#gel wax candle ideas

[skevblogs]

Unlock the Magic of Gel Wax: A Simple Guide

Gel wax is a versatile and fascinating material that has become a favorite for both personal care and creative projects. Whether you’re looking for gel wax in bulk for candle making or styling your hair, this jelly-like substance offers endless possibilities. At Shree Krishna Enviro Venture Private Limited, we specialize in providing high-quality bulk gel wax to meet your needs. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about gel wax, from its uses to where you can find the best gel wax suppliers. Let’s dive in!

What is Gel Wax?

Gel wax is a unique material made from mineral oil and polymer resin. Its jelly-like texture makes it perfect for a variety of applications, from hair styling to candle making. Unlike traditional waxes, gel wax is clear, flexible, and easy to work with. Whether you’re searching for hair gel wax or clear gel wax for candles, this material is a game-changer.

At Shree Krishna Enviro Venture Private Limited, we understand the growing demand for gel wax in bulk. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide top-notch bulk gel wax to businesses and individuals alike.

Why Choose Gel Wax?

Gel wax is not just another product—it’s a versatile solution for many needs. Here’s why it’s so awesome:

For Candle Making

Longer Burn Time: Gel wax candles burn slower than traditional candles, making them last longer.

Clear and Decorative: The transparency of clear gel wax allows you to add creative elements like seashells, glitter, or dried flowers.

Scented Options: Scented gel wax can fill your space with delightful fragrances, creating a cozy atmosphere.

For Hair Styling

Natural Shine: The best gel wax for hair gives your locks a natural shine without making them stiff.

Flexible Hold: Whether you’re using hair wax for short hair or long hair, gel wax offers a flexible hold that lasts all day.

Eco-Friendly: Many natural gel wax products are made from sustainable materials, making them a great choice for the environment.

Types of Gel Wax

Not all gel wax is the same. Depending on your needs, you can choose from different types:

Low-Density Gel Wax: Perfect for hair gel wax because it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave residue.

Medium-Density Gel Wax: Ideal for both hair styling and simple gel wax candle making.

High-Density Gel Wax: Best for creating intricate gel wax candle ideas with detailed designs.

At Shree Krishna Enviro Venture Private Limited, we offer a wide range of bulk gel wax options to suit your specific requirements.

How to Use Gel Wax

For Hair Styling

Using hair gel wax is simple:

Take a small amount of the best hair wax products on your fingers.

Rub it between your palms to warm it up.

Apply it evenly to your hair and style as desired.

Whether you’re looking for hair wax for men or a product that works for all hair types, gel wax is a reliable choice.

For Candle Making

Creating DIY gel wax candles is a fun and rewarding activity. Here’s how to get started:

Heat gel wax beads to the gel wax melting point (around 220°F).

Let it cool slightly, then pour it into a glass container.

Add decorations like glitter, beads, or dried flowers.

Allow it to set, and you’ve got a beautiful candle!

For beginners, a gel wax candle making kit can be a great way to start.

Eco-Friendly Gel Wax

If you’re passionate about sustainability, natural gel wax is the way to go. Made from eco-friendly materials, it’s perfect for both hair styling and candle making. At Shree Krishna Enviro Venture Private Limited, we’re committed to providing wholesale gel wax that’s both high-quality and environmentally friendly.

Gel Wax vs. Other Waxes

Wondering how gel wax compares to other types? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Gel Wax vs. Paraffin Wax: Gel wax burns cleaner and longer, making it a better choice for decorative candles.

Gel Wax vs. Soy Wax: While soy wax is eco-friendly, gel wax is clearer and better for intricate designs.

For the best gel wax for candles, high-density gel wax is the top choice.

Where to Buy Gel Wax

Looking for gel wax near me? You’re in the right place! At Shree Krishna Enviro Venture Private Limited, we specialize in providing bulk gel wax to meet your needs. Whether you’re searching for gel wax suppliers in India or want to buy gel wax online, we’ve got you covered.

Our wholesale gel wax options are perfect for businesses and individuals looking to save money while getting top-quality products.

Tips for Using Gel Wax

For Hair: Start with a small amount of gel wax hair products and add more if needed.

For Candles: Use glass containers to showcase the beauty of clear gel wax.

Avoid Overheating: Always monitor the gel wax melting point to prevent bubbles or discoloration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating gel wax, which can ruin its clarity.

Using too much hair gel wax, which can make your hair look greasy.

Adding flammable decorations to candles, which can be dangerous.

Conclusion

Gel wax is a magical material that offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re using it for hair styling or creating stunning gel wax candles, it’s easy to work with and incredibly versatile. At Shree Krishna Enviro Venture Private Limited, we’re proud to be one of the leading gel wax suppliers, offering high-quality bulk gel wax at affordable prices.

Ready to explore the world of gel wax? Visit us today to buy gel wax online and discover the best gel wax candle supplies. Let your creativity shine with Shree Krishna Enviro Venture Private Limited!This blog is designed to be simple, engaging, and informative, while highlighting your brand and the benefits of gel wax in bulk. Let me know if you need any further adjustments!

[ksma2025]

Unlock the Magic of Gel Wax: A Simple Guide

What is Gel Wax?Gel wax is a cool, jelly-like material that can be used for many things. It’s made from mineral oil and polymer resin, which gives it a unique texture. You can use it to style your hair or make beautiful candles. Whether you’re looking for gel wax for hair or gel wax for candles, this stuff is super handy!

Why is Gel Wax Awesome?Gel wax has so many benefits:

For gel wax candles: They burn longer, look clear, and let you add fun decorations like seashells or glitter.

For hair styling gel wax: It gives your hair a natural shine and a flexible hold without making it stiff.

It’s also eco-friendly! Some types, like natural gel wax, are made from sustainable materials.

Types of Gel WaxThere are different kinds of gel wax for different needs:

Low-Density Gel Wax: Great for hair gel wax because it’s light and doesn’t leave much residue.

Medium-Density Gel Wax: Perfect for both hair and simple gel wax candle making.

High-Density Gel Wax: Best for making fancy candles with cool designs.

How to Use Gel Wax for HairUsing hair wax for short hair or long hair is easy:

Take a small amount of the best gel wax for hair on your fingers.

Rub it between your palms to warm it up.

Apply it evenly to your hair.

Style it however you like! Whether you want a spiky look or something sleek, gel wax has got you covered. If you’re wondering how to apply hair wax, just remember: less is more! Start with a small amount and add more if needed.

Fun Ideas for Gel Wax CandlesWant to make your own candles? Here are some fun gel wax candle ideas:

Use clear gel wax for candles to show off decorations like dried flowers or glitter.

Try layering different colors of gel wax for a rainbow effect.

Add personal touches like beads or charms to make unique gifts. You can even buy a gel wax candle-making kit to get started easily! For a special touch, try using scented gel wax to fill your room with lovely fragrances.

How to Make Gel Wax Candles at HomeMaking DIY gel wax candles is fun and simple:

Heat gel wax beads to the gel wax melting point (around 220°F).

Let it cool a bit, then pour it into a glass container.

Add decorations like seashells or glitter.

Let it set, and you’ve got a beautiful candle! Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and use a thermometer to avoid overheating. You can also experiment with gel wax candle dye to create colorful designs.

Eco-Friendly Gel WaxIf you care about the environment, look for natural gel wax. It’s made from sustainable materials and works just as well as regular gel wax. You can find it from gel wax suppliers in India or online.

Tips for Using Gel Wax

For hair wax for short hair, use a pea-sized amount. For longer hair, use a bit more.

When making candles, use glass containers to show off the clear gel wax.

Avoid overheating the wax, as it can cause bubbles or discoloration.

Always use non-flammable decorations for candles.

If you’re using gel wax for men, choose a product that offers a strong hold without stiffness.

Where to Buy Gel WaxLooking for gel wax near me? You can buy it online or from local stores. If you need a lot, check out gel wax wholesale suppliers. They offer great prices, especially if you’re making candles in bulk. You can also buy gel wax online from trusted sellers. Wondering about the gel wax price? It varies depending on the type and quantity, but buying in bulk can save you money.

Gel Wax vs. Other WaxesWondering how gel wax compares to other types?

Gel wax vs. paraffin wax: Gel wax burns cleaner and longer.

Gel wax vs. soy wax: Gel wax is clearer and better for decorative candles, while soy wax is more eco-friendly.

For the best gel wax for candles, choose high-density gel wax for intricate designs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overheat gel wax, or it might lose its clear look.

Don’t use too much hair gel wax, or your hair might look greasy.

Always use safe, non-flammable decorations in candles.

Avoid using fragrances that aren’t compatible with gel wax.

Conclusion Gel wax is a super versatile material. Whether you’re using gel wax for hair or making gel wax candles, it’s easy to work with and lets you get creative. You can find it at affordable prices from gel wax suppliers or online stores.

Ready to try it out? Visit ksma.in to explore their range of gel wax products. From best hair wax products to gel wax candle supplies, they’ve got everything you need. Let your creativity shine with gel wax!

This version includes all the new keywords while keeping the content simple and easy to understand. Let me know if you need further adjustments!

[4theitgirls]

hot girl gift & christmas list ideas

beauty

hair gloss/hair oil

lanolips

fino hair mask

cosrx serum

rhode lip tint

- RECOMMENDED SHADES:

raspberry jelly

ribbon

cinnamon roll

philosophy 3-in-1

- RECOMMENDED SCENTS:

fresh cream

raspberry sorbet

pink frosted animal cracker

blush

gisou lip oil

rhode glazing milk

foundation

gel nail polishes/nail sets

victoria’s secret lip gloss

- RECOMMENDED FLAVORS:

candy baby

sugar high

strawberry fizz

kiwi blush

juicy melon

perfume/body care set

makeup brushes

gua sha/jade roller

cute skincare from the crème shop

false lashes/lash extensions

led face mask

electric toothbrush

under eye masks

laser hair removal/wax kit

heatless curl kit

pimple patches

body lotion

- RECOMMENDED SCENTS:

warm and cozy by victoria’s secret

the righteous butter by soap and glory

heavenly dream angel by victoria’s secret

body scrub

- RECOMMENDED BRANDS:

tree hut

victoria’s secret

bath and body works

fashion & clothing

cute pj set

workout sets

fuzzy socks

mary janes

uggs/fuzzy slippers

knee-high/thigh-high socks

basic tees/tanks/sweatshirts

health

cute water bottle

walking pad

resistance bands

eye mask for sleep

foam roller

liquid iv

light therapy lamp

hot water bottle/heating pad

hand sanitizer

yoga mat

wrist/ankle weights

miscellaneous

cute coloring book

books

palm stone

noise cancelling headphones

sofia coppola archive

throw blanket

chocolate

kindle

airpod case

phone case

speaker

candles

claw clips

perfume/body mist

- RECOMMENDED SCENTS:

warm and cozy by victoria’s secret

champagne toast by bath and body works

cupcake by body fantasies

autumn drive by bath and body works

champagne apple and honey by bath and body works

[blkkizzat]

ok but can you make an otaku!gojo candle with one of these in it

omfg lmfao that would be so funny!! I need to make one just for the shits and giggles lmfao. ooh id probably have to make it with the gel wax though, i've never used that before but putting stuff in candles and it being see through sounds fun tbh.

not you giving me ideas hahaha!!! im about to make a whole shit ton of jjk candles now XD

[shellyrao]

Creative Ways to Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet: A Bride’s Guide

Your wedding bouquet is not just a collection of flowers—it’s a living memory of one of the most magical days of your life. From walking down the aisle to sharing your first dance, those delicate blooms have been a part of your journey, making them worthy of preservation. If you’re looking for meaningful ways to transform your bouquet into a cherished keepsake, this guide explores creative wedding bouquet preservation ideas that can keep your memories alive forever.

