#best rug shop near me

[rugsaustralia]

How to Flatten a New Rug? Tips for Your Rug to Shine

You have just received your stunning new rug from All Modern Rugs – the perfect finishing touch for your home. But wait, those corners just won’t flat lie! Don’t worry, these stubborn curls are a common new rug problem. Here are some simple yet effective tips to get your Sydney rugs online purchase laying flat and looking fabulous:

Unroll and Lay Flat

As soon as your rug arrives, unroll it and place it in a flat, open area. Allow it to acclimate to room temperature for a few hours. This can help relax the fibres and reduce creasing.

Use weights

For stubborn corners that refuse to flatten, try placing heavy books or furniture on them. Leave these weights in place for a few days to help the rug regain its shape.

Heat with caution

Need a faster solution for stubborn creases? Heat can be helpful, but use it with caution! Here are two methods:

HairDryer: Set your hair dryer to a low heat setting and hold it 6-8 inches away from the back of the rug. Continuously move the dryer back and forth to avoid scorching any fibres.

Iron: Only use an iron on rugs with synthetic fibres that can withstand heat. Set the iron to a low setting and place a thin towel or brown paper bag between the iron and the rug. Gently iron over the creases, constantly moving the iron to avoid burning.

Reverse Roll

If your rug is particularly stubborn, try rolling it in the opposite direction. Leave it rolled for a day or two to help it settle back into shape. By following these tips, our new rug will not only lay flat but will also become the stunning centrepiece of your room. If you’re looking for quality Sydney rugs online, visit All Modern Rugs to explore our wide range of options that will enhance your home decor.

[grannyandgrandpascreations]

Up North Minnesota Distressed Flannel.

Embrace the spirit of the North with our Up North Minnesota Distressed Flannel. This rugged yet stylish flannel shirt features a unique design that captures the essence of Minnesota's stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric, it offers both comfort and durability for your outdoor escapades or cozy nights by the fire.

The distressed finish adds a touch of character, making each piece one-of-a-kind. With its classic plaid pattern and relaxed fit, this flannel is perfect for layering or wearing on its own. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors or enjoying a casual day in town, the Up North Minnesota Distressed Flannel is your go-to choice for style and comfort.

No two shirts will ever be exactly alike so please aware and embrace the differences. All shirts are carefully curated, hand-dyed, and re-purposed so that each shirt is going to be different from the next in terms of color and plaid print.

SIZING: These shirts vary, many are unisex and come in men's sizing. They can be worn by both men & women. Ordering your normal t-shirt size is recommended for a regular fit. Going 1 size up works well for a baggy/oversized fit. Women's or Children's Specific sizing will be noted on the photo/variation options selected.

FABRIC: All these shirts are made of cotton or a cotton/poly blend. Measurements and thickness vary slightly by brand.

COLORS: Each flannel is unique, and no two shirts are going to look exactly alike. Colors are sent at random. Because the colors often change throughout the bleaching process, I cannot take specific color requests for these shirts.

Care instructions: Turn item inside out, machine wash cold, no bleach, no softener. Do not dry clean. Do not iron. Air dry is recommended.

Due to different picture lighting settings the actual color might vary a bit from the pictures.

Current Turnaround Time due to upcoming Holidays - 1-5 Business Days. While we always use priority shipping options, once shipped we cannot guarantee delivery due to the backlog current being experienced USPS/UPS/FedEx. If you have a strict deadline, please message me when ordering so that I can note any rush requests. Ownership of packages turned over to USPS transfers to the Buyer. We are not responsible for lost, held, damaged packages or delayed packages, once your package(s) leaves our Shop it is completely out of our control. Thank you for understanding!

Thank you for visiting Granny & Grandpa's Custom Creations, we truly appreciate your support of small businesses. We also personalize our products, please reach out to us with any personalizing any of our products, additional fee's may apply.

Please visit www.grannygrandpascustomcreations.com to view more products.

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© 2018 All photography is intellectual property of Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations © and may not be used without express written permission from Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations.

At Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations, we specialize in crafting high-quality custom apparel and accessories tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking for vibrant custom t-shirts, durable safety shirts, or stylish team shirts, we have you covered. Our stainless steel tumblers and distressed flannels are perfect for gifts or promotional items, and our memorial chair coverings provide a heartfelt touch for special occasions. We proudly serve sports teams and corporate clients, ensuring your vision comes to life. Explore our wide range of customizable options today!

[erugmaster]

Best rug shop near me in San Francisco | Rug shop in Oakland

Erugmaster.com Rug shop has one of the largest rug collections in San Francisco. We have an amazing collection of readymade rugs for sale near me in Oakland.

[golden-internationallc]

Maintaining the Elegance: Tips for Proper Rug Care

Introduction:

Rugs not only add warmth and comfort to a space but also contribute significantly to the overall aesthetics of a room. To ensure your rugs remain in their original condition, it's essential to adopt a proactive approach to their care and maintenance. In this article, we will read some effective tips to keep your rugs in a well-mannered state, preserving their beauty and longevity.

Regular Vacuuming:

The first step in maintaining rugs is a consistent vacuuming routine. Regular vacuuming helps remove dust, dirt, and debris that accumulate on the rug's surface. Use a vacuum cleaner with adjustable height settings to ensure it doesn't damage the rug fibers. Focus on high-traffic areas and don't forget to vacuum under furniture to prevent the buildup of dirt in hidden spaces.

2. Rotation for Even Wear:

To avoid uneven wear, it's crucial to rotate your rugs periodically. This is especially important for rugs placed in high-traffic areas, where certain sections may experience more foot traffic than others. Rotating the rug every few months ensures that wear & tears are distributed evenly, preserving the overall appearance of the rug.

3. Immediate Stain Treatment:

Accidents happen, and when they involve spills or stains on your rug, swift action is key. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fibers. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of vinegar and water for stubborn stains. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid potential damage.

4. Professional Cleaning:

While regular vacuuming and spot cleaning are essential, rugs also benefit from periodic professional cleaning. Consider having your rugs professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months depending on the material and usage. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to deep clean rugs, remove embedded dirt, and rejuvenate the fibers.

5. Protection from Sunlight:

Exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration in rugs over time. Consider using curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window films to protect your rugs from harmful UV rays. Additionally, periodically rotate rugs to ensure any fading is evenly distributed, preventing noticeable discoloration in specific areas.

6. Use Rug Pads:

Investing in good-quality rug pads can significantly contribute to the well-mannered upkeep of your rugs. Rug pads provide cushioning, prevent slipping, and protect both the rug and the underlying floor. They also promote airflow, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.

7. Store Rugs Properly:

If you decide to store rugs temporarily, make sure to clean and dry them thoroughly before rolling them up. Use a breathable material such as muslin or cotton for wrapping and avoid storing them in damp or humid areas. Regularly inspect stored rugs for any signs of pests, and consider using natural pest deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.

Conclusion:

Proper rug care is essential for maintaining their beauty and longevity. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can ensure that your rugs remain in a well-mannered state, enhancing the aesthetics of your living spaces for years to come. Remember, a little proactive care goes a long way in preserving the elegance of your rugs.

[waschsalon1]

How Can Laundry Services Help You Manage Your Time More Efficiently?

In today's fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. The never-ending to-do lists often leave us yearning for a few extra hours in the day. One way to regain some of that lost time is by outsourcing your laundry to professional laundry services.

[soapsbaby]

Silly Spicy Call of Duty headcanons

Characters: Simon "Ghost" Riley, Johnny "Soap" MacTavish, König, Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, Alejandro Vargas, Rodolfo "Rudy" Parra, John Price, Valeria Garza, all x reader Rating: 18+ (Minors DNI) Themes: All NSFW but very lighthearted, nothing particularly triggering but ask to tag! Word count: 750ish

These are just silly little headcanons about them, PLEASE if you have any like these send them to me i had such a blast writing them lol!!

Ghost

Sometimes his mask slips a little and he looks goofy as hell, you have to do your best to not laugh into his face because you know he won’t let that slide.

