#herb cookie x plum cookie

[rosejigglypuff76]

My Favorite Cookie Run Ships 🪴🍫

[theniceprincess-tnp-reboot]

Guess who remembered her rare pair and drew them as humans :D

[foxeswindandrain]

Quickly Progressing

Herb had never been one for violence. In fact, he swore to himself he'd only resort to it in a life or death situation, nothing else. He never felt the need for dominance or to prove to his opponents his strong will. So he just lived his life as a simple gardening cookie.

But then, Plum moved into town.

This cookie was... Something else.

Herb had seen Ninja and Red Pepper training all the time. He's seen them spar out in the open fields plenty of times while he was out.

But something about Plum was different.

His fighting style, his clothing, it was all different. He had a totally separate aura that just seemed to draw Herb in. He moved fast, but not fast enough that Herb couldn't study his attack in small ways before the next hit. Quick and sharp movements that made Herb wince...yet he couldn't seem to tear his eyes away.

There had been plenty of times Herb had left the comfort of his own garden in favor of peeking his head to stare at Plums torn up training dummy as it took yet another days beating. The many holes in the ground that had indicated his harsh landings made Herb question how he hadn't cracked his legs.

Herb truly admired Plums style and dedication.

Today was just another one of those days. Garden work had been finished earlier than expected and Herb had free time he didn't know what to do with. So, he sat in the grass near the stream and watched as Plum delivered various punches and kicks to a nearby tree. He watched wide eyed as the finishing blow shot out sharp splinters of wood. Plum wiped his forehead of sweat and turned to the stream, seemingly unaware of Herb as he splashed his face with water. Herb had honestly never let himself get too close. Now they were just a few feet away from each other, and he couldn't help but stare a little.

He knew all the training and working out had to give this cookie some shape. But he still wasn't prepared for the close up.

Plum had triceps, that much was obvious. It wasn't that that made Herb stare.

Plums toga had fallen open a little as he bent forward. His chest and a little of his stomach was exposed beneath the thin cloth. Herb took some of him in, feeling his face heat up a little.

Then Plum looked up. He'd caught his eye.

"Hey there, Herb Cookie right?" He spoke. Ah bake, his voice.

"Y-Yeah.Yup! That's me! Uh, Plum right?" He laughed out, his cheeks still dusted pink as he held out his hand. Good baking god he was a mess right now. Nothing had even happened yet.

Plum shook his hand, smiling warmly at him. "I've noticed you watching me here and there during training. You interested in the arts?" He asked.

Herb has turned into Beet Cookie. Come back when his hearts slowed down. He'd noticed him staring…

"Yeah, that uh... That might just be me. And I mean, sure the fighting and all seems really cool and I really admire your hard work I mean you probably get that a lot so sorry if I say it too much or if it's an overused statement—" Herb was rambling…

Plum chuckled. His laugh.

"Well, you seem interested in my craft and I need a partner. I have no idea where Master Prune went, so...You interested?"

Herb died.

"I don't know. I mean, I would love to but I don't know how to fight or so any of the things you do plus I'm just a lonely little gardner cookie and plus you're super strong— I MEAN, IT'S NOT LIKE I'VE BEEN LOOKING OR ANYTHING I'D JUST ASSUME—" He cut himself off as Plum started to laugh at Herbs rambling. Good Lord save him right now.

"Take it easy, sunflower. I'm not gonna go full force on a random cookie unless they pose an obvious threat. And no offense to you, but you're about as threatening as a yellow bear jelly." He breathed out between a couple of remaining giggles.

"Hey! I could probably beat you if I tried!" He shouted, face red in embarrassment.

"Sure you can, sunflower." He taunted

Herb pouted, shifting on his feet before launching himself forward and reaching out. He tried getting a hold on Plums arms as to attempt to at least leave him at a disadvantage.

But he was too slow. Way too slow.

It only took a second for Plum to grab Herb by the wrists, pinning him to the grass beneath them as he straddled his waist.

Plum didn't even looked surprised. "Told ya, rookie. This isn't gonna be easy." He told him, smiling at Herb with interest. "Though I've gotta admit, you're faster than I expected. And you tried. That's more than most can say."

Herb pouted, cheeks back to a bright pink as he took in his situation. A well muscled cookie straddling his waist with his wrists pinned above his head. He instantly became hyper aware of Plums position too. They were definitely a lot closer than he originally thought.

Easy there, Herb. Don't make it awkward.

He squirmed underneath Plums grip, but he held firm.

"Come ooon, don't tell me you're giving up already. Try something else."

Herb looked for an opening. His arms were pinned, so punching or pushing if any kind was out of the question. He'd seen Plum use his legs to roll out from a simple pin like this one...But he was also twice his weight and well trained, so he'd probably be expecting it.

Aw crumbs.

"Uh, yield?" He said, quietly giving up.

Plum pouted a little, but let go and stood up, offering Herb a hand. Herb took it, standing and wiping a bit of dirt from his shirt.

Herb laughed a little "Sorry, guess I'd need a little more training to best you." He said, smiling.

Plum crossed his arms, grinning at Herbs apology "Don't apologize. Besides, I'd love to have an apprentice of my own."

Was… was Plum offering to tutor Herb in martial arts?

