be on time. You wonder if he knew this.

Laying there in a bed that suddenly feels too big, you have no choice but to accept the fact that this was only the first day in the rest of your days without Taehyung. If you could push past the pain you felt today, things would get better. They had to, because how else were you supposed to survive a break-up?

But the loneliness and the hurt have made their residence within your chest, and you feel too weak to face the day. You can barely get yourself out of bed, so you decide to call into work sick that day. You were a star employee, so they surely would offer you a day off if you really needed it.

You spend the rest of the day staring at that empty pillow.

●●●●●

Prior to meeting Taehyung, you’d never dated a celebrity or anyone with as much popularity as he had. Given how big he and his group were, you should expect his face plastered everywhere you went in advertisements and other endorsements.

It was overwhelming, to say the least.

On your way to work you’d always listen to music, something upbeat and catchy to pull your attention away from the fact that he was everywhere. You wonder when they’ll remove the BTS advertisement for Chilsung Cider from the interior of this subway train. It’s been here for the past few days—surely they’ll have newer product placement coming soon. Despite the cheery beat of the current song playing from your earbuds, you can’t help but notice the small smile on Tae’s face. It’s the one he uses for professional things, the kind that makes his eyes glitter just enough to seem real. But you knew with aching familiarity how to easily get that boxy smile of his, his laughter contagious when you managed to crack him up beyond just a few chuckles.

Smiling sadly, your eyes lower down to the thin watch on your wrist. You’ll be on time for work as you typically are, so you should quickly get your act together. You were a radio show host, which meant that you had to make your voice engaging for those morning commute listeners. Being a professional meant separating work matters from personal ones, and it would be easy to tell if you were depressed about something.

God, what if your co-workers ask you what’s wrong? What if they find out that you’re no longer with Taehyung and just give you pity looks for the next month? You’d probably go insane.

Pressing your lips together instead of biting them for fear of ruining the gloss smeared over them, you briskly walk towards the radio building before dispelling those thoughts out of your head. You could be professional. Just for a few hours, you could keep it together.

Even when you dash past the photo on the wall, an old picture of you and your co-host holding up fingers hearts to the camera alongside world superstars BTS, you gather the pieces of your heart and hold them together.

●●●●●

Wow, did mint chocolate ice cream always taste this heavenly?

Burying your spoon into the icy dessert with renewed vigor, you pull the fluffy blanket over your belly as you commence your feasting. You haven’t had this flavor in a while given that Taehyung didn’t seem to appreciate it all that much, so you were grateful to be able to indulge in it once again. It wasn’t like it was your favorite flavor of all time, but you appreciated the crisp notes dotted with hints of creamy chocolate. You’d take toothpaste-flavored food any day of the week if it tasted this yummy.

You stop shoveling ice cream into your mouth when you remember the ice cream dates Tae used to sneak out of work to bring you on. He loved this one ice cream parlor down the street, always getting the same flavor no matter what. You liked to venture out of your comfort zone a little more, and given how often he took you there, you were close to trying almost all their staple flavors—not counting the seasonal ones. He’d always sneak a kiss from you afterwards, just to claim that he was able to sample all the flavors too. It always made you laugh, but you appreciated his small displays of affection. Especially towards the end, when the two of you began meeting a lot less frequently.

You place the sweet dessert back into the freezer, sighing and running a shaky hand through your bird’s nest of hair. It felt terrible to still reminisce about something that would never be, but you recently chose to forgive yourself when these flashbacks happened. Taehyung was one of those loves you would never forget because of how impactful his presence had been. So maybe if it took you a few weeks or even a few months to finally get over him, it’s acceptable. You knew without a doubt that you truly loved him. But of course, that did not lessen your obligations in relation to finally splitting away from depending on him.

Outside, the sky is glowing with brightness despite being seven in the evening. You lived in the city, meaning that the streets would be alive well into the early morning hours. It was loud and oppressive in the beginning, but you grew accustomed to it shortly after moving here for work. You wonder if you would even be able to fall asleep now without the hum of traffic underlying your dreams.

Maybe getting some fresh air, being around lively human interactions, and just living a little would help you move on. At this point you were ready to try anything. After all, it couldn’t hurt. You weren’t in the mood to cook today anyways.

You decide to dress a bit better than usual, if only for your own self-confidence. Your hands automatically reach for your favorite blouse and your most comfortable jeans from the interior of your closet. A lot of articles you own were actually gifts from Taehyung, so you’re grateful that you still have a few things that you could keep without reminding you of him. You wonder when you would feel comfortable wearing those dresses and belts he purchased for you. He bought them to show off “his girl” but now that you weren’t, did you still have a right to wear them?

When you finally escape from your worries, the cool night air blowing the strands of your hair with a carefree hand, you breathe deeply and try to exhale any stress still entrenched in your body. Tonight was about forgetting. It was about starting over.

It’s Friday today, so the streets are littered with happy couples, arms tangled together and their faces alit with adoration and happiness. You wonder if you looked as lovesick as they did, before ultimately deciding that you probably had. Tae was rarely able to walk the popular streets with you during rush hours, and even then he always wore a black cap with a matching face mask. The two of you grew used to ducking into alleyways whenever he spotted a large group of people heading towards the two of you. You remember feeling the hard brick wall pressing against your back as you waited out the crowds, glancing over at him periodically to smile mischievously at him. Maybe it was the thrill of almost being caught, or maybe he just liked your playful side, but he would usually choose to pull down his face mask just to kiss you when the two of you were hiding. These kisses were different than the post-ice cream date pecks. He’d always linger for a second or two, giving your bottom lip a greedy nip or ghosting the tip of his tongue across yours. No matter how many times he did this, your stomach always did flips in response.

The restaurant you picked is packed today, so you decide not to dine in. It would be rather weird to eat by yourself, especially amidst such a high-energy venue. Thankfully, your simple sandwich is completed rather quickly. You thank the waitress working the front desk before gripping your paper bag, heady with warmth, and head to the closest park.