Uses British lingo sometimes. Has called your pussy a “fanny” before. Got mad when that made you giggle.

Once got so frustrated with trying to figure out how to operate one of your vibrators that he broke it. Was very apologetic and immediately ordered you another one afterwards.

Soap

He is clumsy as hell. Every time you have tried to fuck in a position that is anywhere near athletic, something goes wrong. It’s a miracle neither of you have broken your necks trying to get it on in the shower. He will always take the fall though, protecting you with everything he has and curling himself around you even if it means he will end up bruised or bleeding.

Makes a lot of typos when sexting, never notices. Called you “baby gorilla” once (you will never let him live that down).

Gets offended when you call him “Soap” in the bedroom. You know my name, what are you calling me that for? Dummy.

König

He doesn’t usually wear his balaclava under his mask when you have sex since it gets too sweaty but since his mask is pretty loose he will sometimes have to pft-ppf-tpftt when it gets stuck in his mouth. Has almost choked on his mask before.

Gets so flustered that he will just start sputtering nonsense. Has on several occasions been so out of it that he has messed up the nicknames you use for each other. “yes show me that I am your little babygirl, wait- no, you are… I am your boy… you’re… Wait, I’m sorry”. Not a gender or kink thing, which would of course be alright with you, just him being a dummy.

Is a bit of a crier and drooler sometimes which wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that he will sometimes accidentally waterboard himself in his mask and not tell you.

Gaz

Has called you mommy once and was mortified. Neither of you have really spoken about it but sometimes you will drop little hints around him to get him flustered.

Likes when you suck him off while he is playing video games but then gets too into the game and genuinely can’t help but get annoyed when he loses because you distract him.

Cpt Price

Is oblivious to any signs that you want him. Will go into Dad story telling mode and completely ignore the effect he is having on you until you grab him by the shirt and just tell him to fuck you.

Has a sex playlist called "sensual" with just the most cliché sex songs on it possible. Can unironically have sex to "Careless Whisper" and “Let’s get it on”.

Has given you rug burn with his beard before. 0/10 very unpleasant experience (you’d do it again, though).

Alejandro

Will say things that could be interpreted as sexist in the moment and then immediately get apologetic. Who’s my good slut? I mean… If you want to be. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to… Are you okay with that? Okay. Cool.

Will fuck you in uniform because he knows you’re into that and then get distracted by things he finds in his pockets like shopping receipts. 

Doesn’t care whether or not you understand him, he will speak Spanish to you.

Rudy

Gets tormented by you with new pet names every day. mí amor, I don't know what a Zaddy is. I don’t even know if that’s a good thing.

In the beginning of your relationship he was completely oblivious to most kinks. If you ever expressed anything out of the ordinary to you, he’d raise his eyebrows in confusion and say something like “what? why would anyone want that?” but was always open to trying anything. Now he is probably even more of a deviant than you are.

Valeria

Has this roleplay thing going on where you are a traitor to her cause and she discovers it and gets to “punish” you. You find it a little silly but it gets her super riled up so you play along.

Secretly loves to bottom and to be taken care of by you but would never tell you (you know anyway). Thinks she is being very good at hiding it (she is not).

[engeorged]

Santa’s Otto

This is a sequel to Obi's Place and a prequel to Aster's Maze. Also now The Sugarman’s House

It’s been a while since I last posted, and a fair bit has happened with me and Aster, but that’s something that’s still developing. Being in a relationship with a magical being is not something that’s been mapped, outside of Greek fables, so we are still finding our way with it. Suffice to say we are both very happy and very together.  Both of us have grown quite a bit. Physically, mentally and spiritually shall we say. (And by that I mean quite a lot more physically than the other two). But I think that that's a story for another time. I want it to be mine for a little longer. 

Anyway, as Christmas is coming up, I thought I would tell you about an encounter I had, just a few months before meeting Aster. As it turned out, it wasn't actually me meeting a fae, but it definitely gave me some confirmation, and I think some of you will really enjoy this story! It’s about the time I met Santa in Germany. Yes, I know how that sounds, but you’re going to have to bear with me. 

I’d headed to Europe a few months earlier and was working my way through some possible sightings. I hadn’t seen or met another being like Obi yet, but I’d definitely picked up some promising clues. A few things which I thought were legit,  had led me to northern Germany where I immediately hit a dead end. German Christmas’ are some of the best in the world so I decided to stay a few weeks and have a break from the search. I’d been enjoying the sights of some famous local castle, and was feeling a bit hungry so I popped into a medium sized shopping mall I’d seen earlier and headed in. It was pretty quiet, which was strange considering it was the Saturday before Christmas but  as I was walking through looking for something to eat, my eye was drawn to an incredibly hot man doing some maintenance work. He was dressed in an overall but it was open all the way down to his waist, revealing an incredibly toned physique. His very worked on, defined abs were covered in a delightful amount of belly fur all the way up to his thick neck and he was very much my type. I paused for a moment to drink him in and watched as he heaved some large boxes as if they were nothing. He was maybe an inch taller than me with broad shoulders and a thick head of dark messy hair with a fade at the sides. His beautifully pale European skin along with his darker hair and smattering of freckles was very striking.  His face was covered in just the right amount of stubble to make him look rugged but not scruffy. But the crowning glory was his eyes! They were a vibrant pale blue that practically shone out from his face. As he turned and bent down to pick up the next box, I was surprised that his rounded meaty ass didn’t burst out of those overalls. They were unfortunately doing a good job at holding back all that muscle. I shook off my horny reverie and made a note to come back round after lunch to see if he was still there. Following my nose, I headed in the direction of food and found a little pop-up Christmas food court. I indulged in a few thick sausages and some delightful potato and apple cakes which were not bad at all. I took another couple of sausages to go and headed back the way I’d come, hoping to catch the hot maintenance guy again. 

I hung around near where I first saw him for a good twenty minutes before I heard a commotion a bit further down. I walked over to where the sound was coming from and saw the festive grotto. Santa had arrived for the Christmas display. Kids were clamouring round excitedly and as I watched I saw Santa make his way through the crowds. I was yet again surprised to see that this was not your average sad old failed actor, living out his last working years as the big red fat man for a few euros an hour. This guy was young and vibrant. His broad shoulders were straining the limits of the outfit, with the white fur trim (probably real, this is Europe after all!) curving round and showing off the enormous belly. At first I assumed it was padded but it definitely caught my eye. The guy was so clearly stacked that the belly looked almost comical. It was almost perfectly round and stuck out a good foot and a half from this guy's toned body. As I watched him moving around I started noticing that the belly wasn’t squishy like a pillow would have been. It had a certain heft to it that I was very familiar with. I moved forward to get a better look and saw a kid, who wasn’t paying attention, get under his feet, tripping him up. He fell backwards onto a small elf house and levelled it. As he fell, his red coat came undone and I got a good glimpse of the huge round furry belly that was contained underneath. It was a thing of beauty, rounded and perfectly formed. Covered in dark thick hair with a small and neat belly button. He quickly pulled himself up and closed the coat, laughing it off. As he adjusted his fake white beard I caught a glimpse of his piercing pale blue eyes. I’d seen them before.  Was the maintenance guy? What the fuck? I’d seen him an hour before and he was practically an underwear model. Either he’d got a Hollywood level makeup and prosthetic artist hidden round the back or there was something fishy going on. 

My mind was racing. If that belly was real, it had to have grown in less than an hour? Who was he? Was this guy somehow a Fae? A crazy thought passed through my mind, was this actually Santa? I know I’d chased round the world for less weird ideas but the idea that Santa might have been real, was still a bit out there, even for me. Also, more importantly, did I have a crush on Santa? 

I waited around till his shift ended. I couldn’t keep my eyes off this guy's belly. It was incredible. There was no flab or excess blubber, it looked like a solid mass of muscle over a huge sphere of gut. Well, like I was after Obi! I couldn’t lose this guy. This was the closest I’d come to answers in months. It was fascinating to watch him in action, the kids were captivated by him, and so were the parents. I couldn’t help but notice that he paid a fair bit of attention to some of the more hot dads, often touching them on the arm as he laughed at their bad jokes. 

