#camp tara shares recipes

[camptara]

[galedekarios]

thinking about how gale's love language is acts of service.

people have talked at length about how he cooks for everyone at camp.

"the hand that feeds is the hand that's loved. it'll never leave your side now."

but that's not all of it, and it's a red thread that weaves itself through almost all his interactions throughout the game.

"magic is... my life. i've been in touch with the weave for as long as I can remember. would you like to experience this?"

gale shows the protag his world, his life, trying to connect them to the weave as he had once been, when he was still a chosen, still an archmage. it's not quite the same, it doesn't come quite as easy. still.

"i'm so very glad you came. to share this with me. i know this is all unreal, but i created it for you. you must know that you're... that you're very special to me. if things were different, if we were home, i'd have taken time to do things properly. to say it all better. but time is short. i'm in love with you."

gale knew he was living on borrowed, he knew it would run out eventually, even well before elminster came to deliver mystra's instructions.

he can't give the protag something different and they aren't home and they're not going to go home at the end of this. he knows this. time that once seemed so infinite when he was young is now whittled down to a single last night.

a last night that he uses to turn a dark and cursed land into a beautiful forest, northern lights dancing across a starry sky. he can't go home, he can't take the protag home, but he can give them an illusion of the centre of his universe, with all the well-loved things in it. there's no pretention here. books strewn across the floor, across the desk. sculptures, paintings, music. a view of home. the smell of the sea breeze.

baring his heart as well his soul in the little time he still has left to use how he sees fit.

"let me show you more. when you wake, it will be back in our small, dirty, bloody patch of existence. but stay with me now. there are endless worlds out there. countless ways to declare love. infinite ways to express it. too much for one night... but we shall try."

let me show you waterdeep, let me show you my home, my universe. let me show you how it would have been, could have been, if i did have time. let me show you more. let me show you how much i love you in the one night we may have left together.

let me give my soul to you, in confidence.

"i'd actually been thinking of introducing the two of you anyway. over a sumptuous home-cooked meal, if that sounds at all to your taste? i make it to my mother's recipe."

he wants to give the protag a chance to get to know tara, the one constant in his life, the one who became his only friend, his safe haven in the storm, the one that bore witness to his greatest triumphs and most abject failures. he wants to cook for them. he wants to take them home so very badly—

and yet he knows he won't make the date.

"then have me, but have the best possible version of me. [...] think of what i offer: the vastness of eternity to explore, the weave at our fingertips... you would really prefer me as i am?"

he could be more for the protag, if they wish him to be. could be more, could be better.

without all the flaws, without all the things that make gale only who he is. the things that sometimes simply aren't enough. he could be everything that plain old gale dekarios, that even the wizarding prodigy gale of waterdeep, could never be.

[oceanmusings]

shipuary day 02 | prisma x gale dekarios

Masterlist : link

Summary : Gale brings Prisma back to his tower to cook her dinner. Prisma realizes how alone Gale was in his tower at first, so she checks in to make sure he's happy.

Warning : spoilers to act 3 of Gale's romance. very wordy and kinda all over the place.

Watching Gale cook quickly became a favorite thing for Prisma to do. That might sound a bit off-putting out of context, but he was doing it in the middle of camp as they began to settle down for the night. Making some quick looks over as she watched him was easy to do.

The focused look on his face as he tried to figure out what he could work on while preparing everyone food they could eat. The way his brown hair would sometimes fall in front of his face until he eventually would put it up in a half-bun to keep it out of his eyes. It was adorable to watch his frustration rise - pretty sure he was cursing at them for what scraps they were able to grab - but Prisma didn’t know what it was, but it was relaxing to watch.

As the two began to be together romantically did she have the opportunity to actually join him on cooking. Quickly the two would find trying to cook together was not possible. Gale hated how messy Prisma had her station, it came to the point he literally couldn’t watch her chop anything or try and measure. And anytime he got too frustrated with whatever task she was doing, he just took over instead and she ended up sitting there with him.

The two found it was easier for Prisma to come and make conversation with him instead of helping. Prisma didn't mind this because this meant she could taste test.

Cooking was obviously a passion for Gale, if how controlling he was about how everything should be prepared wasn’t evident enough. But Prisma felt honored anytime he would want to share it with her. He even promised her when he brought her back to Waterdeep with him, he would cook for her and Tara his family recipe.

That promise would someday come true. After the brain had been defeated and the party was beginning to make their separate ways, making promises to keep in touch as much as they can (Prisma had to threaten Astarion to keep in touch or else she’ll come find him to make sure he’s alive and well), it came time for Prisma and Gale to make their way to his homeland.

Her wizard was so ecstatic at getting to show her about his homeland and his tower. It was like watching an overexcited puppy. It was hard to focus on all the plans Gale rambled off from Prisma’s thoughts being consumed on how cute he was.

Arriving at the tower, Gale held open the door so she could step in herself. Take in the tower he has been calling home. Looking around the tower was odd for the elf though. It was like the complete opposite for how she’s come to know her wizard. The tower was dark with the curtains drawn tightly, not letting a single ray of sun peek through. There was a mirror in the room that had fabric draped over it, preventing anyone’s reflection to be shown back at them. A layer of dust coated the room she stood in, even floating in the air, but that one made some sense to her considering how long Gale has been gone from his tower.

Suddenly Prisma was reminded how Gale had isolated himself in this tower for a year after he got his mark. All signs of this tower showed off how Gale had kept himself in this tower for months on end, all alone with just his tressym. Prisma frowned softly as she thought about her poor wizard being here, depressed, all by himself. She didn’t get to dwell on those mental images of him as he stepped more into the room, pulling open the curtains to let the sun shine finally and opening a window. The fresh salty air of the sea filling the space. He clapped his hands and turned to his lover, a grin on his face. A stark contrast from the what the room gave, but a welcomed change.

“Well- Welcome! I think before we have the dinner I had promised. I shall give a tour and we should wash off our days of travel?”

“Sounds delightful.” Prisma smiled.

Gale showed her around his tower, grand gestures of opening the door and explaining what the purpose of each room was. It was adorable and anytime he caused a giggle to come from his lover, he would have a large proud grin on his face. It was adorable how happy he was with himself.

He pushed open a door revealing the kitchen he had bragged about to her in the past, he wasn’t wrong. It was lavish and not something Prisma had seen. There was so much surface work, she saw a large spice rack filled to the rim of spices, some items for what purpose did they do? She had no idea, but sure they helped enhance his meals. But it was like Gale’s study, just filled with so many things. Prisma was slightly afraid to be in the room herself in the future when she needed to make meals for the chance she would break something. “Now, I did promise the woman in front of me, I would make her dinner.” Gale interrupted her thoughts, pressing a kiss on her jawline. “Why don’t you go wash yourself while I start making something?”

“What about you?”

“I can do it after, don’t worry about me.”

Prisma was quick about washing herself off. The longest was trying to figure out how to use his tub, but eventually she got it to work and stepped into the steaming water after she stripped.

The warm water was perfect to sooth her aching body from fighting that brain not so long ago and the long travels she and Gale had done to get to Waterdeep. She did debate staying in the water forever or falling asleep, but eventually she stepped out and dried herself off when her stomach growled in protest. She had begun to smell the sweet spices and such from Gale cooking downstairs.