One of the first places you discovered when you moved here was this community park. It is surrounded by large buildings, but that only added to the appeal of a small oasis surrounded by the mess of city life. You often came here after work, if only to stroll around the well-worn paths and think through how your day went. In the beginning, it had been difficult for you to adjust. Especially in the entertainment business, the higher-ups always demanded more of you. They wanted humor and fun, for you to pull fresh news out of the idols which fans craved. You had to be peppy, excited, and well-versed in the background of whoever you were interviewing. It was tough, but now you knew you had built up quite the reputation for yourself. You enjoyed meeting a variety of artists, most of whom quickly signed up for a repeat interview with you after the first round. You received the recognition and praise you craved, and you knew that you could only soar higher from here.

There are a few people walking their dogs tonight. You give each passing pet a smile when they look up at you with their round eyes and lolling tongues. Having a soft spot for animals, seeing them always made your heart feel lighter even if it was just a glance. Finding a bench is easy for you, especially since most people opted to stroll around this evening. The first bite is always the best, and it rings true tonight without fail. You chew slowly, enjoying the savory celebration over your palate before you slip back into your thoughts again.

You wonder what Taehyung is doing right now. His schedule must be busy, given that he was preparing for his comeback soon. You knew it was right of you to break up with him early enough that he would still have sufficient time to practice, since his work would always be his priority. It would be careless of you to end things with him close to his performances. You loved him enough to think things carefully on his behalf.

You remember how much you cried a few weeks ago, when you couldn’t even leave your bed to make it to work. Every time you blinked, he appeared behind your eyelids. It hurt so much that you never thought you could heal. You hated yourself, hated the universe for tearing the two of you apart. Whatever semblance of perfect love you found was replaced with the growing pain of your careers. You were climbing in the ranks, your days booked with more and more artists hoping to use your show to rise in popularity. BTS was traveling the world, performing for the masses and wooing fans with their genuine personalities in video interviews. As the two of you climbed higher, you also drifted further apart. You were beginning to feel the emptiness of being able to count how many times you had seen your ex every month on one hand.

The sandwich is quickly consumed, so you toss the empty bag into the trash can next to you and let out a sigh. Even though you wanted to not think about Taehyung tonight, it was difficult. Everything reminded you of him. Every time your mind wandered, it somehow ran after whatever remnants of him you still had. However, it was starting to hurt less and less. Instead of having your eyes brim with tears every time you thought about the way he used to look at you, you began to treat it as a silent acknowledgement of the past. You were satisfied with this development, but simultaneously fearful. What would it mean when you could finally think about Taehyung and feel nothing? Would that somehow invalidate everything he once was to you?

Your blouse isn’t doing much to protect you from the chilly night air, so you decide to take another lap through the park before retiring for the night. It’s difficult to see the stars, given the pollution and bright lights, but you like to imagine that they are there—shining down on you. They guide you back to your apartment, never leaving your side even when you shut the door behind you with finality.

●●●●●

Months have passed, and you are busier than ever before. Your coworkers have also began inviting you for dinners and other events more often. At first you were hesitant, not the social butterfly that most people expected radio hosts to be, but you quickly adapted. Everyone was friendly towards you for the most part, and the chatter helped ease and distract whatever sadness your heart was holding on to.

Christmas was around the corner, and you knew without a doubt that the entertainment world would be hosting a multitude of parties for the season. You were willing to join the tight-knit ones where only a handful of people were gathering for some red wine and conversation, but when your coworker invited you to a large rooftop celebration with some celebrities, you couldn’t help but hesitate.

“It’ll be fun! I’ll stick by your side all night if you’re that worried,” you coworker had chirped, a newbie at your company but who remained sociable and energetic nevertheless.

You had laughed nervously, waving her worries away and agreeing to attend. That had got her to finally leave you be, as you fiddled with the lid of your coffee cup and wondered what excuse to give when the date came around. Unfortunately, when December 24th finally did roll around, you simply stared at the calendar hanging from your wall and acquiesced.

Your closet is different now, as most of the items Taehyung purchased for you are now stowed away in a box in the corner. The newbie at the company, her name was Luce or something, had told you that people would probably be dressing nicely for the event. She then spent the rest of your lunch break yapping about some dress she had ordered online while you tuned out to play with the hem of your pencil skirt in nervousness.

Looking at your options, you finally settle on a scarlet dress that you hadn’t worn for a while. It was one of your first pricy purchases after your first paycheck, as a gift to yourself, and you were thankful to find that it still fit you perfectly. It was nothing scandalous, but definitely very different from what you were used to wearing. Pairing it with your beige trench coat, you check your makeup once more in the mirror before heading into the night.

The taxi drops you off at the location with little trouble. The sounds of the party are quick to descend on your ears, so you hand your coat to the coat check quickly before heading upwards to find someone you knew—just to stick around for the party so you wouldn’t feel isolated.

String lights have been strung elegantly across the sky, and you realize that it truly is a wondrous sight. Heat lamps are placed strategically across the floor, and a number of attendees are already sipping champagne and giggling with each other. Almost immediately, you see the coworker you thought of earlier, bounding over to you like an overeager kid and beaming with enthusiasm.

“You actually came!” she smiled, eyes wide as if you were merely an illusion.

“A promise is a promise,” you reply, accepting the flute of champagne Luce snatches from a nearby table to hand to you.

“Do you want to meet some people with me? I think quite a few of the celebs here know you already.”

You take a sip of the drink, appreciating the bubbles across your tongue and the slight flame that blazes in your chest when you swallow. You nod, deciding that socializing was only customary.

Your coworker is right to note that you actually recognize a lot of people in attendance tonight. The awkward feeling you had quickly faded away as you caught up with familiar faces and new ones alike. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, happy to take a break to visit their friends and family for the holiday season. Their respective companies all allow vacations during this winter season, so their happiness is well-warranted.

It is only on your third glass of champagne, a red color brushed high on your cheekbones, when you take notice of his figure flitting in and out of your view. Taehyung is dressed in a beautiful midnight blue suit, the color flirting between blue and black. His hair is dyed a bright blue, likely due to promotions for his recent album. You can’t pull your eyes away from his tall figure and the way his lips pull in a polite smile at every person who greets him. He looks exactly the same, but then again, would a few months really change a person?

