#cornflakes cereal boxes

[corepackaging]

Discover The Rise of Corn Flakes Cereal Boxes

Cornflakes are simple and cheap breakfast meals eaten all over the world. Because of their plain and crisp appearance and delicious taste, they are perfect for breakfast. However, there is an essential factor in the packaging of the Corn Flakes cereal. Cornflakes cereal boxes are used in packaging and are equally used as an advertising medium.

Importance of Corn Flakes Cereal Packaging

Custom cereal boxes can influence consumer behavior in many ways, and design plays an essential role in cereal packaging. A good-looking box is eye-catching and catches the attention of consumers on the shelves. Customization gives brands an opportunity to represent their identity and pass significant messages concerning the product. You can print graphics, nutritional information, and promotional details on these boxes.

Features of Corn Flakes Cereal Packaging

Commonly, the box for the cornflakes cereal bears an attractive and eye-popping color on the outside. The colors and images of the flakes themselves are gorgeous and captivating enough to lead consumers to have them. The upper surface of the box usually focuses on highly edible aspects, such as “low sugar” or “high fiber.” Also, activities such as fun games or puzzles are familiar with most brands found in the markets. This makes the parents take the cereal and buy it for their children.

Advantages of the Cereal Box Corn Flakes

The constructed cereal box corn flakes are convenient. They are compact and occupy little space, hence suitable for families with many people. This allows them to maintain their quality, which is essential to keep the cereal in a resealable package because it will stay crunchy for a longer duration. Also, they are easy to transport and store or package, an advantage that retailers and consumers will appreciate.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Trends

With the increase in environmental awareness, it has become necessary for brands to opt for environmentally friendly packaging. Many companies are now providing their customers with special cereal boxes made from recycled materials. These acceptable products are well-admired by consumers who are concerned about the environment. Those brands that go ecological can only stand to gain more reputation and a broader market.

Innovative Packaging Solutions

The cereal market proves to be a competition that requires the constant introduction of new ideas. Through the corn flakes cereal boxes, different brands are using various shapes and designs. For instance, we have stand-up pouches that occupy less space on the shelving area compared to other packaging. Others have QR codes that lead to recipes or even more information about the product. These innovations not only enhance the user experience but also protect a brand from falling behind in a rapidly evolving market.

Promotions according to seasonal changes and Temporary Products

Most products or services have a way of fashioning themselves into the prevailing season with the aim of significantly increasing their sales. Cornflakes in cereal boxes are sometimes repackaged for festivities or events. Specialty flavors or styles can build up buzz among consumers. Such promotional techniques guarantee increased consumer experimentation and also allow for collecting attractive packaging.

Effects of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing has indeed revolutionized the way brands position themselves to their consumers. One way that social media benefits firms is that companies have a way to present their custom cereal boxes to a broader market. With the use of pictures and other materials, firms can develop a congregation of the products that they sell. This not only leads to increased product sales but also increased brand associations.

Consumers are giving more importance to the unboxing experience. It is noteworthy that consumers actively share emotions and relax on the Internet, not excluding social networks. A well-designed Corn Flakes cereal box can complement this experience. Small tokens of amusement, like toys or cards, make a simple purchase feel like a rewarding experience.

Trends Affecting the Corn Flakes Cereal Box Industry

The world today has changed in different ways, and as consumption tastes and patterns change, the following trends impact the design and features of Corn Flakes cereal boxes. Awareness of such trends makes it possible for brands to continue serving their customers effectively and competitively.

Interactive Packaging

The use of tests in packaging can improve consumer participation. Hence, frequency and variety are appearing in an augmented reality (AR) space for Corn Flakes cereal brands. Consumers can scan these attractive boxes using a smartphone to reveal animations, recipes, or games. Such innovations not only impress the consumers but also motivate them to use social networks to express themselves.

Minimalist Design

Enterprises in virtually all fields, including food wrapping, are adopting the minimalist style among all current trends. Clean, simple designs have become more popular among consumers since they signal the idea of authenticity. Corn flakes in cereal box designs and minimalist graphics introduce natural ingredients, often accompanied by claims of quality. This trend is well-known among the new generation of consumers, who always hold high values for truthful and simple advertisement messages.

Family-Friendly Packaging

Furthermore, family brands, in general, are concerned with branding for both the parents and the kids. When the packaging also includes images that families easily understand, they find the image appealing when purchasing cornflakes cereal boxes. These boxes are commonly accompanied by activities, games, or fun facts meant to interest and captivate children. Therefore, individual brands can develop a pleasant taste and forms of communication with families.

Apple Models on the Subject of Technological Application in the Packaging Process of Cereals

Cereal packaging has also recorded other advancements through the role of technology in the production process. Recent advancements in the printing sector make it easier to get better images and helmet designs on Corn Flakes cereal boxes. Moreover, the increased importance of the material sciences is resulting in packaging that is not only practical but also attractive. Such technologies can help brands improve their packages and even make their products more appealing on shelves.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Consumer feedback is valuable data for enhancing products; Consumers’ imports are invaluable as they allow product development. Most firms are employing social media applications to work with their customers. By using direct email addresses, brands can receive information regarding packaging and designs. The use of consumer feedback can result in practical custom cereal boxes that can satisfy the needs of the target consumers.

[tenthdocter]

You know I've always been a big cereal lover but there is not one cereal that hasn't changed massively over the years. No cereal tastes half as good as they used to when I was a kid. I can only eat like 3 different cereals nowadays and even then I do go off them a little and need a break from them

[zedif-y]

the cereal im eating rn tastes like cardboard . sometimes i eat something and have to ask myself if the person who made it hated food

[atomicjellycat]

You can just say WIC it's ok

I hate government programs in the US bc conservatives are always trying to dismantle them so the lefty byline is always like "these programs are vital and lifesaving and keep so many people from starving and being homeless, they're Very Good and you have a moral obligation to protect and defend them!" and the program is question is something called the National Anti Hunger Initiative or NAHI and it only applies to people who have $527 or less a month in Net Perforated Index-Subnet Income (NPISI) before taxes and housing costs and the program gives you a $99 a month voucher that reloads every 1/80th waxing moon that is only good for buying specific brands of gruel BUT you only get to take 200 breaths a day when you're on the program and for every breath over 200 you take they subtract one dollar from the vouchers you receive and you have to count and report your own breaths bc they don't have the funding to do that and if you misrepresent the amount of breaths you take that's Breath Fraud and there's a hotline you can call to report someone's Breath Fraud and you can be denied gruel vouchers for the rest of your life if youre accused of Breath Fraud. And you're just like. Not allowed to complain abt this bc apparently the only alternative to this is no one ever gets gruel vouchers

[zaidshair]

Cooking ingredient? Can I be Crunchy Nut Cornflakes? They're an ingredient? Right? (ask meme pls)

Chance is a pilchard, or sardine. Two names for one bloke. Slippery, silvery little buggers than must be eaten at least two at a time (tapas), one is never enough. Incredibly versatile, universal, and nutritious. But in its most familiar form (tinned), it can be an acquired taste for some. My umma used to pack us school lunch of a sardy sarnie - mashed up tinned sardines with loads of mayonnaise and curry powder, slathered between two thick slices of grilled brown bread. I'd usually trade my sarnie for a cheese and chutney on white, with my English school mates.

Have you ever tried tiny fresh pilchards, deep fried and curried in a sambal-style gravy? Absolutely spectacular over rice. You can eat an entire bloody pilchard - bones, eyes, all of it. Just yum it right up. It's not exactly posh but it's loaded with everything one needs for survival.

Bloody hell, I would kill for one of my umma's sardy sarnies right now. Reckon Chance'd let me take a bite out of him?