Why Preserve Your Wedding Bouquet?

Preserving your bouquet is about more than saving flowers; it’s about holding onto the emotions, joy, and love your bouquet represents. With the right techniques, you can capture the essence of your special day and turn it into a lasting treasure, whether through art, decor, or personal accessories.

1. Press and Frame Your Flowers

A classic and timeless approach, pressing flowers is one of the simplest ways to preserve your bouquet. By carefully flattening blooms in a flower press or between heavy books, you can dry and arrange them into a stunning piece of wall art. Place them in a shadow box or behind a glass frame for a beautifully preserved keepsake that adds a personal touch to your home decor.

2. Create Resin Keepsakes

Resin preservation offers endless possibilities for creating stunning keepsakes. Your bouquet can be embedded in resin to make coasters, paperweights, or decorative trays. This method preserves the vibrant colors and intricate details of the flowers, turning them into functional art pieces that double as conversation starters.

3. Wear Your Memories with Floral Jewelry

Turn your wedding bouquet into wearable memories by crafting floral jewelry. Petals can be preserved in resin and shaped into pendants, rings, or bracelets. This is a stylish and sentimental way to carry a piece of your wedding day wherever you go.

4. Freeze-Dry Your Bouquet for Longevity

Freeze-drying is a professional preservation method that retains your bouquet’s original shape and vibrant colors. This technique involves freezing the flowers and removing moisture while maintaining their structure. Once preserved, the bouquet can be displayed in a glass dome or shadow box, serving as a breathtaking centerpiece in your home.

5. Transform Flowers into Potpourri

For a fragrant and functional keepsake, consider turning your bouquet into potpourri. Dry the flowers and mix them with essential oils and spices to create a blend that reminds you of your wedding day. Potpourri can be placed in decorative bowls or sachets, adding a touch of romance to your home.

6. Commission a Custom Artwork

Turn your bouquet into a masterpiece by commissioning a custom artwork. Artists can paint or sketch your bouquet, immortalizing its beauty on canvas or paper. Alternatively, you can use dried flowers to create a mixed-media art piece, combining the natural beauty of the blooms with your creative vision.

7. Craft Flower-Filled Candles

Preserving your flowers in candles is both creative and practical. Dried petals can be embedded in clear gel candles or layered around traditional wax candles for a decorative touch. Each time you light the candle, it can remind you of your special day.

8. Preserve Petals in a Glass Ornament

Capture the elegance of your bouquet by preserving petals in a glass ornament. These ornaments make perfect keepsakes for the holidays, allowing you to celebrate your love story year after year. Customize the ornament with ribbons or engraving to add a personal touch.

9. Create a Dried Floral Wreath

Repurpose your bouquet into a dried floral wreath. Carefully dry the flowers and arrange them into a circular frame, incorporating additional elements like ribbons or greenery for a rustic, romantic design. A floral wreath can adorn your walls or doors, keeping your wedding memories on display.

10. Incorporate Flowers into Soap

For a practical yet beautiful keepsake, incorporate your dried flowers into handmade soap. Clear or opaque soap bases allow the petals to shine through, creating unique designs that evoke the romance of your wedding day. These soaps can be used as personal mementos or thoughtful gifts for loved ones.

Tips for Successful Preservation

Start Early: Begin the preservation process as soon as possible after the wedding to ensure the flowers are fresh and vibrant.

Choose the Right Method: Consider your personal style and how you want to use the keepsake when selecting a preservation technique.

Seek Professional Help: For complex methods like freeze-drying or resin art, professional services can deliver better results.

Experiment with DIY: Many preservation methods, such as pressing flowers or making potpourri, can be done at home with simple tools.

Conclusion

Your wedding bouquet symbolizes love, beauty, and the unforgettable memories of your big day. By exploring these creative wedding bouquet preservation ideas, you can turn your flowers into lasting treasures that tell the story of your celebration. Whether you frame pressed blooms, create resin keepsakes, or transform petals into jewelry, each method offers a unique way to preserve the joy and romance of your wedding day. Whatever you choose, preserving your bouquet ensures that the magic of your special day lives on for years to come.

[kimiricamarketing]

"Thoughtful Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: A Guide to 8 Special Presents for Your Loved One"

Show your love and care this Valentine's Day with a thoughtful and special gift. Our Valentine's Day Gift Guide makes it easy to find the perfect present for your significant other. At Kimirica, we offer a range of exclusive and meaningful gifts, all thoughtfully curated with gentle, vegan, and paraben-free formulations suitable for all skin types. Explore our elegant, creative, and fragrant selection of Valentine's Day gifts and make this day truly unforgettable for your beloved.

Love Story Experience Set

Bring romance to life with the Love Story Collection, featuring opulent bath essentials infused with the irresistible fragrance of Night Blooming Jasmine and Gardenia. Indulge in the bestseller, the Love Story Experience Set, and immerse yourself in the luxurious atmosphere of your own love story.

2. French Note Indulgence Set

Does your significant other love the show 'Emily in Paris'? Treat them to a French escape with the French Note Indulgence Set. The set, complete with a shower gel, body lotion, bath salt, handcrafted bathing bar, and a French Lavender Potli with buds, is infused with the authentic fragrance of French Lavender, transporting them to the peaceful lavender fields of Provence, France. Inspired by the French art of living, this indulgent set makes the perfect Valentine's Day gift for both her and him and is sure to leave them feeling calm and relaxed.

3. The Gulistan Indulgence Set

Transform your significant other's bath time into a royal spa experience with this gift set. Infused with the opulent scents of rose absolute and iris, the Gulistan Collection elevates your routine to a new level of luxury. Named after the Persian word for "flower land," this collection pays homage to the "Queen of Flowers" and is the ultimate present for your Valentine's Day King or Queen.

4. Cream Bath Indulgence Set

Is your loved one a fan of a creamy and rejuvenating bath time? Treat them to a luxurious spa-like experience this Valentine's Day with a set of 5 indulgent Creme Baths. Blending together five invigorating fragrances - Tropical Forest, Fresh Bamboo, Fruit Secret, Periwinkle, and Sugar Coconut - each bath provides a unique and skin-loving experience to help them relax and refresh.

5. Nothing But Love Potli Gift Set

Show your love and thoughtfulness with this bestselling duo from Kimirica's Love Story collection. This portable set features a nourishing body wash and ultra-hydrating body lotion, both infused with the romantic fragrance of Night Blooming Jasmine and the spicy notes of Gardenia. It makes for the perfect pampering gift, adding a touch of romance to your loved one's self-care routine.

6. Advanced Brightening Set

Who doesn't desire radiant, glowing skin? If your significant other is passionate about using plant-based skincare products, this Valentine's Day gift is perfect for them. Suitable for both men and women, the advanced brightening set includes a face wash, skin radiance serum, and face cream, forming a powerful three-step regime that revitalizes and brightens skin. Infused with high-performance plant-based ingredients, these products will take your loved one's skincare routine to the next level. For even better results, consider adding Kimirica's firming and depuffing under-eye cream to the regimen.

7. The Radiant Soy Candle Set

The Radiant Soy Candle Collection is the ultimate addition to make your Valentine's Day celebration unforgettable. Elevate the romantic atmosphere with these enchanting scents! The set includes three candles, each with a unique fragrance: the rich aroma of oud, the allure of magnolia, and the tropical essence of Hawaii. Hand-poured into sleek jars, these candles are made with 100% plant-based soy wax, making them a safe and environmentally friendly addition to your home decor.

8. Bouquet Hand Lotion & Hand Wash Caddy Set

Why not take some time to spend with your loved one this Valentine's Day? With our hectic schedules, it's easy to miss out on special moments. Treat your special someone to a cozy date night and a unique gift that doubles as a decorative piece for their home. Present them with the Bouquet Hand Wash and Hand Lotion Caddy Set, a luxurious hand care duo scented with the tantalizing Frangipanis and Roses. This set, housed in a beautiful metal caddy, cleanses and nourishes hands while leaving behind a delicate fragrance. With its alluring packaging, it's a great addition to any home decor collection.

9. Build Your Own Bundle

Create a personalized gift box filled with your loved one's favorite essentials by using our Build Your Own Bundle of Luxury (BYOB) option. Choose a gift box from our selection, add in their preferred self-care essentials, include some mini surprises, and finish it off with a beautifully designed card and a personal message. This personalized bundle is sure to bring a smile to their face and serves as a sweet reminder of your love for them.

Whether you're planning a romantic date night or a cozy evening at home, a Valentine's Day gift is a must. Show your love with our beautiful and elegant gift sets. Browse through our Valentine's Store for more options and choose from our wide range of sophisticated gift options.

[whimsicalwaxcraft]

So, not all of my creations are witchy in nature. Sometimes I like to make just fun and unique candles. Here are some of my wine gel candles. I love working with gel candles because the finish comes out so cool! 

The red ones are scented Black Cherry Merlot, and the green one is Chardonnay. 

You can find these and my other creations at my Etsy: Whimsical Waxcraft

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhimsicalWaxcraft

[bodycountgame]

Who's down for a self care day with MC? Like face masks, nice long baths etc 😌

Adegoke would be delighted; his love of Fancy Bath Products is one of his secret bougie tendencies. If MC suggested it he would just start producing all this shit he’d been hiding away and they’d be like ??????. Always gets a skincare advent calendar so he has fancy serums and shit.

Arthur is very familiar with the concept of a self-care day and would agree without hesitation. He would probably be quite concerned that MC needed one, though. He’d definitely want to know what was stressing them out, might suggest a weekend away or something to help them Properly Unwind and then would surprise them with something Ridiculously Extravagant.

Atticus would be vary anti putting-stuff-on-his-face. Could definitely be talked into a nice bath, but only if MC was joining him. After a particularly stressful day a few weeks later he might sheepishly ask MC to run him another bath because “it did smell quite nice actually”.

Avery would really have to be talked into the idea; she has always kind of thought of Taking A Break as a sign of weakness and she’s always very unwilling to admit when she’s stressed. Would basically have to pick her up and put her into the bath before she’d be like “ok, well, I guess if I’m already here…”. She’d need a) a glass of wine and b) for MC to sit and talk to her the whole time.

Charlie is very unfamiliar with the concept of putting goop on his face and might be a little hesitant. Would sit cross legged on the floor while MC applied his face mask and probably crack a lot of nervous jokes about the various alien species he might resemble. If they suggest it again he just gives them a “Please, no” look.

Ellis loves little else like a long, hot bath – it helps with their joints pain so they have them pretty frequently. They put on an audiobook, light some candles and throw in a fun bath bomb (their fave is Dragons Egg from Lush).

