#benefits of almond milk

[healthovise]

Almond milk is known to be low in calories as compared to cow’s milk. Almond milk contains only 39 calories per cup.

[theygender]

I hate how coconut milk is becoming like THE milk replacement in health foods. Like bro what do I do if I'm lactose intolerant AND allergic to coconuts 😭 please just give me something I can eat

[prettynextdoorrr]

Nobody:

Me at 1:30AM: I almost perfected my matcha latte! 🍵

[dashinghealth]

The Nutritional Value of Chia Seed Pudding: Is It Worth It?

Chia pudding is a nutrient-dense superfood dessert, perfect for health-conscious eaters. Learn how its fiber, protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants can benefit your health, aid in weight loss, and support overall wellness.

Introduction Chia seed pudding is an easy-to-make, nutrient-dense dessert that’s loved by health-conscious eaters worldwide. But is this creamy treat really worth the hype? In this post, we’ll dive deep into the nutritional value of chia seed pudding, exploring its health benefits and potential downsides. From its impressive fiber content to its protein profile, this article will help you…

[justposting1]

COFFEE & its Consequences: 3 science tips you need to know

I’m diving into the effects of coffee on our health and glucose levels. Let’s tackle the beloved ritual of coffee drinking – from the benefits and potential glucose spikes caused by black coffee to the impacts of sugar, sweeteners, and different types of milk. Are you kidding me? Do we really need to add this into our milks? Seriously, it’s super frustrating! Hello, angels, and welcome to The…

[corvids-corner]

my ebio class got me switching to oat milk in my lattes

[spicyvegrecipes]

Carrot Milk Recipe (Gajar Ka Doodh)

Carrot Milk(Gajar Doodh) Carrot milk is also known as “Gajar Doodh, it is an Indian beverage, is a fusion of carrots and milk which offers a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome addition to your diet. Gajar Doodh is a delightful concoction that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a powerful nutritional punch. Carrot milk(Gajar Doodh) is a…

[purefoodsofficial]

Purefoods organic Almond Milk presents a delicious dairy-free alternative that is not only rich in flavor but also packed with essential nutrients, promoting heart health and providing a wholesome source of vitamins.

[violetrainbow412-blog]

Day 4: market day

Masterlist flufftober 🎃

Reblog if you liked it!

You've heard a lot of people say that the honeymoon period only lasts the first few weeks of marriage and that after that things can start to get complicated. But the rule didn’t seem to apply to you.

Maybe it was because you two were young and enthusiastic, because you were too busy missing him to think about arguing, or maybe it was just that you really were made for each other.

You often tried to steal as much time as possible from your husband’s demanding job because being an FBI agent often took him away from you, and sometimes having a few domestic moments was all you both desired.

Grocery shopping was one of those activities that really made you feel like a married couple, and it saved you many trips to the store for food.

“Which do you prefer? Soy or almond milk?”

“Soy has phytoestrogens and more health benefits in moderate amounts. Almond is for people looking to maintain weight, and although it’s healthy, it’s low in protein.”

“Soy, got it,” you said with a small smile at his intellectual response.

Every time it was grocery shopping day, your job was always to push the cart and grab an item or two within reach, but most of the time, Spencer was the one in charge of selecting your groceries. After all, he had a pretty extensive knowledge of the benefits of each food. He always wanted to take care of you, and since he was often away, one way he could do that was by ensuring you were well-nourished.

“Look, I found some tea,” he announced happily, making you look away from the yogurt section in the fridge to pay attention. “Lavender, passionflower, valerian…”

“For your insomnia?”

“Mhm,” he hummed, dropping the boxes into the cart “And some mint and lemon for you.”

“You know me so well,” you smiled sweetly, leaning on the plastic handle, letting him gently caress your cheek.

You two had known each other for so many years that there were details about each other you knew by instinct. You knew his favorite brand of coffee, how he liked it with a specific number of sugar spoons, that you needed to buy him two sets of socks because he always liked mismatched ones, and you knew the exact spot on his head to stroke to help him fall back asleep after a nightmare. He knew you hated wearing shoes indoors, that you had a specific way of sleeping, and that you hated the smell of cinnamon. There were so many things you did as if they were second nature that it seemed impossible to list them all.