@chancedarling

[2ndkaiser]

MOUTHWASHING CREW HEADCANONS

This is my first time writing. I’m not the best at this, I’m just trying to pick up a new hobby so don’t come at me if this is ass. These are my headcanons, this is what I think, my headcanons do not need to be like yours.

꩜ Warnings: Extremely small mention of NSFW content for Daisuke’s part, one swear word.

CAPTAIN CURLY (PRE-CRASH)

Has a collection of cowboy stuff he’s extremely proud of. Pridefully shows it to the rest of the crew.

I like to think he’s not that much of a sweet tooth, but once in a while he eats a spoonful of biscoff spread because he claims that “Its not too sweet” but really he just can’t go one month without the taste of biscoff.

A terrible cook. Absolutely awful. I’m talking frying an egg and made it undercooked but overcooked at the same time.

Used to take immaculate care of his hair back on earth but ran out of products within 4 months on board.

Definitely misses his shiny curls…

Genuinely loves the taste of Alpen yoghurt bars, he could down 20 of them in one sitting.

Once asked Jimmy to help cut his hair and ended up with a frizzy bob look for a while.

CO-PILOT JIMMY

Y’know how one of his canon hobbies is weightlifting? Well he only started lifting because Curly did, he wanted to appear buffer than him.

He cant lift past 50kg btw.

Has a favorite shirt hes too attached to throw away. It’s a Misfits band t-shirt which now has holes in it, the hem of the shirt is practically falling off but he refuses to throw it out.

I know people like to say he probably stinks but honestly he probably smells faint of wood and light musk. It’s not the worst, kind of smells pleasant actually.

Heavily dislikes board games because every time he’s slightly falling behind the rest of the crew he rage quits, gaslighting himself that the game is rigged and storms off.

Secretly likes The Hungry Caterpiller. (Only because it was the only book he could afford as a child.)

Likes the smell of gasoline. I’m not elaborating.

NURSE ANYA

Originally, the Tulpar didn’t have any board games (considering how shitty Pony Express is), she brought them on herself. Theres now a small box of games for everyone tucked away under the table in the living room.

Ran one of those small businesses that sold slime when she was younger but stopped because she got slime stuck in her hair so bad she had to cut her hair.

Back on earth, she was often invited to school trips as a nurse or a medic. One of her fondest memories was when she was brought on a 5 day school residential trip to the beach with 9th graders. She got to go snorkeling with them and became close friends with a few other med students who also got invited.

Never skips leg day.

Theres a hidden cupboard of kids cereal no one knew about but her. She gate-kept it and pours herself a bowl every morning since the other cupboard of cereal is only filled with cornflakes and the granola ones.

Gave a box to Daisuke though but only because he promised not to tell anyone after he saw her taking it off the shelf.

Bonds with Daisuke over animes like Ouran High School Host Club, Assassination Classroom and Life Lesson of Uramichi Oniisan. They’re best friends now.

INTERN DAISUKE

I don’t care what y’all say, he loves playing Wii Sports, specifically tennis and bowling.

Once got scolded by his mother because she thought he was watching hentai. In reality, it was just an anime where the female lead sounds like shes making explicit noises every time she gasps. Poor Daisuke.

Wants to go to Hawaii so bad. He tells his friends that he just wants to go because he loves sunny weather and the beach but really he adores those tanned Sanrio plushes exclusive to Hawaii.

A sucker for malatang. He has the highest spice tolerance out of the whole crew and brought a few packs of Shin ramen to eat. (He offered Swansea one and later saw a sprinting Swansea dashing towards the vending machine for water.)

Won’t be able to sleep for MONTHS after seeing horror movie.

Surprisingly hates gummy bears. Claims the texture is too thick to chew on.

MECHANIC SWANSEA

Tried to convince Pony Express to let his dog on board. Got refused.

Makes a mean Texas Smoked Brisket which he used to make for family gatherings back on earth. Everyone would get upset when he doesn’t show up with one in his hands.

Uses Daisuke as his tool boy like those dads who make their sons hand them tools. Daisuke holds a flashlight for him all the time and Swansea gets annoyed when the light isn’t shining where it’s supposed to be.

Fears balding and asked Anya how to deal with hair loss. She gave him her set of scalp oils to use and now he has the best smelling hair on the ship.

Used to be a jock in his school days. Pulled like 50 girls.

Has a special pair of fun socks his wife gave to him on his 30th birthday, he brought it on the ship because it reminds him of her. Though, everyone laughs at the mini pepperoni pizza patterns on them.

Thanks for reading, this is my first time writing and I have no clue if this is what I’m supposed to be doing. Requests are opened but I don’t have any rules or a masterlist yet. Take care.

[esouliie]

୧ 🍰‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆ strawberry thief ୧ 🍰‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆

Mornings in the suburbs were something of fiction. Being a city dweller your whole life, you’d only ever seen the morning light shrouded in shadows of buildings too large. Mornings now were full of gentle warmth cascading through opens window, casting a warm glow on your face. The symphony of birdsong and distant laughter of children heading to school had become the soundtrack of your new morning routine, a welcome departure from the urban cacophony you once knew.

You’d never appreciated morning such as this one since moving in with Wanda.

Everyday, she ensures you start your day right, with a small bowl of cereal accompanied by a generous serving of your favourite fruit – strawberries. She insists it's for your health, a gesture of love and concern that never fails to warm your heart, alongside a gentle reminder that your body is a temple and “you’re not gonna stay this young forever.”

But you’re not one to complain, you love strawberries. They are your favourite fruit after all. If you could eat only strawberries for the rest of your life, you would.

You can't help but smile at the memory as you reach for the cereal box, adding just a little extra cornflakes, knowing your girlfriend won’t be able to tell the difference.

A soft click resonates followed by the sound of the patio door closing, meaning Wanda’s back from watering her flowers, “Morning, dear.”

“Morning,” You reply, mouth half full of cereal goodness you had just added.

You notice a mischievous glint in her eye as she reaches across the table and steals a strawberry from your bowl. "Mine now," she teases, popping it into her mouth with a grin.

“Hey! Not my strawberries.” You protest, fingers cupping the bowl protectively. “Get your own!”

“Excuse you, I bought those strawberries.” She laughs as she reaches for another.

You playfully swat her hand away, but she's too quick, managing to grab another one before you can stop her.

“Thief…”You mumble under your breath but don’t move to take the bowl out of her reach.

She fake coos at you, rounding the large island to drop multiple kisses on your pouting lips. “Cheer up baby. There’s plenty more.”

You can’t help the smile breaking out from her affection, “You’re lucky you’re so cute in the morning.”

Wanda leans in closer, her breath warm against your cheek. "And you're lucky you're mine," she whispers, her voice soft and full of love.

Soft lips press against your forehead before she moves away, with a few extra strawberries in her hand, and the most breathtaking smile on her face.

And you know what… you don’t mind sharing your breakfast with her. In fact, you don’t mind sharing anything with her, if it meant you’d get to see her smile like that everyday.

Even if it meant losing a few of your favourite strawberries.

[just-some-random-blogger]

Hello, can I request a dream x reader where reader is his girlfriend and she gets pregnant and how they would both deal with that situation. Maybe a scene with there daughter years later

Aisle 43

Pettiness knows no bounds, especially when you're one of the Endless. This means that if a toddler is what's standing in Dream's way, then it's still very much fair game.

Dream of the Endless x Reader | 800+ | cw: fem!reader, pregnant!reader, vague themes of pregnancy/motherhood, jealousy, super-megapetty!Dream of the Endless, Matthew the 'I'm just happy to be here' Raven, fluff, typos, etc.