Florrie would be in her element – she has a tonne of little pots of spa gunk. Clay masks that heat up, cucumber masks that cool down, those little gel patches that go under your eyes, etc etc. She even has the little animal ear hairbands to help keep your hair out the way. Get ready for a day of excitement.

Griffin walking into a spa for the first time would just be like :o the whole time. He would absolutely love it, want to try everything, afterwards go home to call his sisters like “Why did you guys never invite me on spa days?! It was amazing! They put my feet in a tiny jacuzzi! I had, like, three towels!”

Imogen would be really nervous to start with because she wouldn’t have done a lot of spa stuff before and she wouldn’t want to look like a total knob. Once she gets into it, she finds it really relaxing and nice and wants to make it a Regular Thing.

Nyra is very used to her mum and aunties trying to push her into waxings and spa treatments etc, so she is Very Resistant. She would perhaps suggest that MC indulges in face masks, but she’d watch a movie with them and light some candles and stuff. A compromise.

Rowan is bad at Quiet Things so she would struggle with a spa day in a big way (would definitely end up getting shushed by strangers). She would have other self-care ideas, though! A lil living room dance party to shake out their concerns and then she’d make a fave dinner or something.

Syd loves a massage, but they are very used to sports massages so ask them for one at your own risk. Would maybe try a sheet mask bc they think it looks like Hannibal Lecter and that’s funny. Gets bored pretty quickly, though, and wants to Do Something.

Vinh would find the whole concept totally alien because their idea of a self-care day does not involve face masks. Would invite MC down to their studio and show them how they unwind (it’s by Making Stuff). After they get home would realise that they had totally derrailed MC's relaxing day and run them a bath to say sorry.

[dzpenumbra]

11/13/22

In bed before 3:30?! Gonna need it. I swear to god, on those "I can't sleep until it's light out" nights, I get like... one hour of daylight after I wake up. It's just miserable. This time change really fucks nocturnal PTSD folk like myself.

I slept pretty poorly last night, I've been nodding off since like midnight, but Max's hyperthyroid meds need to be done every 12 hours and I've been doing them at the 2's(ish). So here I am, tryin to reset my sleep schedule a bit.

There's a homemade candle place in town my mom and I are hoping to go to tomorrow to see if they have any raw beeswax I could get for sealing wooden beads. Today, I sanded down a big piece of layered greenstone/quartz into a sorta soapdish so I could use it as a mortar. I scraped off some incense resin and ground it up into a fine dust, and mixed it with the wax/honey/propolis stuff. Unfortunately, that stuff is more like a petroleum jelly consistency than wax, so it was pretty hard to mix properly. I imagine heating up wax to a liquid state and mixing in powders is much easier than trying to grind it into a gel with a rock. But it worked. Another unfortunately, the wax gel stuff has its own scent, which is pretty strong, so it kinda competes with the incense smell a bit. It's not bad, but it's not ideal. So hopefully I can get my hands on some good wax to play around with.

I tried the wax gel mix on a new handcarved bead, it definitely took a darker stain and the darkest of it went into cracks in the wood, accenting the grain, which was a nice touch. But I'm not sure it's really penetrating the wood the way a legit heated wax would, I'm afraid it's kinda just sitting on the surface. I made a few more blanks too. I broke out the old box fan grindwheel thing I jury-rigged a while back. I can speed up the grinding process pretty quick with it, but... I really just wish I had a lathe. I'm doing it all backwards. If the bead itself is stationary and spinning rather than the sandpaper, then I can get much cleaner symmetry. Right now, I'm really shaping it blind and praying I get it right, and it's not really necessary. I decided to take a tip from the internet and grab an old allen key I'm not using that fits into my portable rotary tool and sawed off the L section of it, just making it a straight shaft. Unfortunately, the bit is just... too small. The bead blanks just fly right off the end of it when I try to shape with it. :( So... might be looking into some kind of lathe or something? Something quiet, maybe even manual.

While my rotary was charging for that whole trial-and-error adventure, I went to the bathtub and sanded a bunch of softer stones with pretty cool color pattern in them into what will hopefully be beads. For like... and hour and a half. And my fingers are damn sore after that. I figured with softer stone, I can probably just use my portable dremel to drill a hole through. It's just gonna be tricky using a vice on something as small as like the tip of my pinkie finger.

So yeah, today was a lot of trial and error in using found materials to try and build up a stock of kinda... filler materials? Like... not centerpieces for jewelry, but accompanying beads, accents and such. Or centerpieces for simpler pieces. Figuring out a process is exciting but it can get a bit frustrating and it can really feel... unproductive. Because I have no idea if this process is even going to stick. But that's just how it goes, you have to try things to find out if it works for you or if it's not your thing. I think the wood beads are much easier to make than I thought and I can do those pretty easily anywhere. Stone might be trickier without making a ton of noise. Unless I take the tumbler route. But I'm really not sure how that's going to go over if I have neighbors... and I still would have to drill the holes. I don't know how I can make that not loud.

I have to go up to meet with my new landlord (at least someone who works at the building) next week. I'm a bit concerned because I'm not really sure how I'm going to work around Max getting her meds. If I give her the 2PM meds... then I drive up immediately... I'm getting up to the new city around 4:30ish. I guess that's not too bad, but it's the earliest I can get there, and I'm going to have to head back later that night too. So I might as well take a load of stuff with me when I go, I guess? I'll have to brainstorm that tomorrow. The move is starting to get real. It's 1/4 exciting, 1/2 scary and 1/4 no feelings because I'm not really processing it fully. Could be worse!

I played drums again today because skating didn't work out. I didn't record, but I did jam out and it was pretty damn good today. I remember very clearly one sorta hip-hop beat that I was absolutely killing it on. It's such a cool feeling when you really get in the groove and are just locked in. I've never felt that with actual people while on drums, but I imagine it's pretty crazy. I just wanted to share that moment because it was really a highlight of my day.

My Rimworld colony is heading into their second winter and we rescued in a 4 year old boy and 7 year old girl, both orphans. It's... odd... having children around a grim survival situation, but they're doing great and the growth and learning system in the new DLC looks very interesting. I'm curious to see how things turn out. The colony is very stable right now, we even have a solar grid, batteries and a heated greenhouse so that (hopefully) food can be grown even when it's -30F out, cutting down that dreadful reliance on hunting in the winter, which can be pretty rough. We have a good stockpile of food, a reliable power supply that's not dependent on fuel, tons of hay for the yaks (plural, and Savannah, the original yak, has a mate and a child now) and the cows (I think we have 3 or 4 now). This colony has had a lot of twists and turns, it never goes how you plan. The new DLC is pretty cool I guess, it's just kinda weird when you think you're fighting a dude and then suddenly he just starts breathing fire at you and you're just like... "what the fuck are you, dude!"

Time to catch up on sleep. Fingers crossed for a sunny day tomorrow, I'd love to get the board out a few more times before the snow hits! Then out comes the snowskate!

[swampythesweetsketch]

Some Ninjago headcanons just for the OG 4 cause I wanted to.

Note: Some of these headcanons are moreso personal interpretations and you may not vibe with it. IDK, this is just some thoughts chucked out for fun.

Kai

He's an FTM trans that's gotten top surgery post-season 3 through the money he earned as a wrestler.

When he gained muscle from training, he was prided in going around the monastery without a shirt on.

He's always liked his hair long. It can be styled upwards with gel or look hella stylish in a ponytail.

His stomach is the warmest place on his body when he isn't using his element. It's common for the group to hug him or wrap their arms around his waist when it's cold out.

Anger quickly elevates his body temp. It sometimes helps, other times he burns things he touches.

He barely finished his last year of school before dropping everything to run the Smith shop.

Since he learned to use his firepower, his favorite hobby is melting candles/wax. Plays with the malleable stuff till he's done and lets it cool down.

Kai hates ice cream. He used to like it as a kid, yet now that he has fire powers the stuff melts faster than he can eat it.

He puts Llloyd in timeout on top of the kitchen counter so he can keep watch of the gremlin while he eats lunch.

Cole

When he decided to join Wu in training to become a ninja, he went all out with removing himself from society. People thought he legitimately went missing as a kid.

His hair getting longer over time is from him wanting to look more like his mom.

Cole is hella gay!

He is bad at cooking and kinda okay with baking.

Since he's the Master of Earth, he's found a cool hobby of making his own clay for sculpting.

He knits. He likes soft-knitted things.

As much as he hates his background at Marty Oppenheimer School of Performing Arts, he still does some acting (for missions).

During his ghost phase, he was oddly enraptured with rain. The sound was pleasant to him, but he still didn't like the idea of getting wet.

His favorite prank is to stomp the ground and trip up goons with raised earth.

He plays with Lloyd and gets a little evil influence with pranks.

The only thing he continued to do after leaving school was dancing (for excersice) and playing the piano. His mom liked the piano and he wants to keep playing for her.

He leads the team out of danger but sure as hell can't put them in it. He stresses too much.

Jay

Jay does love his parents! The only real reason he doesn't like seeing them is that he's convinced he'll eventually disappoint them.

They've been so supportive, but he's scared that he's being tested sometimes.

You know he's in a bad mental state when he uses pet names. "Baby" "Honey" "Sweetie" are immediate red flags if the group is in any stressful situation.

He's the second most person to cook. He may not have the expertise like Zane, but homecooked meals learned from his mom is a huge hit.

Before joining the ninja, his parents (and his bio dad) put aside money to put him in a live-in school near Ninjago City. After he left school, he pushed his funds to savings and to support his lil' sis.

Antonia is his adopted sister. It's funny since he didn't know he himself was adopted. She was adopted when Jay found her scrounging for her own food during his first year of schooling.

Yes, he knows that she and Nelson are BFFs. Yes, he is looking forward to mentoring Nelson (if Kai or Cole doesn't beat him to the punch).

His meeting with Sensei Wu happened when he got a week off from school and used his free time to complete his wings. Which failed as we all know.

Zane

Since he's spent a lot of time wandering, he's learned how to navigate without opening his eyes.

He fails every time to understand "give me a hand". He keeps disconnecting an arm to throw at/offer the others.

He got nipple piercings. Kai joked about him never doing anything really "rebellious", resulting in him taking a chance going to a 24/7 piercing/tattoo parlor.

Over time he, Pixal, Nya, and Jay built a complete casual body for him to use at home. This one has the piercings and has the back covered in engravings depicting all his teammates' elements.

Before meeting Wu, he roamed the forest and helped travelers from time to time. When a bad storm came in and pushed him out, he lost his way home and began wandering Ninjago.

During his guiding days, he met Morro who was still trying to become the destined Green Ninja. They became friends, but Morrow didn't stay long enough or even gave Zane his name before he left.

Before meeting Wu, again- His former home Jumanakai Village, where Miystake took him in as house help. Plus his resistance against the colder weather made him the perfect errand boy.

His favorite meal to make is soup. It warms him :)

After the pink Gi incident, Zane found that they really like pastel colors. They started enjoying more scenecore stuff after SOG.

After Ice Emperor, Zane avoided near to all use of his powers. It took him a while to even get the bravery to freeze a water droplet.

Carries water bottles everywhere. Not just for the team to rehydrate, but to make ice if trapped in an area too air-tight.