The truth is, people at Spencer’s work were quite surprised to find out that not only did he have a girlfriend, but that you were getting married. The event was private, very intimate, and not at all pretentious because that wasn’t your style.

You both had no problem moving into a new, slightly more spacious apartment, now that everything was doubled. But you were managing it quite well, to be honest.

You continued strolling through the grocery store, staying close to your husband, and then remembered you needed some bread. You pushed the cart over and stood next to a woman who seemed to be in a dilemma, staring at two loaves of bread as if trying to analyze which was better.

“The best one is that one,” you said, hoping not to make her uncomfortable. She looked at you confused, so you decided to speak again. “It has less sugar and the necessary carbs for good nutrition. There’s a study about it; it’s true.”

“Oh, sweetie, I wasn’t looking for the healthiest, just the one with the best quantity and price. It’s for my kids. Those children could eat an entire loaf in a day, and I can’t afford that.”

You laughed honestly and gave her a look of understanding. She was a bit older than you but not old enough to be considered elderly.

“I think you’re right.”

“I love my kids, but I won’t lie… sometimes they drive me crazy,” she confessed, and you both laughed again.

“Darling, do you want me to make pasta for you this week? Rossi taught me a recipe that…”

He trailed off when he noticed you had company, and for some reason, he suddenly felt shy.

“That’s fine, love. We can eat whatever you want,” you replied kindly. “I already have something to go with it.”

You winked at him when he noticed the wine you had tossed into the cart, and then he smiled and went off in search of the necessary ingredients.

“Your boyfriend?”

“Husband,” you corrected her. There was a strange pride in saying that.

“Husband! Oh, that’s so sweet. How long have you been married?”

“We’ll be married for four months next week.”

“Young love, so beautiful,” she sighed, as if nostalgic for a time that now seemed too far away. “And he helps you with the shopping?”

“I help him, actually,” you laughed. “He’s the one who selects everything. Before we got married, I had the worst eating habits, and he hated that. So we try to eat better now.”

“Marriages are so different now,” she said, and upon hearing that, you expected to endure a conservative speech and internally dreaded it. “My husband never joins me for things like this; he’s not even interested. In this and in much more, to be honest. And it’s nice to see that girls nowadays can have these kinds of relationships. You know, where they’re supported.”

Somehow, that touched your heart, and suddenly you wished you could hug the woman, but you held back. Then, you looked over at Spencer. He was in the vegetable section, apparently comparing two bags of spinach. You could recognize him in a crowd without a doubt, with his slouched posture, his messy hair (freshly cut, by the way), and his peculiar formal attire.

You had always appreciated having the man in your life, even when you didn’t have a romantic relationship, but you had never stopped to think how lucky you were that he had decided to love you.

“I’m glad too,” you said in what was barely a whisper.

You didn’t say anything else. The woman said her goodbyes kindly, and you just smiled at her, too busy gazing at the man with loving eyes. You stood there watching him, and when he approached, he couldn’t help but notice your strange expression.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing. I just had a very revealing conversation with that woman.”

“Huh, yeah?” he hummed, dropping a collection of items into the shopping cart “And what was it about?”

“About you,” you answered casually, lifting your hands to place them on his chest and then sliding them to his cheeks “Talking to her reminded me that you’re the best husband in the world.”

Carefully and affectionately, you stood on your tiptoes and planted a loud kiss on him. Spencer laughed as his cheeks blushed, returning the favor with a gentle kiss on your forehead.

“I don’t know if I am, but I try.”

“And that’s why I love you,” you confessed sweetly.

And then, it was Spencer who felt lucky.

[luckshmi]

Skincare Rituals According to Your Moon Sign: An Ayurvedic Guide

In Vedic astrology, the Moon sign (Rashi) plays a significant role in shaping our emotional well-being and daily habits. The Moon's influence is closely tied to our inner self, and understanding it can provide deep insights into personalized self-care routines, including skincare.