It was heavenly and her stomach wanted a taste.

The elf pulled on clean clothes she had packed with her, a flowy green dress that dipped low on her cleavage. She left her hair alone for now, letting the red hair flow down her back and be tucked behind her pointed ears. Doing anything to her hair was too much work today and she didn’t want to leave her wizard alone too long. Miss her favorite pass time.

Entering the kitchen, Prisma didn’t walk all the way in yet. Leaning against the doorway of the kitchen first as she watches her wizard work.

He was cutting some vegetables with his knives and cutting board, a focus on his face she had seen before when she watched him cook for camp. But this was different. He was fully in his element now and it was beautiful to watch. Prisma wished there was a way for her to capture these moments, not just rely on her memories to come to her when she enters her trance.

Slowly she made her way into the kitchen as Gale added the cut up vegetables to a simmering pot. Slowly the elf wrapped her arms around his middle, burying her face into the back of his neck as she leaned against him.

“Hello, my love.” Prisma feels one of Gale’s free hands squeeze her’s. “What are you doing?”

“Recharging.” Prisma mumbled into his shirt. Gale didn’t say anything back, just letting his elf lean on him. It was quiet for a moment, the only sound in this kitchen was Gale mixing and their breaths syncing together. It was a shame to break it, but Prisma had a question sitting at the tip of her tongue since entering this tower. “Honey?”

“Yes, love?”

“Are you happy?”

Gale seemed taken aback from her question, probably the last thing he expected her to ask him. Slowly he turned in her arms enough so she could be tucked into his side and he could look into her purple eyes. “Am I happy?” When she nodded, a smile grew on his face. “More than you can believe. Getting to bring you back to my home where we can share it finally? A dream come true. I’m beyond happy that you are here with me.”

“Good,” Prisma smiled, pressing a kiss on his lips gently. “I wanted to check.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Are you happy?” Gale returned the question.

Prisma stood there for a moment as she thought about it, but it didn’t take long to dwell on. The answer was right there in her reach without needing to search for it. “The happiest.”

[jjtheresidentbaby]

hi!! could i please request some cg!luke alvez headcanons?? ive been binging criminal minds and i love luke sm <33

thank you so much, i love your work!! ^^

Caregiver Luke Alvez headcanons

Luke is one of my favorites in the later seasons, he’s so sweet

will carry his little anywhere and everywhere, particularly on his back while runs trails with Roxy on a leash

outdoors activities are always his favorites

he loves to take his little camping, fishing, even just to a lake to relax for a day

and most times it’ll be with Tara and Matt in tow

Roxy of course comes too, she’s always extra gentle with Luke’s little so there’s no worry

his little probably has scraped knees and grass stains on their clothes from being outside so much, Luke keeps bandaids on him and a first aid kit in his truck just in case

Luke’s camera roll is practically only pictures of his little, Roxy, and videos of his little playing fetch with Roxy

he also keeps a printed picture of the two in his wallet, just in case he can’t pull out his phone

he’s always got weird small toys tucked into his bag ready to be pulled out when needed

this also includes snacks, he’s a chip hoarder and only shares with his little and whomever they deem appropriate

he’s not too big on rules, only the necessary ones like being careful and not looking at case files if he happens to bring any home

other than that he just wants to have fun

this means ice cream for dinner, at least twice a month, Tara fully protests this but Luke argues it’s good for the soul

he does make sure his littles are teeth are brushed though

and he balances the ice cream for dinner with the healthy dishes he whips up, he got used to cooking for Roxy and grew to enjoy it so now he makes recipes for him and his little

definitely plays Spanish music while he cooks

and dances embarrassingly to it, which his little gets pulled into, Matt has many videos that he loves to share with the other teammates

occasionally he’ll have to leave his little with Kristy while the teams off working a case and he trusts her with his full heart, but he can’t help but worry

he calls each night he’s gone, checking in with texts throughout the day

Matt teases that he’s worse than Matt himself and he has five kids to worry about

Tara always whispers to Luke’s little that they’re both bad and jokes lightheartedly about it

the day Luke gets home from a case is always a day to spend inside, he may love going out to do things but days in are equally as important

cuddling on the couch with Roxy and his little is his favorite way to de-stress

[catgirlsp0ck]

Okay,

So Halsin, Karlach, Wyll, and Gale.

I oh have the concept that this would take place with out a Tav. Halsin and Wyll are the first to meet and I think that Wyll helps the Tiefling refugees settle in, with the assistance of the chill members of the grove and Halsin. I think Wyll heard reports about Karalach and left before Halsin did.

After the crash: I my runs I encountered Gale, Wyll, and Karlach in that order. So I have serval scenes during the goblin fight, Wyll showing around the party, (Aastorin, Laez’el, Shadowheart, and Gale for now and I am ignoring party limit because it’s stupid.)

They get to know the refugees and spend a day/two days searching around the grove and the ship crash. I have a small scene where Gale helps Arabella with practicing a cw trip (Wyll thinks it’s cute as hell)

In that time I think the first night I adore the concept that Gale and Wyll chat about their respective cities. With Wyll having spend the past seven years on the sword coast and they chat about books, food and wine. I have admit Wyll misses the yawning portals buttermilk biscuits they live in his head rent free) and how Gale befriend the Lady Alustriel Silverhand and she taught him the recipe and her offers to make some for Wyll.

On their second day Gale admits to Wyll about his condition and Wyll gives Gale minor magic item. Gale lasted that night makes the biscuits and we get to meet Tara in all of her glory. I think that she and Wyll get along well.

Third Day we meet Karlach: speed run the miscommunication by their respective Demons who are ruining their lives and they become allies. The party deals with the Blighted Village and the surrounding area it. They find an infernal iron, explore more of the area, until they return back to the grove for camp.

Karlach meets the Refugees and we get the first infernal iron repair. I like the idea while they are waiting for Damon to shape the metal Karlach and Wyll do some training with the kids. At the long rest we deal with Mizora (fuck Mizora) Wyll pays the price for saving Karlach. I have Wyll and Karlach have a more longer conversation about how is he doing and how to take care of his horns. Also he checks in with Karlach because it’s been very emotional roll coaster of a day for her.

At a totally diegetic moment Gale talks with them. (At the party’s request the biscuits have become a stable at dinner and considering the Hell of a day both Wyll and Karlach have had he’s sneaking them two extra baskets.) Gale apologizes that they are colder and Karlach offers to warm them up.

Tara and Karlach meet and also hit it off.

I’ll be back with part two!

i meet them in that order too lol,, and you're right about the halsin and wyll part, i think they definitely met before halsin left for the goblin camp. anyway, this is all so cool,, thanks for sharing :))

[brywrites]

Focus II

[Part I] If you’re looking for something to distract you from the looming anxiety of election results, here’s something else to focus on for a few minutes. ;) This was definitely longer than I thought it would be! CW for mentions of triggers/flashbacks, mild smut!

Summary: Reid faces unexpected challenges returning to the field after his reinstatement, but the Reader remains the one person who can help ease his mind when it all gets to be too much.