A few hours later, I saw him waving goodbye to the children before disappearing behind the grotto. I followed him and waited till he was alone. I approached him quietly so he didn’t have time to bolt and tapped him on the shoulder. He jumped out of his skin and span round, yet again revealing his massive ball belly as his coat flapped open. I introduced myself and told him I’d enjoyed his performance. Fortunately, he spoke very good English and understood me. He cautiously introduced himself as Otto and shook my hand. He took his beard off and I saw his face up close. It was so odd to see such a handsome and chiselled face sporting such a huge gut but there they both were. I didn’t really know where to go from there so I simply came out with it. I saw him an hour earlier and he had no belly. Now here he was with a 150 lbs beer gut. What was the deal?  Was magic involved?

He stared at me for a little while, clearly weighing up what to say. I wasn’t sure if he was gonna bolt so I got myself ready for a chase, but suddenly he burst out with a hearty laugh and pulled me in for a hug. His belly pressing against me hit home how real it was. Our bellies pushed against each other with a satisfying thunk. As he pulled back he put his hands on either side of my belly and gave me a squeeze. As you know I’m not skinny myself, a few months of trying to eat myself into the same state as I was when Obi finished with me had added a few pounds to my bulk. Simply by touching me, Otto knew instantly that something magical had happened to me and asked me who I’d met. I told him about my encounter in the cafe and he nodded and smiled as if he understood. When I’d finished, he told me that my story was familiar and thanked me for telling it and turned to go. I reached out and grabbed his arm and asked him to tell me his story. He smiled and told me that it wasn’t going to be that simple. 

We chatted for a while and worked out the terms of our agreement. As is always the way with these magical types there was always some sort of bargain or deal to be had. He agreed to answer 5 questions but to answer the questions I would have to eat something of his choosing. Now I’m not able to eat the amount I did when Obi was around but I’m still an accomplished eater. I agreed to the terms and we headed to the Christmas food market. He found us a delightful booth made from wood, with garlands of holly and pine branches covering the roof and headed off for my first meal. He returned with three of the sausages I’d already eaten. They were so good I was happy and I set about eating them whilst he sat there with a smile on his face enjoying a large European litre of beer. I thought about my first question and went with it. ‘Are you Santa?’ He scratched at his stubble and smiled a wry grin. ‘No’ he said smugly and lumbered off to get my next meal. I was pissed that my question wasn’t quite right. I needed to ask something more open ended. I was still thinking about what to ask when he returned with a thick crepe, stuffed with cheese and bacon and covered in more cheese. I grabbed a wooden set of cutlery and started eating. 

As I finished, I began feeling a little full. Seven hot dogs, a pancake and some of those amazing apple potato fritters were heavy and not insignificant. I leant back and gave my belly a rub whilst I formulated my question. I needed a question that would make him give me more information than yes or no. I needed to find out if he was human and if not what he was. It came to me. ‘When did you first find you could grow an instant belly?’ His blue eyes twinkled, clearly impressed by my question. Draining the last dregs of his beer he leant back to match my position and began. 

‘I was just out of university and was back living with my parents. I’d decided by then that I wanted to do something practical and started training as an electrician. It was Christmas Eve and I’d been out with my friends and came home pretty drunk and I crashed. Now I was pretty into the gym at the time and I had a killer body. Well, I guess you'd have seen it if you caught me earlier? Anyway, I woke up Christmas morning with this thing pinning me down!’ He grabbed his belly and attempted to shake it but it didn’t really move. 

‘I had no idea what had happened and if I’m honest I sort of assumed it was the beer from the previous night. I thought I’d had an allergic reaction or something. Anyway, I went to the hospital to get checked out and they were baffled. No one could explain what had happened to me. With no answers I headed back to the gym and started training. I had 160 lbs to lose and I wanted it gone quickly. I hadn’t lost my muscle mass and so training was relatively easy. It took me 10 months in total but I managed it and got back into shape. I was maybe 20 lbs more than when I got the gut but it was all muscle mass so I was very much back in shape. I thought it was all behind me and then a few months later I woke up on Christmas morning yet again looking like I was pregnant with triplets. No one could tell me what had happened and so it all started again. Five years that happened for. Five years.’ 

I waited for more but that was all he was giving me. I went to ask another question and he stopped me and headed off. So he wasn’t a magical being. Something had happened to him? And why did it always happen on Christmas Day? What was the link?  He returned with a huge turkey sandwich, dripping with gravy and cranberry sauce, with a side of roast vegetables. Yet again I dove in, all the time formulating my next question. Something was not quite right here. How did he go from ballooning every Christmas Day to being able to do it seemingly at will, in an hour? I was missing something here? I had three questions left and I didn’t want to waste one of them. I finished the sandwich (best one I’ve ever had by the way) and posed my next question. ‘Did you find out why this happened to you?’ He smiled again and nodded. I instantly regretted my wording. I’d given him a yes or no question again. He paused and offered me a lifeline. ‘Ask me about him?’ He pointed at the mural painted on the ceiling above us of a jolly Santa riding his sleigh across the sky. 

That was all he was willing to give me and he left me to work on my fourth question. I needed to ask something about Father Christmas and how he was involved. So Father Christmas was real? My mind raced as I tried to get comfier in my chair. I was feeling the bloat now. The cheese in that pancake was sitting very heavily on my stomach. Otto returned with a bowl of steaming Christmas pudding. He’d brought me a whole one covered in custard that could have fed a family of six. I settled in to eat the fragrant dessert. I was struggling a bit now. It was a heavy thing to pack on top of what I’d already had. Otto was clearly enjoying watching me eat it though. He was on his fourth beer at this point and wasn’t really showing any signs of being drunk. Apparently Germans can really handle their beer. 

Finishing the pudding I dropped my spoon into the bowl. ‘Alright.’ I said, belching deeply under my breath. ‘You’ve just told me Santa is part of this. If Santa is real then he’s obviously some sort of magical being or fae. Here’s my question.’ I reached over and put my hand on the top of his massive belly shelf and patted it. ‘How does Santa give you this belly every Christmas Day?’ 

‘Now we’re getting somewhere!’ Otto added. He drained his beer again and I swore under my fingers I could feel his belly swelling a little bit more. ‘After year five of doctors and experts not knowing why I gained nearly 200 lbs every year, I started getting desperate. I did some research online and put some feelers out there. I wasn’t expecting to find the answers I found! Turns out there are loads of guys like me around the world and we all have several things in common. All of us are over 6 feet tall, and all of us are pretty into fitness or sports. Big solid strapping men. Not one of them knew what was happening to us. That was until I found a guy in Norway who has a theory. He told me this crazy story. He’d heard rumours of this happening for hundreds of years. There were some Norwegian folk tales of trolls who would trick mortal men into being their ‘Magebror’, literally translated as ‘belly brother’. The trolls would then go off and gorge themselves all night and the poor magebror would begin to get fatter and fatter until they would burst open. He thought that we were cursed by trolls and we should simply thank the gods we weren’t bursting open. Obviously I ignored him but the more research I did the more I found out that there were some truths in these myths. It wasn’t something he’d invented but a real fable that appeared in several different folk laws across Scandinavia. I got back in touch with him and he’d vanished, so I headed off to Norway to try and find him. It took me a while but eventually I did. And low and behold he was 6’6 and stacked but with a huge pot belly twice the size of mine. He told me he’d been investigating more and more and had uncovered the truth. It wasn’t trolls doing this to us, it was Father Christmas. I could have punched him in the face. I’d gone all this way only to find that the guy truly was mental. I didn’t even say goodbye. I headed straight back home, gave up the search and tried to lose the weight again before Christmas.’