"I don't know about that. I'm not a fighter. Plus, I've got a garden to tend to. And I don't know how your master would take that. "

"No sweat. I'm sure Master Prune wouldn't mind teaching another student. He's wise, and the best fighter I know. Plus, you seem to need it, sunflower."

This little crisp. Herb cocked an eyebrow, giving him a look of 'did you really just say that?'

Plum nodded at him, gesturing to the beaten up training dummy a little ways down the road. "So what do you say, gardener? Down to learn a few things?"

Herb rolled his eyes. He wasn't usually one for fighting… but this couldn't hurt too much.

"Sure, rock fruit." He said, smiling.

And thus, Herbs training began.

[rirituuu]

2 am cookie run dump

[beachsekai]

drew some dudes while i was away

[cg-cookierun]

your cookie run ships pls?

Cracks my knuckles under the cut 

Kiwi x Wind Archer

Wind Archer x Fire Spirit

Fire Spirit x Knight

Aloe x Cyborg

Lemon x Adventurer

Milk x Yam

Rockstar x Herb x Sparkling

Pistachio x Chili x Peach

Plum x Ninja x Red Pepper

Pitaya x Cotton Candy

Ananas x Dino

Sea Fairy x Moonlight

Alchemist x Lilac

Mousse x Rose

Night Raven x Full Moon

Gingerbrave x Strawberry

Lotus x Hydrangea

[the-melting-world]

Sweet Memories

Ok well I couldn’t stop reading this kiss prompt fic by @xviii-moon and it resulted in me obsessing over this one idea for a continuation. And then this happened.

Kipling x Ashlo

~ 890 words

Kipling carried a small aloe plant through the temple district. Along for the ride was her familiar, Taro, who chittered absently into her ear.

Kip, however, was pretty oblivious of the noise in addition to the sounds of the thriving city. Her mind was occupied with her destination – the residence of Ashlo Ilnara. Kipling hadn’t stopped thinking about the friendly magician since that day the two of them came together to bake a batch of cookies. What started as some bonding time quickly turned into a kiss – passionate and lingering, but still as sweet as ever.

Without even thinking, Kip moistened her lips at the memory of all those warm, mind-numbingly saccharine flavors that passed between her and Ashlo’s lips. And when they hugged her close, the sensation only intensified. It was no longer just about the taste; she could feel all of that warmth and sweetness in Ashlo radiating from the inside out. Needless to say, it was difficult when the gardener and the magician had to go their separate ways.

As Kipling got closer and closer to Ashlo’s residence, she started to doubt herself. She looked down at the plant and the sheet of paper folded up and tucked in between the stalks. On that paper was something she had written. A silly, blithe little poem about a spider who fell under the spell of her own web’s design.

In a matter of minutes, Kipling would be presenting the magician with these gifts, plus asking them out on a date. Was it all too much? Was she being too forward?

Ashlo’s home finally came into view. Kipling slowed down as doubt began to worm its way into her heart. Was it too much to want to hug them again? Maybe this time from behind? 

Kipling thought of what it might be like to nuzzle her face against Ashlo’s neck and gauge their reaction. What kind of sounds would they make, she wondered. If Ashlo blushed, would Kip be able to feel the heat rising in their skin? If she hugged them until their spine met her chest, would they go rigid or relax against her? If she used her lips to explore the side of their neck, would they like it? Would Ashlo even want that?

“Brrrrpt!”

She flinched at the high-pitched chirp. Taro was getting impatient.

“Okay. Okay. I’m going.” Kip huffed. She tried to pat Taro into a state of calmness as she approached the front door. Several unanswered knocks revealed that Ashlo wasn't home. Kipling’s shoulders sagged. She went back and forth on whether she should take or leave the plant. In the end, she decided to leave it, but she kept the poem, not wanting to risk having to explain to Ashlo why she had left such a silly thing for them to find.

When Kipling finally arrived at her own flat, she had managed to convince herself that this whole idea to ask Ashlo on a date was her worst one yet. But then…

“Ashlo?”

Taro leaped from Kipling’s shoulders and onto the magician’s head. Kip was so surprised to see them standing outside her front door that she didn’t have the sense to even scold Taro for being so impolite. But Ashlo didn’t seem to mind. They gave Taro scritches and a warm welcome while Kip did her best to pull herself together.

Like a moth to a lamp, Kipling was drawn to Ashlo’s crown of flowers and the blend of brown and plum tones in their garment. Finally, Taro let Ashlo off the hook and scurried off to create mischief elsewhere. But not without leaving the poor magician with rumpled curls – a beautiful mess in Kip’s opinion.

Once the two of them were alone, Ashlo cleared their throat and shot Kipling with a kind, but nervous smile. “I didn’t mean to show up so suddenly. There’s just something that’s been on my mind.”

Before Kipling could say where she had just come from and why, Ashlo blurted, “Would you like to go to the botanical gardens with me this weekend? We could, uh, have a picnic, or…?”

Kipling stared slack-jawed into their hopeful, violet eyes. Was this really happening? The two of them seeking the other to ask on a date and nearly missing each other? It didn’t seem real.

In Kip’s silence, the hope in Ashlo’s face dissolved into a painful smile. 