POWER TIME

Kai

Learned that over time he could also control the temperature of things around him. He took advantage of this power by making smoke screens of various things (steams, dust kick-up, smoke, etc).

With adding temp, he can take heat from things to gain power, but items affected by this become stone-cold or even crack from the massive cold drop.

Cole

Learned that he can semi-use other elements by mixing them with his earth. Basically adapted to a point where a thin layer of dust can hold a pocket of water for him to throw at fires/enemies.

Adding with blatant earth bending, he's learned how to subtly move the ground by moving his hands and arms in short, swift swings. He can also do this with his feet with stomping to raise earth, kicking to chuck spikes, and running his palm against walls to create rock projectiles.

Jay

His electricity has done weird things to his body. He's able to avoid food for a longer time than normal people do. Sapping energy from batteries or toys for a power boost.

He's also learned to weaponize his blood :) Literal, when injured, he can focus his powers on his blood and toss actual plasma bombs at his foes.

Zane

Like Nya, he's grown to adapt his ice power to not be entirely solid. Pushing to let the ice soften to make snow, meltdown to make fatal slush whips.

Like Kai, he can also control the tempo of his element and can freeze/melt things upon contact. But freezing anything fragile may cause it to explode at the slightest touch.

[candlenews]

Essential Candle Light Making Tips to Make one of the most Stunning Candle lights

There are numerous kinds of candle lights which are readily available. In fact if one does not intend to buy them, they have an alternative of making them in the house also. The most effective component is that the materials are very conveniently offered and also the process is very straightforward also. There is a vast variety of candles which one can make. All one needs to do is comply with some simple candle light making ideas and also steps along with a dashboard of imagination.

The very first type of candles which one can attempt their hand at are gel candle lights. It consists of specific gelled mineral oils. The look of these candles are transparent as well as they feel and look really soft. Gel candle lights are typically placed inside a container. Besides that there are container candle lights also which is a good alternative. Generally the last is poured into a container like glass or warmth which is warmth resistant. One can burn the wick of the candle when one wishes to use the candle. Whether you prefer to discover fruitful information about candle making Canada, you have to sneak a peek at candlehaven.ca website.

Column candles are a range that can be taken into any type of sort of mold. After the development of the candle, it is extracted from the container or mold. Generally the size can vary from a couple of inches with a solitary or several standing wicks. Votive candles are an additional attractive whole lot which are usually cylindrical and tiny. The size is usually 1 to 2 inches while the height is practically around 2.5 inches. The candle requires to be put inside the votive candles candle holder for retention of the wax. This is embarked on for the liquefaction on lighting the candle light.

One of one of the most common kinds of candle light variety is taper candle lights. Thinner on the body, narrow at the top and also larger along the base location are its major attributes. The size is nearly about six to eighteen inches in elevation as well as therefore they are best utilized in a candle holder. Dinner candle lights are a different name for them.

Tea light candle lights are a famously utilized candle light for design and also are small and also round in size and shape. It is filled in a metal or plastic cup. While the diameter is approximately one to inches, the height is around 1- 1.5 inches. Drifting candle lights is also a range which is made use of for enhancing a dish of water. The wax is poured into a mold and mildew which can be of any kind of form. The floating nature of these candles adds an elegant look.

Wick-less candles as the name suggests lacks a wick. It is generally placed on top of a former, while the scent is emitted out of the very same without a flame. It is generally poured into a heat resistant container.

These different kinds of candle lights can easily be made when one complies with the below pointed out candle light making tips. Some of them consist of the following:

The size and dimension of the wick is a function of the kind of candle light which one plans to make. Surprisingly it has actually been discovered that the candle light normally has a tendency to melt much faster with a larger wick. On the other hand the dimension of the wick ought to be in proportion to the dimension of the candle. In case of positioning of the wick, one would certainly require to deal with an approximate size initially. This remains in conformity to the prepared size of the size. Guarantee that you utilize wicks which possibly have larger diameters and may not melt easily. Beeswax and paraffin wax are good examples. If you desire to have a straight candle light in the main point of the candle light, it is suggested that one can link the end onto a stick which can be positioned over the mold and mildew or container. In the event of using wax color or color for the candle lights, one must avoid the shades which are used for soap or cosmetics. It leads to clogging of the wick. Use of focused solid or fluid colors is an excellent option. In the event of tinting melted wax, one should establish that the candle light wax is primarily opaque.

The candle light has become an icon of event, for producing moods as well as for adding fragrance to the house. Take into consideration giving a candle light to somebody who takes pleasure in taking bubble bathrooms. Include a perfumed candle light to the experience, and the person can take pleasure in a relaxing bathroom with light fragrance to relieve the mind and body. Or offer your favored couple a charming soy candle light to include an enchanting atmosphere to an evening in your home. The soft light from a candle light in a little location develops a feeling of affection for those basking in its radiance. Include a soy candle light to a gift basket to supply an also better shock for your close friends. Include it with bath salts, massage therapy oils, body scrubs, or a soft songs CD for the best enchanting or indulging gift.

Soy wax candle lights allow you to offer the very same present of fragrance as paraffin candle lights, yet soy wax tends to generate much less soot, and unlike paraffin, soy wax is not a byproduct of oil. At the same time you are supporting the atmosphere by choosing renewable, biodegradable, all-natural soy wax. Candle lights made from soybeans grown in the Canada also sustain farmers throughout the nation.

These are some of the most essential candle light making ideas which one need to keep in mind. For more wonderful info on candle light production, browse through website.

[mypassionfortrash]

KICKS (part two)

Betsy Bright cracks her whip and quashes Roger’s kinky dreams before they’ve even taken flight. Inexperience and Betsy’s shortage of enthusiasm, coupled with a lack of aftercare, have excruciating consequences for him and he ends up back at Kicks seeking more advice from you.

Warnings: Strong D/s themes later on; strong themes of physical abuse. There’s a bit of fluff and angst in this one. STRICTLY 18+. Notes: Thank you so much for the lovely response on the first part – I really do appreciate it! As always, feedback is thoroughly appreciated, and if you like this, please reblog it so people can see it. If you’d like to be tagged, just send me a message – I don’t bite ☺️

Catch up: Part one

Tags: @jennyggggrrr​ @sarahgurl09​ @scorpiogemini @johnricharddeacy​​ @brianssixpence​​ @hellohellothere12 @crazylittlethingcalledobsession @internationalkpoplova @thefairyfellersmasterstroke @six-bloodyminutes 

Betsy Bright was cute.

Betsy Bright was rich.

Betsy Bright had big green eyes and wore dark crimson lipstick.

But above all, Betsy Bright didn’t have a clue. 

So much so that you were certain that what she piled into her basket on her first visit to Kicks would have excruciating consequences for her boyfriend.

That much you knew.

You were sure she did, too.

But she didn’t want your help, even though you trailed behind her, watching her like a hawk. Everything she picked up, you questioned, as the knot inside your stomach tightened like badly-rigged Shibari.

“Have you tried wax play before?” you asked as she bundled a pack of candles into her cart. They were skin-safe, but could still cause a shocking amount of pain if you didn’t know how to use them properly.

Betsy shrugged. “Can’t be that hard, can it? Tie him up, drip some wax on him. He’ll love it.”

It was that hard. It took you years to master that art and even then you still managed to burn yourself if things got too heated during a scene.

Then she moved to the hoods. 

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to pair the candles with one these if he’s – you’re – not used to it,” you cautioned.

“It’s just as well the customer is always right, then, because I think it’s a fantastic idea,” she said, flashing you a steely glare. She reached out her elegant red-nailed fingers and brushed over the myriad of options. Spandex. Latex. Leather. Lace. Rubber. Eye holes. Nose holes. Mouth holes. No holes. Some came with gags, bits and blinkers, and others came with phallic objects attached to the mouth. Some even locked. “It’s your fault he wants to try all of this.” Her hand settled on a red latex gimp mask with nothing but two nose holes and a lock around the neck. “I think this is perfect,” she said. “Don’t you think.”

Your eyes widened as you nodded. Then you retreated behind the cash desk, hoping that the distance would lower your apprehension. But when she sauntered over to the impact play section, your heart sank. 

Betsy bright didn’t go for a cute little riding crop or even a small, soft paddle. She bypassed canes and cat o’ nine tails in many different guises. Instead, she settled on a whip. 

You knew she wasn’t going to be talked out of her purchases, as harmful as they would be to Roger. But you could at least try your best to mitigate any pain or discomfort for him. After all, you kind of liked him – and you had a duty.

You did a patrol of the shop, picking up items that might help save Roger from bleeding or dropping too hard, too fast. As Betsy came over to the cash desk and dumped her basket, she spied them. Alcohol swabs, some lotion and a bottle of bubble bath.

She screwed up her beautiful features and succeeded in turning herself into a monster. “You’re not going to fucking sell me these on top of everything else? Don’t you think I’m spending enough in this shithole?”

“No,” you began, clinging to what little patience you had left. “I’m going to give you these for free. Aftercare’s really important and–”

“He’s a grown man. He can handle it.”

“I’m just going to put these in your bag. Whether or not Roger wants to use them is up to him,” you said.

Betsy threw her money down on the counter and reached out to grab her bag. But you held on to it. She wore an expression that could sour milk in seconds flat.

“It’s up to him. Not you,” you repeated. “Do you understand.”

“Right, I get it. Now let me get out of here.”

———————————————————————————

Roger’s back stung. His thighs burned. And his cock? It was flat as a pancake. Much to Betsy’s dismay as she moved to straddle her boyfriend to get herself off.

“I thought you enjoyed this?” she remarked, examining Roger’s limp member and ripping back the latex hood to expose his mouth.

He had to bite back tears when he spoke, unable to move away from her. He thanked his lucky stars for the hood. “I told you to ease up.”

“Oh, bollocks! What’s the point in doing this if I’m just going to fucking tickle you?” she scolded. “I’m going home, Roger. Fuck this. This is weird.”

“Can you… can you at least untie me?”

“No, I think I’ll leave you there to fester in your own filth.”

As soon as Betsy’s footsteps disappeared out of earshot, Roger gave up fighting. He let the tears flow as freely as they could until he passed out from pain and exhaustion.

————————————————————————— 

Even recounting the story, Roger was on the verge of breaking down, hunched over the cash desk and staring down into his coffee cup.

“And she didn’t even untie you?” you asked, stroking his shoulder.

He flinched under your touch like a wounded animal and shook his head.

“How’s your back?”

“Fucking agony. I can’t even walk properly.”

“When you got up, was there any blood or pus on the sheets?”

He shook his head.

“Can I take a look?”

He nodded.

“Alright, I’m going to close the shop so that we won’t be disturbed. You head through into the backroom and get your top off for me. I’ll be through in a minute.”

You worked quickly, turning the ‘open’ sign to ‘closed,’ locking the door and grabbing some soothing lotion from the shelves. You wandered back through to find Roger shirtless and slouched over the countertop with his head nestled between his arms. But if that sight wasn’t sorry enough, the sight of his back was.

Deep, crimson stripes had been bored into Roger’s pale skin in places that no dominant worth their stripes would even dream of. You had to work quickly. “Betsy sure knows how to crack a whip, hm?” you said, trailing your fingers over Roger’s black and blue spine. “You’re lucky this hasn’t come up in welts just yet. Because you don’t want that.”