‘Christmas Eve came and I couldn’t quite shake the idea that this guy had put in my head. I decided to sit up and see if I could stay awake to see what would happen. I nearly didn’t make it but as the clock struck midnight something changed in the house. I felt an electricity in the air and you can imagine my surprise when he landed with a thump in my fireplace. And he was not how I imagined him to look. In front of me was not a fat old man with a grey beard, but a total hunk. He was tall and muscled like I used to be. Clean shaved but with some incredible big dick energy. Like some sort of daddy stud. I don't quite remember fully but I think he did have some ram horns sprouting from his head but they might have been part of the costume? It was a lot anyway. He smiled as if he recognised me. We waited in silence for a few minutes. I was totally enthralled by how attractive he was. I almost didn’t want to ask my question. Eventually I managed to speak and asked why I was gaining weight every Christmas Day. He seemed all too pleased to tell me as he launched into the explanation. It was simple, he had a few billion homes to visit every year and in every country, there was a tradition to leave food out for him. He had to eat millions of cookies and mince pies and treats in just a few hours as he travelled. And so he used magic! He would choose a load of men, all who had the frame to handle the mass, and they would be his magebror. He’d learnt from the trolls how to do it. He would eat the food and they would get fat. I was simply one of a few hundred guys who would wake up with bellies packed full of treats every year so he could stay toned and handsome. And that's why I got fat every year!’

So it wasn’t just me that had encountered these guys. This was finally some proof that what happened to me in that diner was real! The relief for me was immense. I wasn’t going mad. My mind was pulled back to earth as Otto stood to get my final meal. I had one more question. The one thing I didn’t know was how he could do it at will. He’d obviously found a way to control how and when he bulked up. And the intimate question, could he teach me how to do it?  He returned with the final meal. A huge ironic plate full of cookies. There were at least a dozen and they were big ones. He slapped them on the table next to a large jug of milk. Obediently and greedily I started eating them. Dipping them in the milk,I was determined to get through them. One by one I swallowed each one down. Adding to the knot of pressure in my already overpacked stomach. My belly was feeling every bite as it distended outwards. Finishing the cookies was tough but I still had a few litres of milk to chug. There was nothing for it but to go for it. Lifting the jug to my lips I poured the cool milk into my stuffed gut. It felt good and horrible at the same time. I could feel my belly actually swelling out and straining my taut T-shirt. As the last of the milk drained down my throat, I slammed the jug on the table. Out of breath I posed my final question. ‘How do you control it? How come you can make your belly swell out when you want it to? How can I do that?’

His eyes sparkled. ‘That was three questions!’ He laughed. He reached over and gave my belly a stroke. He was firm but it was the touch of someone who knew how to handle a distended gut. ‘You’ve done well though! I’ll answer them. When I caught Santa out that night, I was the first one. No one had tracked him down before and he was pleased with me. I don’t wanna kiss and tell but let’s just say I sat on Santa's lap and he gave me a gift! He gave me the same ability that he has. The weight of food he eats, I can manage myself. Meaning I can gain his weight at will, whenever I like.  Then all I have to do to get rid of it is touch a guy like he does and he becomes my magebror! I’m not magic so it’s not quite as strong as his abilities are. My magebrors are only temporary and one offs.’

I was so stuffed I didn’t quite pick up on what he was saying but I nodded anyway. That explained why he was touching the hot dads in the queue. The idea of a load of guys walking up tomorrow morning a few pounds heavier was kinda hot. To be honest, I was just relieved that I wasn’t imagining things. He helped me up out of the booth and we walked back through the mall. We chatted a bit more about my experience and some of the leads I’d found. All the while I was painfully aware of how full I was. I couldn’t stop belching as we walked, the movement dislodging the gas. As I walked, I kept one hand on the top of my gut, rubbing my bloated belly to try and ease the pressure. I’d not felt this stuffed for a while and it felt good. 

I walked him back to his truck and he jumped in. As he jumped up I realised he was back to his original toned and lean self. I pointed it out and he just smiled as he drove off. As I stood in the snow processing the information I’d just been given I was interrupted by a ping. I was confused until I realised my trousers had become loose. The ping was my top button from my jeans. I looked down to see my belly was twice the size as it was when I had finished eating. I realised that he’d touched me as he helped me out of the booth. I had become his magebror! My belly had to be close to the same size it was when Obi had his way with me. I smiled as I explored my swollen belly with my hands. Also, it wasn’t lost on me that I’d just had a conversation with someone who had fucked Santa. 

For the rest of my stories click here

[avoidantrecovery]

we need to talk about ostracism, self-isolation and rejection sensitivity

I've been reading about ostracism and was really surprised to find out how impactful it is in people's lives and how little it is talked about.

To keep things short (according to Kipling D. Williams, one of the leading scientists on the subject):

ostracism is the act of being ignored or excluded

it's different from bullying or other more "engaging" abusive behavior in that it's about completely shunning a person, excluding them, not talking to them or engaging them, not arguing, simply treating them like air

when a person is ostracized, the same parts of the brain are activated that activate for physical pain

taking a tylenol actually dampens the pain of ostracism

people feel the pain of ostracism, even if the group ostracizing them is filled with people they don't like

something as simple as the silent treatment or deliberate denial of eye-contact or handshakes can be considered ostracism

four needs are threatened when a person is ostracized: belonging, self-esteem, control and meaningful existence

it activates an ancient fear of being abandoned and left to fend for one's life alone

the ostracized will go through three phases: reflexive (immediate negative affect and pain), reflective (efforts to re-connect with group via social conformity; if this is not possible aggression or self-isolation and development of rejection-sensitivity) and resignation (long term ostracism: feelings of alienation, depression, helplessness and worthlessness)

For me, AvPD began after an ostracism event paired with other bullying I was going through at the time. This was many years ago, however there is a through-line from that event to who I am today. After being ostracized by a group of girls in my new school, I tried my best to negotiate my behavior, clothes, etc... and be re-included. And the moment I thought I had been re-included in their group (they pretended), they pranked me, which nearly led to me drowning during a school trip. From that day on, not deliberately, I slowly began to self-isolate and separate from other kids. I became very sensitive to rejection and just couldn't place why, I definitely hadn't been like that prior. I had been very extroverted by nature, but suddenly would not go anywhere other kids might be (like playgrounds or toy shops etc…)

Even when I did form friendships with people, later on, it was more of a mirroring and masking, never deep friendships and no relationships. I was still negotiating, trying my best to not put myself at risk of ostracism again. Same for education and jobs.

Anyway, after reading about ostracism and just how strong the impact can be, I believe this is why AvPD developed for me. I don't know if anyone else ever experienced similar, I feel like ostracism is something that is easy to overlook. I always thought that the near-drowning is what had been a key event for me. But it was actually the prior ostracism that made the near-drowning so much more potent as an event. The strong desire to be re-included in the group and only to have the rug pulled from under me and literally be left for dead. That lead to me then self-isolating and so on... can anyone relate?

(The book is called "Ostracism, Exclusion and Rejection" by Kipling D. Williams). There is also an article in the Scientific American on the topic: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-pain-of-exclusion/

[hearts4youz]

The Captains Daughter- Chapter 20

A/N: Chat, I am back. I really hope you enjoy this, It's severely overdue, but thank you all for staying with me on this!!!

Taglist:

@abbiesxox @n30n-j3lly @weird-katthing @kayoyamamegame @kroowonderemporium @astro-ghoul99 @darkravenqueen98 @gaylilangelbabyy @yuunnnaaaa @unicorngirly1 @noodlezz-bedo

Word count: 2k

Reader pov:

The following weeks are quite uneventful. We are sent on a few minor missions, all of which are successful, and are in a state of immense boredom. You almost want a war to break out at this point. But one late January day, your father calls everyone to the debriefing room. Anticipating a new mission, possibly one with more excitement, you and the 141 are practically bouncing on the balls of your feet with anticipation. One by one, you file in and sit down at the familiar long wooden table. knees bounce with expectation under the table.

Price walks in, everyone draws a breath.

Oddly, price has no folders in his hand, no loose papers, nothing. He walks in silently, clears his throat, sits at the head of the table and clasps his hands. He pauses before speaking.

"We're going to a wedding," he puts bluntly.

everyone exchanges confused glances.

"Well that was anticlimactic," Soap blurts.

Everyone breaks into chatter about the event before Price raises his hands to quiet the room.