By combining the principles of Ayurveda with the wisdom of Vedic astrology, we can tailor skincare rituals that not only enhance our outer beauty but also nourish our inner selves. This guide explores detailed skincare routines for each Moon sign, highlighting their unique characteristics and needs.

Aries Moon

Characteristics: Aries Moons are energetic, dynamic, and often on the go. Their fiery nature can lead to skin issues like inflammation, redness, and sensitivity.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a gentle, cooling cleanser with cucumber or aloe vera to soothe inflammation.

Exfoliant: Opt for a mild exfoliant with chamomile or oatmeal to calm the skin.

Moisturizer: Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer containing green tea extract to reduce redness.

Mask: Use a cooling clay mask once a week to detoxify and soothe the skin.

Benefits: This routine helps calm and cool the skin, reducing inflammation and maintaining a balanced complexion.

Taurus Moon

Characteristics: Taurus Moons are grounded and indulgent, appreciating luxury and comfort. Their skin tends to be resilient but requires deep hydration and nourishment.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Choose a rich, creamy cleanser with nourishing oils like almond or avocado.

Toner: Use a rosewater toner to hydrate and balance the skin's pH levels.

Moisturizer: Apply a thick, luxurious moisturizer with shea butter and honey.

Mask: Indulge in a weekly honey and yogurt mask to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

Benefits: This routine provides deep hydration, leaving the skin soft, supple, and glowing.

Gemini Moon

Characteristics: Gemini Moons are youthful, curious, and communicative. Their skin can be sensitive and prone to dryness due to their airy nature.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser with chamomile or calendula.

Serum: Apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight moisturizer with aloe vera and glycerin.

Mask: Use a hydrating sheet mask once a week to boost moisture levels.

Benefits: This routine keeps the skin hydrated and calm, preventing dryness and sensitivity.

Cancer Moon

Characteristics: Cancer Moons are nurturing and deeply intuitive. Their skin can be sensitive and reactive, requiring gentle care.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a milk or cream cleanser with chamomile or lavender.

Toner: Apply a soothing toner with rosewater or witch hazel.

Moisturizer: Opt for a calming moisturizer with calendula and oat extract.

Mask: Use a hydrating and soothing mask with ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber.

Benefits: This routine soothes and protects sensitive skin, maintaining a healthy, radiant complexion.

Leo Moon

Characteristics: Leo Moons are confident and love to shine. Their skin can be prone to oiliness and occasional breakouts.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser with tea tree oil or salicylic acid.

Toner: Apply a balancing toner with witch hazel and lemon extract.

Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with aloe vera and green tea.

Mask: Use a charcoal or clay mask once a week to control oil and prevent breakouts.

Benefits: This routine helps balance oil production and maintain a clear, radiant complexion.

Virgo Moon

Characteristics: Virgo Moons are practical and detail-oriented. Their skin can be sensitive and prone to irritation.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a gentle, natural cleanser with chamomile or calendula.

Exfoliant: Opt for a gentle exfoliant with oatmeal or rice powder.

Moisturizer: Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

Mask: Use a calming mask with ingredients like cucumber and honey.

Benefits: This routine soothes and protects the skin, preventing irritation and maintaining a healthy glow.

Libra Moon

Characteristics: Libra Moons seek beauty and harmony. Their skin is often well-balanced but can benefit from extra hydration and care.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Choose a gentle foaming cleanser with rose or chamomile.

Toner: Apply a hydrating toner with rosewater and glycerin.

Moisturizer: Opt for a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.

Mask: Use a hydrating and balancing mask with ingredients like honey and yogurt.

Benefits: This routine maintains balance and hydration, keeping the skin looking fresh and glowing.

Scorpio Moon

Characteristics: Scorpio Moons are intense and transformative. Their skin can be prone to acne and other issues due to their deep emotions.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a deep-cleansing foaming cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree oil.

Toner: Apply a balancing toner with witch hazel and lemon extract.

Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with aloe vera and green tea.

Mask: Use a detoxifying mask with charcoal or clay once a week.