“I didn’t want this full stop,” Roger remarked as you continued to examine him. “Ah! Fuck – not there!”

Your fingers brushed over the spot where his kidneys were. “Here?” you asked.

“Yeah. Hurts.”

“Hold on, I think I’ve got some lidocaine gel here somewhere.”

“Who the hell just has lidocaine sitting around?”

“People who do this on a regular basis.” You rifled around in the first aid box – specially adapted for the specific needs of the business – and pulled out the tube, along with some rubber gloves and sachets of alcohol swabs. “Now hold still. I’m gonna disinfect these first.”

“Oh! Oh, you bitch!” Roger cursed, sinking his teeth into his knuckles. “Oh, you fucking bitch. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Oh, you heathen. Betsy’s got nothing on you. You’re cruel, cruel, I tell you! Oh…” He paused, feeling the cool, numbing sensation of the lidocaine on his wounds. “Oh god.”

“Like that?” you asked.

“That’s nice.”

Roger’s muscles relaxed as you swapped the swabs and lidocaine for lotion, working it into his skin. He breathed a deep sigh of relief as the burning on his skin subsided and his eyes fluttered closed; allowing himself to be transported to a universe of sheer bliss that he truly deserved.

“Now we’re loosening you up,” you hummed. “How are you feeling.”

“A lot better,” he said. “Thank you.”

“That’s alright. Never ever let someone strike you near your spine, lungs or kidneys. Especially not with a whip. They do a lot of damage.”

“Tried to tell her to stop,” he mumbled. 

“I know,” you said, attempting to soothe him.

“Don’t think I’ll be trying anything like that again in a hurry.”

“Don’t give up. It’s a bit like dating, really. You know, us mere mortals have to kiss a lot of frogs before we find someone we’re comfortable with,” you explained, kneading at Roger’s tired shoulders. “Kink’s like that too.”

“How so?”

“Well, it’s a minefield. Especially for younger women. Not saying that men have it any better, but younger, more submissive, women tend to go a bit too hard, a bit too fast. And there are lots of people out there who think being dominant is all about control and inflicting as much pain as they can on someone who can’t fight back.”

“I’m terrified of doing that to someone.”

“You’d be a great dom then… I think.” You felt a chuckle vibrate through Roger’s ribcage.

“You think?”

“Yeah. Trust me, I can tell. I’ve had more bad doms than tongue could tell, so I know a – potentially – good one when I see one.”

“I’ll stick to taking it.”

“It’s always the submissive that controls a scene.”

“Right,” Roger scoffed.

“No. Really. A good dom talks to you beforehand, listens to your limits and gets creative with what they can do to make you feel… something. And if it’s too much, they listen to their sub and know when to drop it right back. Or stop altogether.”

“Doesn’t sound like Betsy at all,” he said. “So which one are you?”

“A bit of both.”

“Does it go hand-in-hand with who you’re with?” he asked. “Is it important to your relationships?”

“Not really. It’s just acting… playing. And I like to keep it separate from sex – or love – if I can. The two don’t have to be interlinked, I don’t think. It’s just adults… playing.”

“Why?”

“What?”

“Why do you keep it separate?”

“Have you ever had sex with someone you didn’t love, just for the sake of having fun?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, there you go.”

“There’s more to it than that,” Roger said flatly.

You didn’t respond. You just kept massaging Roger’s back with slightly more pressure.

“I know there is,” he pressed. “You’ve gone quiet.”

“Look, sex is a really special thing to me. There has to be a certain amount of feelings there before I could ever let someone near me again,” you snapped.

Roger turned to you, looking sullen. “Again? What happened to you?”

“Like I said, there are a lot of bad, controlling people out there,” you said, grabbing Roger’s shirt and throwing it to him. “And besides, have you thought about what you’re going to do with Betsy?”

“What’s that song?” Roger asked, buttoning his shirt. “Paul Simon…”

“Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover?”

“That’s the one,” he said following you out on to the shop floor. “It’s gonna be in my head all day now. Might give me some inspiration.”

“Seriously, Roger,” you began, “Please have a think about it. I know I barely know you, but I don’t want her hurting you. And I don’t want her to put you off exploring what you’re into… beyond shagging everything that moves.”

“I’ll think of something,” he said. 

Without thinking, he held out his arms and threw them around you in a bone-crushing embrace. He smelled divine. Like smoke and amber and snowy pine forests on a winter’s day. And, rocking from foot to foot together, you couldn’t resist drinking in that intoxicating scent as your bodies melted together.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

“Just doing my job.”

“I don’t think you get paid to give back massages.”

“I get paid to give good advice though.”

The rocking suddenly stopped when something caught Roger’s eye over your shoulder in the corner of the shop. “What’s that?” he asked, still hugging you.

“What’s what?” you asked, lifting your face from the crook of his neck.

Roger let go and bolted over to the distraction.

You let out a nervous laugh when you realised what had ripped Roger’s attention away from you. “Oh yeah. That, dear Roger, is a fucking machine.”

Roger’s jaw nearly hit the floor at the sight of the lewd and unsightly contraption. “Well, that’s just genius! How does it work?”

You rolled your eyes and picked it up, then you plonked it on the cash desk. “Basically,” you began, pointing to the plate at the end of the long metal rod, “you get a big fat rubber cock, and attach it to this with a suction cup or something. Then, you lie back, or get on all fours, whichever position tickles your fancy, hit the remote control and get the life pounded out of you.”

“Christ, that’s brilliant!”

“No man required,” you said, folding your arms.

Roger grinned and stuck his hands in his back pockets. “I absolutely love female empowerment, don’t you?”

>>NEXT>>

[jon123sblog]

Candle Making Business Profitable

While you will probably get going with a straightforward form and some paraffin wax, you should begin pondering the kinds of candles you will at last stock in your stock. For the light making business visionary, the prospects are unending as most enormous online providers stock all things everywhere. Will you focus on just a couple of types – or offer a wide assortment of shapes, materials, and fragrances? Will you make claim to fame candles, for example, hand-plunged, hand moved, sand candles and gel? Will you convey a portion of the more extraordinary materials, for example, honey bees wax and soy? What number of various aromas will you offer? There is a ton of decision candle making business profitable.

 Scented Candles can transform any climate into an unwinding and mystical spot that inspires the faculties. Candles have become a staple component in home adornment, unwinding, contemplation, treatment, blessing giving, and then some. They are additionally used to make a more sentimental air, improve certain mind-sets, be an energy outlet, and represent purging and edification.

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  A locally situated candle making business is most appropriate for the business person looking for extra pay on low maintenance premise with a drawn out objective of building up a full-time and profitable business concern. Selling the candles can be as simple as leasing a table at a neighborhood create show, putting the candles in retail stores on credit premise, or in any event, setting up discount accounts with public forte retailers. Besides, adding scent, shading and making imaginative subtleties on the candles will expand buyer interest for the item and result in more benefit for you.

visit our sitehttps://hd-ukpost.com/candle-making-business-profitable-idea-and-best-tips/

[gigi-sinclair]

Like and Subscribe (rated T)

This is entirely for @draculas-gay-daughter, because of this.

Also, the research for this has awakened in me an actual desire to learn to make candles, so thanks for that new quarantine hobby!

It's like, what do they call it, ASMR.

That's what Edward tells himself. Some people find it relaxing to watch strangers pop plastic wrap or flick dry paint brushes or whatever. He happens to find it relaxing to watch Tom Jopson talk about the intricacies of making candles.

He doesn't know how he first landed on “Brighten Your Day With Candles.” Some winding path of Youtube “recommended videos” he wouldn't be able to retrace if he tried, but the moment he found it, Edward was entranced. He watched every one of Tom's ten-to-twenty minute long videos immediately.

Nine months and thirty-four new videos later—Tom took off the weeks of Christmas and New Year's, leaving Edward bereft over the holidays—Edward understands no more about candle making than he did before. Tom, however, is endlessly fascinating.

Edward can't say exactly what it is he finds so alluring. Tom is handsome, with his flopping dark hair and his five o'clock shadow, but Edward sees handsome men all the time. He's clearly very intelligent, but Edward works with some of the biggest minds, not to mention egos, in the country.

There is something else, something which leaves Edward unable to look away. When Tom says, “Adding too much fragrance can, unfortunately, lead to curdling in soy candles” with a look of heart-wrenching empathy in his big eyes, Edward wants to gather him in his arms and give the man a good, solid hug. When he says, “I had news from viewer Jamie in Nova Scotia that they've solved their ongoing issue with wet spots!” Edward wants to kiss him in celebration. And when Tom leans forward, the V-neck of his shirt revealing a patch of dark chest hair, to confide, “Today, we're going to talk about the length of your wick,” Edward offers up a mental apology and reaches for his fly.

Edward thinks his obsession is secret, until one evening his flatmate George says, “Thanks for staying out when I had Emily over the other night.”

“It's fine.” It is in Edward's best interests not to be about when George and his girlfriend get together. There is only so much saccharine sweetness and over-the-top pet names he can handle.

“I really appreciate it. So does she. We wanted to get you a gift.” It's only then Edward notices the bag, printed with pink flowers and the words “It's a Girl!”, in George's hand. “Sorry about the bag,” he adds. “It was the only one I could find.”

Where? Is the question Edward doesn't ask. “That's not necessary, George. Really.”

“Open it!”

Edward tries not to sigh as he opens the gift bag. George's gift-giving history, while admirable in its efforts, is remarkably poor in its execution. The last thing Edward needs is another “Purrrrrfect Friend” mug with a cat’s tail as a handle, or a T-shirt with a Sasquatch on it. It's the thought that counts, he reminds himself, even if that thought is, when it comes to George, quite often incomprehensible.

This gift is just as strange. Edward stares at what appear to be squares of white wax, a roll of string, and several tiny bottles, until George, still smiling, explains, “It was Emily's idea. I told her how you're always watching that candle making channel on Youtube, and she said you're probably dying to give it a go yourself.” He looks at Edward, his expression expectant. “It's great, right?”

“Right.” Edward smiles. “It is. Great. Thanks, mate.”

The next day, Edward buys a pair of headphones.

***

One Wednesday nearly a year after Edward first found him, Tom finishes a talk about gel wax, then leans back on his stool. All of his videos are filmed in the same kitchen, with several little cactus pots on the windowsill and a gleaming sink, spotlessly clean, in the background. Edward wonders if it's Tom's own kitchen. If the rest of the room, or the house or flat, is as tidy as what he shows. If he lives with anybody. No one else is ever on the videos, although that doesn't mean Tom doesn't have a friend or a flatmate or a partner behind the camera.

“I'm really going to miss you,” Tom says, putting the gel candles aside. Edward's heart seizes. “But I won't be making any new videos for the next little while, because I'm going on a book tour!” He holds up the book, also entitled “Brighten Your Day With Candles”, he's been showing for the last few weeks. Edward ordered it the first time he saw it. He feels like he owes Tom at least that much. “I am so excited,” Tom says. He looks it, but Edward has never seen him be anything but sincere. “Unfortunately, it's just in south east England at the moment—sorry Jen in San Luis Obispo, I can't make it out to California this time, although I would love to someday—but I would really like to meet as many of you as possible. My complete schedule is below. See you soon!” He waves. Edward is about to scroll down to the comments, then hesitates.