“Sorry. Apparently, I just needed to get that out of my system. I’ll stop blocking your door now.”

Kipling panicked. “No, wait!” She rushed forward and crashed into them like a moth against a hot bulb. Once again, Kip basked in the scents clinging about them. Lavender herbs combined with smells that echoed tea and bakeries.

“I would love that,” Kipling exhaled over all of the aromas, hoping that Ashlo could hear her. Then she gave them a bit of space and added, “On one condition.”

Perplexed but happy, Ashlo said, “Of course!”

Kipling steeled her nerves before curving round until her lips brushed up against the shell of their ear.

“You bring me some more of those oatmeal cookies.”

A wave of quivers rolled off of Ashlo’s skin when Kip spoke. Perhaps they were just ticklish or... perhaps this was simply proof of all that had been on Kip’s mind that day, had been on theirs too.

[peaches-of-1]

Day 7 | Lost in the Snow

Fem!Reader x Goddess!Chung Ha

When you stormed out of the winter lodge after a fight with your boyfriend, you were expecting him to run after you. Instead, he stayed inside to flirt with one of the waiters. Of course, when you called him out on it, he “wasn’t flirting” and just “being friendly”. However, you knew him well. You had been dating for nearly two years now, not to mention you half expected the man to propose to you on this trip.

Anger boiled up inside you and came out as hot tears that threatened to freeze on your cheeks, so you wiped them away with bare hands. Wait, why was skin brushing against skin? Where were your gloves? Panicked looking around your body to make sure you were wearing your padded coat which he had bought matching versions of for this very winter vacation. However, nothing was there. No gloves, no scarf, no vest. Nothing to protect you from the cold.

“I’d better go back to our room.” You said, sniffling and folding your arms against your chest.

As you looked towards your building, you couldn’t help but sigh and try to decide whether or not you should break up with him. He had been an affectionate guy from the start, but...shouldn’t he prioritize you instead of complete strangers especially on vacation? Your footsteps were disappearing in the snow as the wind got more and more intense, making you have to lean against it in order to make any leeway. With every step forward, you began to forget about your boyfriend and your feelings since all you could feel was the cold threatening to leave your body bitten by frost and forcing you to become part of the landscape.

You were 100% lost by the time the snow storm finally subsided.

How stupid could you be? Couldn’t you have just put on your jacket and gloves or even just your scarf before marching out into the cold? Why didn’t you just go straight to your hotel room, anyways? Your breath was white and heavy as it left your body. At some point, you had fallen to your knees. Your jeans were basically frozen now along with your nose. No amount of blowing hot breath into your cupped hands could bring any sensation to your fingertips.

A scream of frustration tore through your vocal chords emitting a sound that would put any winged harpy to shame. Your thoughts were a conflicting mess of needing to survive not only your previous heartbrokenness but also this snowy landscape that could quite easily become your grave. You needed to breathe before moving again, though.

It’d be getting dark soon, probably. You had no sense of time out here. No landmarks. Hopelessness began to blanket you as if it were snow on a naked tree.

“Why?” a voice that was not your own, asked.

You looked around, shocked to hear someone else. A woman that was barely a wisp of existence began to walk towards you. It seems as if she were gliding, but you saw no footprints.

Part of you thought you were hallucinating a Yuki-onna, the Japanese spirit who would make you hug a child or shove you into a dark snowy valley. However, the woman was not a black haired ghost with blue lips, but a blonde haired woman with red lips. Her cheeks glittered as if there were her own frozen tears permanently on there.

“Why are you here, stranger?” The pale woman asked. “You are not supposed to be in this location.”

“I got lost.” You said, sniffling your blocked nose.

She giggled, “Let me fix that for you.” a crystalline fingernail reached out and tapped the top of your nose.

A rush of air went through it and you could breathe out of it once more. Bewildered, you looked up at the woman and thanked her. She put her cloak about your shoulders and helped you into a standing position.

“I saw you get farther and farther from the place where humans usually reside after I felt your sorrow from miles away.” She kept your hand in yours. “Do not speak. Just relax for now.”

You looked at her with terror as she helped you into her sleigh. She only giggled and assured you that she was not here to take your life, but to save it. You rested your head against her side as the fur of the coat warmed your body. She said that the ride was long, and you needed your rest.

When you awoke, you began to realize you weren’t at the lodge nor at your regular bed. Where…

“Glad you’re awake.” The blonde transparent woman from before said as she entered your room with tea and treats, setting it at your bedside table.

The room was too dark to be made out of ice and yet it had an odd sense of coldness hovering in the air, as if you just opened your freezer and there was a condensed haze of fog around. However, it was easy to see through.

“Hello.” You said, sitting up. “T-thank you for saving me. I should get going.”

“No, please stay. Just for a few days.” She said, sitting by your legs underneath a transparent but heavy comforter. “You’ve surely caught a cold being out in my weather in such light clothing.”

You shook your head, trying to deny it, but that shake must’ve loosened up all the sneezes your body contained as a barrage of sternutations lept from your chest. The lady did nothing except hand you a box of tissues. You nodded your head in thanks before blowing your nose.