Benefits: This routine helps control oil, prevent breakouts, and maintain a clear complexion.

Sagittarius Moon

Characteristics: Sagittarius Moons are adventurous and optimistic. Their skin can be prone to dryness and sensitivity due to their active lifestyle.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser with aloe vera or cucumber.

Serum: Apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

Moisturizer: Opt for a rich, hydrating moisturizer with shea butter and jojoba oil.

Mask: Use a hydrating and soothing mask with ingredients like honey and yogurt.

Benefits: This routine keeps the skin hydrated and protected.

Capricorn Moon

Characteristics: Capricorn Moons are disciplined and ambitious. Their skin can be prone to dryness.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser with chamomile or calendula.

Toner: Apply a hydrating toner with rosewater and glycerin.

Moisturizer: Opt for a rich, hydrating moisturizer with shea butter and aloe vera.

Mask: Use a hydrating and soothing mask with ingredients like honey and cucumber.

Benefits: This routine keeps the skin hydrated, glowing and healthy

Aquarius Moon

Characteristics: Aquarius Moons are innovative and independent. Their skin can be sensitive and need deep hydration.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser with aloe vera or cucumber.

Serum: Apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

Moisturizer: Opt for a rich, hydrating moisturizer with shea butter and jojoba oil.

Mask: Use a hydrating and soothing mask with ingredients like honey and yogurt.

Benefits: This routine keeps the skin healthy and radiant.

Pisces Moon

Characteristics: Pisces Moons are compassionate and dreamy, with sensitive skin that often needs extra care to stay hydrated and healthy.

Skincare Ritual:

Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser with chamomile or calendula to soothe and cleanse without stripping moisture.

Toner: Apply a hydrating toner with rosewater and glycerin to refresh and prepare the skin for moisturizing.

Moisturizer: Opt for a rich, hydrating moisturizer with shea butter and aloe vera to nourish and protect the skin.

Mask: Use a hydrating and soothing mask with ingredients like honey and cucumber once a week for extra hydration and calmness.

Benefits: This routine keeps Pisces Moon's sensitive skin hydrated, soothed, and protected, ensuring a healthy, radiant complexion that reflects their compassionate and dreamy nature.

By understanding your Moon sign and incorporating Ayurvedic skincare rituals tailored to your unique emotional and physical needs, you can enhance your skin's health and overall well-being. These personalized routines not only address specific skin concerns but also align with your inner self, providing a holistic approach to beauty and self-care.

[healthovise]

Almond milk: Benefits, use and side effects

Almond milk is one of the most popular plant-based milk products. It is one of the healthiest diets as it does not contain cholesterol, lactose, or highly unsaturated fat.

[angeljeonjk97]

Body Work || Bell #4

Jungkook x reader

friends to lovers

18+ (fluff, smut)

warnings: mentions and descriptions of violence, mentions and use of drugs and alcohol

Jeon Jungkook is not the same 19-year-old boy you used to know. Fame has really matured him, in more ways than one.

“You already know how I like it baby”

A knock at the door makes your head shoot up from the ramyeon bowl you were lost in that sat on the small marble island in the middle of your small kitchen.

When you put your left eye up to the peephole, a blonde-haired, slim man and an excited Kiri stood there, beaming a huge smile, waiting for your face to appear from behind the door. Your eyebrows furrow in confusion, wondering why two of your best friends are knocking on your door...you glance at the small, silver clock on the wall beside you... 9:24 pm.

You reach for the lock, turning it to open your door to the people who are standing on your doorstep looking like two frantic little, wide-eyed puppies.

"Hey?" you chuckle, confused as your eyebrows remain in the same furrowed expression, "why are you guys here?"

"Are we not allowed to visit our good friend to check on her?" Jimin acts offended.

Before you can respond, the two of them are already pushing their way past you. You sigh in defeat, clicking the door behind you as they both slide off their shoes and strip their coats from around their shoulders.