----------

For once, the world has chosen to be gentle with them. Following Scratch’s demise, the Bureau mandates that the BAU takes six weeks of leave. It comes as a relief to all of them after living in a constant state of anxiety for the last year. Rossi disappears on a vacation that includes visiting Ringo Starr, who he reminds everyone is “a close personal friend.” JJ stays at home with her boys, happy to be nothing but “mom” for a little while. Tara fits in research, Luke goes camping with Lisa and Roxy, and Garcia divides her time between MMORPGs, her grief group, and babysitting Hank Morgan.

Y/N spends a good amount of the time on Emily’s couch, watching old seasons The Bachelorette and whatever 2000s rom-coms they can find. But when she’s not at her best friend’s apartment and she isn’t at home attempting complicated recipes in her kitchen, she’s with him.

Spencer is spending a large portion of his break attending mandatory therapy sessions and redoing fitness courses in Hogan’s Alley in order to meet his reinstatement requirements. But whenever he gets the chance, he’s by her side. They get coffee and wander through museums and parks, they go for long drives and make out on his couch. They talk about everything and nothing and all at once it’s wonderful. There is a strange giddy feeling that takes her over every time his hand finds her in a crowded place or he goes out of his way to do something nice for her or he can’t help but smile while kissing her. He’s so gentle with her, leaving sweet notes around her apartment and burying his face in the crook of her neck as he holds her close.

There are no cases. There are no monsters. There are no press conferences. There are only warm days and wine and the sound of Spencer’s laugh echoing in her living room.

With two weeks to go, she realizes the world might not be quite so gentle. She swings by the BAU to help Matt move case files out of her office, and as she’s on her way out she spots Spencer at the end of the corridor, rubbing at his eyes the way she’s only seen him do the night Scratch stole Emily.

He doesn’t even seem to register her approach until she says his name. And when he turns to her, he’s miles away. “What is it?” she asks. “Spencer, what’s wrong?”

“The scenario I was running in the Alley… there were multiple unsubs in the laundromat and it was just – it was too much like – it was…” He presses his palm into his eye.

Too much like Luis. He’s told her that story already. “What do you need?” she asks. She reaches out to grab his hand, lacing her fingers through hers.

She feels him tense for just a second before, squeezing her hand tighter, he starts down the hall with her. The door to Garcia’s office is open and he pulls her inside, shutting it behind him. Before she can ask what he’s doing, her back is against the door and his mouth is on hers.

He kisses her fiercely and when he slips his tongue past her lips, she wraps a hand around the back of his neck to pull him closer to her. He’s still holding her hand, his grip tight as he rolls his hips against her and though it’s caught her completely off-guard, the feeling of his body against her is exquisite.

She winds her fingers in his curly hair, eliciting a moan from him that rumbles through his chest. His free hand slips down the curve of her back until he can cup her ass. He catches her bottom lip between his teeth. Every action is hungry, desperate. Her skin feels hot everywhere he touches her.

He stops suddenly and wraps her in a hug. His sweater is soft against her cheek and he smells like ivory soap and coffee and his embrace is so secure. This is a different kind of passion – less frantic, but just as strong, as he rests his head on her shoulder and attempts to steady his breathing.

“It still works,” he sighs.

“Hmm?”

Spencer releases her from his arms. “When it gets bad, and my mind goes… there, your touch helps keep me here. Everything else just disappears. I can’t explain it, but it still works.”

“So… kissing me is a like a grounding technique?” she asks, trying to surprise a giggle.

He chuckles in spite of himself, and the distance in his eyes is gone. He is himself once more. “Something like that, yeah. It’s pretty amazing actually. Even just holding your hand helps. But um, kissing you is…” He clears his throat. “A little more effective, it seems.”

“Well,” she says, “I’m certainly happy to be of assistance.” She gives him a quick peck.

“What am I supposed to do in the field?” he asks. “I’m still having flashbacks and even a basic training exercise triggered a trauma response today.”

“Love, you’re a genius. You know that PTSS is like an injury. And that means it’s gonna take time to heal. But you’ll find a way to cope and stay grounded while you heal.” She caresses his cheek, the stubble he’s continued to grow rough against her hand when he leans into her touch. “Even if that means sneaking off to a back room with me,” she teases.

Their time of rest is coming to a close, the hours ticking by until the day they’ll return to work and Spencer will face his reinstatement evaluation. She savors the quiet while she can, the ability to go to bed early and sleep in, the simple joy of waking up in her own bed, or sometimes in his. She can tell he’s anxious though – scared that he’ll be denied reinstatement and scared that the trauma will continue to hang heavy over him.

When it gets bad and his mind steals him somewhere far away, he reaches for her and she always welcomes him. She’s grateful for any reason to be close to him, and if it helps to keep him here in the moment, that’s even better. She can always tell when he needs her to clear his mind by the way he kisses her. When he’s not himself, he pins her against the wall, gropes at her ass, holds her face still as he bites her lip. He’s impulsive and needy. But when his firm grasp fades to soft caresses, when he places kisses on her cheek, her forehead, when it becomes a sweeter sort of passion, she knows he’s come back to her.

So when Emily announces his reinstatement to the team and she kisses him quickly and his hand squeezes hers just a little tighter than she expects, she knows there’s something bothering him. They grab their go-bags from the bullpen and she asks him about it, but he just kisses her forehead and promises that they’ll talk later.

Emily goes over the case on the plane, women in caregiving roles stuffed into suitcases. The team goes over victimology and she tries to take notes, already thinking of questions to ask the families and directions to take with local media. It’s easy to get lost in the work when it demands her full attention.

.

Upon landing, there is already a couple waiting for her in the interview room. Laura Westin is their latest victim, and her parents are devastated. They paint a picture for her with their words of their daughter – a bright, beautiful, generous woman who was mourning the death of her own friend. The grief has traveled in waves.

“Who would do this to her?” Mrs. Westin sobs. Her husband places a hand on her shoulder. “She’s such a good girl, she is – she was… Oh, god!”

“She was,” Y/N repeats. “And she is always going to be your daughter. And the people who love her will remember all of the good she did.” They cry and she listens and she assures them that they’re doing everything right and while she knows not to make promises she can’t keep, she does promise that they’ll do their best.

When they’ve shared everything they know and settled back into a state of relative calm, she walks the Westins to the door of the station and returns to conference room, where the team is working on the profile.

“Welcome back,” Rossi says. She sits down next Spencer. It’s clear to her that he’s lost in his own thoughts. Out of the corner of her eye she sees his fingers form a fist and he begins to bounce his leg under the table. Their chairs are close together already, making it incredibly difficult for anyone else to notice that she reaches across beneath the table to rest her hand on his thigh. The moment she does, he stills. He inhales sharply and clenches his fist a little bit tighter for just a moment – but then relaxes. She strokes steady circles with her thumb while she tells the team about Laura Westin.

They team files out of the room for a quick break and she stays behind with Reid. He’s relaxed enough to give her a smile. “How was interviewing the family?” he asks, lacing his fingers through her own.

She sighs. “It never gets any easier. But I know it’s important for them to get a chance to talk to someone about her. Someone who won’t tell them it all happened for a reason and she’s in a better place now.”

“You’re so good at that,” he says. “You always make the people around you feel better.”

“What about you? What’s going on in your head?”