“Oh, I do not believe I ever introduced myself to you. I am ChungHa, the goddess of the snow mountain.” She said, bowing in a sheer and glittering robe which touched the ground, fur lining every edge.

She gave a simply breathtaking smile while promising you that it’d be ok if you stayed for a while.

However, you stuttered out, “M-my, my boyfriend. He’ll be wondering where I am.”

She furrowed her brows and touched your cheek, “The boyfriend who didn’t chase after you?” ChungHa pulled her hand back and into her lap. “I heard you talking to yourself during the storm.”

“Oh…” So she knew.

“Humans really like communicating even to the wind. I find it endearing.” She giggled. “Though you insist on destroying my mountain for mere entertainment, you have a few redeeming qualities. Especially faces like yours.”

ChungHa suddenly stood, “Oh, um. My apologies. I brought you tea and some cookies. Both have herbs which help to heal the body. Take as much time as you need. When you feel like you can, feel free to roam inside.”

With a sharp and serious face, she looked at you from the doorway, “Do not go outside without me. Understand?”

You nodded and she gave you a smile before leaving. The door was at the foot of your bed, and there didn’t seem to be any windows. Natural light seemed like it came through the walls. A lamp next to your bed was shaped like an icy chandelier and added extra illumination to the room.

Maybe he wouldn’t worry about you. If so, it served him right. He shouldn’t have ignored you in the first place.

ChungHa was a sweet goddess. A kind heart that had been frozen by years of solitude and yet it still beat strongly in her chest. Her lips were the only part of her which emitted true heat in their fiery redness. The glittering stones on her cheek were her ever flowing tears which froze on her face, so they did not appear to grow or move to mortal eyes.

She healed you up in what seemed like two days at most. The food which was served for every meal was delicious and natural, fresh and rich with every bite being as satisfying as the first. However...there was something lonely about her.

You didn’t want to go.

Part of you had thought to have fallen in love with her, but you were sure it was just because the blonde goddess had saved you from your certain death.

“It’s almost dawn, my dear Y/N. I believe it is best if I take you back to your lover.” She said, her hair now in a ponytail. “There’s no reason for you to stay since you are completely healthy thanks to my care.”

ChungHa dressed you in an iridescent cloak of your own. You had worn it outside when she let you see her garden. It was a magical place where flowers seemed even more beautiful and bright dusted in snow and encased in frost. You had particular fondness for the plum blossoms. They were so small and yet had a charming purple-magenta color that caught your eye.

The goddess and her fuzzy footmen made sure you were secured safely in the silver sleigh before taking off back towards the main area where you’d be put to walk back to your hotel room alone. She couldn’t go all the way with you and if you stayed with her for too long, you’d become trapped on the mountain with her. Magic rules and all that stuff.

The ride was mostly quiet until she spoke up, “Um, did you...were you comfortable there at my home?”

You nodded swiftly, holding the bouquet of plum blossoms she had gotten for you as a goodbye gift and turned into a flower crown to place upon your head. Part of you wanted to tell her that you wanted to stay, but you wanted to see your boyfriend. What had he been up to while you were recovering?

“Not many people know about you, huh?” You asked.

“No. I’m too minor to have my specific name known by humanity as a whole. They group me with dokkebi. I am more than a simple goblin.” She scoffed.

You smiled, “Well, I’ll write about you. Everything that you’ve told me, I’ll create a page for you. I don’t care if anyone believes me. I’ll let them know about ChungHa. The kind goddess of the snowy mountain that saves lost travellers and guests that wandered too far out. Platinum blonde hair and lips like roses. Eternal tears that sparkle like the first frost upon her cheeks. Like rhinestones. Like stars. Whose touch is like fresh mint, burning but comforting since her heart has been frozen.”

She kissed your forehead before hugging you tightly.

“Thank you, my dear. You are too kind for a spirit like me to know.” She giggled softly.

The sleigh stopped to halt.

“It is time for you to go.”

When you entered the lobby, you saw your boyfriend yelling at police officers. He looked over at you mid sentence and then did a double take, stopping in the middle of his words. He was saying how badly the mountain men were doing, that they should’ve found you already. The two of you just stared at each other.

“Y/N?” He squeaked, tears already falling from his face and choking him.

“It’s me.”

Your lover ran towards you and he gave you kisses and hugs that were deeper and tighter than any he had given you before. He promised he’d be a better boyfriend. That he’d take care of you and would give you the attention you deserved. And you believed him.

And he kept his promise, proposing to you during dinner that night. You soon went home to spread word of your engagement but also writing your article on ChungHa. There were a few details you had to fudge here and there, saying it was word of mouth instead of first hand experience.

Your friends were so happy to hear of the marriage to be, how he’d become your husband. Yet you couldn’t stop thinking about her. Your goddess. ChungHa.

Months passed, and you thought of her every day. Your article had barely picked up any traffic, but you still checked to see who looked. People asked who you talked to. Told you it could be a new thing. A new goddess to praise. In your heart of hearts, you knew what you had to do.

There was no doubt in your mind.

The wedding was tomorrow. You had decided to hold one at the lodge resort where you had been proposed to in the first place. He was in the bed next to you, your fiancé. Still, you didn’t want the ring on your finger to have come from him. On top of the letter you prepared weeks ago, you set the ring on top.