"You're both obviously not here just to see me" you chuckle, watching them both rush to hang their coats up, "you look like a pair of kids who've just been told they're going to Disneyland"

"Okay okay okay, come sit" Kiri spits out, a smile still plastered on her face, as she grabs your wrist pulling you to your sofa, Jimin following closely behind.

Once all three of you were sitting, Kiri and Jimin both facing you, sitting opposite you, Kiri takes both of your hands into hers. You stare intently at them, your face still in pure confusion.

"Guess who's back in town?" She asks almost too eagerly.

As soon as you heard those words, you already had a feeling where this conversation was about to go and who Kiri is talking about, but you give both of them the benefit of the doubt. They know that you're over that whole... situation, and don't plan on getting sucked back into it again. Your face relaxes a little, hesitant to even ask.

"Who?"

"Namjoon!" Jimin exclaims, unable to keep his excitement in any longer.

Kiri flicks her head around to Jimin, giving him a disapproving expression, not expecting him to be the one to say it.

Your expression practically falls off your face, as your stare flickers between the pair, expressionless.

Kim Namjoon is your older, kind of ex-boyfriend from two years ago. You two were never officially boyfriend and girlfriend but were dating each other and no one else. You weren't ready for a committed relationship at the time and didn't want to jump into something you weren't even sure you wanted yet. He's a lot older than you, 6 years older to be exact, very intelligent, very attractive, successful, understanding, gentle, and basically everything you'd possibly want in a man. 

You met when you had a holiday job at a cafe 15 minutes away from your apartment where you used to work with both Kiri and Jimin, who still have part-time jobs there. He was a regular there, so regular that you remembered his order off by heart in the 2 and a half months you worked there, you still remember the order even now, a medium white latte with almond milk and a warm blueberry croissant every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

You thought he was good-looking from the minute he walked through the glass, wooden framed, cafe door wearing a beige trench coat, black suit trousers complimented by dark brown loafers and a white button up that was hardly visible with his coat and thick plaid scarf that wrapped around his neck, and he thought the same for you. 

The attraction to each other became very obvious when you two would start talking at the desk and wouldn't realise you were holding up the line with your very flirty conversations and your co-workers would push you onto the till when they would see him come in. Eventually, on a Friday morning in early December, he asked for your phone number and everything flourished from there. He was perfect, everything you could ask for, but one day after a while of seeing each other, he just left the country, not telling you why or where to, just leaving you with an "I love you" text.

 You cried for weeks after it, even in front of Jungkook a few times, not understanding what went wrong, what you did wrong or why he didn't tell you why he was leaving. He was your first love, even though you never said it to his face, you loved him, and you know that he loved you too. You got over him and the whole thing eventually though, and don't plan on ever seeing him again. Or so you thought 

"Oh." is all you can let out, the name flashing you back into all the memories.

"He came to the cafe this morning, asking for you" Jimin declares, still with those wide ecstatic eyes, as he scans your face to read your emotions, "he misses you,"

You close your eyes, relaxing your shoulders a little, slipping your hands out of Kiri's," No. No. I told you, I'm done with all that"

"I thought you still loved him?" Kiri tilts her head slightly with a worried but confused expression.

"I told you, I'm over it"

"But y/n, he was perfect. It won't hurt to try again" Jimin shrugs, unsure as to what your response will be.

"But it will Jimin, just like last time," you get up off the sofa, about to walk to the kitchen," I'm not gonna be left behind with nothing like last time"

The other two follow closely behind, Kiri's voice projecting from behind you,

"You haven't dated since though, and I think this is a great opportunity"

"yeah you think it's a great opportunity, I don't. I don't want to see him ever again." you throw a cabinet open, pulling out a bottle of wine, along with a glass.

Kiri and Jimin stand in the doorway, looking at each other, regretting bringing him up.

"Is that all you guys came here to do? remind me of him?"

"No of course not, but he gave us his new number," a ripped-off corner of a piece of paper is pulled out of Kiri's pocket and put out in front of your face, "think about it. He misses you, a lot and wants to talk to you"

You sigh in defeat, practically ripping the piece of paper from between Kiri's fingers, seeing a flash of a set of numbers inscribed on it.