"It's a good friend of mine, we served together. Names Bill,"

ohhhhh uncle Bill, you thought to yourself, happy for him and his soon-to-be wife.

Everyone nods and discusses the dress code, "Wait, wait, wait... am I going to have to wear a suit?" a voice from the corner of the room speaks up.

You turned toward the sound and saw Ghost, obviously peeved about having to dress up.

"Yes Ghost, your going to have to put on a suit," Your dad rolls his eyes.

The chatter continues as everyone files out of the room, the wedding was on for tomorrow evening, and you needed a dress. You contemplated returning home to get something out of your closet, but your overused sundresses just wouldn't cut it. You needed something flattering and mature.

That afternoon, you got permission to drive into the city to shop. The nearest mall was an hours drive from the base. Plugging your phone into the aux, you drowned out the hum of the road with an upbeat playlist for the drive.

You soon found yourself in a gorgeous, modern yet classy store. Elegant dresses lined the wall, from ballroom length to cocktail, there was no shortage of styles. Time, however, was of the essence. As you wandered aimlessly through the endless racks of dresses, an employee noticed your distress and walked over to introduce herself.

"Hey there! my names Georgia, how are you today?"

You give her a relieved smile. "Lost," you admit.

"Oh, happens to everyone, no worries. come with me, i'll get you measured and we'll find your perfect match!" Georgia says cheerfully.

She walks you over to an area near the fitting rooms, a plush ottoman and a soft rug are on the floor in front of a tall mirror. Georgia grabs her measuring tape and notes a few things.

"So, what occasion is this dress for?"

"A wedding, distant family friend."

She hums, "Okay so, like stunning... but like not steal the show stunning."

"Oh well I hardly think I could steal any of the spotlight from-"

Georgia cuts you off, "Nonsense! your absolutely enchanting!"

You give a weak smile at the complement as she goes and finds multiple dresses in various styles and colors. She goes through a quick but in depth fitting and analysis of each. Within the hour, you find one that you fall in love with. You can't help but grin as you look at the way the fabric showcases your body perfectly. You take it to the register and pay, bidding Georgia goodbye with a wave and a thank you.

That night, you do your best at an attempt to sleep. Your efforts remain futile as you toss and turn thinking of tomorrow. Catching up with old friends and family, dancing and drinking, but best of all...

Ghost gets to see you in a dress, The most flattering and gorgeous dress you've ever picked out. Finally, you find yourself drifting off slowly with those exciting thoughts.

-timeskip-

You arrive at the reception with your father, the rest of the group has their own rides. You try to let loose a little by grabbing a drink and catching up with friends and family, but you find yourself eyeing the door constantly, waiting for your masked comrade to walk in.

"Watching for danger eh? can't escape them habits the military drills into ya," The groom comes up behind you and ruffles your hair. You half smile and turn towards him.

"How ya been kid?" he asks.

The two of you chat for a few minutes before he goes off to find your father, you return to watching the door, thankful that he thought it was military instinct.

About an hour goes by and you down a few drinks, you were slightly buzzed but your mind was still clear. You still keep an eye on the door, waiting for Simon. You hardly notice when an old childhood friend of yours snakes an arm around your shoulder.

Startled, you flinch and raise your fist, but then you realize who it is and drop your arm awkwardly.

"Oh... uh... sorry Jake," you mumble.

"Ha! You musta had half a mind to think I was some kinda creep," Jake smirks and pulls you in for a hug. You try to pull away, but he has a vice-like grip around your shoulders.

You and Jake had been neighbors as kids, he was always over keeping you company after your mom left. The two of you had grown up like siblings, that's how you saw it at least...

Around your teenage years, you had started to experiment with boys a bit. Jake HATED all of your boyfriends. At first, it seemed like a protective older brother type thing, but after a while Jake got possessive. He followed you on dates, stalked the social media of all the boys you talked to, he scared people off and you hated it. This marked the beginning of the end of your friendship. Once you graduated and went to basic training, you talked to Jake less and less. Seeing him here was startling to say the least.

"Oh uh... yeah... didn't recognize you I guess," you said awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.

You scanned the venue for a familiar face to start a conversation with so you could get away from Jake. He seemed to notice this and tilted your chin up so you were looking at him.

"You here with anyone," Jake asked.

"Just uh... my dad," you decided to leave the 141 out of it so Jake wouldn't get angry and try anything.

"Mhm, how about I buy you a drink then?" he suggested.

"Uhm no... I've got one already," you gestured with your half empty glass. plus, you wanted to keep a clear mind in case Jake tried anything.

The night went on and you finally broke off from Jake. You floated in-between conversations, still no sign of Ghost, but you had seen Gaz and Soap briefly. In the midst of your search for the Lieutenant, you found yourself on the dance floor. Unfortunately, Jake found you too.

"Ah, Y/N, thought I lost you there,"

You chuckled uncomfortably, trying to keep it polite. The song switched to a slow dance and Jake reached for your hand.

"Seeing you here has brought me back," he whispered in your ear. "You've matured since high school" He places his other hand on your waist and you try to wiggle away.

"Jake stop"

"Oh, I'm sorry, where are my manners. May I have this dance?" He smirked.

"No. No you may not," You didn't know if it was the alcohol or not but you suddenly gained the courage to push him away, leaving all formalities behind.

"Y/N come on... we're made for each other, I know you better than anyone," Jake's voice grew more stern and threatening as he pulled you closer again.

"I...no...n-" your voice squeaked.

Suddenly, Jake's face turned pale, his eyes widened and you felt a hand on your shoulder.

"She's taken," Ghost says bluntly.

You are shocked at the turn of events and spin around to see Ghost, which causes you to fall a little off balance, but ghost places a strong hand on the small of your back to support you.

"I've gotcha, this prick won't bother you anymore," he says softly to you. His voice becomes more menacing when he faces Jake, "are we clear?"

The three words from Ghost are all it takes for Jake to give a quick nod and make his exit. Ghost gives a quick grunt "An old friend?"

"Yeah, something of the sort..." you breathe, watching him go.

Ghost clears his throat, "Sorry i'm late."

"It's no big deal, you came just in time."

"Yeah, just in time to dance with you."

Your heart rate quickens as you process his words. Is he joking? there's no way...

Soon enough, the two of you are whisked into the whirlwind of couples, Ghost dips and spins you with great care, as if you are a fragile porcelain doll. You've danced with men before, but this man makes you feel like a princess.

"You look gorgeous by the way," he says softly.

Okay, no way he's actually saying this, i'm dreaming.

"You look uh... good... er handsome yourself," you say breathlessly.

Come on liquid courage! do something other than make me tipsy!

You continue to move fluidly all over the floor, "You've got some experience I see," you joke.

"Mmh... maybe I just did my research beforehand," he smirked.

The song ends and the two of you take a seat. You take him in, his suit, which shows off his biceps and seems perfectly tailored to him. His balaclava, which he exchanged for a plain black one instead of skull print.

"You clean up nicely, trying to impress someone?" You say teasingly.

"I guess you could say that," he shrugs nonchalantly.

Now that's an answer you weren't expecting.

You sit in silence for a moment before Ghost speaks up. "That guy back there, was he trying anything on you?"

"To dance with me, yeah."

Ghost furrows his eyebrows, "and you know him?"

"Yeah... long story."

"Hm."

More silence follows until Ghost speaks again. "Seeing you with him, I didn't like that one bit," he looks straight ahead, not at you.

"Jealous?" you smirk.

"Yeah I uh... I guess you could say that," he sighs, still looking ahead.

Silence again

"You know what, fuck it," Ghost says slightly louder. "I didn't like seeing you with whatever his name was because I like you." he says matter-of-factly.

Your breath catches "I...I-you...me..."

he did not just say that

"I like you a lot and I couldn't give a fuck what our ranks are or who your father is, I just want... no, I NEED you to be mine," He continues.

"I...I uh... yes," You are embarrassed at how much of a nervous wreck you are right now.

"I'm taking that as a you like me back," Ghost says.

"Y-yes," you breathe.

You slowly get more comfortable as the night drags on, you never leave the side of your new boyfriend as the two of you bask in each other.