It was an apology and a warning to not look for you. Also assurance that you were ok, but you’d be happier without him as your husband, the one you’d be promised to for the rest of your life. There was someone you loved more. Someone who wouldn’t leave your head nor your heart.

ChungHa.

You threw on your cloak and walked up the mountain, ignoring the coldness of your feet as they were in boots. You were warm. Scared. But you didn’t look back. There was nothing for you at that resort. Your heart was in the mountain. Your head came across a branch of plum blossoms.

“You came back?” The unmistakably crisp and sweet voice questioned.

You looked to see her standing behind you and couldn’t help but smile.

“Of course I did, ChungHa. I love you.” The words came out before you could say the speech you had rehearsed a thousand times. “I love you and I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I don’t care if I get stuck on this mountain as long as I’m with my goddess.”

Her tears seemed to fall past her cheeks as she hugged you tightly, “I love you too, Y/N. I’m never going to let you go again.”

“And I won’t let you.”

[theniceprincess-tnp-reboot]

Bunch of Plum X Herb doodles I did in class today

One of them was inspired by a smile drabble of @pupmon1’s

[foxeswindandrain]

Beaming with Pride

Have a Part II of "Quickly Progressing"

Another hot day in July. The sun was high and the air was still. Kids ran around in bathing suits throwing water balloons and the sound of pool water splashing as various Cookies dove in to escape the heat.

Meanwhile, others worked hard. Kiwi Cookie made repairs with his motorcycle, White Chocolate worked on her fencing stance, and Plum was hard at work training Herb cookie. Just like every day for the past year and a half.

"Umph!“ Herb let out a breathless groan as he landed hard on his back, quickly rolling to the side as Plum attempted a quick kick. He shot up, planting his knee into Plums side with a harsh blow. The fruit based cookie toppled to the ground. He clutched his side as he stood, jumping back in order to dodge Herbs attempt to pin him. Plum landed hard on his feet, rushing forward and delivered a sharp kick to Herbs stomach, knocking him hard against the wall. He dashed forward, making quick moves to get a hold on Herbs wrists. Herb, winded and in pain, moved as quick as he could to dodge. He just barely managed to move out of the way as he pressed himself against Plums back. His hand made his way around his neck as he grabbed Plums other hand, pinning his arm against his back. He turned his head, making him look him in the eyes as he cocked an eyebrow and smiled. Plum struggled, trying to escape Herbs hold but failing miserably. Before long he sighed in defeat, relaxing a little more in Herbs hold.

"Baking, fine. I give up." He huffed out.

Herb twisted him around, pinning his hands above his head and kissing him gently. Plum melted into his touch.

"Finally beat you!" He giggled out in triumph, jumping up and down as he cheered for himself.

Plum laughed with him, smiling proudly as his newfound boyfriend celebrated jumping around on the dojo mat.

"You sure did, sunflower. It took time but you've come really far." He complimented as he pulled out a bottle of water from Herbs satchel.

Herb calmed down a little as he walked over and took the water. Once it was open he chugged it down to the halfway point. He sat down and leaned back on his hand. Plum sat next to him, taking the water bottle and only drinking some before screwing the cap.

"You've worked hard this past year. I'm surprised you've come as far as you have in such a short amount of time.

Herb was beaming, relaxing a little more as he leaned forward in his knees. Plum stared at the green cookie, taking in his complexion. He say there, breathless and shirtless, wearing nothing else but the loose workout pants he'd borrowed from Plum.

"Liking what you see, Plummy?" Herb teased. He wasn't surprised that Plum was staring, but it was still quite flattering.

"You shut your baking mouth, you crumb!" He yelled as he turned his head, pouting as he felt his face burn with dark red blush. Herb laughed as he stood, hugging him from behind.

He untied the bun Plum always had, reminding him of the one thing he really had against him during training; Herb was taller than Plum. And oh how he abused it.

Herb ran his fingers through Plums hair, using it to turn his head. He got just a little closer, brushing their lips together teasingly.

"Aw, come on now Plummy. Don't be like that. "

Now he knew he was being an ass. But he didn't care. The usually harsh and well composed Plum was a puddle in his grasp and he was enjoying every second of it

He couldn't respond with anything except a quiet whimper, placing a band in Herbs cheek in a soft plea. Herb pressed their lips together tenderly. The rough Plum that he was sparring with minutes ago was gone. This soft, wanting Plum who kissed with such a sweet passion was who Herb had come to know over the past year. The rough and awkward Plum he'd met that first time by the steam had melted away beneath his touch. In the tears and rough days of training.

Herb made a quick move to turn them again, pinning Plum to the nearest wall. He held his hands above his head as he kissed his lips, his jaw. He teased his neck with his teeth and let every quiet whimper and sharp breath resonate in his ears. He chuckled, licking his lips and looking his partner in his eyes. His vision was clouded with pride and lust. Plum squirmed a little more, rolling his hips in a way that drove Herb wild.

Plum tilted his head to the side a little more, silently begging for him to keep going. Herb smiled, leaning in and nipping as his ear lobe. He stayed close as he whispered quietly

"Lets get home first, sweetie. Then we can have our fun."

Today was proving to be a good day.