'Wow the ripped corner of a notebook really shows how much you care' You think to yourself quickly scanning the scrap piece.

Kiri spreads her arms out to wrap them around your frame, embracing you in a hug, "You don't have to, but think about it"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You play with the scrumpled-up paper in your fingers, observing the numbers written on it, contemplating everything. Lost in your own thoughts, you jump at the sudden thud on the black counter caused by a tattooed hand slamming down in front of you.

You look up, tucking the paper back into your jean pocket, "Jesus Kook. You could've just said hi or something" You smile at him, letting him know you're not being serious.

"You still would've jumped, considering how in your head you just were," Jungkook takes a seat on the stool opposite you. His bare forearms resting on the surface in front of you both, "You alright?"

You let out an exasperated sigh, thinking whether you should tell Jungkook about your kind of ex coming back or not.

It was very obvious Jungkook never liked Namjoon, despite never actually meeting him, even when you were both 'dating'. You know he'll just get annoyed, angry or throw the number away, which is probably the best thing to do but you have been genuinely considering talking to him again, and you need an unbiased opinion. At the same time though, you hate lying to JK or even being a little dishonest with him. It's not how trust is kept between you two, he can also read you really well, meaning you can never really hide your actual feelings about something or someone from him.

"Namjoon's back," You blurt out, exhaustedly, as if you hadn't slept a wink the previous night, well, because you hadn't.

Jungkook just stares at you with wide eyes, mouth slightly agape," Please don't tell me you're actually thinking about him right now," his head tilts to the side a little, like a puppy, his brow now slightly furrowed.

Your silence and lack of eye contact in return is enough for him to know the answer.

He throws his head back, his crown almost touching his shoulder blades, as he lets out a small groan.

"I know, I know, it's probably not the best thing for me to be thinking about right now, but-"

"No, it just isn't the best thing to be thinking about. No probably, it simply isn't. You can't be seriously thinking about talking to that asshole again after he left you for absolutely no reason." Jungkook cuts you off, a stern look now plastered over his face.

You squeeze your eyes shut in frustration but also regret, knowing that this would be his response, and you should've kept your mouth closed.

"Was that piece of paper something to do with it?"

"What piece of paper?" you reply defensively. You were hoping he didn't notice it or see you fiddling with it previously.

He gives you an expression full of disappointment and knowing, causing you to roll your eyes and give in, "It's his number new number"

"Oh, so he changed his number after leaving too? proves how much he wanted to keep in contact with you," the snarky remark doesn't phase you as you know it's just him trying to make a point to you. You hate that he's right.

"I know but Kiri said he wants to talk about it, I just want closure," you softly admit to him, a slight bit of guilt in your body language, even though you're telling the truth, and aren't actually thinking of seeing Namjoon romantically again, or even talking to him ever again after getting closure.

The doe-eyed man stares at you with a shocked expression before loudly exclaiming, "Kiri? How does Kiri know?"

You realise you fucked up again by mentioning Kiri unintentionally.

"He came by the cafe asking for me" the regret on your face grows continuously, "Please just let me think about this"

Jungkook sighs again in defeat, deciding to just trust you and your word, "Alright but if you meet with him, I'm taking you there and picking you up."

You almost go to argue with him, but know that really he's just doing this for your own safety, and because he cares about you. He knows if it goes wrong and you get upset you'll cry and run back to your place, and not come out for days, so if he's there to see you up afterwards, he knows you won't have to suffer alone. He just wants to be there for you. You know that, even though neither of you have verbally said to each other how much you care about one another, you both know that these little acts are out of care.

"What about your training though?" You query, thinking about his career before he even considered it as an obstacle 

"I'll take a rest day that day," he says it like it's nothing, giving you a little shrug. Like it won't probably take him a week to convince his trainer for a potential extra rest day.

After a few minutes of bickering back and forth, you give into Jungkook's stubbornness and his charms allowing him to come with you if you even meet Namjoon again. 