What would he say if he met Tom in person? That he thinks Tom is the most incredible man he's ever seen? That he's watched every one of Tom's videos multiple times, and still knows nothing about making candles? That he often pictures Tom talking authoritatively about long burn times and multiple layers while Edward blows him? It's disgusting, inappropriate, probably illegal.

With a shake of his head, Edward puts the thought of meeting Tom Jopson entirely out of his mind.

***

At one time, Edward loved his career. That was before the company president died suddenly and his role was taken over by two co-presidents, promoted from within, who have a long history of conflict and have used Edward as a go-between, the miserable child of an unfriendly divorce, for months now.

It saps Edward's energy to the point that he doesn't have the will to look for another job. He just goes to work every day, suffers, and comes home to brighten his day with candles. Until one night, when George meets him at the door.

“Don't take your coat off,” he tells Edward. “We're going out.”

“I really don't feel like...”

“You will. Trust me.” Edward doesn't. They're great friends, but Edward doesn't trust him a bit. The feeling is vindicated when they arrive at the local Waterstone's, and George pushes him inside.

Tom is even more beautiful in person. His stubble looks like it's deliberate rather than the result of a long day, although Edward has always found that very charming in itself. He's wearing a smart white button-up shirt, and the smile he directs at the woman in front of him is so brilliant, Edward feels weak.

“No.” Edward turns to go.

George stops him. “Why not? It's the guy you like, isn't it?”

“It's...I don't...What am I going to say?”

“That you're a big fan? Even though you still haven't used that candle stuff Emily and I got you?” George looks at him pointedly. “Get him to sign your book.”

“I don't have it with...”

George reaches into his satchel and presses “Brighten Your Day With Candles” on him. “Get in the queue,” he says, in that imperious tone he sometimes has. “I'll wait in the café.”

Edward's stomach churns, but he follows George's direction, joining the queue behind a middle-aged woman and her teenage daughter. There are two other people ahead of them. It’s long enough for Edward to regret his entire life up to this point, not long enough to gather the wherewithal to walk away.

When Edward reaches the table, Tom's smile becomes even more brilliant. “You're Edward, right?”

Edward's carefully thought out opening words—“Good work”—disappear. “How did you...”

“Your friend George sent me a message.” Of course he fucking did. Edward is going to kill him. Is actually going to put his hands around his throat and...“He told me you'd be here.”

“Hm.” Edward has no idea what to say. His mind is entirely blank. He searches desperately, a quest which eventually arrives at, “Yes.”

“You like my videos?” Tom holds out his hand. Edward shakes it, then, face burning, realizes Tom was reaching for the book. Edward drops it onto the table. It thunks loudly.

“Yes,” Edward repeats.

“Do you have a favourite type of candle?” Tom opens the book and turns to the title page.  

“Wax ,” Edward replies, because his brain has apparently given up on this situation as entirely unsalvageable.

Tom laughs, as if that was a joke. He scrawls something in the book, then closes it and hands it back to Edward. “Thanks for watching, Edward. I really appreciate a loyal viewer like you.” He holds Edward's gaze as he says it.

Edward swallows around the lump in his throat. Edward has never done well in front of others. If he and Tom were alone, Edward might be able to come up something halfway coherent. Maybe. They're not.

“Thanks,” he says. He could swear Tom throws him a wink as he walks away.

It's that, along with the general humiliation, that leads Edward to duck out of view between Interior Design and Gardening. He opens the book to see what Tom wrote.

The words “For Edward” and a scribble that could be Tom's signature lie across the title page. Beneath that is a series of numbers. It takes Edward a moment longer than he wants to admit to realize it’s a phone number. He's not that lucky, usually. But he's also not this stupid.

His heart still hammering, Edward takes out his phone. I'm not really an idiot, Edward types, then sends the text before he can think twice. He glances at Tom, deep in conversation with a young woman in denim overalls, and goes to murder George.

Two hours later, Edward is sitting on the sofa at home when his phone trills. You don't seem like one. It's too kind. Just like he expected Tom would be. Can I buy you a coffee? Or better yet a drink?

“Who's that?” George asks, without looking up from his laptop. He doesn't need to. His entire body exudes smugness.

“Mind your own business,” Edward says. But, he adds silently, thank God you never do.

***

The rest of Tom's flat is as tidy as the kitchen he shows on his videos. It's also, amazingly, less than half an hour's drive from Edward's place. In addition to that, Tom has a day job at a shop Edward has passed hundreds of times, which he's always derogatorily classified as “candles, crystals and shit” and avoided.

“So if you hadn't been such a snob, darling,” Tom tells him, with a smile and a kiss, “we might have met a long time ago.”

Edward can't deny that. He can, however, deny that it's a good idea for him to join Tom on screen.

“Don't worry.” Tom sets up his phone on its tripod and comes back around the counter. “Just pretend it's not even there.” He kisses Edward again, on the cheek, then turns to the camera. “Welcome back, everyone! We have a very special guest today. This is my gorgeous boyfriend Edward, and we're going to help him make his very first candle!”

Tom posts the video later that evening. Not long afterwards, the comments start appearing. Normally, Edward would avoid them—he knows what Youtube commenters are like, and he never wants to see any criticism of Tom—but this time, he looks. To his surprise, there are several remarks about him. “Edward's so cute!” “OMG ur bf is the sweetest!” And, “That Edward guy really is great. I think you should have him on every episode.” The username beside that one is “PianoMan86” and the picture is the same one George uses on Instagram.

Bloody George. Fortunately, Edward thinks, looking at the slightly lumpy candle he produced with his own two hands, he has the perfect gift for him.

“Edward!” Tom calls, from his room down the hall. “Are you coming?”

Before they met, Edward assumed Tom would be the kind of guy who lights a million candles in the bedroom. In fact, he only ever lights one, but it never fails to have the perfect luminosity and fragrance for the mood.

“Yes.” Edward puts down his phone and hurries to join him. As amazing as he is on Youtube, Tom is unspeakably better offline.  

[bobasheebaby]

70 Scrubs Prompts

Yup, another prompt list. Most of these are actually light and funny, though some are a little heavier. I tried to pick ones that would work outside of a hospital setting. Again it’s super long so cutting at 15. 

1 “And who’s to say this isn’t what happens? Who can tell me that my fantasies won’t come true? Just this once ... “ — John JD Dorian

2 “Look NAME, I don’t know if it’s possible for me to put how I feel about you into words, but I guess I’ll give it a shot. I never really believed I’d find somebody that I love as much as you. I love you more than anything in the whole world. NAME, I love you more than FRIEND.” “Oh my god” “It's kind of hard for me to say, but it's true.” — John JD Dorian and Elliot Reid

3 “I grew up on the street ... No, not the hood. The Sesame Street.” — John JD Dorian

4 “As I looked at all the relationships around me ... Some that had gone on forever ... some that were reigniting ... and some that had just begun ... I realized something: It should have been me.” — John JD Dorian

5 “NAME, you can’t test love. When I met NAME, it seemed he/she was more in love with his/her best friend than with me.” “Honey, they’ve got that almond biscotti FRIEND loves, so I was wondering if I could borrow some money so I can get him/her some.” “No, you got him/her a present yesterday.” — Carla and Turk

6 “You’ve been wrong so many times that I'm not even going to say something is wrong anymore. I'm going to say that it's 'NAME'.

— Perry Cox

7 “I just took a pregnancy test, just tell me when a minute's up.” “I just put some pizza rolls on the microwave oven; the minute that bad boy rings we're good to go.” “Oh, my god, I can't stand it, 30 more seconds.” “OK baby, don't get too excited, they have to cool off for at least a minute.” — Carla and Turk

8 “So, uh, you going to lunch with your brother/sister?” “Yeah, I... well, you know, I would've invited you, but I already made the reservation for two.” “So call and change it to three.” “Ohh, I'm not gonna mess with that hostess. You know, she uses sharp tones.” — Elliot Reid and John JD Dorian

9 “Nothing in this world, that's worth having comes easy.” — Bob Kelso

10 “Yeah, I'm not that great with kids. They've got such tiny hands. It's creepy.” — Elliot Reid

11 “I love this moment so much, I want to have sex with it.” — Perry Cox

12 “Oh, my God! I'm gagging and vomiting at the same time. I'm... I'm gavomiting!” — Perry Cox

13 “So he/she has a cute butt. Everyone has a cute butt. I have a cute butt.” “You should bring it in someday.” — John JD Dorian & Carla Espinosa

14 “The problem with people who only want what they can’t have is that once they have what they want, they don’t want it anymore.” — John JD Dorian

15 “I guess when you care about someone, you’ll do whatever you can to make ’em happy.” —John JD Dorian

16 “The truth is, it is all your memories, the joyful ones and the heartbreaking ones that make up who you are as a person” — John JD Dorian

17 “‘Cause even if it breaks your heart to be ‘just friends’, if you really care about someone, you’ll take the hit.“ — John JD Dorian

18 “The easiest way to lose something is to want it too badly.” — John JD Dorian

19 “Sometimes in life when you get what you want, you end up missing what you left behind.” — John JD Dorian

20 “Sex is only good for two things. Making babies and revenge.” — Jordan Sullivan

21 “What's going on?” “I love you too dumpling, but I have to work late. I'll make it up to you this weekend.” “NAME’s on the phone with his/her mom/dad/parent, so we're taking five.” — Jordan Sullivan, Ted Buckland and Perry Cox

22 “By the way, NAME’s here but I'm not going to kiss and tell.” “Oh really? Cause I just got your text that said "bone city".” “Oh really? That came through?” — JD and Elliot

23 “You're gonna love it here, sport.” “Get out while you still can.” “Uh...” “Seriously, get out while you still can.” — Bob Kelso, Ted Buckland, and Keith Dudemeister

24 “Ted, what are you doing?” “I like to do stomach crunches after lunch.” “Ted, lunch was four hours ago.” “Yep, I wasted most of my Tuesday.” “It's Wednesday.” “Aw, man! I missed SHOW!” — John JD Dorian and Ted Buckland

25 “Well, it took a whole tube of gel, but I finally got my hair down.” “No one male or female ever cared, NAME.” — Ted Buckland and Perry Cox

26 “Thirsty, huh?” “Helps the tears taste less bitter.” “Cheers.” — John JD Dorian and Ted Buckland

27 “I have to get ready man. I want my date with NAME to be perfect. What do you think about a romantic horseback ride on the beach?” “Ooh, like you and I did for your birthday.” “Yeah but except this time with two horses.” — John JD Dorian and Turk

28 “I am wearing red. Should I not be wearing red around her?” “She's pregnant, she's not a bull.” — Elliot Reid and Turk

29 “This is why the headache didn't go away, it is actually pronounced 'analgesic', not 'ANALgesic'. The pills go into your mouth.” — Turk