"All I want to do right now is dote on you and love you, show you my caring side," Ghost says at one point.

You giggle, "is the alcohol getting to you? Are you going to regret this in the morning?"

"Nope, completely sober, wouldn't want to forget this night with you."

The rest of the night is like a dream, you can't help but picture how the following days will be with this new relationship. hopefully this hangover won't be a smack in the face in the morning.

[obsolescent]

No Strangers Here

“Only friends you haven’t met yet”

Pairing: Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley x Reader

Author’s Note: Ask at the end! Changed things up a bit from the video because my mind was ??? in some parts, I was losing the war with this one, like literally the longest I’ve been stuck on a writing, apologies. Thank you @dwkfan for being so patient with me ♡

Content Warnings: Civilian!Reader, southern dialect, cussing, badly mimicking a British accent, clumsiness, mentions of your mother, POV flips back and forth between you and Simon, it’s written with a fem!reader in mind and the reader wears a long skirt, but there is no gendered language.

Simon likes to stop by the cafe near the base, a quaint spot that serves a nice cup of tea and offers delicious desserts. He’s here during downtime, relaxing in his usual spot. A loveseat in the corner of the shop. Simon wears civilian clothing when he visits, donning a simple, black facial mask. The rain patters softly against the window near his head as he waits for his order. Eyes closed, he relaxes into his seat, breathing in the smells of the shop, the sounds of nature and people melding into a relaxing–

“Here you go, sir! A ‘spot o’ tea’ and a scone!” A loud, southern accent mimicking a British cadence (quite poorly), slices through the peace he had fallen into. Snapping his head back up to see you scampering over, his ordered items in both of your hands. You were laughing after your poor attempt of mimicry, rushing to him with his food and drink. In your haste, you didn’t notice the crease in the rug your shoe catches on.

He’s up out of his seat in an instant, catching you before you hit the ground. Unfortunately for Simon, his order did not survive the ordeal, Earl Grey staining the fibers of the rug. “Oh shit–I mean shoot–I’m so sorry, sir! Did any of that get on you?” You’re quick to separate yourself from him, scrambling to the ground to start cleaning up your mess. He begins to crouch down and you notice, snapping, “I GOT IT!” Simon pulls back, not expecting your sudden, loud outburst. Literally yelling in his face. Oof, If your mama could see you now.

You freeze, face warming. “Oh Lord, I didn’t mean to say it like that, or holler right in your face–” Your words rushing out while scooping up everything you can hold, forgoing the crumbs and liquid until you can reach a broom and mop. All the while Simon is still in a crouched position, hands out, frozen in a mixture of surprise and hesitance. Usually, your interactions are filled with a certain urgency, on your part. You flitting about like a hummingbird, occasionally dropping a napkin here, a spoon there, but for the most part you were efficient in your tasks. It’s why he likes you serving him, besides the charming quips you throw at him between it all.

But, never before have you dropped items in your rush, though the rug could be to blame for the disruption in your duties. “It’ll be alright, love, just take it easy,” He’s trying to ease the situation, knowing by the look on your face that you’re mortified. Grasping the teacup and saucer in hand, tossing the bigger pieces of the scone into said cup, you jump up and rush back to the kitchen, tossing out, “I’ll fix this in a jiffy for you, I am so sorry, again!” Rising himself, Simon watches your figure disappear through a door.

He sighs, straightening up and eyeing the remaining mess on the floor. He smooths out the crease in the rug before moving towards the broom and dustpan. The items peeked out from the side of a shelf, having spotted it while doing his quick scan over the cafe when he first entered. Grabbing and bringing them back, he does his best at sweeping the bits into the pan, wincing when the cream from the scone smears into the fabric.

“Simon! You don’t have to do that, please have a seat!” Mindful of your steps, you hurry to him, voice loud. You place the fresh and intact order down before snatching the broom and dustpan from him. His hands are frozen in the air, eyes wide as he stares down at you, jaw slack behind the mask. He didn’t think you had it in you to be so forward with him, knowing his stature and size easily scares off people bigger than yourself. You have never seemed fazed by him in the slightest, and it’s even more apparent now.

“I’ve got this, you just sit down now and enjoy your order,” You instruct him, getting to work. Thankfully no one else was in the store at this moment, since he usually shows during a slow time for you. ‘Thank God,’ You think, taking the dustpan and dumping the contents into the trash, before walking back through the door to grab the mop. Returning, you find Simon still standing there, his hands now at his sides.

Narrowing your eyes, you put a hand on your hip, cocking it out. “You ain’t doing anything else for me, now sit.” You demand, keeping your distance until he listens. He blinks, still dumbfounded at your brazen behavior, before returning to his seat. Satisfied, you move closer to clean the spot on the wooden floorboards. Once that’s done, you grab a towel and spray bottle and crouch down to clean off the cream and what tea got on the rug. Glancing at him, you meet his brown eyes, noticing he has yet to touch his order. “Everything alright? Gonna get cold if you just let it sit there,” You say, scrubbing at the fibers.

“You’re not…Intimidated by me?” You stop, looking at him with confusion. “No? Should I be?” You inquire, going back to your task. “No, love. I guess not,” He shrugs, leaning over to pick up the cup and saucer. “My mama always told me to treat others with kindness, ‘do to others as you would have them do to you,’ y’know? Just because you’re big don’t mean you’re frightening.” He chuckles at that, nodding along to you before speaking, “Southern hospitality, innit?” He asks, pulling his mask up to sip at his tea. You smile, “Yeah, I reckon it is.”

You’ve cleaned the spots the best you can, standing back up and taking the soiled towel to the dirty laundry hamper. Reemerging from the back of the shop, you make your way back to Simon. “Now all that cattywampus is outta the way, how are you today?” Your chipper demeanor back in place, you begin to converse like normally, sliding back into your normal routine. You know he works nearby at the base, stopping by on days he has nothing more to do.

That’s his excuse, at least. The honest truth? Simon likes your presence, the atmosphere is significantly better in the cafe when you’re on the job. You’re quite charming, someone who can naturally chat with anyone, including the brooding Ghost. You’re carrying on about an interaction you had with a coworker when the door chimes, a customer walking in. You excuse yourself and take their order, Simon keeping an eye on your figure moving about.

He adjusts his body on the sofa, leaning back into the cushions, crossing his arms and one leg over the other. You always move with a quickness, never sitting still. In your hastiness, it’s caused you to be clumsy at times. Simon finds it endearing, as well as your accent and looks, who wouldn’t be smitten with you?

Once catering to the other customer, you make your way back, long skirt shuffling against your quick steps, smiling at Simon. He feels a stirring in his stomach at your beaming face, he shifts his body against the couch once more, reaching down and picking his tea up, having something to occupy his hands.

You cock your head to the side, as if pondering something. “Mr. Riley, is there a reason you always come and see me?” He stops, meeting your eyes with his widened ones. He wasn’t expecting the Mr. Riley, nor for you to be so straightforward. He clears his throat and sets his cup and saucer back down before answering.

“S’just have the best customer service. What did you say earlier, that southern hospitality, innit?” He replies, tilting his head at you. You laugh, a soft one, like wind chimes tinkling in a gentle breeze. You nod, propping your hand on your hip, grinning down at him.

“Would you say we’re friends?” Your next question also throws him for a loop, his pale eyebrows furrowing. “Would you want someone like me to be your friend?” He asks, tapping his finger against his thigh, a bit unsure if he wants to hear your reply.

“Well, yeah!” You exclaim, voice becoming louder. The other customer inside turned their head towards you. You reeled it in with a small ‘oops’ before continuing, “I don’t see why not, you’ve been pretty darn nice to me every time you come in, and you can hold a conversation pretty well,” you state matter-of-factly.

That sends a relief through his system, along with something else that he chooses to ignore. “Why do you ask, love?” He holds eye contact with you, gaze unwavering. Now you seem a bit flustered, fidgeting in place, wringing your hands.