He stares down at his coffee cup. “There was a… condition for my reinstatement. For every one hundred days I’m in the field, I have to take thirty days off.”

“Like a sabbatical? Does Emily know?”

“Yeah. She thinks it’s a good idea.” He aimlessly strokes patterns on the back of her hand.

“I know I’m not an expert, but I think she might be right,” she says. “Spencer, what you went through – you’re going to struggle. And you’re going to need to rest.”

“I know,” he says. “But Y/N, I’m worried that–”

“Y/L/N!” Alvez’s entrance startles them both. “There’s a reporter for the Daily News out here. Sorry,” he adds, noticing Spencer’s hand still holding hers. “He’s, uh, trying to call this guy ‘The Baggage Claim Killer.’”

“Of course he is,” she sighs, rolling her eyes. “Thanks, Luke. I’ll go talk him down. And we’ll talk later, okay?” she tells Spencer. Though the man in the lobby is annoying, wrangling a reporter is far easier than talking to a grieving family. It doesn’t hurt her heart to lay into someone trying to profit from another person’s pain, and she’s always been good at using her kindness to guilt trip them.

.

That evening at the hotel, there’s a knock at her door. She knows who it is even before answering it and his face is a welcome sight.

“I missed you today,” Spencer says, closing the door behind him.

“I missed you, too. I like you much better than those reporters,” she says. She takes a seat on her bed, patting the spot beside her. “But we didn’t get to finish talking earlier. What’s got you worried?”

Spencer plops onto the mattress, heaving a sigh. “I’m worried that maybe I’m not ready to be back in the field.”

“Do you not want to be?”

“I do! I do, I just…” He runs his hands through his hair. “I wanted to kill Scratch. You know that. And I would have if Emily hadn’t stopped me. Just like I would have killed Cat and just like I almost killed the guys at Milburn…” His hands are shaking so she reaches out to hold them. “What if this is who I am now? What if the next time I’m face to face with an unsub I just…”

“You won’t.”

“You don’t know what I did in there… what I had to do…”

He screws his eyes shut and she knows she’s losing him. She kisses his cheek, because she wants him here and she wants to be close to him and she hasn’t been able to hold him all day. It’s a mutually beneficial situation, she figures, when his mouth finds hers, and he kisses her so deep she thinks she might drown in the feeling. His hands slip under the hem of her sweater and his fingers are so warm against her skin. She tangles her hands in his deliciously unruly hair and tugs, needing him closer, wanting to keep him grounded.

“You’re here,” she murmurs. “You’re right here.” His hand is on her breast and his lips are on her neck and she tries so hard not to moan. The last thing she needs is for a team member to walk past her room and overhear them. He sucks hard enough at the skin of her collarbone that she knows it’ll leave a mark. She captures his mouth once more, and he pulls her down onto the bed so she’s lying on top of him. When she’s kissing him, she can forget too. She can erase, for a brief moment, the fear that she’ll let those parents down. That she’ll say the wrong thing or overlook a rogue reporter. She can stop worrying that she’s not doing enough to get justice for those women for just a minute, because when he holds her she doesn’t have to be a perfect liaison or have all the right words. All she has to be is in this moment with the man that she loves. It’s all he needs from her and he is everything she needs right now.

She swipes her tongue over his lower lip before pressing kisses down his jaw. Her hands work away at the buttons of his shirt as she goes, carving a path with her lips down his chest, the soft skin of his belly. He bites back a groan but she can feel how tense he is still, his breathing shallow. It occurs to her that being back in the field might be making things worse than usual. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to take things a step further. He needs her, and god does she want him.

She shrugs out of her sweater before flicking open his belt buckle and undoing the zipper of his pants, pulling them down his legs. His cock is already straining against the fabric of his boxers, and when she drags a finger over the length of him he presses his hips into her hands. They haven’t gone this far before. Her heart beats out a staccato rhythm of anticipation as she reaches for the waistband of boxers.

But this his hand grabs hers, his grip soft but firm.

“Y/N.” He’s not looking past her anymore. Spencer’s hazel eyes are completely focused on her, shining in the dim hotel lamplight. “I don’t want my first time with you to be like this.”

“I don’t mind,” she assures him.

“But I do,” he says. He sits up on the bed, holding her in his lap. He brushes her hair back from her face, letting his touch trail down the side her face to caress her cheek. “I want this, but I – I don’t want you to think for a second that I’m using you. I want to do it right. You’re not just another pretty girl or a way for me to clear my mind or a distraction. You’re my favorite person. You’re the one I love. And Y/N, I want to love you the way you deserve to be loved.”

“You do,” she says. How can he possibly think he doesn’t when he sends her pictures of things he finds that will make or smile or reads her favorite books just to memorize the words she loves or holds her as though nothing so precious has ever been within his grasp before?

“I need to prove it to myself though.” And though she doesn’t quite understand, she relents. But when she asks if he wants to be alone, he says, “Can I just stay here? With you?”

“Of course.” She trades her slacks for a pair of pajama shorts and asks, “So you do think I’m a pretty girl though?”

He laughs. “The prettiest. But you know that already.” She curls up under the covers with him and watches him fall asleep with his arms around her. His breathing steadies and in sleep he looks more peaceful than he has his days. His body relaxes. A small smile graces his face. Like this, she can almost pretend that Mexico never happened and nothing ever hurt him. She loves him in all ways and all parts, even when he’s hurting, but she wishes she could take that pain away from him.

.

By the time she arrives at the unsub’s house with Rossi, Luke is leading William Lynch away in handcuffs and Spencer is walking the survivor to the meet the medics. Once she’s in the ambulance, Y/N meets him on the sidewalk.

“I didn’t hurt him,” he says.

“I knew you wouldn’t.” He pulls her into a hug, and to her surprise, there is no tension in his touch. He’s not far away. He doesn’t need her to keep him in this moment. He just wants to hold her. She rests her head against his chest, relishing that simple fact.

That week, she can see a lightness in his step at work. His smile comes easier and stays a little longer. He seems to be finding his footing in the office and with the team once again, and he’s even excited about the prospect of the seminars he’ll be teaching. The weekend is welcomed with a Friday night dinner at Rossi’s, after which Spencer drives the both of them back to his apartment. When she steps inside, she finds the living room lit up with string lights and her favorite flowers sitting on the kitchen table.

“What’s all this?” she asks.

“For you, Pretty Girl,” he says. “I told you I wanted to do this right. Flowers have been a symbol of romantic love for centuries, particularly when given as a gift, so that was obvious. And dimmed lights are typically used as a way to set a romantic mood, although also have a skill for lighting up the life of everyone you meet, so there’s that too. Maybe that doesn’t make much sense,” he says, laughing at himself. “But I wanted to make it clear that I was thinking of you and I wanted to make tonight special. Not that anything has to happen tonight, of course, but if you still wanted to I just thought that maybe, well–”

“It’s perfect,” she assures him. “More than perfect. I love it. I love you. And this is exactly what I want.” She stands on her toes to kiss him before he can start rambling once more. Spencer leads her to the bedroom and unlike the rush of movement and need in Florida, he knows exactly he wants. Every kiss is languid and longing, every touch so precise and electric. He helps her out of her dress and places kisses between the valley of her breasts, the curves of her hips. He lets her guide him to where she wants him most and responds to every cue she gives him. Every inch of her body is given careful attention. As if he needs nothing from her at all but to love her.