Suddenly, everything is too much and whatever progress you’ve made in the past few months flies out the window. You want to run out the door and back into the safety of your apartment across the city. That sensation only heightens when his dark eyes meet yours, and your stomach drops in fear and trepidation.

The thing about Taehyung is that he’s never shy with you. Even after months of being separated, he still holds your gaze in his own without fail. The two of you used to have staring contests, ones you would always lose, and this moment also feels akin to that. You choose to accept defeat the moment you apologize to your acquaintance and set your glass on the table. Heading straight for the stairs, reminding yourself to grab your stuff from the coat check on your way out, a part of you wonders if he will follow you. It’s fruitless, because what could he even say? You would only shake him off and apologize before running away again. He knows better than to chase after the girl who got away.

When you’re finally miles away, dress discarded on the floor, lying in the center of your cold bedsheets and staring at the ceiling—you realize that you still haven’t moved on.

●●●●●

The beginning of 2020 is nothing if not full of surprises. For one, you quit your job. If anyone were to tell you that you would leave your well-paying occupation one day to pursue a career as a painter, you would probably laugh in their face before recommending one of your psychiatrist friends. However, that joke was your current reality. Unable to take the stress of keeping up with every new act knocking on your door for an interview combined with the way the male high-ups expected you to laugh at the right times and talk pretty during interviews, you handed in your resignation at the end of January.

Perhaps the dumbfounded looks on their faces were worth the loss.

The next day, you book the earliest flight for Paris. You want some inspiration for your art, and what better inspiration could you derive than from a city with a rich history and a penchant for beauty? You had always been into the arts, so this transition came easily. Taehyung used to tell you that you were gifted, but you never took heed of his words. After all, his compliments were freely given to you when he was in a good mood. In reality, the most he ever saw of your skills were the doodles you’d scribble on his hand when he was unconscious from a nap on your couch.

These days, you rarely thought of him. It was reassuring for your heart, knowing that you were slowly accepting a tomorrow without him. The process wasn’t without its pain, but you were thankful at your resilience. You knew that he was doing just fine, as your mutual friends kept you updated whenever they felt like sharing.

Paris at night is a rare type of beautiful. Staring up at the Eiffel Tower, you admire its curves and lines as people glide past you without paying you any heed. You probably stare at the structure for a good 10 minutes without moving, your eyes appreciating the classy nature of its architecture before you decide to head back to your hotel. You wanted to sketch this monument while its shapes were still imprinted on your thoughts.

Turning around to see Taehyung staring at you, the fear you had felt at the Christmas party doesn’t rise up to coil around your throat. It surprises you, even though you had already admitted to moving on considerably. He is still unfairly handsome, his hair back to the natural deep chestnut you were familiar with. When he steps forward, caution enunciated in that single step, you give him a smile to reassure him.

“Long time no see,” you breathe, tucking your hands into your windbreaker.

“Yeah,” his deep voice resonates in that single word of affirmation.

“Would you like to grab a croissant with me?” you offer, unsure how to proceed but deciding to be polite regardless of how uncomfortable everything seemed.

He nods, his tall form quickly falling in step with your own. Taehyung doesn’t say much throughout the entire journey to your favorite bakery, keeping his eyes on the sidewalk underneath your feet.

Sitting outside the store, a warm baked good in your fingers, the silence is considerably more bearable. Eating with satisfied bites, you watch the passerby glide past with radiant smiles and laughter, joking around in French. When you finally brush the crumbs off your lap to glance at Taehyung, he is watching the same crowd as you were. He seems to feel your eyes on him, because he meets your gaze. When you look into his eyes, no more than a few feet separating the two of you, you realize the lack of hurt that typically panged with every mention of him last year.

The realization empowers you, ballooning your heart in your chest. It is not happiness you feel, but something akin to a peaceful acceptance.

“In another universe, do you think we could’ve ended up together?”  

His question echoes in the recesses of your mind, and your fingers unconsciously tighten on the thighs of your leggings. This same thought had plagued your dreams early in your break up, as you prayed and wished that if things were different, if your careers didn’t demand so much from the two of you, that maybe there would be a happily ever after and an “us” to hold onto. But this universe, these conditions, were reality. You couldn’t ask him to sacrifice his love for singing, his appreciation of his growing fanbase, his dream—for you. He couldn’t request the same of you either.

“Maybe. Namjoon used to talk a lot about that,” you chuckle before continuing, “Multiverse theory or something like that.”

Taehyung nodes, a small smile appearing across his face when you mention his hyung.

“If he’s right about that, then I suppose so. In another world where you are nothing more than a normal boy and I am nothing more than a normal girl, I’d like to think we could’ve made it work,” you whisper, and when the words leave your lips without shaking, you are proud of yourself.

“I can be happy with that,” he says.

He walks you back to your hotel room, keeping to his thoughts as he does. You don’t mind, knowing that Tae often retreated into his thoughts when he was considering a topic deeply. You momentarily consider asking him why he was in Paris but decide against it. If he was ready for aimless conversations, he would start.

When you reach the hotel interior, a large chandelier illuminating the white marble tiles underneath your feet, he finally pauses to give you his final goodbye. He looks like he wants to say something more, maybe to ask to meet again or something of that nature. Instead he swallows and exhales, “We don’t need another universe to continue being there for each other.”

“No, we don’t,” you agree.

He turns around, bidding you another a small goodbye when his eyes briefly flit to your face. You offer him a small wave in response, watching his broad back retreating out the room and the sliding glass doors. Heading straight for the elevator doors as soon as his silhouette disappears from view, your shoulders relax instantly in the safety of the enclosed compartment.

Perhaps this universe still had a lot left to offer.

[gottagobuycheese]

Tag Thingy

Thanks for tagging me, @drivingsideways! (Answering these questions has made me realize how bad I am at actually finishing things, so hopefully this’ll force me into seeing some of them to completion lol)

The rules for the game are to tag 9 people you either want to get to know better or catch up with. 

(Putting this under a cut because to the surprise of ABSOLUTELY NO ONE this is got quite long and quite irrelevant) 

Last song: Because it seems I am unable to initiate errands without selecting an adequately motivational backing track, I was technically listening to this Pokémon Hype Mix | Battle Music compilation, of which the most recent song I’d listened to in it was Lorekeeper Zinnia’s Theme (Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire). It is a verified BOP and very effective at kickstarting me into doing otherwise boring tasks. 