A/N: hi my love... i may have totally forgotten I had this in my drafts asfhasfha;sfhasfh sorreh. I JUST DID A DRABBLE BECAUSE MY BRAIN IS MELTING CURRENTLY. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT <3

Tagging: @pinksirensong @aralezinspace @sloanexx @deniixlovezelda @shadow-pancake9

I hum as I make my way out of the soup aisle. The little girl that's been following me around the supermarket tugs at my hand repeatedly. I look down at her and she immediately points, "cereal?"

I turn to the pink cereal box she wanted and flatten my lips into a smile, "sorry, kiddo, you're gonna have to-"

"Why are you with a child?"

Both said child and I look up and see a darkly dressed man in the middle of two shelves with brightly colored items. The girl that barely reached my hips looks up at the dark silhouette then grabs my hand. She mumbles, "nightmare."

Said nightmare raises a brow. It was almost as if a dark haze began to form around him. A raven swoops down and lands on his shoulder.

In stark juxtaposition, Matthew the raven chirpily greets me and adds, "mind getting me some cornflakes?"

I push my cart forward, drawing near both them, and the item. I grab the cornflakes and go to the side of the sullen looking being. I tilt my head, "Dream?"

Dream, who has not torn his gaze away from the child, finally spares me a glance. I free my hand of the cornflakes, dropping into my cart, and use it to cup his cheek. His expression softens.

My other hand, still being tugged by the baby girl, is now tucked behind me. She peeps cautiously from my shoulder.

"I'm going grocery shopping with my coworker."

"Your coworker is a child?" Dream says with a hurt expression.

I make a face but sigh. Suddenly, the dull pain on my back is blatant. I rub my round belly that was the cause of it, "yeah. Beatrice is a prodigy. She does our work better than anyone in the department."

Dream frowns and deflates even more.

I raise my brows.

Matthew croaks as he cocks his head. He whispers, "he's been upset that you haven't been sleeping properly."

"You've not been in my realm for ages," Dream knits his brows tightly, "yet here you are with a child that is not even your own."

When Dream comes close to touch me, Beatrice whimpers and pulls me back. She panics, "nightmare! Nightmare!"

The strength of the child is not enough to make me fall back, but it is enough to make me lose my balance. I feel myself slowly lose my footing. Dream grabs me before anything happens though.

The glare that he throws at Beatrice makes her instantly clamor.

If her wailing wasn't enough to make me panic, then it was when she ran away. I turn to run after her, but Dream grabs my arm before I can get anywhere.

"Let me go!" I snap.

"But-"

"I can't lose my coworkers kid!"

"Don't worry!" Matthew takes off, "I'll keep an eye on her."

I watch as Matthew soars above the aisles and then look back down to glare at Dream. I pull my arm out of his grip, "you terrified a four year old."

Dream glares back, "she was stealing you away."

I am flabbergasted. "You literally put a baby inside me!" I motion to my baby bump and give an exasperated look, "yet you're intimidated by a 40 pound little girl- who, by the way, barely even makes up a fraction of how old you are."

He does not argue with this. He has no argument with it. Instead, he mumbles, "you dreamed of her when you napped."

I roll my eyes, "and how many times have I dreamed of you, my lord?"

He turns away, eyes landing on my belly. He pouts and stares a moment before he rubs it, "I do not enjoy when I must share your dreams with others."

The idea is equal parts exhausting, irrational, and somehow darling.

"What if I dream about our baby?" I raise a brow.

He lifts his eyes. He looks like he actually was mentally debating in that split second it took for him to reply. Dream speaks, "I would be willing to share with the blood of my blood."

I scoff and roll my eyes yet again.

He kisses my temple. A part of my hard expression chips away. I offer him an exasperated look.

Dream makes a face, "was I too much?"

I nod.

"I've got good news and bad news," Matthew calls as he swoops down, "good news, Beatrice found her mom and stopped crying!"

I release a sigh of relief.

"Bad news, she may be traumatized for life, because when a man wearing a black trench coat passed by, she started breaking down all over again."

My relief evaporates and I shoot a hard glare at Dream before pushing him out of the way. I drag my cart along with me as I walk off to look for them.

Matthew perches on the edge of the cart, "oooh, mind if we get some sunflower seeds too?"

"Not at all, my love."

Dream grumbles upon hearing this and watches as we take a turn on the candy aisle.

[middle-ans]

For the valentines prompts: maybe a 2010 social media one

Aesthetics got me baad, whoah dearest, what a time it was back in 2010s social media! Thank you for the request, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you! A very unusual style for me but I hope it will do with this setting!

Cheeky Mercedes F1 driver Lewis & YouTuber, streamer, DIY nerd George - 2010s

Valentine’s story card requests

George’s bedroom is bathed in the warm glow of a desk lamp, its light bouncing off a collage of F1 memorabilia: a faded 2013 Mercedes cap, a signed Lewis Hamilton photo (won in a fan giveaway), and a shelf crammed with model cars. His Logitech webcam flickers briefly as he adjusts it, the chat already buzzing with familiar usernames like SilverWarrior44, BritRacingFan, and DRS4Breakfast. The grainy video feed captures George’s sheepish grin as he holds up a cereal box and a roll of duct tape.

GeorgeRussell19: “Alright, troops! Tonight’s mission: turning this sad Cornflakes box into a glorious Mercedes W06 Hybrid. Or, y’know… a silver pancake with wheels. Let’s see how this goes.”

Chat floods with 💀🚗💨 emojis. Vettel4Ever types: George ur a madman. He laughs, snipping the cardboard into a rough car shape.

GeorgeRussell19: “First step: the chassis. Gotta make it aerodynamic. Or… cardboard-dynamic.”

He holds up the lopsided base, and RosbergsSideburns donates £3 with: If it’s slower than Nico’s car we riot. George mock-gasps.

GeorgeRussell19: “Nico’s sideburns are in my chat? Welcome, mate. Tell Lewis I said hi.”

SilverWarrior44: GEORGE MAKE IT PURPLE FOR LEWIS’ HELMET

DRS4Breakfast: Will it have DRS???

GeorgeRussell19: (laughing) “DRS? Mate, if I figure out how to make moving aerodynamics with a Pringles lid, I’m applying to Mercedes engineering. But purple accents? Absolutely.”

He starts layering tin foil over the cardboard, narrating each step with cheerful precision.

As he paints the car silver, a viewer named HamFam4Life donates £5 with the message: “GEORGE VALENTINE’S PLANS?? U SINGLE??”

George freezes, brush hovering. His ears go pink.

GeorgeRussell19: “Uh. Valentine’s? Pfft, I’ll be here… making more cardboard cars? Maybe eating discount heart-shaped chocolates?”

Chat erupts.

Bwoahhhhhh spams: GEORGE LEWIS DOUBLE DATE WHEN. PirelliPasta adds: U TWO SINGLE PRINCES 👑👑.

GeorgeRussell19: (laughing nervously) “C’mon, guys, Lewis is Lewis. He’s busy winning titles. I’m just… some nerd with a glue gun.”

SilverWarrior44: But ur a CUTE nerd

BritRacingFan: Tell us ur type!!

George scratches his neck, avoiding the camera.

GeorgeRussell19: “I don’t know? Someone who… likes racing? And doesn’t mind me ranting about tire deg over dinner?”

The chat coos. DRS4Breakfast prods: Ever gotten a Valentine tho? George freezes, then sighs dramatically.

GeorgeRussell19: “Okay, full disclosure: No. Not even in school. Once, in Year 7, Jamie Fletcher ‘accidentally’ put a card in my locker. Turns out it was for Grace Russell. Two desks over. So… yeah. Romance isn’t my Pirelli compound.”