You truly have been thinking about it too much and don't actually know what you want. You're head knows that seeing him again probably isn't the best for your emotions considering it took you so long to get over him and seeing his dimples when he flashes sweet smiles at you, might just send you into a spiral again, but your emotions are basically screaming at you to get closure, and to just be in his presence again. Even though you've grown slight resentment for him, you can't bring yourself to fully hate him. Afterall, its not like you ended on bad terms, or good terms really. 

I mean getting closure won't hurt you. 

<-prev-index-next->

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

a/n: A late happy holidays to everyone, but I hope you all had a really good time with whatever you celebrate. I can't wait for what 2024 has in store for us all. CANT WAIT FOR JIN AND HOBI TO BE BACK IN 2024 TOO!!!! Anyways thank you again for reading, I hope you're enjoying the series so far. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter so I hope its received positively

Taglist: @yunki-yunki-yunki @hellbornsworld @tatamicc @idkijustlovebts @00frenchfries00 @yoonbicoolest @junecat18

[stardust-swan]

What Is It Like in a *Posh* Moroccan Hammam? 🫧

When I say "posh," I mean upmarket hammams in a wealthy residential areas, not hammams in hotels. This post is about authentic hammams used by wealthy Moroccans, not ones aimed at tourists.

Decor

One of the first things you'll notice in upmarket hammams is that the decor is far more elaborate than in basic hammams. Decor will of course vary from place to place, but to use the example of the hammam next to my great-aunt's place in Casablanca I always make sure to go to:

The walls in both the main washroom and the sauna room are made out of blue and white marble in a traditional zellige pattern. There are also ornate sinks jutting out of the walls also of blue and white marble, whereas in basic hammams there will just be faucets. The sauna has long benches made of marble across the length of each side of the room, and the massage tables are slabs of heated light grey marble.

Regardless of the individual decor choices of each hammam, each building will always be spacious, with high ceilings and curved arches.

Ambience

Upmarket hammams feel luxurious, but understated, focusing on relaxation and subtle elegance rather than opulence and "wowing" people.

The lighting will normally be natural, but if artificial lighting is used it will be subtle and non-intrusive. Whereas in basic hammams it will be bright and practical, and in tourist hammams it will be dim with lighting coming from lanterns and candles (ambient, but not practical for visibility).

Although some may have private areas, authentic hammams in wealthy areas will generally follow the tradition of communal bathing.

As they are located in residential areas rather than tourist hotspots, and as they are a lot larger than basic hammams, they don't feel overcrowded and the experience is more intimate.

Services Offered

Upmarket hammams offer more services than basic hammams, but unlike tourist hammams, all the services are based in authentic Moroccan traditions, whereas in hotels the hammams offer a blend of the basic Moroccan services (sauna, sabon beldi, etc) and services similar to what you'd find in Western spas.

Authentic services you will find in upmarket Moroccan hammams include:

The usual sauna, cleansing with sabon beldi, deep exfoliation and ghassoul clay masks you'll find in every hammam in the country

Massages with argan oil, ghassoul clay, jasmine oil, amber oil, olive oil, honey, or herbal compresses

Herbal steam baths with tabrima, eucalyptus, lavender or mint

Rosewater and orange blossom water rinses

Henna treatments (it's not just used for temporary tattoos but has benefits for the skin and hair)

Facials with products like argan oil, sweet almond oil, honey, and saffron

Foot baths with herbs, oils, and/or milk

(Services will depend on each individual hammam)

The treatments are all high quality by staff who really work for their money. The attendants will scrub off absolutely every bit of dead skin on your body, and I have honestly never been as thoroughly massaged as I have been in these hammams.

Relaxation Lounge

In basic hammams, you just put your clothes on and leave after adjusting to room temperature, but in upmarket ones, you relax in the hammam after towelling off.

After you're dressed, the staff will lead you to another room. To use the hammam local to my great aunt as an example again, the relaxation lounge in this one:

Is full of white chaise longues, one facing another so that you can chat with your companion. They each have a low table in between them, on which a staff member will put down a silver tray, which will have a lit candle which will also have ghassoul clay integrated into it. There will also be glycerin preserved rose petals scattered on the tray, and of course refreshments - a bottle of cold water (much needed after all the heat and steam) and refreshing peppermint tea in a floral cup and matching saucer.