30 [She/he sees NAME holding a beer] “What are you doing? [He/she threatens to open it] “You better not open that.” [He/she opens it] “Okay, you better not drink it.” [He/she takes a sip] “All right, You better not enjoy it.” [He/she expresses enjoyment, person A bitch slaps his/her beer] “Did you just bitch slap my beer?” “Are you calling me a bitch?” “Yes. Yes, I am!” — Carla and Turk

31 “Is there another guy on this planet who is that sensitive?” “Okay, let it out. I've got you. NAME has got you. Hold me tighter, a little too tight...There is a good spot.” — Turk and JD

32 person a “This plan is fool proof.” Person c “That is impossible. You two are involved.” Person c “We will see about that!” [Person a and c crash into each other as they try to walk away] — JD, Perry Cox and Turk

33 person a “I don't think we have anymore wine. NAME, can I have some of yours?” [Person C’s narration: I felt like NAME was starting to blame me for all of this.] [person b Spills his/ her wine in person c’s face) “I spilled mine too, honey. You know what you should do? Ask for some NAME’s.” [Person C Spills his/her wine on his/her crotch] “I spilled mine too.” — Carla, Turk and JD

34 “Wait NAME! I have an idea.” “You have another idea? Well I've got to tell you, I'm done with your ideas and not just for now but forever! Okay, are we clear on that?”  “It's a good one.” “I'm listening.” — JD and Turk

35 “He/she is not allowed to dream about me. It gets too freaky in there.” “Cirque de Soleil freaky. One time, he/she was skinless.” — Carla and Turk

36 “How often do you make love?” “Twice today.” “Actually it was three times. You were asleep for the last one.” “Wow, that really happened? I thought it was weird that you were in one of my sex dreams.” — Marston, Turk and Carla

37 “How was your first stress-free day?” “Horrible. And you?” “Worse. Let's make a baby. If it doesn't work this time I'll kill myself.” “Not helping with the stress.” — Carla and Turk

38 “Dude, there you are. Two things; First, the aliens are here and they're wearing track suits.” “Oh, that's Nana.” — Turk and JD

39 “Are you nude right now?” “Yeah! How'd you know?” “Your voice is always higher when you're nude.” “That's true.” “It's not weird you know that at all.” —JD, Turk and Perry Cox

40 “You know, I actually like NAME. So, don't do that thing you always do.” “If you're referring to the game "Find the Saltine", relax. I don't even play that with NAME anymore.” [Later] “Behind your ear.” [Withdrawing Saltine from behind his ear] “My friend, you have found the Saltine. Uh, but, don't tell NAME we're still playing.”— Elliot Reid, JD and Turk

41 “Dude, he/she keeps a hug schedule with his/her friends!” “Okay, NAME ... looks like someone's getting crossed off their 2 o' clock spot and getting penciled in for never! How does that feel? Does it sting?” Person B Narration: He's hurting! Hug him/her ... hug him/her now! — Turk and JD

42 “Dude, don't sweat it - It says here that the ostrich is generally a docile creature.” “Thank God!” “It also says their kick can kill a man!” — Turk and JD

43 “Just don't repeat the same mistakes you made with me. For instance, don't speed down the road pretending your brakes are out. I don't care if it got you laid once in high school. It is not funny and I still have not forgiven you for killing that pony.” — Elliot Reid

44 “NAME, I don't photograph well. On my driver's license, I look like Gary Busey.” — Elliot Reid

45 “We have a very complicated past.” “Yeah, I hurt him/her, and I'm not proud.” Person B narration: I'm a little proud. — Elliot and JD

46 “NAME and I keep it superficial.” “Love the superficial. Dynamite teeth today!” “Oh thanks buddy!” “Sparkly.” “Yeah!” — Elliot and JD

47 “Will you tell me what NAME’s fantasy was?” “Nope.” “Did it involve chains?” “No.” “Whips?” “Mm-mm.” “Candle wax?” “No.” “Role-playing?” “No.” “Lasers?” “Mm-mm.” “Hamsters?” “Negative.” “Was he/she a Mexican apple thief?” “If only ...” — JD and Elliot

48 “Why don't you just move into my place?” “Oh, great, then we'll be two losers under one roof.” — Elliot and JD

49 “NAME, what you said before ... I knew you were right. Anyway, I'm sorry I got mad. You were wrong about one thing, though - we are moving forward.” “NAME, I'm thirty years old; I'm single, I'm homeless, and I'm pretty sure I just soiled myself.”

— Elliot and JD

50 Person A “Ohhh, my God, you're right.” Person B “Don't let him/her be your puppet-master.” Person C “Hey!” Person B “Hey.” Person C “What's up?” Person B “I have a headache.” Person C “Take some aspirin.” Person B “Don't tell me what to do! You're not the boss of me!” — Carla, Elliot and Jake

51 “I've never connected with a guy/girl like this before. I mean, even though it's only been two weeks, I already feel like I know NAME better than I know myself.” “What does he/she do for a living?” “I should know that.” — Elliot and Carla

52 “Look, the reason I've been acting so weird and having my friends hang around us all the time is because I really think that we have a shot for something great, and I don't wanna go and ruin it by sleeping with you too fast. I mean, what was I supposed to do?” “Well, you...you could have just told me that.” “Yes, but you're forgetting I'm a crazy person!” — Elliot and Jake

53 “I've seen the Wiggles live in concert ... twice.” “Did they perform 'Big Red Car'?” “They opened and closed the show with it. It was awesome.” — Perry Cox and Turk

54 “What's wrong with me?” “You're an annoying, whining man-child.” “That question wasn't directed to you!” “What question?” — JD and Perry Cox

55 “I’m notifying all my old boyfriends/girlfriends today that I'm officially off the market.” “I'm sure the 'pulse' setting on your shower head will be devastated!” — Elliot Reid and Perry Cox

56 “If there is one thing I have learned, it's that you can't schedule love.” “I think your credit card statement would beg to differ.” — Bob Kelso and Perry Cox

57 “Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present, Man/Woman Not Caring.” [points to self] — Perry Cox

58 “If you're worried about people seeing your ass, do what all the other girls do and tie a sweater around your waist.” — Perry Cox

59 “Should I talk slower or get a nurse that speaks fluent moron?” — Perry Cox

60 “Do you actually listen to yourself when you speak, or do you find you drift in and out?” — Perry Cox

61 [thinking] Why don't I ever listen to me? — JD

62 “And you know what else? I quit!” “No you don't!” “Well I'm leaving early today!” “No, you're not! You're coming back to my office to do busy work!” “Fine, but I'm getting a soda first!” “Whatever.” — Ted Buckland and Bob Kelso

63 “Your dog is creepy.” “Aww...be nice to Rowdy. The guy we bought him from used to keep him in a box full of old hats.” — Elliot and JD

64 “I thought we cared about each other ...” “Oh please, if you didn't want to sleep with me, you'd have done the same thing.” “Well, I'll tell you one thing, the last thing in the world I wanna do is sleep wit'cha now!” “Do me right here.” “Okay.” “See!” — JD and Elliot

65 “Huh! I put all those fliers up, and nobody wants me to live with them!” “Oh, come on, NAME. I'm sure you'll eventually find a roommate who's a... clean, non-smoking vegetarian that rinses the shower thoroughly after each usage.” “Oh, well, if you don't, it gets mildewy.” “You know, you should move in with my friend: Anal McLooney.” — Elliot and JD

66 “You know, I've been thinking a lot about us lately.” “Me too.” “God, you drive me crazy.” “Oh, you drive me crazy!” “Sometimes I just lay awake at night, thinking about how unbelievably lucky I am to have you in my life.” “Sometimes you're so controlling it makes me want to strangle you..” — Paul and Elliot

67 “Tonight, I am going to make all of your fantasies come true.” “You know, NAME, I would be happy just to have sex above the covers once.” “Yeah ... never gonna happen.” — Elliot and Paul

68 “You know, it's funny... when I said "I love you," it was an accident - and I never really loved you at all.” “That is an absolute riot.” — Elliot and Paul

69 “Okay, here's what you do: First you say that, even though our relationship is ending, you don't have any regrets.” “Oh, my God! Are you actually telling me how to break up with you?” “You're right. Go ahead.” “If you could just start me off, that'd be super.” — Paul and Elliot

70 Person A “You never explained that U2 thing, did you!” Person B “You know, I've been thinking about it, and maybe it's not such a bad thing that that happened! Right? I mean, things have been going really well between us, and maybe it was fate! I could've been looking at my Bel Biv Devoe CD and said, "I love Bel Biv Devoe" - which I do, by the way. And I'm not ashamed of it.” Person A and B “That girl is poison..." Person A “NAME, look, I just think that if you guys are meant to get to this point, it'll happen... naturally.” Person B “You're right! "I love U2!" Dammit! Why do I always have to say every little thing that comes into my head!? Ugh, I really wish you wouldn't stand so close to me after you take your hummus break. See! I didn't need to say that! I'm gonna tell him.” Person C “Love you!” Person B “Love you more!” Person A “Ugh!” Person B “You know what - brush your teeth, then judge me!” — Carla, Elliot and Paul

[willow-salix]

Here's my offering for the second FabFiveFeb with the awesome @gumnut-logic focusing on the gorgeous Gordon. I used two of the prompts. Enjoy!

Selene's eyes cut to the side away from the book that she promised John she'd read but was continuing to boggle her brain.

He was there again, hanging around near the bedroom door, haunting the hallway, stalking the sleeping quarters of the house. And it was getting annoying, she'd have to do something about it. It was hard enough to concentrate on "Unlocking the Universe" without the constant distractions of the sighing, whining, moaning apparition outside. 

The figure moved past the door again, looking in at her. She tossed the book aside and sat up. 

"Gordon! What the hell is wrong with you?" 

The sun lightened, tousled blonde head popped around the door frame. 

"Oh, Selly, are you done reading?" 

"Well I am now."

He bounded in like an enthusiastic puppy, dropping down on the end of the bed, forcing her to move her feet quickly out of the way. 

"Did you want something?" 

"No, it's all good." He glanced around, his eyes taking in the new editions to his brother's room. Since Selene had been in his life John had definitely lightened up, growing more comfortable in his own skin and spending more time with them all but, even though Selene had gone shopping with Grandma and Virgil to pick out a few things to make herself feel more at home, John's uniqueness still shined through. 

They had all wondered if Selene would take advantage of John's suggestion that she redecorate his room, but they should have known better. Selene never acted as you would expect her too, very much like all the women in their lives. They were used to strong women that never followed the crowd, Kayo, Grandma, Penelope, it stood to reason that anyone the brothers met would be just as special. 

John's posters and star charts were still on the walls, but a few new types of chart had joined them, ones that showed the phases of the moon and its meanings, the sun and the solstices and the constellations related to star signs. 

Her books were intermingled with his own, her clothes were in his wardrobe mixed in with his,  items of makeup and toiletries were scattered around his bathroom and little interesting trinkets and her divination tools had joined his collection of space rocks, awards and celestial models on his shelves. The room had been softened with the addition of softly glowing lamps, fluffy blankets, a squishy armchair that Selene liked to curl up in and a couple of house plants. 

But the most interesting item to appear was what she called her altar, a small, scarf draped table nestled in a corner near the window. It held her tools, candles, crystals and other interesting things he didn't know the use of. The room now smelled of sweet incense and warm candle wax instead of its scent of furniture polish and occasionally John's shower gel. 