“I wanted to ask if you, I don’t know, wanted to hang out outside of work? I know you’re probably pretty busy so it’s okay if not, but it was worth asking, Y’know? I haven't had many friends since moving here, and I enjoy your company, Simon.” Your honesty was refreshing and was still so new to him, since Simon wasn’t the most approachable person.

“Sure. Don’t see why not, eh? What did you have in mind?” His tea has now grown cold, but he doesn’t mind, especially since it’s for good reason. You plan out your time together outside of the cafe, figuring out when you two would have overlapping days off work.

You pick up his plates, turning to take them back to the kitchen. “Oh, Simon?” You ask, looking over your shoulder. He stands, cocking his head. “Thanks, for being my friend,” you smile dazzlingly, so bright, like he’s staring into the sun. He nods and you walk away, disappearing into the kitchen.

He tucks his hands into his hoodie’s pocket before making his leave. The brisk air of autumn would usually put a slight chill in his bones, but today, there’s an unexpected warmth coursing through his being as he makes his way back to the base.

Tags: @caramlizedtomatoes, @roseglazedlens

Ask:

[thesixenthusiast]

ruby – eddie roundtree

part two (part one, part three, part four)

pairing: eddie rountree x fem!oc (may change to x reader) warnings: drinking/drugs (billy/daisy's addictions) word count: 1.5k author's note: please bear with me in this, if there's a few time mix ups just with the order of things, please do let me know but i'm trying to find an equal balance between the book and show and it's a little difficult lol

BILLY DUNNE: At one of our gigs we were talking to Rod Reyes, he gave us some pointers, told us what to do and what not to do, and then he told us to go west. We were all out of school by then and decided maybe it was the best option for us.

ROD REYES (tour manager, The Six): The band had the look they needed, Billy was a natural born rockstar, the long hair, the deep voice, that deadpan look when he doesn’t get his way. Juliet had the rockstar look down, she had this long hair, big hair too, and dark makeup that she never really learned how to use properly.​​ The girls wanted to be her and the guys wanted to sleep with her. And her voice.. she had this raspy voice that she never seemed to tire out. I told Billy, I told him, get her out from behind you, get her out of singing back up, sing a song or two with her, mix things up, people’ll get bored of just hearing you. Most importantly, I told them to get the fuck out of Pittsburgh.

GRAHAM DUNNE: The six of us decided to move out to L.A..

–

The Six settled into life in Los Angeles, renting a house in the hills of Topanga Canyon. They prepared to begin recording their debut album. Teddy, along with a team of technicians, including lead engineer Artie Snyder, set up shop at Sound City Studios, a recording studio in Van Nuys, California.

The band, Camila alongside, started getting their name out there. They played gigs at clubs and bars, doing near-anything to make a name for themselves on the Sunset Strip. Not too long after, they decided to record an album.

“I feel fully content with my decision to not take your bedroom, Warren,” Juliet hummed in response to Warren’s bragging over having the only bedroom with a bathroom, “Very few people would consider a stray toilet in the corner of your room to be a bathroom, I am proudly not one of those people.” Eddie waltzed into the kitchen, where the group was situated getting ready for the day.

“I’ve been thinking,” he started, taking a seat next to Juliet, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, “We need a new name, The Dunne Brothers isn’t cutting it for us.”

“Thank you!” Karen yelled, propping herself up against the counter to face the rest of the group.

“I agree, but let’s be realistic,” Juliet reasoned, “you’re never going to get six people to agree on a name.” She leaned against Warren’s shoulder, who was contributing little to the conversation due to how stoned he was.

“We could take the easy way out,” Graham piped in, “The Six.”

“The Six,” Warren hummed, nodding blissfully at the suggestion.

–

JULIET OPAL: The Six. [Smiles] Warren admitted later that he only liked it because it sounded similar to “The Sex,” I don’t think that was a big part of it for anyone else.

EDDIE ROUNDTREE: Julie really liked the name, that was a big part of it for me.

GRAHAM DUNNE: We finished the album, we were going on tour, we needed a real name, it felt right. Plus it was kinda my idea. [Smiles]

–

Karen and Juliet were draped across the living room carpet, attempting to escape the California heat as the fan that was weakly shackled to the ceiling rotated above them. The girls were taken out of their silent daze with a yelling and laughter radiating from the porch as the rest of the group made their way inside mumbling something about a wedding.

The girls sat up, exhaustion dissipating from their bodies when Camila announced that she was pregnant and her and Billy were getting married that night. They jumped up, Juliet hoisting Karen up from the rug and her sleep deprivation-ridden state, and ran over to congratulate the couple, pulling Camila away from the group and to her closet to pick out her dress.

Later that afternoon, Juliet stood in the dimly-lit backyard, and strung pieces of aluminum foil through the various trees and rosemary bushes speckled across the yard. Eddie crept up behind her, grabbing her wrist, which ultimately led to her dropping the wad of foil into the grass, and spinning her around to face him.

“Eddie!” She looked down at her spilt decorations with a lackluster expression, though a grin was pulling on the corners of her mouth, Eddie made sure not to miss that.

“No, eyes up here,” he lifted up her chin with his other hand and smiled at her, grabbing her other hand and intertwining their fingers as he started to dance with her, “I need practice for tonight, don’t want to make a fool of myself on the dance floor. What time is the minister getting here?”

“I’d hardly call it a dance floor, it’s the same bed of grass you passed out on last week and Warren puked on yesterday,” he laughed, spinning her and then pulling her closer as they continued to dance, “He’s supposed to be here in 40 minutes, but it’s L.A., no one is ever on time, it’s anyone’s guess.”

“Well,” he licked his lips and cleared his throat before continuing to speak, “then you have plenty of time to finish decorating once we’re finished.”

“Nuh uh, I need to help get Camila ready too, pre-wedding jitters. You’ll understand someday,” she leaned her face in closer to his before whispering, “that poor woman.”

“You wound me, Julie, you really do. But alas, a woman’s job is never done,” he stopped moving and let go of her hands, “I’ll finish up here, make her feel real pretty.” He smiled, she quickly ducked down and scooped up the mass of foil and handed it to him, before scurrying inside.

–

INTERVIEWER: What can you tell me about that night?

EDDIE ROUNDTREE: [Smiles]

JULIET OPAL: Oh, I don’t know. What’s the maturity rating on this?

–

“Smile for me,” Warren teased, positioning himself for the perfect shot of Camila and Billy, “I need a nice big smile, Billy, knock off the frown, it’s the happiest day of your life!”

“Your lens cap is on!” Camila leaned forward, pulling it off and tossing it to Juliet, who caught it with one hand and handed it to Warren, who stuffed it inside of his pocket and immediately returned to trying to get the couple to pose.

–

WARREN ROJAS: Mescaline is a powerful drug.

–

Juliet laughed as she watched the numerous failed attempts at photographing the wedding and muttered something about how maybe Warren should stick to music, before she was tapped on the shoulder. She turned around and was greeted with Eddie smiling at her, his hand extended towards her.

“May I have this dance?” He smirked, raising one eyebrow at her.

“Oh, of course,” she took his hand, tilting her head to the side and smiling, “if not all of your practice will have been for nothing.”

He pulled her away and the two of them found a position only a few dozen feet away from the rest of the group, who was still struggling to take photos. They danced, her head resting on his right shoulder and his hands around her waist, before one of them got the courage to break the comfortable silence.

“I can’t believe they’re gonna be parents,” she marveled, “I still feel like I’m new here and my biggest concern is trying to make him like me. When did we stop being little asshole kids who bummed garages off our parents for practicing space?”

“I’d like to think when we left Pittsburgh, but I think we still are,” she laughed, leaning her head into him.

“Do you think you’ll ever be like that?” He raised an eyebrow at her, “I mean like, ready to settle down? If we get to where we want to be, if we’re as big as we came out here hoping to be, is it even in the cards for us?”

“I think it’ll be tricky, but it always is, whether you’re leaving for a 30 city tour the morning after you get married, or if you just don’t know if you can do it with the kid staying in one piece.”

“I guess so,” she got quiet, swaying to the humming of the music until Eddie eventually decided it was time to rejoin everyone else.