[white-clothed-demon-archived]

Name three people you'd kill for! (Like, would you kill to protect them)

"There's a lot, but I will pick 3 by random."

He writes a list. He gives it to you.

-----

Fruit Tart from @rainy-x-daydreams

Plum from @heartbreaker-hypnotist-enraged (Normally he'd kill a corrupted cookie, but for a special reason, Plum is one exception. Well, depending on the circumstances.)

Herb from @guardian-gaia

[santaanacookies]

Top Shelf Flower Brands at Cookies Santa Ana Dispensary

One of the main things people come into a dispensary to purchase is flowers. The flower is typically sold by the eighth and is classified as either an indica, Sativa or hybrid. Depending on how much you are willing to spend on an eighth tends to determine the quality of the flower. Eighths that are classified as ‘top-shelf’ usually fall into a category known as exotic hybrids. These strains consist of ambiguous and unusual crosses that make new flavorful and potent hybrid strains. Many marijuana brands have capitalized on this new demand for exotic hybrids and have become some of the highest quality flower brands on the market. Cookies Santa Ana Dispensary sells exotic hybrids from brands such as Teds Buds, BackPackBoyz, and of course the Cookies brand itself. Read on to learn more about the top-shelf brands carried at Cookies Dispensary. Shop Top Shelf Buds at Cookies Santa Ana Dispensary Cookies are one of the best dispensaries to shop for top-shelf flowers because they grow exotic top-shelf strains themselves. With this being said, Cookies has become a goldmine for exotic, high-quality brands that never fail to impress their clientele. Read on to learn about these brands and what strains are recommended. Ted’s Buds Ted’s Buds is a newer cannabis brand that provides customers with exceptionally grown exotic hybrid flower strains. These premium indoor eighths are covered in trichomes and have colorful buds ranging from greens to purples. Although there are many different strains of Ted’s Bud’s flower sold at Cookies Santa Ana, one of the most popular strains in the White Plum Mochi. This Gelato based strain has an immediate cross of Sunset Sherbert x Thin Mint Cookies making it desserty while also potent. This strain is an indica-leaning hybrid meaning it provides a relaxing high that is perfect for both a night in and out. BackPackBoyz BackPackBoyz is another brand of top-shelf weed sold at Cookies dispensary. This brand has several signature crosses that have become notorious exotic hybrid strains. These flowers have been grown in indoor cultivation centers made to produce perfect buds that are covered in crystally trichomes. Although there are many superb strains grown by this brand, one of the most popular is entitled ‘Black Cherry Gelato’. This strain has a genetic profile of Grandaddy Purp and Ken OG, giving it a heavy high with a pungent flavor. The Black Cherry Gelato strain has aromas that are reported “to taste like tea, berries, [and] spice” making it a tasty smoke you won’t want to miss out on. Cookies Exotic Flower As assumed, Cookies Dispensary stays stocked up with their brand of the top-shelf flower. The Cookies brand has several notorious strains that include Gary Payton, Sticky Buns, and Cheetah Piss, all of which have exotic genetic profiles. One of the more recently popular and uniquely flavored strains made by Cookies is the Gelati. This exotic hybrid has a cross of Gelato and OG Biscotti making it gassy as well as sweet. This strain is “said to taste like sweet and sour fruit, herbs, and mint.” The large frosty nugs on this flower make Gelatti potent as well as pungent. This top-shelf exotic hybrid can be found and purchased at Cookies Dispensary Santa Ana. Final Notes Cookies Dispensary is stocked up with top-shelf brands that are classified as exotic strains. From colorful flowers made by Ted’s Buds to crystally greens grown by BackPackBoyz and of course classic Cookie’s strains, this shop has all you need to improve your smoke with both flavor and potency. Contact Cookies Dispensary Santa Ana at (855) 626-6543 to learn more today!

[ofcloudsandstars]

✧ .🍂Mabon Solitary Rituals🍂*✧

The Autumn equinox is near! As it's the equinox the day will be equal parts light and dark (perfect for the beginning of Libra season,) and as it's autumn in the northern hemisphere there will be leaves that are beginning to change and squirrels scurrying about. Autumn is such an important season of mine, it begins Libra season (I am a libra) and also according to the French Revolutionary Calendar, the season of wine. Libra season is one of fun, balance and harmony and that combined with autumn and the celebration of wine makes this the start to my favorite part of the year.

Autumn Equinox is not only the time to be grateful for all that you've earned during your hard work of the summer, and be grateful in general for the good that has occurred to you this year, but it's also a time of letting go. As we inch closer to Samhain, the time of death and transformation that leads to the new year, we should take time to reflect and see what needs to be shedded like falling leaves. The keyword to my rituals are Reflection. Reflect on what makes you grateful and reflect on what needs to be let go. I do have a personal correspondences post that might help explain why I also chose certain things listed below! (Also here is my personal tag.)

A lot of us witches practice alone and have our own solitary rituals for each sabbat that we observe (or the ones we’ve created just for ourselves that we observe alone!) Like any solitary eclectic witch I do things my own different way but some of these things might line up with others practices. I do refer to some of the equinoxes/solstices/crossquarters by their celtic sabbat names but I celebrate them in a secular animist way and treat the wheel of the year I celebrate as more of an argrarian cycle and celebrating nature. I use sabbat names as a point of reference and also people that do celebrate these witches sabbats more traditionally might find value in my personal practice!