It’s so much more than sex. As much as she hates the term making love she doesn’t know what else to call it. Because in every gesture, every kiss, he tells her without words that he loves her. And with every touch she tries to tell him the same. He devotes himself to ensuring she comes first, and makes good on that promise with ease, but when he finally reaches his release the sound of him crying her name is the holiest benediction she’s ever heard.

It takes him several minutes after to regain the ability to form words, during which she lies there in contended bliss, stroking his hair. “I love you,” is the first thing he says. “I love you, Pretty Girl.”

She smiles to herself, delighted to be not just a pretty girl who steals his train of thought, but his pretty girl. The one who gets to stay by his side and take his breath away and push the nightmares back. “I love you, too.”

“I’m so glad you kissed me that day.”

“I’m glad Emily gave me such an outrageous idea,” she giggles.

“Thank you for being patient with me all this time. I know I say that you help me forget, but it’s more than that. You’re the one who helps me remember who I am and what matters. But I love you for so many more reasons than that. I’ve asked a lot of you lately and I want to make sure I make you feel as loved as you make me feel.”

“Spencer, you asked me to kiss you. That’s hardly a burden. And I like listening to you. I like being with you – because you make me feel so loved, all the time.” She snuggles closer to him. “I like you like this, when you’re sweet and gentle and you. But it’s, um, it’s not a bad thing when you lose control a little bit. It’s sort of hot – to feel like you just can’t help yourself.”

He raises his eyebrows. “Well, I will absolutely need to remember that. You know, it scares me sometimes, how much I want you. How much I love you. But I’d much rather be scared by that than by the person I am without you.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” she says. Because they’re both better when they’re together.

He makes her brave. She gives him strength. They change each other for the better, and as the days pass, the world feels a little lighter again. The sabbatical proves to be a good idea. With rest, with time, with therapy, she watches him heal. He doesn’t need to run off to kiss her hard against a wall to keep himself grounded (though when she’s in a certain mood, he’s more than happy to). He can focus in the field without her by his side. But when he’s having a hard time, his hand will still find hers. He’ll stand a little closer to her, and look at her, letting the rest of the world fade away, and feel better, every time. And there’s nowhere else she’d rather be.

[vajranam]

Teaching For Dark Age

Namo Gurubey

First I like to say sorry for not being able to do Milarepa's life story and teaching as it was a program both my current hardships and also problems bit put this out of rail. Second today I saw that people in Ukraine was reading and listening and I can't imagine the horror they live in right now, just today I saw that Russian soldier killed from cold blood innocent peoples. I have both friends on both sides that I know for years one has been arrested for protesting for peace, the other is literally on the battlefield for his country. For some of us is more like Chris Cornell used to sing “ let the cheat around my eyes so I can sleep tonight” but in reality, if our world is like that with so many challenges that because generations after generations we act think carelessly.

Teaching for the dark age, the Buddha Shakyamuni, Guru Rinpoche and many other enlightened beings saw the time we live now. You can find very vivid descriptions of our time in the sutras and tantras. When I studied social science my political strategy tutor was talking about “elect your own dictator” but in today's time when we coming back to the dark age aka kali yoga we can see that those dictators flourish everywhere from the USA with Trump to Russia with Putin to Uk with Johnson and yes if we take the very down to earth reasoning of political strategy our leader represent us 100%. After this long reflection let's talk about dharma, this teaching come from Garchen Rinpoche himself he teach me this when I was with him and that teaching been very useful for years, rinpoche told me that when he is a concentration camp arrested by the Chinese he remembers Tara and in his head he started to recite the mantra day after day he was changing but his hardship too, he teaches me that because of Tara he gets out of Chinese jail she opens the path for him. Then he teach me that do like his focus on your yidam one deity can move mountains, at this time he teach me to follow Tara, I always had a very big connection to Tara and Dakini in general. But later on, I received empowerment from him and one of the deities from that empowerment make to me a lot of sense. In my experience, I did try what rinpoche told me he explained to me that the body got limits and ego to but Buddha as not, our mind and body are like a glass of water the glass is the body the water is the mind when the glass broke mind is free when we are egotistical our mind is stuck in glass no connection. When we are selfless we connect to all Buddha's vast like an ocean our mind is never really separate from it but our ego grasping builds a temporary veiled. We need also to understand that even the evilest person on earth got Buddha-nature and when we understand this. When I put rinpoche teaching to the application even if I still have hardship I see the mountain moving in mini scale I'm just a yogi but losing a job and same day finds a job. But we need to understand that yidam is the deity that resonates 100% with you even I had a massive love for Tara she doesn't resonate as much as that deity that has been practising for years now, yes that deity has been coming out of the blue but resonate with me, what I call resonate “ well when you're anxious to recite the mantra feel home when you got a problem to recite the mantra feel home, your yidam is your enlighten mother or father and will watch over 100% of the time no matter what.

Today this teaching I wanted to share that even in a most chaotic way even in hell Buddhas never give up on you. If you got a Yidam recipe as much as you can the mantra and you will be watched over if you don't have a yidam Tara and Chenrezig will always be there don't hesitate to break the glass and recite.

[jayayebeeayebee]

Conscious Quarantine – A Living List by Lex Weinstein

Hello Friends,

I know this is an uncertain time, one that triggers the worst in us: fear, scarcity, confusion, grief… Each moment feels like an hour, each day melting into the next. If we ourselves aren’t suffering from illness or mourning someone who is, we are in isolation, grasping for understanding of what to do, how long we will be here, and what the world will even look like when we emerge.

I humbly believe that the only way to discern what the future holds is to consciously create it ourselves; bit by bit, day by day, one tiny step forward at a time. Not by doing, but by being, imagining, and visualizing… by having the courage to go inward as time stands still and we are finally given permission to slow down and listen.

With the tragedy that accompanies this pandemic, we are also gifted silver linings that have the potential to propel us into a more intentional, regenerative, and conscious system of living, giving this crisis purpose, and us the opportunity to triumph.

To help inspire joy and renewed intention during this period of reflection, I’ve compiled a living list of my  favorite books, playlists, podcasts, films and more with artists, ecologists, and mentors I treasure and admire. It will continue to grow as I reflect on what has shaped my personal journey that I can share on our collective path of understanding.

In the wise words of the beloved Ram Dass, BE. HERE. NOW.  Mother Nature is running her course, forcing us to pause, reset, and reassess our consumption habits, trauma, and lifestyle patterns. Never before has society paused long enough to absorb this true gift of PRESENCE, and the ability to honor stillness, meditation, family, and introspection, to ask ourselves what really matters most, and acknowledge the natural world with which we are are so deeply connected, and yet take for granted on most days.

May the words, melodies, and stories of others inspire you to share and honor yours, and come out of the stillness reawakened. Take care, stay safe, and enjoy.

-Lex

Photo by Vivian Kim

To DO:

The hard truth: not much. Just being present is the best medicine for this current state of affairs, which isn’t easy. So here are some resources to help. And don’t worry if you can’t manage ANY of these. This is  a time for compassion, NOT judgement. These are simply here if you need them, today, tomorrow, or a year from now. Not all of these will resonate with every one. Take what you like, leave what you don’t.