Last movie: Gosh I feel like it’s been ages since I watched a movie and not a movie-length TV episode or sequence of episodes, but I think it was Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days. I don’t remember how I ended up watching it, and I’m sure there was plenty of cultural stuff that went over my head despite the translation’s best efforts, but it was enjoyable! 

Currently watching: And here my choatic wreck of an attention span gets dragged to the town square for public shaming and tomato-ing. So TECHNICALLY I’m rewatching Stranger (it started out for fic research purposes and I’d meant to just skip to the relevant parts but unfortunately I overestimated my ability not to get utterly swept away by the story which is doubly unfortunate considering my next writing deadline is in approximately 39 hours RIP TO ME), but in terms of new shows, I’m keeping up with The Uncanny Counter (RIPE WITH FOUND FAMILY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND*) and Kairos as they air. That being said, I am a creature who subsists almost exclusively off of immediate gratification, so in between waiting impatiently for new episodes, I have also started Because This Is My First Life (not my typical show, but I decided to give it another chance beyond the first episode this time, and I’m very glad I did), Be Melodramatic (another atypical one, and it’s definitely harder to get through than some of the others (not because it’s boring or anything, but. idk. it’s hard to get through a single episode in a single sitting), but I’m invested now. I’m also a known weakling for unconventional living arrangements so there’s certainly that), and (as of yesterday) HILDA SEASON 2 (CANNOT stress what a cozy and fun and seasonally-appropriate-for-much-of-the-northern-hemisphere show this is). If we’re talking “shows I have started watching/rewatching and stopped at the first or last 15% but still intend to complete,” this list is...longer. Much, much longer. 

Currently reading: This question made me realize that maybe it’s so hard to write because I haven’t read anything in so long! I haven’t read a single book all year except the second Kiyoshi book, and despite a bunch of fics and authors I’m invested in updating recently, I’m also not keeping up with any of those (and it’s not like I don’t want to! It’s just not. happening.). So I guess technically, books in progress are  Castle in the Air (the Howl’s Moving Castle sequel that I have been trying to read since...last summer? Maybe?) and The Fellowship of the Ring (which has been an on-and-off task since eighth grade, but I feel like now that I’ve gone and misplaced the book it’s slightly more understandable that I haven’t finished it yet). Fics-wise, the list is r e a l l y long, but I can’t really say I’m actively reading any of them at the moment.  

Currently craving: gonna steal a leaf from your book and say “any life but this,” but I really can’t complain since I did this to me, and I’m sure at least 17% of this disenchantment comes from the associated stress of yet another application season, which WILL be over eventually. Ahem, anyway, in terms of things I can actually theoretically have some day, I am daydreaming about stir-fried okra the way my mom does it (i.e. very simply, just heat a pot with a smidge of oil, cut the okra lengthwise, throw in some salt and a bunch of green chilies ± a pinch of turmeric powder (still don’t know what the point of it is, but it’s The Done Thing), and cook them until they’re slightly singed — OR just slightly undercook and then stick them in the oven until they’re nice and crispy and have probably lost their nutritional value). Honestly I think I’m just craving a primary vegetable dish that is not simply part of a larger pasta/ramen/burrito type of thing. (I COULD just go to any of the Asian markets within walking distance of here and just buy the dang okra, but I keep filling my shelf on the fridge with spinach and mushrooms and making pot after pot of instant ramen or pasta. I am tired. So tired. But I think I’ll be able to excavate the freezer some time soon since some of our housemates are moving out, so hopefully that means New Food soon) 

If you made it to the bottom of this list, I applaud your tenacity and apologize for my incoherent rambling. Tagging (no pressure of course!): @pachelbelsheadcanon, @averybritishbumblebee, @sailorlock, @runningturnip, @jessicafish, @mehrto, @imperiousheiress, @yeswevegotavideo, @beingjanee, and everyone else I haven’t tagged who’s itching for something to do! 

[pisceslentil8-blog]

Ten Refrigerators that Inspire Healthy Eating

I believe in the power of a tidy, happy refrigerator to promote healthy eating - even if I don't always succeed. And those of you who follow me on Instagram know I like to take a few minutes to freshen up my refrigerator each weekend. I'm working on a more detailed post about my favorite fridge storage strategies, best containers, produce preservation tips, and the like, but in the meantime, I thought I'd share some of the refrigerators I've come across and taken note of. Especially in this era of KonMari ;). These are refrigerators on their #fridgegoals A-game. Masters of refrigerator organization (or simply deploying a super clever tactic or two).

Before we start, there are a few best practices I've come to embrace. The aforementioned weekly tidy is key. I typically do mine on Saturday after getting home from the farmers' market. Wash and prep as many of your ingredients as possible at this time, and you'll thank yourself later. It might sound strange, but I think of this exercise as merchandising my refrigerator. And when you do it, far less goes to waste, and you'll feel more energized about cooking throughout the rest of the week.

1. My Refrigerator This is where I'm at - a work in progress, but I have a few set-in-stone strategies. First, like I mentioned up above, try to tidy it once a week. Second, store things in clear containers, preferably glass. That way you can see everything you have at a glance. I LOVE our counter depth refrigerator, because it doesn't allow things to hide in the far back corners. Everything is up front and in your face. I want to get a wine bottle insert (mentioned below), and love anything stackable, like the Weck jars, which come in a range of sizes. These containers have been great, these (w/ compartments) are great for lunches on the go, and keeping things separate. I post refrigerators shots here now & then.

2. Kristen's Eat to Live Fridge - (Hello Nutritarian) Woah. I'm not sure I've seen a stronger fridge game. Look at all the color here! And the prep! And when you get past that, look at the storage strategy. A lot of super smart suggestions on all fronts here. More shots from Kristen.

3. The Home Edit's Updatable Labeling Labelling is key, especially in the freezer, or for anything that isn't going to get used in a few days. Until now, I've always used washi paper tape to label jars and baggies, but I'm loving Clea and Joanna's chalk marker strategy as well. Super clever, and easily helps your family put things where they're supposed to go. More details here.