He had expected the room to feel different, but he could still sense his brother's presence in there even though he was currently up in Five. Somehow they had managed to blend effortlessly, a natural evolution of the two. 

Gordon would never admit it but he had moments of intense jealousy when he saw the two of them together. Not that he begrudged his brother the happiness he had obviously found, nor that he saw Selene as anything but a much loved sister who often seemed like a female Scott, put there to worry, boss him around and force him to eat. 

No, he just wished he had the same thing. It seemed rather unfair that his brother could manage to meet someone in such a random way and find his perfect partner when, try as he might, he could never seem to get any closer to the one who held his heart in her perfectly manicured hand. 

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. It seemed that every time they got close to their moment something or someone got in the way. 

"Spit it out."

He jerked out of his musings. "What?" 

"Whatever it is that you're thinking so hard about," she reached out and smoothed her thumb down the scrunched up skin between his eyebrows. 

She was right, he had been hovering, mostly because he was trying to get up the guts to not only ask for help but put his plan into action. He guessed it was now or never. 

"Sel, I need your help with something, call it my birthday present."

Selene sat up a little straighter. "OK, obviously I'll help with anything, unless it's a prank on your brother, in which case I'll still help but I'll deny all knowledge and throw you under the bus in a heartbeat."

"Good to know," he grinned, her teasing as always, putting him at ease. "Promise you won't tell anyone about this either."

She touched her hand to her heart and drew a little cross. "Cross my heart, I won't tell a soul."

"OK, first I need to show you something, but we're gonna need transport."

                                        ***

Selene's nose was pressed against the window of the little sub, her eyes drinking in the sight of the world outside. 

"Wow…this is just…wow." She had never expected there to be so many colours illuminated by the powerful lights of Four. A moving rainbow of waving, pulsing, rippling beauty that covered the sea floor, building up into what could only be described as an underwater garden. Mounds of coral in all colours created a hilly backdrop for the shoals of colourful fish that swam lazily around them. 

"Better than space?" Gordon nudged her playfully with his elbow. 

"I will never admit it to your brother, but it might just top it. This is incredible, I mean, I've never even been scuba diving."

"You've never…" he shook his head in equal parts amazement and disappointment. "That's it, I'm teaching you to dive. It's amazing, you know John used to join me a lot, he likes to skindive," he saw the blank look on her face. "Where you dive without a suit, just with an aqualung and flippers. He helped teach me to swim you know, Scott wanted to throw me in and let me work it out for myself as Dad did to him and Virg, but John was insistent that he help."

"That's so cute."

"No it's not, it's manly and the complete opposite of cute."

"Sorry, not cute at all, you're right," but her grin said he would never change her mind, she was just humouring him. 

"We're nearly there," he said, changing the subject. "It should be around this area, I worked with Dr Forsythe at the Living Oceans foundation, who specialises in Coral Reef conservation, the results ended up being pretty positive."

"Is that where we're going now?" 

He nodded. "You should start seeing some any minute now."

It was nice and quite interesting to see the way Gordon handled his craft. It was nowhere near as big, fancy or fast as the other Thunderbirds, but he acted like it was an extension of himself. She was used to seeing Gordon as the playfully mischievous one that she often caught plotting something, or out on a mission when he was all seriousness with the odd burst of light. This was different, this was his element and he was beyond comfortable. It was nice to see him so relaxed and happy. 

The first flicker caught his eye and he paused, his finger pointing the way. Her eyes followed his directions, growing wider as she saw the result of his months of effort. 

"That… is truly amazing, boo. She'll love this."

"So you'll help me get her out here?" 

"Oh, you can count on it."

                                     ***

"I do so enjoy our little shopping trips," Penelope tucked her arm though Selene's, "you always find such interesting little shops that I would never have thought to look in."

They had wandered all over Union Square and were now making their way down to the bay, Selene having had a nice little restaurant recommended where they could have dinner. 

"I love that dress you got, you suit vintage, it will look beautiful on you. I just wish my style suited it a bit more, but we can't all be blonde and beautiful."

"Oh hush, I happen to know a certain space monitor who thinks you are the most beautiful woman in the world."

Selene smiled, catching sight of their destination. 

"And I happen to know an aquanaut who thinks the same about you," Selene pointed down to the beach where Four sat, surrounded by people. 

The shock on Penelope's face was a sight to behold, it took a lot to surprise her, but they had definitely managed it. 

"Don't keep him waiting."

"But what about dinner? What will you do, Parker isn't returning for at least four hours?" 

"John's picking me up in an hour in my car, we've got a date night. Now go," she gave Penelope a gentle push towards the railings.

Feeling uncharacteristically unsure as to what she was doing and rather ambushed, Penelope slowly descended the steps down to the beach. She had absolutely no idea what was going on, why was he even here, on his birthday of all days, when he should be celebrating with his family. 

The back hatch of Four opened to reveal a grinning Gordon. He cambered out, stretching to his full height but instead of the standard blue uniform he was dressed in smart, grey trousers and a plain white shirt with not a palm tree in sight. His usually messy hair was brushed and an attempt had clearly been made to tame the unruly mop. 

"Lady Penelope."

"Gordon, happy birthday."

"It is now, and also," he reached back into his craft and drew out a bouquet of pink roses, "happy Valentines day."

Penelope could feel an uncharacteristic blush warming her cheeks as she took the flowers. 

"Will you do me the honour of being my Valentine tonight?" 

She nodded. "I'd like that very much."

"I've got something to show you, care to take a little trip with me?" 

"How could I turn down such an offer?"

She took his offered hand and climbed aboard. 

                                     ***

Penny had been under water more times than she could count, being an experienced diver and having a car that was more than waterproof, but nothing compared to sitting beside Gordon Tracy as he piloted them deeper into the ocean. 

He'd programmed in the coordinates and left the small craft on autopilot as he produced a picnic basket from her favourite London deli, filled with all her favourites. 

She would never have believed that he had it in him to put together such a romantic gesture, he'd likely had a little help since Selene was obviously involved, but she found she didn't really mind. 

It was nice to be alone together, especially with no chance of interruption bar an emergency. No nosy Parker to wedge himself between them, no darling Bertie to demand their attention, no rescuees to reassure, no brothers to interrupt. Just them and the quiet peace of the ocean. It was rather blissful. 

Now that they had time to talk they made the most of it, chatting between bites of crusty bread, tangy cheese, succulent grapes and a very palatable white wine, catching up on their lives the past few months. 

She looked more beautiful than he had expected, dressed down in casual jeans and a cosy sweater, clothes that one wore to go shopping with a friend rather than to a society event. It was strange but most definitely not unpleasant to see her out of her comfort zone and designer clothes, to see the real woman underneath. This was the one he'd wanted to get to know, the one he was drawn to. 

Penelope found her gaze drawn over and over to the gentle curve of his lips as she watched him eat, recalling just how soft they had felt during their one, brief kiss. She hadn't planned it, she'd just been overwhelmed by everything, seeing him back on active duty after his brush with death had been emotional for her and she'd thrown aside all decorum, giving in to the urge. Now she wanted to be able to do that again, wanted to lean in, close the distance between them and lose herself in the unique presence that was Gordon Tracy. 

He blinked his big caramel eyes at her and she was done for, she inched forward as he did the same...BEEP… 

Gordon leapt back into the pilots seat as they neared a reef, growing instantly more serious as he took back control of the little craft from the autopilot now they had reached their destination, steering it expertly past clusters of coral and waving fronds of exotic underwater plants and little darting fish. 

Gordon watched her eyes drinking in the sight of the reef he'd so lovingly helped to cultivate, to save for future generations. 

"I've been working with a guy specialising in marine conservation breeding, basically breeding hardier fish with those that are endangered, trying to create new breeds that will survive the changing climate."

"Oh really? That's fascinating. Were you successful?" 

Gordon didn't speak for a second, guiding the nose of the sub around a particularly large group of pink puffy anemones. There they were, still in their shoal, lazily swimming, almost exactly where he and Selene had found them two days previously. 

"You tell me," he nodded towards the small, genetically perfect saddleback butterflyfish. 

"Oh my," Penelope stared at the fish, their bodies sparkling in the light of Four's high beams. There was only one way to describe the shine of their scales, the way they seemed to be a silvery pearl colour one moment and with a flick of their body you saw a rainbow of colours…

"Iridescent," she whispered in awe. "I have never seen anything so beautiful. And you helped create them?" 

Gordon smiled proudly, watching his babies swimming happily around the craft as they floated gently through the shoal. They were graceful, unbothered by their presence, seemingly curious as they came right up to the glass to investigate. "Yep, I got to name them too."

"You did? What are they called?" Penelope tickled her finger against the window, laughing with delight as a fish followed her movements, booping its nose on the glass. 

"Well, obviously they have their species name of Chaetodon Ephipippium but in English," he paused, slightly embarrassed now that he was here with her. He took a deep breath, remembering what Selene had instructed him, be bold, be brave, be daring."In English it's a Pretty Penny."

She blinked, unprepared for the wave of emotion his information provoked. He'd named them after her. These beautiful, unique creatures he'd created would forever be a reminder of just how special he was. 

"That's…well…it's very flattering, and they are certainly very pretty," Penelope turned her head, hoping he wouldn't see her blush. She didn't know what to say, how to react. 

Gordon's eyebrows drew down in a frown, did she not like them? Had he been wrong? Be bold, be brave…He reached out a hand and cupped her chin gently, turning her back to face him. 

"Do you not like them?" 

She covered his hand with hers, managing a shaky smile. "No, I love them."

"Then what's the problem?" 

"We can't, we can't do this, not now." She gently pulled his hand away and set it aside. 

"Why not? Give me one good reason?" he refused to let go of her hand. "Just one. Tell me you don't want me and I'll back off."

"What about finding your father? The launch of the new Zero-X?" 

"That isn't a reason not to, that's a reason to take every chance we can and act on it. We don't know what we're going to find up there, if we will even find anything at all. If this and International Rescue itself has taught us anything, it's that life is too short and too unpredictable to waste opportunities by being cautious and scared. You have to grab your happiness with both hands."

"This could change things between us, and not for the better." 

"Or it could make it more amazing. Look at John, he took a leap of faith and I've never seen him happier. I want that, Penny, I want that with you."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jewellery box, opening it to reveal a natural pearl, carved into the shape of a seashell, strung on a delicate gold chain. 

"What do you say Valentine? Will you be mine?" 

His handsome face was full of hope but also wariness, fear of rejection. Would it be so bad to risk her heart on one such as he? Gordon was a joker, he rarely ever took anything seriously, but here he was, the most sincere she'd ever seen him.

He was one of the good guys, he saved people, he didn't hurt them. He was worth taking a risk for.

"Tell me you don't want me," he whispered again, a plea for her to tell him the truth. She was powerless to resist. 

"I can't," she whispered back as she moved closer. 

His lips brushed hers in the softest of kisses, his mouth catching her little sigh of relief as his arms slid around her waist, pulling her closer. There was no one to interrupt them, no one to tell them no, no one but them. 

No matter what happened in the future, good or bad, they would always have this moment, they would have each other, and the world would have the pretty little fishes that floated outside their little sub of solitude.