Meditation

10 minute Chakra Balance

Immune Building against Infectious Disease (science first, meditation starts at 7:20) / Dawson Church

Facing Pandemic Fears with an Awake Heart / Tara Brach

Finding Hope in Uncertain Times / Oprah + Deepak Chopra

Yoga

Elemental Yoga Videos / Leia Vita

Return Home Series / Kayla Nielson

Gather Studio Instagram Lives

Photo by Laura Bell Lavis

Breathwork

Wim Hof Method Breathing

Reis Paluso – ourbreathcollective.com  or  @gatherencinitas IG Live

Journal

AllSwell Creative Notebook + Writing Prompt Deck

The Wild Unknown Journal / Kim Krans

The Artist’s Way

Personal Coaching

1:1 With AllSwell Creative Coaching / Laura Rubin

Radical Voyage  Equinimity Coaching / Troy Eckert

Garden

Healing Through Gardening / Vandana Shiva x Kiss The Ground

Return of the Victory Garden / Kiss The Ground

How to Start Your Veggie Garden / Korduroy.tv 

Kitchen Scrap Gardening / Plastic Free Mermaid 

Regenerative Farming and Living Course / Kiss The Ground 

7 Steps to Starting and Enjoying an Organic Garden / OnlyOrganic.org

Johnny’s Organic Seeds 

Or…

Spend time A L O N E  in nature 

Build an altar

B A T H S ! 

Interview your Grandparents, find out the stories of your family lineage/start a family tree

Composting

Start to minimize your belongings, transition to a more waste free lifestyle. 

Try out Oracle Cards / Animal Spirit Deck / Tarot

3 months of free guitar/ukulele lessons / Fender Play

To READ:

For Help

 When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times / Pema Chodron

It’s Okay That You’re Not Okay / Megan Devine

Die Wise or Come of Age / Stephen Jenkinson

The Power of Now / Eckhart Tolle

A New Earth / Eckhart Tolle

How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy / Jenny Odell

The Wisdom of Insecurity / Alan Watts

How to Sit / Ticht Naht Han

The Four Agreements / Don Miguel Ruiz

Hope in the Dark / Rebecca Solnit

For Inspiration

Swell / Captain Liz Clark

Be Here Now / Ram Dass

Walden / Henry David Thoreau

The Prophet / Kahlil Gibran

Letters to a Young Poet / Rainer Maria Rilke

Ishmael / Daniel Quinn

Women Who Run With The Wolves / Clarissa Pinkola Estes

The Alchemist / Paulo Cohelo

Denali / Ben Moon

Small Homes / Lloyd Kahn

For Education

Rituals for Resilience / Loam x Earth Is Ohana

Micro Movements / Kate Weiner

Ecopsychology: Restoring the Earth, Healing the Mind / Edited by Theodore Roszak, Mary E. Gomes and Allen D. Kanner

Blue Mind / Wallace J. Nichols

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants /   Robin Wall Kimmerer

How to Change Your Mind or The Botany of Desire / Michael Pollen

Earth Democracy / Vandana Shiva

Food Books To Inspire Action

Cunt: A Declaration of Independence / Ingrid Muscio

Native Science / George Cajete

For Healthy Distraction

The Surfer’s Journal

Life of Pi / Yann Martel

Let my People Go Surfing / Yvonne Chouinard 

Surf Is Where You Find It / Gerry Lopez

Jitterbug Perfume or Still Life With Woodpecker /  Tom Robbins

The Hero with A Thousand Faces / Joseph Campbell 

Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix

Just Kids / Patti Smith

Photo by Vivian Kim

To DOWNLOAD:

Podcasts

Loam Listen – a movement of compassionate and creative activists who strive to support one another as we find our footing in the heart of the climate crisis.

For The Wild Podcast – an anthology of the Anthropocene

For The Wild: Trebbe Johnson on Bearing Witness to Wounded Spaces

For The Wild: Janine Benyus on Redesigning Society Based on Nature

For The Wild: Stephen Jenkinson on Closing TIme

Water People Podcast – with Dave Rastovich and Lauren L. Hill

Rich Roll Podcast: Ep. 508 Zach Bush, MD On A Pandemic Of Possibility (any episode with Zach Bush, MD)

Russell Brand’s Under The Skin: #74 Ceremony, Relationships, and Communal Living (with Shaman Wendy Mandy)

Oprah and Eckhart Tolle: A New Earth Series

Authentic Sex with Juliet Allen: How to Feel Great Naked wtih Leela Kalyani

Wild Ideas Worth Living by Shelby Stanger

Spotify Playlists

Songs for Wild Times / by Adam Walker

Salt / by Drew Hertz

Swirl Tapes – Round 3 Tape 4 / by GRLSWIRL

Pocket / Jonny Alexander

Plantasia / Mort Garson

Apps

Savage Kitchen – Forage with confidence

The Pattern – Better understand Yourself and Others

Headspace – Meditation & Sleep

Picture This – Plant Identifier

Night Sky – Guide to the Sky Above

Photo by @Leia Vita

To EAT:

Spring Recipe Roundup / Delicious Seasonal Recipes By OnlyOrganic.org

Good and Cheap – Eat Well on $4 A Day / 100 Recipes To Maximize Your Ingredients With Leanne Brown

This Cheese is Nuts / Make Your Own Plant Based Cheese With Julie Piatt

Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes / Bryant Terry

The New Wildcrafted Cuisine: Exploring the Exotic Gastronomy of Local Terrior / Identify plants and forage ingredients by Pascal Baudar

Wild Fermentation / Sandor Ellix Katz

Simple Green Meals: 100+ Plant-Powered Recipes to Thrive from the Inside Out: A Cookbook / Jen Hansard

Photo by @Leia Vita

To WATCH:

Surf Films

Sprout / Thomas Campbell 

The Present / Thomas Campbell 

Morning of The Earth / Albert Fazon

The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun / George Greenough

Stoked and Broke / Cyrus Sutton

Compassing / Cyrus Sutton

Spoons / Origins Archival

Single Fin Yellow / Jason Baffa

One California Day / Mark Jeremias 

Shelter / Taylor Steele

Castles in the Sky / Taylor Steele

Endless Summer / Bruce Brown

Five Summer Stories / Greg MacGillivray

Thank You Mother / Ishka Folkwell

Church of the Open Sky / Nathan Oldfield

Zone Frequency / Jack Coleman

Inner Wild / The Seea

Movies/Classics

2040

Whale Rider

Into The Wild

The Motorcycle Diaries

Garden State

Darjeeling Limited

Life Aquatic

The Big Sick

Little Miss Sunshine

The Big Lebowski

Half Baked

Pulp Fiction

Forrest Gump

Easy Rider

Gandhi

Seven Years in Tibet

Photo by Sarah Lee

Netflix

Heal

Maya Angelou – And Still I Rise

Period: End of Sentence

Grass is Greener

Brenee Brown: The Call To Courage

Jane

Terra

Crip Camp

The Mask You Live In

Chasing Coral

John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky

Cooked

Gentefied

The Last Laugh

Fish People

Chef’s Table 

High Maintenance  (HBO)