Chat erupts in a mix of 😭💔 and 😂. Vettel4Ever writes: We’ll b ur Valentines!!.

GeorgeRussell19: (softly) “Cheers, guys. Honestly, you lot are the best part of my week.”

The car-building spirals into chaos. The “halo” (made of pipe cleaners) droops, the “DRS” (a flappy piece of plastic) snaps off, and George accidentally glues his finger to the chassis.

GeorgeRussell19: (panicking) “Why is the hot glue ALWAYS hotter than the sun?! This is a safety hazard!”

He finally pries free, holding up the car - a lumpy silver mess with a crooked #44 Sharpie’d on the side.

RosbergsSideburns: 10/10 would race in Monaco

PirelliPasta: Mercedes interns taking NOTES RN

GeorgeRussell19: (grinning) “I’ll send it to Brackley. ‘Dear Toto, pls hire me. I can make cars… ish.’”

As the stream wraps up, HamiltonsHalo donates £10 with: LEWIS IS SINGLE AND LONELY TOO JUST SAYIN. George buries his face in his hands.

GeorgeRussell19: “You’re all relentless. Lewis is probably sipping coconut water in Monaco, not watching my janky stream.”

Bwoahhhhhh: UR HIS TYPE!! HE LIKES BRITISH AND TRICKY

DRS4Breakfast: GEORGE LEWIS COLLAB STREAM VALENTINE’S DAY????

George’s ears burn crimson, but he smiles.

GeorgeRussell19: “If that ever happens, I’ll… I’ll eat this cardboard car on stream. Anyway, Happy Early Valentine’s, you legends. Thanks for being here.”

He ends the stream, the camera freezing on a fan-art banner sent by SilverWarrior44: George and Lewis as Disney princes riding a glittery F1 car. The outro plays - a pixelated “Subscribe!” graphic over a royalty-free dubstep remix of We Found Love.

[Stream ended: 10:45 p.m. | 3,112 viewers]

[February 12, 2015 | George’s Flat, King’s Lynn]

George had just finished filming an “unboxing haul” for his DIY series - a stack of foam boards, spray paint cans, and a suspiciously cheap “aerodynamics kit” from eBay. The camera was off, his living room littered with half-opened packages, when the doorbell rang.

Delivery Man: (through the door) “Special delivery for Mr. George Russell? Needs a signature.”

George frowned. He wasn’t expecting anything else. He opened the door to a courier holding a heart-shaped box wrapped in glossy red paper, dotted with tiny silver F1 decals.

George: “Uh… this isn’t mine. Must be a mix-up?”

Delivery Man: (smirking) “Nah, mate. Instructions said to hand it directly to you. ‘No cameras, no exceptions.’”

George’s pulse spiked. He signed the clipboard, cradling the box like it might explode.

The box sat on his coffee table, taunting him. He peeled back the paper, revealing a custom Mercedes-AMG Petronas logo stamped on the lid. Inside, nestled in crimson tissue paper:

A miniature W06 Hybrid model car - but not just any model. The underside read, “Lewis Hamilton, Australian GP 2015 - Race Used.”

A pair of white racing gloves, scuffed with faint tire marks, tucked in a clear sleeve labeled “LH Archive.”

A stack of handmade valentines: Red cardstock cut into heart shapes, each scribbled in black Sharpie.

George’s hands shook as he unfolded the note at the bottom.

George -

Caught your stream. That cardboard car’s got better vibes than my quali setup in Monaco. (Don’t tell Toto I said that.)

Heard you’ve never had a proper Valentine. Let me be your first. These gloves kept me podium-bound - hope they bring you better luck than my 2012 McLaren.

Slide into my DMs. No pressure. Unless you ghost me… then I’ll send Nico to your doorstep.

- LH

P.S. The model car’s 1:18 scale. For… research. 😉

George’s face burned. He fumbled for his phone, pulling up Instagram. Lewis’s DM button glared at him like a dare.

George’s Message:

@ GeorgeRussell19: Hi. Uh. This is George. Not sure if you’re hacked or… but the gloves? And the valentines? I’m freaking out a bit. In a good way. Maybe?

He hit send, then immediately tossed his phone onto the sofa like it was radioactive.

Buzz.

@ LewisHamilton: Not hacked. Unless someone hacked my heart rate. You okay?

@ GeorgeRussell19: WAIT. YOU’RE REAL.

@ LewisHamilton: Last time I checked. You stream in your room with a Pokémon poster above your desk. Squirtle squad, right?

@ GeorgeRussell19: …Are you stalking me.

@ LewisHamilton: Call it “race research.” You’re funny, mate. And smart. Saw your video on tire temp strategies. Better than Sky Sports.

@ LewisHamilton: Also, the valentines? Wrote those in the motorhome. Don’t let Seb see - he’ll never let me live it down.

George stared at the screen, grinning so hard his cheeks ached.

@ GeorgeRussell19: Why me?

@ LewisHamilton: Why not? You’re the only person who’d build a car out of cereal boxes for fun. That’s… cool. Plus, you blush like a rookie on pole.

@ GeorgeRussell19: I’M NOT BLUSHING.

@ LewisHamilton: Liar. 😊

Later That Night

George sat cross-legged on the floor, the gloves and valentines spread around him. He’d pinned one heart to his wall:

“George -

If DRS = Drag Reduction System,

Then U = Distraction Reduction System.

- LH”

His phone buzzed again.

@ LewisHamilton: Prepping for Barcelona tests. But… wanna meet up after? No cameras. No cardboard cars. Just us.

George’s thumbs hovered. For once, the witty, nervous, overthinking streamer had no words.

@ GeorgeRussell19: Yes.

[YouTube Video: “UNBOXING LEWIS HAMILTON’S VALENTINE’S GIFT?? 😱💌” | Uploaded: February 14, 2015]

George’s camera wobbles as he adjusts it, his face flushed even before the video starts. The thumbnail shows the heart-shaped box front-and-center, with bold text: “I’M SCREAMING.”

GeorgeRussell19: (voice shaky) “Okay. Um. So. You know how I said I’d never gotten a Valentine? Someone decided to… fix that.”

He opens the box slowly, revealing the gloves, model car, and handwritten valentines. The chat floods with caps-lock chaos:

SilverWarrior44: LEWIS????? LEWIS HAMILTON???

DRS4Breakfast: THIS IS NOT A DRILL HE’S IN LOVE

PirelliPasta: GEORGE WE NEED A WEDDING VLOG

GeorgeRussell19: (laughing nervously) “Guys, stop - it’s just a gift! He’s being… nice. Probably a PR thing. Or, or a dare. Maybe Nico put him up to it?”

He holds up the valentine with the “Distraction Reduction System” line, his ears turning scarlet.

GeorgeRussell19: “I mean, it’s Lewis. He’s got better things to do than… this. Right? Right?”

The video ends with George staring at the camera, wide-eyed, as he whispers:

“Pray for me.”

[February 20, 2015 | A Quiet Café in London]

George arrived early. He’d chosen a corner booth, hidden from the window, and ordered a tea he didn’t touch. His knee bounced under the table.

Then the bell chimed.

Lewis walked in, sunglasses tucked into his collar, wearing a navy hoodie and a grin that could melt Pirelli’s hard compounds. Their eyes met - George’s breath hitched - and Lewis sauntered over, all easy confidence.

Lewis: “Hey, Cardboard Engineer.”

George: (choking) “H-hi.”

Lewis slid into the seat beside him, not across, their shoulders brushing. He smelled like cedar and espresso.

Lewis: “You look shorter off-camera.”

George: “You look… real.”

Lewis laughed, warm and low, and George’s stomach flipped.

Lewis: “The gloves fit you yet?”