In other upmarket hammams they might have leather couches or armchairs instead of chaise loungues, regular candles without the clay, and Moroccan mint tea instead of peppermint herbal tea, but they'll all follow the same format.

Would I Recommend Trying One of These Hammams?

If you want a luxurious but 100% authentic hammam experience, absolutely! Although hotel hammams are surely fun with their swimming pools, etc, if you want to really experience true Moroccan culture and feel classy while you do it, I'd recommend finding one in a middle or upper class residential area.

They're also inexpensive if you're on Western wages - the one I described in the post is €4 for entry and €15 for a massage, and pretty much all similar hammams will be in that general wheelhouse. Whereas I have no doubt that the ones in hotels are way more expensive - the tourist price vs the local price.

Tips For Going to Authentic Hammams

Whereas in hotels the staff will speak multiple languages, in ones the locals use usually they'll know just Darija and French, maybe basic English but there's no guarantee. If you know French it will be fine, but if not get a Moroccan friend to accompany you.

Shave before going. The attendants will only exfoliate you if your skin is hairless, as the kessa glove can more effectively remove dead skin and impurities without hair in the way, and with smooth skin there's no chance of the rough gloves tugging on your hair and causing your skin to become irritated. The subsequent skincare products applied to your body will also be easier to apply evenly and will be better absorbed. If you haven't shaved beforehand they'll just give you a razor.

You can buy toiletries like soaps and towels, but it's also acceptable to bring your own.

Don't be afraid to get naked. Moroccan women strip down to their panties. Nobody will look at you, everyone is concentrating on bathing (wearing your bra or swimsuit is honestly more likely to bring attention to you than going topless as that's how people will know you're a tourist). You'll see many different body types and all ages in the hammam, so don't worry about being judged if you have stretch marks, extra weight, etc

Men and women bathe in separate areas or buildings, so don't worry about the opposite sex seeing you. You might occasionally see a mother taking her young son with her (as in, toddler age), but never older boys and men.

You can talk and laugh, but don't shout or giggle loudly or anything. It's meant to be a relaxing experience for everyone, and as the rooms are so spacious, loud noises will carry across them.

The massages are really thorough, so be prepared. I've been massaged everywhere from the insides of my ears to my privates in these hammams. If you have anywhere you'd rather they don't touch, communicate it with the massage therapist before getting your massage done, as the norm is to massage literally everywhere.

[sir-walter-elliot]

Sir Walter, I must ask... What is your skincare routine?

You are very wise to ask such a thing—more would do well to follow my advice for the skin, and I have no scruples in sharing my methods so that more people will benefit from luminous skin and I will not have the misfortune of looking upon so many frightful scarecrows!

My skincare routine is thus.

In the morning, I first wash my face, neck, and hands with elder-flower water. I apply a paste of white wax, almond oil, and spermaceti to my lips. My face is pinched between the fingertips for 10 minutes to bring a rosy glow to the skin. Finally, I anoint my face, neck, and hands with Gowland, and apply a fine white lead-based powder over it.

(I say "I" do these tasks, but of course it is actually my servants who attend to me and perform all the duties I am describing.)

In the afternoon, I fumigate my face, which is very efficacious in preventing or even removing wrinkles. (Not that I personally have any wrinkles to remove, but I mention this only for others who do have such a misfortune.) My servant puts some powder of the best myrrh upon an iron plate, and heats it sufficiently to melt the gum. I then hold my face over it, with my head covered with a napkin, for 20 minutes. My face is then washed with milk. Another layer of Gowland is applied.

Before I go to bed, I wash my face with rose-water, then apply a paste of boiled egg whites, alum, and almond oil. This remains on for 30 minutes, then is removed with Venice soap and fresh rose-water. Five drops of oil of rhodium are applied to the skin and gently massaged in. Then a final layer of Gowland is applied, of course, and my eye mask secured on top.

So, you see, it's really quite simple for anyone to follow.