When I am alone and casting spells a lot of it is visualization/intent so my solitary rituals are more like activities I like to do then specifically casting a spell. If I am doing a spell with an activity based on it a lot would be listening to music to get in the mood and focusing on a candle while visualizing for a period of time! Eves are also important to my celebration as I like to stay up until midnight and cast a spell then!

Mabon Eve

Thursday September 21st 2017

Autumn Tea lights! First we all know autumn scented candles are the best, but for the autumn equinox festivities, making special autumn tealights is a must! Make Apple tealights, acorn tealights  or squash tea lights (x) and decorate your altar with them or save them for the feast table tomorrow. Bonus: use scented autumn wax or natural beeswax and maybe top it with cinnamon or nutmeg! 

Acorn charms for good luck! I would make these annually for my friends. Acorns represent prosperity and everytime the bell jingles its to hope it will bring you more prosperity for the rest of the remaining year!

Swap wardrobe clothing for your autumn clothes and put a sack of nice smelling herbs like cinnamon sticks in the corner of your warddrobe to make them smell nice.

If you enjoy wearing makeup take out all of your autumn shades of lipstick and eye make up and charge them with your tools of glamour like rose quartz, carnelian and good energy.  

Dry fruits and herbs in an oven or dehydrator! Annually I love to make apple chips this time of year. 

Enjoy snacks while doing crafts! Eat caramels, dried apple chips, nuts (like peanuts if you are not allergic. I like nuts to honor the squirrel and acorn season), maple sugar candies, sugar candied nuts, sweet corn bread, butterscotch candies. Also if you don't like nuts/can't eat them but want something acorn-like, make these donut acorns! Bonus if they are cinnamon sugar! (Or you can coat them in maple sugar glaze!) 

If you love knitting this is a great time to begin a knitting project! Use knot magic to bind intent into your scarf to keep you warm in the cold seasons!

Celebrate the eve of Autumn with great fall beers and apple sausages at a local beer hall. 

Preparing dishes Since tomorrow is a great autumn feast day, the evening would be fantastic to just cook autumn magic into the food of tomorrow.  That also being said, Make Caramel Apples! I associate caramel apples with this holiday and candied coated apples with Halloween. Make a nice maple sugar caramel and top with sprinkles, cookie crumbles or enjoy on it’s own! 

Decorate your Altar! Wipe your altar down with oils like cinnamon and cedar. Cover it in chrysanthemums, beautiful fallen leaves, carnival squash, mini pumpkins, and anything fall colored. Burn cinnamon and apple incense! 

Go Star Gazing This time of the year is the best for star gazing. It probably has to do with the temperature at night being pleasantly cool and there being far less bugs. Spend a night under the stars especially since it will be the last night possible to do so before the weather cools! 

Midnight Spell: Focus on what you would like to shed away from your life. This is a time that's great for letting go of what is no longer working for you in the previous year. As an activity I do like to collect dead and colorful leaves that have fallen and write in gold pen the things I want gone from my life. Over a flame I burn it to a crisp. If you can't have fire, this is equally as great if you can toss it out of a high window to let it 'fall away' (I'd suggest not writing anything on it though, just put the energy into it), or crushing it into powder and letting it blow away in the fall winds. Another spell I like to do is road opening. If you feel blocked and don't know what to shed away, this helps instead. I always like lighting a candle for road opening spells as it's similar to lighting a lantern on a path shrouded with darkness, but this can be understood as a leaf blower spell. Take a pile of leaves as clean as you can find them. (at least 10-20 is good enough). Take your favorite stack of tarot cards and shuffle them thinking about the obstacle that you can not overcome. Once you are done, the top card is what you must do. (Or any that jump out randomly). Take that advice card and put it under the pile of leaves. Envision the leaves as the many things that are cluttering your path. When you are ready, take a mighty blow and blow them away off the card! Acorn Spell I like to pick an acorn I am drawn to and think about the things I want to prosper. I use them as wealth spells. As I charge my things and do magic for the ritual, I also charge my acorns with positive intent. That night or the next morning I go to a nearby park (usually the same where I got the acorn) and bury it into the earth. As the acorn is a seed that will grow, so will what you wish to prosper in your life. 

Mabon Day

Friday, September 22nd 2017

When you pick your clothes for this day, Either wear the most fall-tastic witchy outfit or wear the dark veil witchy outfit. Fall is officially the Season of the Witch sorry I don't make the rules. (I mean 365 days of the year is the season of the witch to me but like, fall is goth witch time). It's time for burgundy, brown and black lipsticks, heavy eyeshadow, black veils, velvets, boots, flocks of crows following you around as you shop for mini pumpkins. Little kids watching you in awe and believing in magic as you and your Raven companion go pick up Halloween candy. 

Go Apple Picking! If you have the great privilege and opportunity to, this would be the most blessed day for apple picking. Being in the country side and picking apples is the most ideal way to spend Mabon Day. Make a tart with those apples for the feast or save them to make autumn apple cider for Samhain! 