George: “I’m scared to touch them. What if I ruin the magic?”

Lewis tilted his head, studying him. George felt like a spec sheet under that gaze - every flaw analyzed, every detail noticed.

Lewis: “Magic’s overrated. I’d rather see you in ’em.”

A pause. George’s heart thundered.

Lewis: (softer) “Thanks for coming.”

George: “Thanks for… existing, I guess?”

Lewis snorted, then reached out, tucking a stray curl behind George’s ear. His thumb grazed George’s cheekbone.

Lewis: “Relax, yeah? I don’t bite. Unless you want me to.”

George’s brain short-circuited.

Then Lewis leaned in, slow and deliberate, and pressed a kiss to his cheek. His lips lingered, warm against George’s burning skin.

Lewis: (whispering) “There. Your first proper Valentine.”

When he pulled back, George’s hand flew to the spot, as if he could fossilize the touch.

George: “I- I might need a second. For… comparison.”

Lewis smirked, eyes crinkling.

Lewis: “Patience, mate. We’ve got laps to go.”

[YouTube Live Stream: “Valentine’s DIY Special 🏎️💘… and CHAOS?!” | February 14, 2016 | 7:30 p.m.]

George’s new London flat is sleek but cozy - a far cry from his 2015 bedroom. A framed photo of the Mercedes W06 Hybrid hangs beside a neon "RACE TO WIN" sign. His webcam is HD now, but the chat still floods with familiar names: SilverWarrior44, PirelliPasta, and DRS4Breakfast. George, wearing a cherry-red hoodie, grins as he holds up a 3D-printed F1 steering wheel.

GeorgeRussell19: “Alright, gang! Tonight’s project: converting this steering wheel into a functional sim rig controller. Or, y’know, a very expensive paperweight. Let’s get-”

A door creaks off-camera. George’s eyes dart sideways, then widen.

Lewis: (muffled, in the distance) “Babe, have you seen my-”

George freezes. The chat pauses - then explodes.

Hammer1990: ??? WAS THAT A SHIRTLESS MAN

SilverWarrior44: LEWIS????? LEWIS HAMILTON’S VOICE????

PirelliPasta: GEORGE U HAVE A ROOMMATE????

GeorgeRussell19: (forced laugh) “Uh, no, that’s just… my neighbor’s dog! Barks weird, right? Anyway, let’s solder these wires-”

Lewis strolls into frame wearing nothing but black boxers, toweling his hair, humming We Found Love. He stops mid-step, spotting the camera.

Lewis: “Oh. Shit.”

George slaps both hands over his face, screaming into his palms.

GeorgeRussell19: “LEWIS. WHY. IT’S LIVE. IT’S LIVE.”

Lewis: (grinning) “Relax, they’ve seen worse. Hi, chat!” He waves before ducking out of frame.

Chat detonates:

DRS4Breakfast: I SCREENSHOTTED IT I SCREENSHOTTED IT

Ferrarry: LEWIS WAS IN HIS UNDIES IN GEORGE’S FLAT

SilverWarrior44: VALENTINE’S DAY STREAM DELIVERED 💀💘

GeorgeRussell19: (peeking through his fingers) “I’m dead. You’ve killed me. I’m a ghost now. Ghost content from beyond the grave.”

Lewis’s laughter echoes off-camera.

Lewis: “C’mon, it’s 2016! People love… authenticity!”

GeorgeRussell19: (to chat) “Don’t listen to him. This never happened. You’re hallucinating. I’m hallucinating.”

He grabs the steering wheel, hands trembling as he fumbles with a screwdriver. The chat scrolls too fast to read - thousands of “OMG” and “SHIP CONFIRMED” messages. PirelliPasta donates £20 with the message: GEORGE LEWIS COLLAB STREAM WHEN??.

GeorgeRussell19: (defeated) “Okay, fine. Yes. Lewis is here. No, we’re not—I mean, he’s just… visiting. For the winter break. As friends.”

Lewis: (yelling from another room) “Friends who share a bed!”

GeorgeRussell19: (standing up, face crimson) “I’M ENDING THE STREAM.”

Chat pleads: NOOOO and LEWIS COME BACK.

GeorgeRussell19: “Happy Valentine’s, you lot. Pray for my dignity.”

He reaches to end the stream - but not before Lewis’s tattooed arm snakes into frame, dropping a heart-shaped chocolate on his desk.

Lewis: “For the chat. Since you’re my Valentine’s too.”

George faceplants onto the keyboard as the stream cuts.

[Stream ended: 7:52 p.m. | 15,328 viewers]

George spins in his desk chair, glaring at Lewis, who’s now smugly wearing sweatpants.

George: “You did that on purpose.”

Lewis: “Maybe.” He kisses George’s pout away, laughing. “Think they bought the ‘friends’ bit?”

George: “No. Reddit’s probably writing our wedding vows already.”

Lewis: (grinning) “Good. Saves me time.”

[mochidolls]

finally got to watching longlegs and i love lee sm. can’t get her out my head so here’s this! lee x baker!reader woo !!!! this has also been uploaded as a bot on my cai <3

the smell of cinnamon and sugar clung to your clothes like a second skin—a scent you’d long stopped noticing until someone else pointed it out. your little bakery on main street had been open for a month, and in that time, you’d learned a few things about your new town:

the mayor liked blueberry scones.

old mrs. carver had a soft spot for oatmeal raisin cookies (yes, really)

lee harker, the dreamy FBI agent who lived in the house at the end of birch lane, had a habit of grocery shopping way too early in the morning.

the first time you saw her, you’d been in the cereal aisle, debating the merits of cornflakes versus bran, when she reached over your shoulder for a box of cheerios. tall, broad-shouldered, hair that looked like it had been half-heartedly brushed that morning, lee had muttered an apology, her voice low and rough like gravel after rain.

that was it. that was the moment you were a goner.

of course, you didn’t tell her that. you just stared at her like an idiot (mouth agape like a fish out of water and everything), clutching your box of cornflakes while she gave you a polite nod and went on her way. what were you supposed to do? chase her down the bread aisle and declare your undying love? …well. absolutely not. you had a shred of dignity left.

instead, you hatched a plan. a stupid plan no less. but it was all you had.

every morning, after opening the bakery at some ungodly hour (six am to clarify) and dealing with the early bird crowd, you’d box up a batch of pastries and walk them over to lee’s house.

you told yourself it was practical. you always had leftovers. (you didn’t.) it was a good way to introduce yourself to the neighbors. (you only ever went to lee’s house.)

lee always answered the door in the same way: slightly disheveled, wearing a t-shirt that looked two sizes too big and a pair of sweatpants that had seen better days. her expression was half-asleep but polite, and she always accepted your offerings with a muttered, “thanks,” and an awkward smile. god, that smile. it was the kind of smile that made your stomach flip and your brain short-circuit.

you weren’t even sure if she liked pastries. maybe she threw them out as soon as you left. maybe she fed them to a dog you hadn’t seen yet. but the way she looked at the box, like it was some kind of mystery (perhaps, gasp! she was aware of your little crush), kept you coming back. delusional? yes. you were aware.

this morning was no different. you’d gotten up early—earlier than usual—to bake a fresh batch of lemon bars. the tangy-sweet scent filled your tiny kitchen as you dusted them with powdered sugar and arranged them in a neat little box.

a little yellow bow and very meticulously handwritten ‘enjoy! and hope your day goes well :)’ note to go with it. by the time you walked up lee’s driveway, the sun had just started to peek over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold.

you knocked on the door and waited, nervously bouncing from foot to foot. the air smelled of dew and freshly cut grass, and somewhere in the distance, a bird was chirping a little too enthusiastically for your liking.

you could hear movement inside the house—the shuffle of feet, the creak of a door hinge—and then there she was, standing in the doorway like some kind of goddess. sap.