4. How to Stock Your Fridge (& Cook) Like an Adult - (Refinery 29) A nice snapshot of three culinary pros - Karen Mordechai, Lauren Godfrey, and Barrett Prendergrast. You can see some clever strategies in the photos - bowls for produce, wrapping greens, the catch-all nut drawer, etc. See the profiles here.

5. Beyond Meal-prep & CIY meals - (Coveteur) I thought this portrait of Samantha Wasser's refrigerator was interesting because it shows how things might come together if you're more likely to buy your meals vs. cook them. There are a lot of people who don't cook much, and I thought this seemed like a better option than ordering lots of take-out. Lunch, dinner, breakfasts, and lots of drinks for a few days at least. More photos of Samantha's kitchen here, and check out Sarah Britton's kitchen / fridge while you're there.

6. Jen's Counter Depth Fridge & Freezer Strategy - (I Heart Organizing) I love Jen's use of those little mini-bins, and the can holder. Super clever. And her detailed freezer drawer write-up makes me feel like there might be hope for mine. Some great ideas, aprticularly for anyone with a counter depth, French door, and freezer drawer configuration. Mini-bins on order ;) More details here.

7. Lots of Jars & Baskets - (The Intentional Minimalist) This is one of the few examples I could find with clever use of natural fiber baskets. I like how Kristin has used them here, and look at her smart use of large jars for greens. More tips from Kristin here.

8. Merchandise Your Healthy Drinks - (Brit + Co) I'm a big fan of this strategy (as you can see in the opening photo). Storing hydrating, healthy beverages in glass containers and carafes is a sleek, beautiful way to showcase drinks. I also like the vote for clear containers here. There are a lot of fridge organization articles that highlight opaque containers, making the contents hard to see, and easy to forget about. Get the recipe here.

9. Wine & Tall Bottle Inserts - (The Container Store) I find myself short on space for tall items like wine bottles and sparkling water. Not sure why it didn't occur to me to add some bottle inserts, but this post got me thinking. More photos here.

10. Wide Open - What European Chef's Keep in their Refrigerators - (Bon Appétit) In case you weren't sure how a chef can differ from a home cook, their refrigerators lend some fascinating insights. Bon Appétit highlights Inside Chefs' Fridges, Europe, a book by Adrian Moore and Carrie Solomon. Read the article & browse the pics.

Lastly, I want to note, this post is focused on refrigerators. Freezers are another thing altogether - laugh/cry. I'm still trying to get a handle on mine, and haven't quite been able to nail down a great system, it always turns into a dumping ground. More to come on that front, in the meantime, hopefully there is something here that will inspire!

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[charlinert]

As Easy as Falling 23/?

New Chapter of As Easy As Falling….

A/N: TISSUE ALERT! The angst continues....

Summary:  Felicity Smoak had everything figured out until tragic news causes her to rethink her life. As part of dealing with tragedy she embraces her adventurous side in the form of skydiving. Will love be waiting for her between the clouds or will she let tragedy keep her away from falling?

Read from the BEGINNING AO3

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

CHAPTER 23

Felicity! 

Don’t go baby girl I still need you!

Felicity!

Don’t die, please don’t leave me!

Felicity!

Felicity!

I love you Felicity!

Felicity!

I can’t imagine my life without you!

Don’t go!

She wakes up with a scream. When she finally registers where she is, she’s on her couch under the blanket Oliver left there after their movie night. She must have fallen asleep after getting home from their babysitting outing that turned into her breaking up with Oliver. It’s cold outside, the first signs of fall approaching, but her hair is wet from the sweat of the nightmare. It’s no surprise to her anymore, since this is a reoccurrence for the last three weeks. The only time she hasn’t had one of these was when Oliver stayed over.

She sighs as she stretches herself out on the couch to gain her composure. She wipes her hands over her face and feels the remnants of the tears that must have fallen during the dream.

No one said that this journey is going to be easy, but if it only stayed with the side effects, that she could cope with, but now her mind is cooking up all these different scenarios of her friends and family not surviving without her and it scares her.

This morning Oliver confessed his love to her and all she wanted to do was tell him she feels the same but instead she saw the reality of a future slip away before her eyes and she knew by telling him what he wanted to hear was giving him hope for something that was never going to happen.

It is single-handedly the most difficult thing she’s ever had to since she told her mom that she has cancer.

After a while she feels that she’s tortured herself enough by giving over to her thoughts and needs some serious comfort. If she can’t have a man thanks to this terrible disease it will not stop her from devouring a pint of her favourite mint choc chip calling out to her from the freezer.

Deciding that coffee and sugar are now the best form of comfort food, she puts on her very expensive coffee machine while she retrieves the ice cream from her freezer.

She’s just about to put a spoonful in her mouth when there’s a knock on the door. She freezes at the sound and stands unmoving in her kitchen, hoping that whoever it is will think she’s either sleeping or not home and leave. The last thing she wants now is to talk to anyone…in fact she’s forced herself not to talk to anyone in the last two weeks.

Just when she thinks her plan has worked, there’s another knock. Who can it be?

“Felicity, I know you’re home, please open the door.”

Oliver, it’s Oliver. From everyone in the ‘I don’t want to talk to you list’ the person that’s right on top of that list is standing outside her door. She has so many mixed emotions. Her heart is calling out to him but her head is telling her to stay put.

His knocking becomes persistent. “Felicity! Open the door please.”

She sighs knowing that he’s not going to give up and she has no other choice but to open the door and face Oliver Queen.

She moves slowly taking steady deep breaths as she tries to regulate the rhythm of her racing heart. She takes a moment before turning the knob, wondering if he’s angry or if her heart is going to break with the look of disappointment on his face…she turns the knob and instead it’s neither one of the looks she saw in her mind’s eye…the blue orbs are bluer than normal and there’s so much love reflecting in them that throws her emotions in a frenzy. She starts sobbing in the doorway and without wondering, Oliver wraps her in his strong arms as she cries.