Documentaries

Farmer’s Footprint

Fantastic Fungi

Biggest Little Farm

Island Earth

Searching for Sugarman

Youtube

Sea Lone / Onde Nostre x The Seea

La Bailarina / Higher Latitude Films

Sea Movies / KorduroyTV

Weird Waves / Dylan Graves

Paradise Awareness Outreach / Tanner Gudauskas

Ryan Burch Pink Fish / KorduroyTV

Photo by @Leia Vita

Curated with love by Lex Weinstein

The post Conscious Quarantine – A Living List by Lex Weinstein appeared first on Korduroy.tv.

from Sports https://www.korduroy.tv/2020/conscious-quarantine-a-living-document-by-lex-weinstein/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=conscious-quarantine-a-living-document-by-lex-weinstein via http://www.rssmix.com/

[hotfitnesstopics]

Hi friends! Happy weekend to ya! Before we get this Friday Faves party started, how about some giveaway winners??   Vital Proteins:  Jenn Y. Joyce   Suja (blog): GeeAnn P. Amy F.   Suja (Instagram): @jesskillion @pinkcamp35   Bose (blog): Kacey L. Allison G.    Bose (Instagram): @wigglewoggle @joyce_713   LaCroix: Rebecca M. Tara   Podcast launch giveaway: Sarah   Betsy’s Best (blog): Anne W.  Byrd G.    Betsy’s Best (IG): @perpetualdaphne @jessicamariecarroll I still have TWO more giveaways to post from my friends at Four Sigmatic. There was so much happening on the blog the past week, I didn’t want to post it and have you guys miss it. The blog giveaway will be up on Sunday, and the Instagram giveaway will be up next week. I’ll announce those winners in next week’s Friday Faves! If you didn’t win any of the prizes above, you have two more chances to win something fun next week! So, what are you up to this fine weekend? I’m looking forward to putting the finishing touches on the house and enjoying some family adventures. I’m thankful that our AC was fixed this morning. It broke on our second night here because it CAUGHT FIRE (not even joking), so we had to buy portable AC units for the upstairs to make it through the heat. We have a date night planned, a birthday celebration for my brother’s GF Alexus (YAY), and swim party on the horizon. The girls start camp next week, so I’m excited for them to meet some new friends and enjoy some extra fun stuff. (I’ll also have a block of time to work during the day instead of staying up balls late, so stoked for that, too.)  Now, how about some Friday Faves? This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web, and love hearing what you’re enjoying, too. Please shout out any faves in the comments section to join in the fun. Random: – We were looking for a random adventure early Monday evening and decided to check out the Tucson Petting Zoo. The girls had the best time ever. Ok, we did, too. I LOVED petting this adorable pig. (When they walk around squealing, I want one so badly. The cutest ever.)  We got to feed and pet a capybara,   a porcupine named cuddles, and allthegoats.   The chickens were obviously a fan of the Pilot. (#birdman lives again) We’ll definitely be back.  Thankful for the Ergo. I still use it with P aka my baby koala. I think she’s understandably confused about our change in location, so she’s been extra clingy. I just put her on my back in the Ergo, and everything is ok again.  Read, watch, listen: The podcast! AHH you guys. Thank you so much for all of your support this week! I’m so thankful to those of you who have listened, rated, and reviewed the podcast so far. I’m thrilled for upcoming episodes and can’t wait to feature your awesome topics and suggestions. An episode with the Pilot will be live next week.   (You can listen on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play.) Thank you, Barbie. 2-minute meditation for b*tches who don’t meditate. Thanks Pixar, for making me cry about a dumpling. Fashion + beauty:  New lululemon finds. I’m obsessed with their align crops. It took me a while to try them since I’ve been pretty much living in Zella leggings, but had to give them a try for the soft, buttery fabric. They’re not quite as flattering as wunder unders (I like fabrics that lock.it.down), but they feel like nothing. The fabric is insanely soft and breathable. I’ll probably end up getting another pair since I like them so much. (Note: since they’re not as compressive as the wunder unders, I think you can go down a size from usual lulu sizes. I’m right in between sizes and rolled with the larger, and they’re a little big.)   (Wearing them with the twist and toil tank) Just ordered these slides in white. I think they look fresh and cute, so hopefully they live up to the good reviews. I posted about this toner a while back, and I couldn’t believe how much of a difference it makes in my skin. I didn’t get to use it for a couple of weeks while we were living in hotels in Valdosta and then here, so when I finally found it in our packed stuff and used it, my skin REJOICED. I do the 7-skin method (you can read more here) and my poor dry skin soaks this stuff up.   Food + recipes: New Trader Joe’s finds! It still hasn’t hit me that I can shop at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Natural Grocers whenever I want, instead of having to drive two hours. It’s such a beautiful thing. I grabbed a couple of new finds during our last TJ’s trip, including this poke bowl (it was SO good), and cauliflower gnocchi. (

http://www.fitnessclub.cf/2018/06/friday-faves_23.html

[camptara]

[cessanderson]

Here’s What You Need to Know About Top 2017 Pinterest Home Trends http://ift.tt/2waDgkW

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. 

Check out the hottest 2017 Pinterest home trends. Image: Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

Shop a similar look: Pendant | Chairs

For many people, Pinterest is their go-to source for recipes and DIY crafts, but we’re here to tell you it can be so much more. Interior design aficionados need to know that this platform is also a great source for getting the scoop on home design trends. By tracking how often their users save each image, Pinterest has positioned itself as a cutting-edge forecaster.

Each year, the site releases its “Top 100,” an overview of the top trends for the year, across a variety of categories. The list below highlights some of the most popular 2017 home design trends.

Read on to find out what these chart-topping aesthetics are, as well as how to include them in your home. By using our tips, you can create a look that’s capable of going viral.

Break free from boring tile by choosing a faux finish. Image: Wayne Ford Digital

Shop a similar look: Tile

Faux-wooden tiles

If you’re a regular reader of Freshome, this pick probably won’t be all that surprising. Faux finishes already got a shout out in one of our earlier roundups. However, out of all the faux options on the market — from marble to metallics — faux-wooden tiles are a clear front-runner.

It’s not hard to see why. While true wooden floors are an aspiration for many, their price can often keep them out of reach. This manufactured version is more durable and offers a nearly identical aesthetic for a fraction of the cost. Additionally, since these designs are printed, there is more freedom to cater to individual tastes.

While tile is usually reserved for the bathroom, these faux-wood picks are expanding their range. Consider adding this look anywhere you would install the real deal. For an extra luxe touch, add an underfloor heating element to banish chilly, wooden floors for good.

Modern farmhouse style is a blend between rustic and shabby chic. Image: Gardner Homes

Shop a similar look: Sofa Table | Coffee Table | Mirror

Modern farmhouse style

We’re a little in love with modern farmhouse style. The easiest way to describe this aesthetic is that it combines the best aspects of rustic and shabby chic styles. These cozy spaces feature an eye-catching mix of laid-back pieces with chic pops of visual interest.

Start with a neutral foundation. Choose warmer hues like tans and off-whites for your color palette. Then, pick comfortable, overstuffed pieces of furniture and, of course, include plenty of negative space throughout the room.