“morning,” you smiled, holding out the box. your voice sounded annoyingly chipper, even to your own ears.

lee blinked at you.

“morning,” she replied, her voice a little hoarse, like she hadn’t spoken yet today. she took the box, her fingers brushing against yours for the briefest second.

was it warm out, or was that just your face? definitely just your face. great.

“lemon bars,” you murmured, filling the silence. “figured i’d switch it up.”

lee nodded, glancing down at the box like it held state secrets. “thanks. you didn’t have to, y’know.”

“it’s nothing,” you replied quickly, waving a hand like you hadn’t spent an hour debating whether lemon was too bold a choice. “just… leftovers.”

she gave you that awkward smile again, the one that made your heart do stupid things, and you realized you were staring.

“well, uhm, enjoy,” you stepped back. “i’ve got to get back to the bakery.”

“yeah,” she hummed, still holding the box like it might bite her. “see you around.”

as you walked back down the driveway, you couldn’t help but glance over your shoulder. lee was still standing in the doorway, watching you with an expression you couldn’t quite read. you told yourself it didn’t mean anything, but the way your heart raced said otherwise.

maybe tomorrow you’d try muffins. or cookies. or no wait, brownies. something safe. something that didn’t scream, “i like you, please notice me.”

or maybe… just maybe it was time to be a little bolder.

[goth-mami-writer]

JJK one-shot below⬇️⬇️

Soooo. I don't usually post the body of my fics here, but this is one I worked on for a babe of mine. @short-honey-badger

Toji × OC (FemOC is his neighbor) "Dirty Dishes"

Mera used the key under his mat to sneak into his apartment that afternoon after she trotted up their conjoined steps. His Doordash order had been sitting since she'd ran down to the main office to grab her mail. He probably got hung up on the phone again in the car and she knew that he hated cold rice.

She let herself into his apartment, moving aside the empty boxes of takeout by the door that were now stacked into a tower where his trash can was overflowing. Toji was great at what he did, putting bounties on sorcerers and hunting them down, so it made sense that he never had time to clean. But her nose crinkled in disgust every time she was in here. 

On her own accord or not. 

She moved the take out boxes to the side and set the lukewarm rice bowl in the microwave only to find another bowl of cereal that clearly had been sitting for days due to the chunky cornflakes liquefied to the bottom. 

“Are you fucking-? Why is a bowl of cereal-” Mera spat before the smell hit her dead on as it wafted from the microwave, “Oh my GOD!!!” 

She moved the bowl of cereal and didn't care if he came back to find her in his apartment or not, this was no way to live. 

She and Toji would sometimes chat in hallways as they passed each other on the way home. He was always somewhat…civil. He did grunt and roll his eyes a lot but it was something she found friendly. But there wasn't anything else that she could call a close relationship. Besides one incident where she was locked out of her apartment in which Toji spent the entire night with a hairpin and a lockpick to help her back inside. The entire time, she balled herself up by the doorstep, hating her day already without this shit happening but Toji found sympathy and picked the lock before it looked like she might start crying. 

Everything after that night seemed to be somewhat unsaid and unspoken though Mera seemed not to mind. However, Toji picked up on it right away. There were glances and feelings shared between them, though he'd never be the first to admit it. 

She began washing some of his dirty dishes in the sink as she heated up his order of fried rice and then began clearing the trash away from his door. After she began tidying his small breakfast table so he'd at least have a space to eat his rice, she didn't notice the door opening. Toji's face sneered in defense as he crept inside, not knowing who had snuck into his apartment. He didn't think the door was broken into so he wondered who the hell knew about his key. 

He held his short spear over his head, entering the kitchen ready to strike down what he thought to be a very crafty yet unlucky intruder until he saw Mera standing nonchalant at his table. 

“Jesus!” He said after losing a breath, huffing out in relief, “Courtesy text would be nice, dickface! Coulda killed your ass!” 

“Courtesy text?” She scoffed turning around, wondering if he'd even say thank you for all the work that was indeed a courtesy, “Fucker, I've found you on my couch eating my leftovers!” 

“You offered them to me!” 

“Yeah! Like 12 hours before and you left me on read!” 

He rolled his eyes with his nose crimped in defeat before he asked if she ate his Doordash and she presented the now warm take out bowl, explaining that it was just left on his doorstep to get cold and he tossed down the short spear onto the counter top before nearly scooting her aside to begin digging in. 

He placed a hefty spoonful of fried rice in his mouth before asking,

“So ugh…what are you doing?” 

He watched as she began gathering her small cinch bag that she'd brought in, and she asked, not quite understanding what he meant, 

“Ugh… leaving?” 

“Nah- I mean-” Toji said amid a mouthful as he leaned over the counter with his elbows planted on the granite as they spoke, 

“Like what are you doing coming in here and being all nice and shit. Ya ain't my old lady?” 

“Well, I mean- you helped me get my door unlocked. I figured… why not help you out a little?” 

Toji found a curious look on his face that slowly grew into a grin that was painted maliciously across his lips. His scarred mouth curved up, snickering under his breath as he stood straight up to further the point he was about to make. 

Mera narrowed her eyes to his changed demeanor, one that seemed ready for a challenge. He leaned himself infront of the counter where she stood waiting for him to explain the shitty grin he was holding and he said lowly with a rumble in his throat, 

“Helping me out a little…would've been throwing my food in the door or setting it on the counter then dipping. You came in and did this whole song and dance in my nasty ass kitchen. So I'm just wondering….why?” 

Mera face blushed and Toji noticed with an entertained smirk beginning to grow as he knew the answer already just by the demure look on her face now, 

“What are you sweetenin me up for, Mer?”  

“I.. am..not.” Mera grumbled with her mouth tight, trying not to let him see the truth even as it slowly became written across her telling expression. 

“You're not?” Toji teased, now only an inch from her face, peering down to her from his immense height. 

“No-” 

“So-” Toji said after a swipe of his tongue across his bottom lip almost daringly, “If I kissed you on your smart-ass mouth, It’d just be another stupid Tuesday, huh?” 

Meras's heart pounded in her chest with a rhythm she swore the tenants three floors down could hear if they listened. Toji smiled widely with a deviousness, knowing she'd never admit it to his face. But hell, he didn't need a word after a little flustered blush like that. He reached in the front pocket of his sweat pants and presented something swinging in his grip. 

“Went down to the main office, by the way.” He said as he revealed a keyring with two new metal keys jingling from a metal loop, 

“Got you some extra keys so your forgetful ass doesn't get locked out at midnight again.” 

Her face changed away from the flattered redness into complete shock. She never assumed that he'd be the one to actually help her besides that favor of unlocking her door but he actually thought of her this way and it was endearing. Her smile grew a little more sweet instead of frazzled and she reached forward for the keys, 

“Thank you, I appreci-” 

Toji's hand closed around the keys, stopping her mid sentence from retrieving them and she moved her eyes to his. He evilly smiled again but this time with hidden intention. He remained completely silent as his arm moved up, holding the keys just out of her reach and stepped that one inch closer to put them chest to chest now.  

“Come on-” He purred daringly with a wink, “I know ya ain't that damn short.” 

Mera lost a breath, knowing exactly what he was trying to do and she moved, becoming fearless for a moment to match his cocky, teasing attitude that lit her aflame. She stood on her tippy toes, becoming only a breath away from his lips as her fingers reached upward but suddenly as she met his gaze, those keys were the least of her worries. 