The next morning, Juliet loaded her bag into the van, crawling into the passenger seat next to Eddie behind the wheel. After finalizing her spot, she climbed out and walked over to Camila, throwing her arms around her and leaning into her ear.

“Don’t be a stranger,” she looked at the tears welling up in her eyes before continuing to speak, “I’ll watch out for him for you. Call me if you need anything, I’m serious. I’ll drive back to California from Boston to bring you orange juice if you run out, I’m here.”

Camila hugged her back and Juliet shielded her from the group as she wiped the tears from her eyes, then she climbed back into the van, a stoic expression taking over her face. Eddie noticed and placed his hand over hers on the console, bringing her attention to his face. He nodded and gave her a weak lipped smile. As the group piled into the car, the energy lightened and Eddie let out a “alright, let’s get out of here,” before pulling onto the road.

–

JULIET OPAL: And then we were off.

[rugsaustralia]

How to Choose the Perfect Jute Flatweave Rug For Your Living Room?

Are you looking to add a natural elegance to your living room? A jute flatweave rug might just be a perfect choice for you. With its earthy tones and durable texture, a jute flatweave rug can instantly transform your living space into a cozy and inviting haven. But how do you choose the perfect jute flatweave rug for your living room? With so many options available, buying jute flatweave rugs can feel overwhelming.

This guide will help you navigate the selection process and find the perfect jute rug to complement your living room.

Consider the size

The rug should ideally define the seating area, with the front legs of your furniture resting on it. For a visually balanced look, leave around 8-12 inches of exposed flooring around the rug’s perimeter.

Embrace the natural palette

Jute’s inherent beauty lies in its natural tones, ranging from light beige to warm brown. These neutral shades seamlessly blend with various color schemes, allowing your existing furniture and décor to take center stage.

Texture and functionality

Jute’s flatweave construction creates a low-profile rug that is easy to maintain and adds a touch of textural interest to your space. However, keep in mind that jute fiber can be slightly rough underfoot. Consider placing the rug in areas with moderate foot traffic, or layering it with a soft area rug for added comfort.

Durability

Living rooms are often high-traffic areas, so it’s crucial to select a jute rug that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Look for rugs with a tight weave and a thick pile, as these tend to be more durable and long-lasting.

By following these guidelines and exploring the options available at All Modern Rugs, you can find a jute flatweave rug that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living room but also withstand the test of time.

[grannyandgrandpascreations]

Up North Minnesota Distressed Flannel.

Embrace the spirit of the North with our Up North Minnesota Distressed Flannel. This rugged yet stylish flannel shirt features a unique design that captures the essence of Minnesota's stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric, it offers both comfort and durability for your outdoor escapades or cozy nights by the fire.

The distressed finish adds a touch of character, making each piece one-of-a-kind. With its classic plaid pattern and relaxed fit, this flannel is perfect for layering or wearing on its own. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors or enjoying a casual day in town, the Up North Minnesota Distressed Flannel is your go-to choice for style and comfort.

No two shirts will ever be exactly alike so please aware and embrace the differences. All shirts are carefully curated, hand-dyed, and re-purposed so that each shirt is going to be different from the next in terms of color and plaid print.

SIZING: These shirts vary, many are unisex and come in men's sizing. They can be worn by both men & women. Ordering your normal t-shirt size is recommended for a regular fit. Going 1 size up works well for a baggy/oversized fit. Women's or Children's Specific sizing will be noted on the photo/variation options selected.

FABRIC: All these shirts are made of cotton or a cotton/poly blend. Measurements and thickness vary slightly by brand.

COLORS: Each flannel is unique, and no two shirts are going to look exactly alike. Colors are sent at random. Because the colors often change throughout the bleaching process, I cannot take specific color requests for these shirts.

Care instructions: Turn item inside out, machine wash cold, no bleach, no softener. Do not dry clean. Do not iron. Air dry is recommended.

Due to different picture lighting settings the actual color might vary a bit from the pictures.

Current Turnaround Time due to upcoming Holidays - 1-5 Business Days. While we always use priority shipping options, once shipped we cannot guarantee delivery due to the backlog current being experienced USPS/UPS/FedEx. If you have a strict deadline, please message me when ordering so that I can note any rush requests. Ownership of packages turned over to USPS transfers to the Buyer. We are not responsible for lost, held, damaged packages or delayed packages, once your package(s) leaves our Shop it is completely out of our control. Thank you for understanding!

Thank you for visiting Granny & Grandpa's Custom Creations, we truly appreciate your support of small businesses. We also personalize our products, please reach out to us with any personalizing any of our products, additional fee's may apply.

Please visit www.grannygrandpascustomcreations.com to view more products.

LET’S GET SOCIAL & BE FRIENDS! Like, Tag & Follow us for Our new Creations, Inspiration & Giveaways!

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© 2018 All photography is intellectual property of Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations © and may not be used without express written permission from Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations.

Welcome to Granny’s Store! We’ve got a fantastic selection of distressed flannels, cozy t-shirts, trendy tumblers, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back outfit or a fun accessory, you’ll find something special here. Don’t forget to check out our seasonal items and unique finds that capture that charming, vintage vibe! Remember, Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations is that "hidden" gem with unique, great quality, fun, gorgeous, innovative, and inexpensive gifts for your Loved Ones or yourself for your next shopping trip!

[erugmaster]

Best rug shop near me in San Francisco | Rug shop in Oakland

Erugmaster.com Rug shop has one of the largest rug collections in San Francisco. We have an amazing collection of readymade rugs for sale near me in Oakland

[golden-internationallc]

What is better to use: A carpet or a rug?

Choosing between a carpet and a rug for your home can be a decision that significantly impacts the aesthetics, comfort, and functionality of your living space. Both options offer unique benefits, and the decision ultimately relies on you and your room's purpose.

Carpets, typically larger floor coverings that span the entire room, offer a seamless and cohesive look. They contribute to a unified design, creating a sense of continuity and warmth. Carpets come in a variety of materials, such as wool, nylon, and polyester, each with its own set of advantages. They are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas where you want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

On the other hand, rugs are smaller, versatile pieces that can be easily moved and repositioned. Rugs come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, allowing you to experiment with different styles and layouts in your home. They are particularly beneficial in spaces where you might want to define specific areas, such as under a dining table or in a reading nook. Rugs are also easier to clean and maintain since they can be taken outside for a good shake or even washed more conveniently than wall-to-wall carpets.

One key consideration when deciding between a carpet and a rug is the level of comfort you desire. Carpets, with their wall-to-wall coverage, provide an unmatched luxurious underfoot feel. They also offer better insulation, making them an excellent choice for bedrooms where you want to experience warmth and comfort when you step out of bed. Rugs, while still comfortable, may not provide the same level of plushness, especially in larger areas where they leave more exposed floors.

Maintenance is another crucial factor. Carpets require more extensive cleaning due to their size and fixed installation. Regular vacuuming, professional cleaning, and potential stain removal can be more challenging. Rugs, being smaller and more portable, are easier to clean. You can simply shake them out, spot clean, or even take them for professional cleaning without much hassle.

In conclusion, the choice between a carpet and a rug depends on your specific needs and preferences. Carpets offer a seamless and luxurious look, providing comfort and insulation throughout a room. Rugs, on the other hand, offer versatility, easy maintenance, and the ability to experiment with different designs. Consider the size of the space, the desired level of comfort, and the amount of maintenance you're willing to undertake when making your decision. Ultimately, both carpets and rugs have their own unique charm and can contribute to creating a stylish and comfortable home. Also, the quality of the carpets and rugs does matter a lot. Therefore, it's recommended always to buy the best carpets in India. You can decide about them via several means: by word-of-mouth, referral, or by online means.

[waschsalon1]

Is Dry Cleaning Really Necessary for Your Clothes?

Have you ever wondered if dry cleaning is truly essential for your clothes? We've all been there – staring at that "Dry Clean Only" label on a favorite dress or suit, wondering if it's worth the hassle and cost. In this blog, we're going to break down the ins and outs of dry cleaning.