They stand there in the doorway for a while, no one moving. He smells so incredible to her. His presence has become a sense of peace to her and feeling him holding her calms her down. He gently breaks away from her and brings his hand to her face. His warmth is unnerving and right there she wants to take back everything she said to him but she can’t. If she loves him as much as she does right at this moment, she has to follow through.

“What are you doing here?” she asks.

“Can I come in?”

“Oliver, it’s not a good idea.”

“Why? Because you told me there’s no future after I told you I love you?” she can hear the frustration in his voice but he keeps his cool.

She doesn’t answer; in fact she doesn’t know what to answer.

“Look, I’ll get out of your hair and I’ll leave if you want me to, but first you need to make me understand what’s going on, because Felicity, this right here, this isn’t you.”

She knows he’s right, but she’s terrified if she lets him in it will be like last night, that she doesn’t want him to leave again. Despite her better judgement she moves aside for him to come in and closes the door.

He wastes no time and sits down on the couch. He’s obviously nervous but he hides it well. She sits next to him and for the first time since they’ve met it’s slightly awkward.

“Tell me what’s going on with you please?” he says, wanting to get to the bottom of this.

“I already told you, there’s no future for us Oliver.” she has no idea how she said that so quickly and with a straight face at that, her heart wants to break, but this is how it must be.

“Okay fine, two can play this game. Can you please explain to me why you would tell your mother I was taking you to the Medical Centre on the days she was supposed to do it?”

She can feel all the blood draining from her face. She feels sick and this time it has absolutely nothing to do with her actually being sick. How did he find out about that? Her mom wouldn’t have told him out of her own, she wouldn’t challenge Oliver on taking her for treatments, it’s just not who she is.

“Before you say anything else you should know that Curtis and your mom have been speaking to me.”

She gulps at the thought that they have been discussing her behind her back. She wants to be angry but she can’t. She lied and now he’s challenging her on everything she’s said and done these last two weeks. There’s no escape except for the truth.

“Okay…I…uhm…” she has no idea where to start.

“Just tell me…did you skip the treatments?”

“No, I never skipped any treatments. I…I made use of a taxi service because I knew I wouldn’t be able to drive myself.”

He gives a sigh of relief and it makes her heart hurt even more.

“Look Oliver, I didn’t mean to lie, I just…I didn’t…I have my reasons.”

“I get that Felicity, but I think you owe it to me and everyone else to explain those reasons. Like I told you before, I will leave you alone as you asked, but I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on and saying that we don’t have a future, when just last night you held on to me like you never wanted to let go, is not a reason.”

His gaze softens as he gently adds; “I’ll be making coffee over there,” indicating to the kitchen, “so, when you’re ready to tell me, you know where to find me.”

She doesn’t offer anything in response as he gets up to walk to the kitchen. She knows she owes them all an explanation but she has no idea how to even put her feelings into words.

After a few breathing exercises she finds some courage and walks over to the kitchen where Oliver is sitting on the counter drinking his cup of black coffee. She can see the concern in his eyes beyond the smile he gives her when he shifts his attention to her entering the room.

She pours herself a cup too and hops on the counter on the opposite side of him. She stares at him, knowing he won’t say a word, so it’s up to her to start and get this over with.

“I’m sorry I lied.” she starts. She can see that he’s not planning on interrupting her until she’s said everything she needs to say.

“I’m scared.” she confesses for the first time to anyone. “I’ve been having dreams…more like nightmares really…about dying, about leaving my mom, Curtis…and you.”

“My mom…I’m all she has. What’s going to happen to her when I’m gone? Who’s going to look after her, will she cope without me? I’m scared she’s not going to be able to deal with my death and I don’t want that for her. I’d rather she get used to not having me around than…”

“And Curtis?” he interrupts, not wanting to hear the actual words leave her lips.

“Curtis…my sweet Curtis.” She smiles thinking of her friend. “Do you know that since I’ve been home sick he’s phoned me every single day to find out whether or not the procedures he’s implementing are correct? He doesn’t trust himself at all and I know it takes time to grow into a new professional position but what if he doesn’t make it? What if QC decides he’s not good enough and he gets fired? Then he will be without a job and it will be my fault. So by pushing him away he’s learning to stand on his own two feet and not rely on me being there.”

“Fine.” he says but it’s not convincing. “I don’t understand why you’re pushing me away Felicity?”

“Your dad.”

He looks confused but he lets her explain.

“You hit rock bottom after your dad’s death and even though you’re speaking to Thea again, you still haven’t recovered from the guilt. To me I’ve almost felt like I was your second chance, a chance to do things differently, things you couldn’t do right with your dad. Now you say you love me and I can’t help wondering if you really do love me or if it’s mere words to get me to stay because I’m your little project.”

She can see the hurt in his eyes, but he asked for honesty and that’s what she’s giving him.

“I can’t have you feel like you failed again. I can’t have you feel the guilt that you couldn’t save me and fall into that dark pit again. I won’t be the cause of you hitting rock bottom again Oliver, I won’t!” she’s determined for him to see this situation from her point of view. “I’m dying...I’ve accepted it, maybe it’s time you did too.” she gulps back the tears and sips on her coffee to try and hide the emotion on her face.

He stares at her for a while, his expression unreadable and it’s driving her crazy that she doesn’t know what he’s thinking.

“Oliver, please say something.” she prods him for a response.

“Okay, let me get this straight.” he starts, his voice gentle without judgement. “You’re pushing everyone away because you’ve made up your mind that you’re going to die without finding out if the treatment even worked?”

“Who says it worked?” she counters.

“Felicity who says it didn’t? You will only have the results in a week and you’re making life choices without thinking this through.”

“Look, I can’t pretend to know what you’re going through, but what are you going to do when you find out that the treatment did work and you pushed away everyone you care about because you were scared?”

“Love.” she says ever so softly that he can barely hear her.

“Excuse me?” he responds with his cute furrowed brow.

“Everyone I love. I don’t just care about those people Oliver, I love them.”

She can see the moment the words dawn on him, but his voice is stuck in his throat.

“Yes Oliver, I love you. I think I’ve loved you from the start, but I…”

“No you can Felicity.” he interrupts her as he jumps off the counter and walks to her sitting on the opposite side of the kitchen.