Toji felt his smile trembling now with pride and as if he dared her with a glint of his dark gaze, Mera closed her own eyes as they met at the lips. Toji kissed her deeply, holding his free hand to her waist to pull her in with a tender roughness by the small belt loop on her hip. 

Mera eased back down to her resting height away from propping up on her toes and Toji ducked his head down to keep them joined in a kiss that seemed to be climbing. As he tasted her lips, becoming a little caught up in the way she lapped against his mouth bravely now, he tossed the house keys to the tile to free both his hands. 

He placed Mera onto the counter, still wrapped warmly in a deep, sensual kiss and she locked her ankles behind his waist. After a tender bite to her lip, both of them breathed heavily as they shared a glance, knowing they wanted more of each other. 

Toji kissed her again, moving with more intention as he cupped her jaw in his calloused hands that were rough against her skin. His tongue flicked across her lips, tempting her to give him more and softly she moaned beneath her breath and Toji grinned widely to hear her enjoy it.

They parted with heavy, chugging breaths heaving away from their mouths. Toji swallowed in a gulp, feeling the need to fix his waistband after a kiss like that, and he did so slyly. Mera fanned her red face with her hand only for a moment as she gained a breath, stepping down from being sat atop his kitchen island. He reached into the floor, properly handing over her keys, and he asked after clearing his throat, knowing she probably wanted to be nonchalant about what just happened, 

“What ugh- what are you doing later on?” 

“Like-? Tonight?” Mera asked just to be clear, and Toji remarked smartly in a scoff, 

“Yeah, dipstick. I don't mean next week?” 

She rolled her eyes, trying not to let herself laugh at his replies too much knowing it'd just feed into his ego. Her work needed her to cover a shift that night but she'd be home around the normal time. Toji nodded putting his hands into the pocket of his sweatshirt with a shrug, 

“I was askin’ cause…I dunno..I'm not doing anything later and yanno..if you-” 

He stopped mid sentence knowing that his face was warming up with every word further, not to mention he was stuttering. Mera giggled and closed the gap between them to say, hoping he wouldn't mind her finishing his thinking, 

“I don't care if we hang out. But..why don't you come up to my place? Not that I don't love yanno, week old ramen and a mountain of beer cans-” 

“I didn't exactly invite you in here, asshole. So cut me a fucking break.” He mentioned watching Mera start for the door after checking her watch with a chuckle. 

“Hey-” Toji said, hoping to stop her before she left. 

Mera turned, waiting for him to speak with her hand holding the doorknob. Toji gave a short glance to the floor, knowing these words were gonna roll off his tongue like lava but they needed to be said. He shifted his weight uncomfortably and said in a grumble, 

“Thank you…for..coming in here. Cleaning and shit.” 

Mera nodded with a low snicker, knowing that was probably the best she was going to get in terms of a sincere thank-you and she opened his door, mentioning with a wink of her own before leaving, 

‘Don't mention it. Just…thank me later I guess.” 

“Easy there.” Toji said with a wide smile, loving that she was getting a little more spunk. 

She closed the door, knowing she needed to hurry and get ready for her shift at work, but her face was still brightly lit. She would've expected the kiss before the ‘Thank You.’ In a way, she hoped maybe his apartment would stay on the messier side. It seemed to give her a good excuse to sneak in for more time alone with him. But the real thing that was giving her butterflies was thinking of what was going to happen later that night. 

[art-damaged]

Andy Warhol "Brillo Soap Pads Box (3 cents off)" / cleaning crew

In November 2024, this 1964 sculpture was inadvertently destroyed when a cleaning crew member working on a yacht mistook the work for the real thing.

The piece, whose 2010 purchase for $3,050,500 later inspired an HBO documentary (2017's "Brillo Box (3¢ Off)"), was apparently being housed on the current owner's superyacht when a member of the vessel's cleaning crew proceeded to throw the piece away, mistaking the Pop artwork (which, apart from being constructed out of wood rather than cardboard, was an exact copy of Brillo's packaging from the time) for an empty box of soap pads.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time a valuable piece of art history was damaged while installed on a luxury ship. In 2019, Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, who was charting a superyacht with his children an unnamed 1982 work by Jean-Michel Basquiat aboard his own superyacht. Unfortunately, he decided to hang the work near his dining table - and the following morning, when his children sat down to breakfast, they were frightened enough of the painting to throw their cereal at the canvas. The ship's crew, unaware of the prestige of the piece, then furthered the damage by wiping the cornflakes off in an attempt to restore the painting, which was worth $110.5M at the time of the incident.

Concerns surrounding the display of artworks aboard personal sea vessels have apparently increased in recent years among the conservation community. As historian Pandora Mather-Lees has said, while there are superyachts floating around with “better collections than some national museums," which raises real questions about how such artworks are stewarded and preserved. "[Crew members] are expected to know how to serve the owners at sea, not to know about paintings and art. But, now that the rich are increasingly bringing their art collections on board their yachts it’s vital that captains and crew know how to care for these pieces."

In discussing the subject, Mather-Lees (who has been repeatedly called on to restore works following incidents like these) has also alluded to incident in which, amid an impromptu party by a yacht's staff, the cork from a newly popped champagne bottle went sailing directly into a Picasso, damaging the canvas - but she hasn't provided specifics as to the piece, the owner, or the aftermath.

Tilman Kriesel, founder of an art advisory firm, has also shared stories wherein, upon discovering an original Rothko was too tall to fit in their yacht's grand saloon, one wealthy owner decided to hang the work sideways, while another had wanted to display their newly purchased painting by Takashi Murakami in the boat's “beach club” (the rear of superyachts where owners access jet skis and other water toys) - but upon finding it didn't fit, decided to cut away portions of the canvas until it finally did. #artdamaged

[thequietabsolute]

Do people actually still eat cornflakes? Intellectually, i know and concede that they must because i see boxes of them on supermarket shelves, but can’t imagine it somehow. No one under fifty anyway. I remember reading somewhere that cornflakes were invented by accident — initially they were meant to be some sort of ghastly additive to paint, creating a sort of Artex heresy on proletarian walls in lieu of insulation. Interesting social observation though, how striking it is that so many failed industrial experiments end up being sold down the line as overly bland breakfast cereals.

IF THERE IS HOPE IT LIES WITH THE PROLES & THE CORNFLAKE EATERS ✊

[2612-1802]

Avalanche (Secrets (2.5))

Secrets | Snowball

Driving aimlessly, ChangMin ended up near your favourite food tent.

" Oh ChangMin-ah, here to pack supper for your girlfriend? " the food tent owner called out.

ChangMin smiled bitterly, as he got off the car. " I guess that's why I'm here. "

" Be right with you, I have just 1 more order. Here, have some fishcake while you wait. Service! " Joong, the food tent owner beamed at the troubled man. 

Joong brought over ChangMin's favourite orders, happy to finally see him. But as he approached the table, he saw this gloomy look on ChangMin's face and decided to sit down with the young man, signalling to his wife that he'll be away from the stove for awhile. 

" ChangMin-ah, my daughter showed me the articles the other day, when you and Y/N got caught dating in the café. How are you guys doing now? " Joong asked, pouring ChangMin a cup of homemade barley tea.

" Not good, hyung. " ChangMin grunted, as he one-shot the cup.

" Explains why you guys haven't been coming often. " Joong nodded.   " But you two are good? You know I've seen all her ex-boyfriends right? She always bring them to our food tent, and I have a good eye on people. Out of all her boyfriends, you are the one that brought out the best version of her I've seen so far.  I haven't seen her this comfortable with herself for years. "

" I don't know about that. I only know how bad she is to me today. " ChangMin snarled as he chowed down another plate of tteokbokki.

" You petty boy. " The old man laughed at ChangMin's sarcasm.