Your accessories are where this look truly gets interesting. Search for design elements that have an unquestionable farmhouse vibe. For example, your design could include barn door sliders, reclaimed woods (faux versions count!) and antiques. Bonus points if any of these items are juxtaposed with super modern elements like chrome or copper.

Give your nursery a woodland theme to create a calming atmosphere. Image: Kronfoto

Shop a similar look: Teepee | Rug | Art

Woodland nurseries

For years, nursery’s have been a bit — we’ll say it — boring. There are only so many gray and white kids rooms you can look at before your eyes cry out for something new. These woodland spaces, while still classically clean and neutral, are a welcome change.

As for what we mean by “woodland,” this style is all about using the great outdoors as design inspiration. These spaces rely on muted hues, specifically in shades of brown, light gray, green and tan. Pair these with a variety of textures, an abundance of natural light and “camping-eque” accessories like canopies to make your baby’s room a serene retreat.

Lucite can add an ultra-modern feel to otherwise traditional rooms. Image: Doris Leslie Blau

Shop a similar look: Sofa | Pillows | Pendant | Coffee Table

Acrylic furniture

Thus far, all the trends we’ve discussed have had an undoubtedly natural feel to them. In contrast, another one of this year’s top picks is acrylic furniture, also known by its brand name Lucite. This see-through material is so clearly manufactured that one can almost call it “space age.”

In particular, acrylic furniture is a good choice in tight spaces. Since these pieces are so minimalist, they can bring necessary function into rooms that might be overpowered by traditionally built furniture. This is especially true when considering areas that require multiple pieces, such as dining rooms and seating areas.

If you’re not quite ready to jump fully into this trend, you’re in luck. Many pieces on the market right now simply feature acrylic elements. Look for tables that have acrylic legs or chairs made with acrylic seats as a way of getting your feet wet.

These are the top home trends of 2017, according to Pinterest. Image: Landmark Building Inc.

Shop a similar look: Stools | Pendants | Canisters

Pinetrest is an incredibly important tool for those in the interior design world — and not in the way you might think. In addition to being a platform for image sharing, it uses its data to position itself as a leader in trend forecasting. Every year, the site releases its “Top 100,” a billboard ranking of trends across multiple industries. We’ve got the scoop on the top 2107 Pinterest Home trends. Consider this post your ultimate guide on this year’s most re-pinned looks.

Follow Freshome on Pinterest to stay up-to-date on all of the home trends we feature here daily.

What do you think of these 2017 Pinterest home trends? Which do you agree with and which do you hope will fade by next year? Share your thoughts in the comments — and don’t hold back!

The post Here’s What You Need to Know About Top 2017 Pinterest Home Trends appeared first on Freshome.com.

Tara Mastroeni

[lenaglittleus]

Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese just got a healthy makeover with this spiralized zucchini mac and cheese recipe! Seasonal zoodles are coated with a vegan cheeze sauce and topped with a delicious oat crumble for your next weekday dinner!

I’m convinced that the world is just getting smaller. It seems that no matter where I go, I will either a) run into someone I know or b) discover some weird connection to someone new.

See that girl standing next to you in that tiny SF bar? She’s your old camp counselor. And that person you talked with on the phone last week? He’s your dog-walker’s aunt’s, brother. Okay, not actually, but you get the point. Despite there being 7 billion people in the world, we are all hyperconnected more than ever before.

Toronto is no exception to this rule, and especially not in the wellness community. There may be 8 million in the GTA but somehow I know every single person involved in health and wellness. Once again, a gross exaggeration but I do know a lot of you.

A few years ago, while perusing the products at The Detox Market (learn more about my Toronto favorites HERE), I noticed the large refrigerator at the front selling a rainbow of healthy juices with the most perfect simplistic branding. Greenhouse Juice was what it was called and apparently I was late to the game as they’d already opened two storefronts in addition to their pop-up in the Detox Market. My friends raved about them and for good reason, their juices are amazing!

I bought my first bottle of “The Giver” and so began my love-affair with their juice. But here’s where the story gets fun…

While doing a Barre3 class a few blocks away I ran into a former classmate of mine from high school. While catching up, I discovered that the brains behind Greenhouse’s impeccable branding was no less than Emma Knight, the former classmate standing right in front of me!

Since that fateful encounter, Greenhouse has exploded across Toronto. With 6 of their own storefronts, multiple retailers, a stunning blog and now their official cookbook, it’s safe to say that Greenhouse has become a Toronto staple.

I had been eyeing their cookbook last time I was in Toronto, but after going on a bit of a cookbook spending spree in February, I decided to hold off – seriously, I have a cookbook problem. But now I’m wishing I hadn’t as the second I laid eyes on it, it was love at first sight. The book includes their trademark juice recipes, but also expands to include so much more like breakfast, snacks, DIY tutorials for things like nut milk and delicious recipes like this Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese.

This is where the story gets even weirder…

I emailed Emma asking if she wouldn’t mind if I shared a recipe from the book as I wanted to tell you guys about it. She kindly replied yes and asked, which one I wanted to share. I had been eyeing the Spiralized Mac and Cheese and I was so grateful when she granted me permission to share. When I was reading the recipe notes, I noticed that the recipe was actually developed by a friend of Greenhouse, nutritionist Tara Tomulka who I ALSO went to high school with!

You could say our school produced some pretty badass women! Who as it turns out, also have great taste in food! Enjoy the recipe and if you want to support one of my favorite Toronto companies, definitely grab yourself a copy of The Greenhouse Cookbook!

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Spiralized Zucchini Mac and Cheese with Oat Crumb Crust

Prep time:  20 mins

Cook time:  10 mins

Total time:  30 mins

Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked (I soaked mine for 2 hours)

1/2 cup raw Brazil nuts, soaked (feel free to substitute with more cashews, which I did)

4 medium zucchini

1/2 to 1 cup filtered water, divided

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Oat Crumb Crust:

½ cup gluten-free rolled oats 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil Pinch of sea salt, for garnish Pinch of freshly ground

black pepper, for garnish

Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Cut the ends off your zucchini. We like to leave them unpeeled, but you can peel them if you’d prefer. Using a spiralizer, create zucchini “noodles.” Place them in a large bowl and set aside.

To make the cheesy sauce, combine the cashews, Brazil nuts,½ cup water, mustard, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, apple cider vinegar and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add the remaining ½ cup water until you have reached a smooth, sauce-like consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Pour the sauce into the noodle bowl and mix until well coated.

To make the oat crumb crust, combine the oats and the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until well crumbled.

Arrange saucy noodles in a shallow baking dish and cover with a layer of the oat crumb crust. Bake until golden and warm all the way through, about 10 minutes.

Garnish with salt, black pepper and a few leaves of parsley or basil.

Notes

Excerpted from The Greenhouse Cookbook: Plant Based Eating and DIY Juicing by Emma Knight with Hana James, Deeva Green and Lee Reitelman. Photography by Elena Mari and Nathan Legiehn. Copyright © 2017 by Greenhouse Juice Company. Published by Penguin, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

3.5.3226

Does the world feel small to you? What’s a weird coincidence that’s happened to you lately?

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