He takes the mug from her hand and places it next to her. When he looks up at her, the tears she’s been trying to keep back spill over her cheeks. He uses his thumb to wipe them away and that breaks the wall, she sobs and he pulls her close to his chest and he lets her cry, whispering softly in her ears that it’s going to be okay.

She pulls back and immediately focuses her attention at the big wet mark on his shirt and lightly touches it with her fingers.

“Your shirt.” she says between sobs.

He covers her hand on his shirt with his own and gently places a soft kiss to her forehead and whispers, “it’s nothing.”

“Felicity.” he says and she finally looks at him with those beautiful eyes of hers. Those eyes that captivated him from the moment he saw them. “I love you,” he says but before she can argue he continues, “and not just because you’re my second chance, because you are, but because you really make me happy. I knew there was something there the moment I met you…there was just something about you.” he smiles recalling the day they met.

“I know this is hard, but I’m begging you…please, please don’t give up now…please don’t let go.”

His words are so raw and her heart shatters in a million pieces. She wants this, she wants him but is love stronger than fear?

“It is.” he says and she realises that she just said it out loud.

“You’re not alone Felicity. We love you and we don’t want you to go through this alone. Please…please say you won’t give up?” his eyes are pleading and despite her fear she presses her lips to his. It’s hard and honest. Her arms curl around his neck as she pulls him closer to her. Their mouths in perfect harmony, as the kiss deepens.

When they break away for breath, they keep their foreheads pressed to each other as they breathe each other in and lips still lingering, not wanting to let go just yet.

“I love you Oliver.” he closes his eyes at the sound of the words he’s been longing to hear.

“I want to fight to live.” she says breaking their contact but fixing her eyes on his. “I’m going to fight this. As long as I have breath, I’m going to fight this.”

“No,” he says gently kissing her. “We’re going to fight this…together.” 

Thank you to everyone who’s supporting this fic by reading and commenting and liking and such! You guys are truly awesome!!!

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[centralparkpawsblog]

Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat (And Are Good For Them!)

https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Can-dogs-eat-cheese-is-dairy-good-for-puppies-lactose-intolerance.jpg

Whenever Maggie sees me go into the kitchen at night, she knows that I’m about to pull out all the best food in the house.

She loves watching me cut chicken, fry ground beef, and put meals together.

For some reason, she always believes that she’s going to get a bite of everything that I make, even though she rarely gets human food.

I’m always nervous that if I give her some human food, she’ll eat something that’s terrible for her.

I would hate for my gesture of love to accidentally send her to the emergency vet. Sometimes it’s also nerve-racking when your dog jumps up on the counter and eats something the moment you turn your back.

It’s hard to know what’s good for them and what’s not.

When should you worry and when can you share your dinner?

Read on to learn all about human foods that dogs can eat and are actually good for them.

There are actually many sources of nutrition for dogs beyond kibble or canned food, so see if your dog may be interested in any of these healthy options.

Foods That Are Good for Dogs

Check out this list of foods that are good for dogs so you can make a quick reference before treating your dog with anything from the fridge or pantry.

Hard or Shredded Cheeses

Photo by Lars Plougmann (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Most of the dogs I’ve ever lived with have gone nuts for cheese.

It didn’t matter whether it was a slice of cheddar or a pile of shredded mozzarella, they’d eat it up without thinking to savor it.

Dogs can actually eat cheese in small quantities at a time.

Some dogs are lactose intolerant, but most will be able to have a bite or two of cheese and be totally fine.

Cheese contains healthy fats that are good for their health, along with calcium from the milk.

Coconut (Milk and Oil)

For centuries, people have used coconut extract as milk and an oil to help their health.

It has lauric acid in it, which makes it a great helper in fighting viruses and bacteria[1].

Dogs can have both forms in small quantities.

It’s most effective when used as an oil and rubbed onto dry, itchy, or irritated skin.

Dogs should never eat the shell of a coconut or have more than a few drops at a time.

The medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil within coconut oil can irritate the gut and cause symptoms such as diarrhea[2].

Eggs (Cooked)

Most households have cartons of eggs in them because they’re easy to use in so many different recipes.

You might fry them, scramble them, or boil them, which are all great for dogs.

Cooked eggs are a healthy source of natural protein that isn’t derived from meat, which can sometimes irritate dogs with sensitive food allergies.

Never let your dog eat raw eggs, as sometimes they can contain salmonella.

Raw egg whites are also a hazard. They have an enzyme called avidin that joins with dietary biotin and prevents the absorption of it[3].

Biotin is a vitamin that aids in digestion and metabolism and the health of their skin[4], so a biotin deficiency affects their entire well-being.

Fish (Cooked and Deboned)

There are plenty of different ways to get fish in your diet, whether you like to bake it, fry it, or eat it straight out of a can.

Dogs also love fish, which is great because fish have healthy fats and amino acids.

These ingredients help a dog’s skin and coat health, plus their digestive system.

The only thing to look out for with fish is to make sure your dog never eats it uncooked or gnaw on fish bones.

Whole fish snacks and meals should also be limited to only one or two times a week because they’re so packed with nutrients.

Corn Kernels (Steamed, Boiled, or Popped)

You might enjoy corn steamed in the microwave or fresh on the cob.

It’s also one of the most common ingredients in human and dog food, so it’s fine for your dog to enjoy some the next time you grill out.

As long as the corn doesn’t have any seasonings or butter on it, your dog will love it.

A word of warning—it’s safer to give dogs cooked corn kernels instead of a cooked cob. They may bite a chunk off the cob and choke because it becomes soft after cooking.

The next time you sit down for movie night at home and pop a bunch of all natural, unflavored or unsweetened popcorn, feel free to give a handful to your dog.

They’ll love the crunch and the nutrients from the treat.

Peanut Butter (Smooth or Crunchy)

It’s an age old tradition to give your dog a little bit of peanut butter. You might put a dab on their nose or hide it inside a bone.

Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, along with vitamins and niacin[5].

When you want to give your dog peanut butter, go for a jar that is unsalted and organic.

Some brands mix their peanut butter with artificial sweeteners, which are toxic for dogs.

A few dog owners may have heard of the various myths that surround the idea of giving your dog peanut butter.