" Couple fights are inevitable. " Joong's wife, pitched in.  " Fight all you want, but always remember to bring food back. " Joong's wife smiled warmly as she placed the takeaway orders on the table.

" This meal is on us, take your time and drive home safely, boy. "  Patting ChangMin on the back, Joong stood up to get back to work.

After his unplanned meal, ChangMin drove off, thinking about what they said.  " Could it be just a misunderstanding? " ChangMin thought to himeself.

Afterall, you and YunHo had always be close ever since he introduced you two.

As he stopped at a red light, ChangMin rummaged through his glove box for his phone, intending to text you that he's bring food home.

" Great, dead battery. Stupid phone. What excellent timing. " ChangMin rolled his eyes to the moon and back as he drove on home.

Half-surprised to see you not at home, ChangMin dropped the food on the kitchen island before heading to the bedroom to charge his phone.

" She better be out buying groceries to cook an apology meal." ChangMin whispered to himself, as he let out a giggle, having a flashback of how short you are to never be able to reach the cornflakes at the cereal aisle. 

A kill buzz brought him back to earth, as the phone turned back on.  ChangMin was about to text you till he saw this notification on his phone.

Blinded with jealous rage, ChangMin texted this junior idol who was always hitting on him, ChaeRin. "Hey, you busy? Wanna hangout?"

Instantly, he had a reply " Yes of course sunbaenim!"

" I'll come pick you up in an hour " ChangMin sent back, receiving a heart emoji. 

" I'll make you regret this. " ChangMin uttered. Opening the closet doors harshly, he started pulling clothes out to pack.

author's note: sorry for the long wait! I'll be updating part 3 soon! Was not very satisfied with the ending.. So i'mma revise it some more before posting! ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ

[bowlzone]

Today's cereal is Sainsbury's new Christmas offering, Elf Munch Mix.

Initial impressions: Sainsbury's have been known in the past to make some pretty creative Christmas cereals, in particular their 2020 Mince Pie Wheats, which while not particularly good were extremely innovative. Elf Munch Mix is similarly promising, in that though it doesn't look very good, I can't help but respect it. This cereal appears like an enthusiastic child took a multi-pack of small cereal boxes and mixed it into one big, cursed, bowl. Elf Munch Mix is made up of 'strawberry flavored elf hoops, choco pops, mini cornflakes and festive stars', with elf hoops coming out on top for the best name. I'm excited to try this hodgepodge concoction, but am bracing myself for disappointment.

Post bowl thoughts: Last year I collected several different Christmas snacks into one Tupperware for a friend of mine. Most of these snacks were savory, but there was also a thick chunk of homemade peppermint bark. In their short confinement, the peppermint leeched out and tainted every other snack in that Tupperware, destroying them all from within. Peppermint bark-gate was my instant first thought when trying Elf Munch Mix, because the exact same thing has happened. The strawberry has overpowered all previous tastes, making it so that even the individual components when tried alone have the same artificial strawberry flavor. The mini cornflakes hold a slight savoriness within them still, but the inoffensive fake strawberry dominates the palette. Thankfully this is a cereal for the texture enthusiasts and the mix of different pieces in a single spoon gives a chew that truly offers everything. The contrast between the choco pops and mini cornflaks in particular is exceptional, with the latter being thicker and crunchier than a standard cornflake and offering a nice chomp that contrasts with the rest of the cereal nicely. The festive stars are the only element in this mix that are truly forgettable. Honestly, I wish they had taken the opportunity to add in one more flavor. If the stars were for example cinnamon, it would have been a full 10/10 glowing review. As it stands, I think this cereal is kind if heinous, but also fantastic. The mad scientists at the Sainsbury's own brand Christmas cereal factory innovate yet again, without ever stopping to ask first if they should.

[dballzposting]

I’ve mentioned this before but it was a while ago so I’m gonna say it again

I think that one time when Trunks was 13 or so, the family friend Yamucha came over to visit & he stayed a few days at Capsule Corp.

And Trunks knows Yamucha as well as one would know an uncle who has no kids: like, “I have no cousins at your house, so I’ve never really been there, but I know you well enough, and you’re pretty cool I guess,” yknow? Yamucha sends Trunks a birthday card in the mail every year so there’s that. 

But he’s never had the privilege of seeing Yamucha in the morning. He’s only seen him well-dressed at a Z Team get-together.

So it’s like, Trunks wakes up and goes to one of the various Capsule Corp domestic kitchens and there he finds Yamucha who has also just gotten out of bed. Standing there in nothing but boxers. Rummaging through the cupboards.

“Hey kiddo. How’d you sleep?” Trunks doesn’t have time to answer before Yamcuha says “Where do you keep the cornflakes?”

Trunks doesn’t know if they have cornflakes. He doesn’t eat cornflakes.

Yamucha finds the cornflakes and pours himself a heaping bowl. He sits down WITH the milk and box handy. 

The thing is .... well it’s like this. Trunks has never seen a middle-aged man before. His father is a Saiyan who does not age in the conventional human way. Vegeta is still taut and virile and shiny like an action figure. And the other predominant man in Trunks’s life, his grandfather, is OLD. He’s a old old old man. Soft and shitty and pale.

He’s never borne witness to a stocky hairy middle-aged man before. Yamucha is still rippling with muscle but overcast his lean is a layer of middle-aged fat and skin, he has a beer gut coming on, his stomach looks like the unkept undergrowth of a forest, hair is starting to sprout softly atop the meat of his shoulders. He’s got this .. MIDDLE-AGED MAN look. I mean he looks GOOD still don’t get me wrong like if you saw him walking down the street you’d be like “Now THAT middle-aged man takes care of himself” like you can still tell that he’s in really good physical shape. But as well as being a martial artist he’s also kind of living the bachelor’s lifestyle, and more pertinently, he’s not the impossibly muscular Saiyan that Trunks is used to looking at.

Trunks has never seen a middle-aged man before.

Trunks sits down to have breakfast with him to be polite, although usually he does wait until the cooks present breakfast to the whole family. But he’ll have a morning snack with Yamucha, okay, sure. 

And they have conversation and Yamucha is very amiable and pleasant. He definitely comes across as very approachable and trustworthy. He’s a nice man. But Trunks really doesn’t know what to do with the unfettered view of Yamucha’s hairy scarred-up man chest. And Trunks suddenly feels so tiny at this table. 

The spoon looks so tiny in Yamucha’s garage of a fist as he puts away 4 bowls of cornflakes in a row, never breaking conversation. Trunks isn’t really saying much but is instead sneaking covert glances at his own hands, flexing them subtly, wondering if they’ll ever be as masculine and monstrous as Yamucha’s.

Trunks knows that he eats much more than any typical human, and one manner of comparison that had struck him and has stuck with him is the detail that apparently, for most humans, one bowl of cereal is enough for breakfast. That just floors him; how can humans eat so little? And so he never forgot that fact. But now he’s watching Yamucha, full-blooded human, put away 4 bowls of cereal in a row like it’s nothing. Is it because he’s a middle-aged man? But isn’t it usually that growing kids eat more? Now Trunks REALLY doesn’t know what to believe in.

Trunks sort of thought that he was growing himself, that he was bigger and smarter than he used to be, but he is rendered so feckless and small next to Yamucha’s towering and hairy form. Yamcuha’s hands are so big and somewhat gnarled with use & age and hairy about the poignant knuckles that it seems like he could scoop Trunks up with one hand and hold him like a kitten. Trunks is pretty sure that if that happened that he wouldn’t do anything about it and would just sit there, passive and dazed, in the cradle of yamucha’s giant man hand. 

Trunks has never seen a middle-aged man before and he doesn’t know what to make of it