The most popular method is that if you give your dog peanut butter regularly, they’ll die. The answer is much more complicated than this.

The reason why many dogs suffer from eating peanut butter is because they’re given a product that contains xylitol.

Xylitol has become a popular all-natural and sugar-free sweetener that mimics the same taste of sugar. Humans can eat it, but dogs can’t.

If dogs eat large amounts of xylitol, it results in liver failure and seizures, which leads to a quick death[6].

As long as you give your dog all-natural and unsweetened peanut butter, they’ll be fine.

Ham (Sliced or Cubed)

Your dog may show more interest in eating human food when they smell ham cooking in your oven.

They can enjoy a slice or a handful of cubed ham, although it’s meant to be more of a treat than a dietary staple item.

Ham is super high in fat and sodium, which is the same reason why humans usually only eat it on holidays or special events.

It’s a common misbelief that because ham is a natural source of protein, it’s the on the same nutritional equivalence as a piece of chicken. That’s not true.

Be aware that you’ll be feeding your dog food high in fats, which can cause stomach problems in dogs sensitive to fatty ingredients.

A little bit of ham every once in a while shouldn’t do your dog any harm.

Honey

People like to drizzle honey in their tea or on toast, and if you’re ever tempted to let your dog lick it off your finger, you can go ahead and give them the treat.

Honey is full of vitamins, potassium, antioxidants, and calcium[7].

Small amounts help dogs with local allergies and build their immunity to local allergens[8].

A lick or two at a time can be great for dogs, but be aware that any dogs who struggle with blood sugar issues should not have any more than a drop or two at a time.

Honey is known to spike blood sugar[9].

Quinoa (Cooked)

You may have switched to quinoa from brown rice or white rice because it’s a health-friendly option for carb-centric meals.

Your dog can enjoy some quinoa as well and they may already do.

Quinoa is an ingredient in many dog foods because it’s a source of natural carbs[10].

The starches are easy for them to digest, but as always, never give them more than a little bit at a time.

Yogurt

People like to eat yogurt because it helps their gut health.

In small amounts, it can help your dog’s gut as well.

It’s perfect for a little snack and helps to balance the bacteria in their gut because it contains probiotics.

Still, yogurt is a form of dairy, so be careful if your dog is sensitive to lactose. You should also never give your dog any yogurt that has artificial sweeteners.

Read the labels clearly and always go for the most organic option available.

Oatmeal (Cooked)

If you want to whip up some oatmeal for breakfast tomorrow, feel free to share it with your dog.

After you boil it in water, it’s a great source of soluble fiber.

It’s easy for dogs to slowly digest, which means it also won’t spike their blood sugar.

Oatmeal is a natural whole-grain and will sort out any digestive or constipation problems your dog has.

Dogs with wheat allergies can also enjoy oatmeal in small amounts.

As always, never give your dog any oatmeal that has been flavored sweetened or mixed with any other foods.

Carrots

If you have whole carrots in your fridge, your dog would love to have one as a snack.

They’re full of vitamins[11] and serve as a chew toy.

They scrape plaque off your dogs teeth while they chew and help your dog work through teething issues if they’re still young.

Baby carrots are good for smaller dogs but aren’t recommended for larger dogs because they are choking hazard.

For a fun twist, leave whole carrots in the freezer overnight to give your dog a cold chewy toy that’s soothing for inflamed gums.

What to Look For

Whenever you give your dog something new, you should never give it to them and walk away.

They may not eat it correctly, or it could cause issues with their digestive system.

You also never know if they may have an allergy you haven’t discovered yet.

After you give your dog a small taste of a new food, look out for these common symptoms[12]:

Itching

Swelling

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Hives

Wheezing

Breathing issues

Inflammation of the paws or ears

Frequent licking

If your dog shows any symptoms, an easy way to treat this at home is to first stop giving them the food that triggered the allergy.

Doggy Benadryl

You can also give them small amounts of Benadryl.

The recommended Benadryl dosage is 1 mg per one pound of body weight[13], up to two or three times per day.

Consult your vet before administering this treatment if your dog is already on prescription medication.

If the allergic symptoms make it hard for your dog to breathe, walk, eat, or drink water, it’s time to go to the emergency vet.

They may give the dog a shot of an antihistamine or other medications that are stronger and help immediately.

Conclusion

Some people like to say that they never give the dogs any human food.

It’s easier to limit them to food made for dogs and not worry about potentially giving them anything that could hurt them.

I have definitely been that person, but there are certain foods that are totally safe for both humans and their favorite four-legged friends.

Start small and see what your dog is interested in.

A handful of rice, a carrot, or the last bits of tuna in a can could make their whole day and give them the additional nutrients they need alongside their normal meals.

FAQs

Is It Okay to Feed Your Dog Human Food?

It depends on what you feed them.

Certain foods may trigger allergies or irritate their digestive system, like foods high in saturated fat, lactose, or wheat.

Some foods, such as raisins, can even be dangerous for your dog.

What Are the Healthiest Foods for Dogs?

Healthy foods for dogs will be anything that isn’t artificially sweetened or mixed with certain spices and ingredients dogs aren’t able to digest.

You can start with foods like carrots, apples, and chicken to see what your dog enjoys or is sensitive to.

Can I Feed My Dog Human Food Instead of Dog Food?

Human food is best served as an occasional treat for dogs.

There are a few recipes online to make homemade dog food using human foods, but if that isn’t in your budget, you’ll want to stick with meals that contain kibble specifically formulated for your dog’s dietary needs.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Ate Something Bad?

After you give your dog some human food or they snatch something off a table, you can look for standard symptoms that they are unable to digest it.

Look for behaviors such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or itching.

Resources

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-is-lauric-acid

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320251

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/avidin

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-313/biotin

https://www.eatthis.com/healthy-foods-to-eat-for-niacin/

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-toxins-poisons/xylitol-poisoning-dogs-a-deadly-sugar-substitue

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583289/

https://acaai.org/resources/connect/ask-allergist/will-honey-relieve-my-seasonal-allergies

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes/faq-20058487

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-quinoa/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270191

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/

https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/can-i-give-my-dog-benadryl-and-if-so-how-much

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