Take a Bike Ride or a Fall Hike! Autumn is an airy season for me and the winds are playful, give life to dead leaves and howl wildly in the night. I love to spend autumn biking and feeling one with the streams of air. Go on a ride and collect the beautiful leaves you see! If you don’t have a bike, taking a hike would be just as rewarding especially in a trail in the mountains!

Drink spiced autumn drinks and be grateful for the past year and the season to come! Enjoy a nice hot apple cider, spiced autumn mulled wine, a spiced chai tea or even a pumpkin spiced Latte (YEAH I SAID IT) don’t let anyone take your autumn festiveness away from you! 

Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables! APPLES! Plums! Grapes! Squash! Yams! Offer some back to nature to show gratitude! 

Plant bulbs in the garden for next spring! You should try to harvest what you can from your garden and pickle your produce and dry your herbs but if you want some things to pop up in the spring, now is the time to plan before your garden goes to rest! 

Make Apple bird feeders!

If you have the opportunity to, tour a winery or a beer garden! Not all of us might have the time to go on a hike or apple picking, yet it is wine and autumn beer season so a nice outing to a brewery will be equally as festive!

Charge yourself in the cool autumn winds! Whistle with the whispering winds, release intentions into them. Find a cool and clean place where you won’t be disturbed to center yourself and allow their energy to flow around you. Feel free as the birds flying south. 

Evening

Celebratory Dinner The feast is the most important part. This holiday is often compared to Thanksgiving because its an autumn feast that has a focus on gratitude yet this is gratitude for what the earth has given for the harvest and your hard work (and not stealing land from other people) and if you are lucky enough to celebrate it with those that share your practice, you should go around the table to say the things that you are blessed for this year passed and toast each one to hot spiced cider. Let the loving warmth engulf you as you drink it and reflect on the good that has become of you this year. One year I made a fantasy feast for each sabbat and this is a recipe post for Mabon. 

Make sure to remember to make a plate for any entities you like to work with. Leave something nice for your ancestors, or the spirits of nature outside. Anything you have left over like organic waste, apple peels, squash string, put it in compost to give back to the earth when the time comes. 

For your friends and loved ones that you are grateful for in life, make sure to leave them a little message by text, phone call or social media to let them know how much you appreciate them. 

[elementenchanter]

Yule

Yule begins on December 20 or 21 depending on the time. It is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year yet the longest night of the year. It begins to get colder. Yule is the celebration of Winter and the rebirth of the sun. It is a celebration of the birth of the Sun King and nature’s renewal.

At Samhain, the Goddess followed the God into the Underworld and the Earth began its long winter slumber.  As the Wheel turns to Yule, the Goddess is with child and gives birth to the tiny Oak King, God of the waxing Sun.  The Old God or Holly King is defeated and returns to the Underworld to rest until Summer Solstice when he will again be reborn as Lord of the waning Sun.

At Yule we mourn the passing of the Old God who is the Lord of Winter.  This ancient God has many names beside the Holly King, including Cernunnos, Odin, Harlequin, and of course Santa Claus. This God is portrayed as an old man, majestic and often jolly. Sometimes He is shown as a King in ermine trimmed robes, other times He is shown as a Jester and called the King of Fools. The Old God is the Lord of Death and of the Spirit World and magic. He is the God of the forest, of animals, and of the hunt. Often He is shown with antlers or horns.

Lighting a Yule Log is the highlight of the Solstice. In tradition, the log must have either been harvested from the householder’s land, or given as a gift, never bought. Once dragged into the house and placed in the fireplace, it would be decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with cider or ale, and dusted with flour before lit with a piece of the Yule Log from the previous year. The Log burns throughout the night, then smolders for 12 days before being put out ceremonially. The traditional wood is Ash. More modern practices include lighting candles specifically for Yule for an entire night with proper care & safety.

Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of spiced cider.  Children were escorted from house to house with gifts of clove spiked apples and oranges which were laid in baskets of evergreen boughs and wheat stalks dusted with flour. The apples and oranges represented the sun.  The boughs were symbolic of immortality (evergreens were sacred to the Celts because they did not "die" thereby representing the eternal aspect of the Divine). The wheat stalks portrayed the harvest, and the flour was accomplishment of triumph, light, and life. Holly and ivy not only decorated the outside, but also the inside of homes, in hopes Nature Sprites would come and join the celebration. A sprig of Holly was kept near the door all year long as a constant invitation for good fortune to visit tthe residents.Mistletoe was also hung as decoration.  It represented the seed of the Divine, and at Midwinter, the Druids would travel deep into the forest to harvest it.

Further Symbolism

Hope after darkness

Lights to bring back the Sun

Rebirth of the Sun

Wheel of the Year, Eight-spoked Wheel

Wreaths

Yule Tree

Yule Logs

Snowflake

Sleigh

Reindeer

Mistletoe

Plum Pudding

Correspondences

Animals:

Bears

Deers

Owls

Phoenix

Reindeers

Snow Geese

Squirrels

Stags

Wrens + Ravens

Squirrel 

Stag

Sow

Tiger

Eagle

Snow Goose

       2. Gods & Goddesses:

Aphrodite

Brigid

Demeter

Fortuna

Gaia

Hel

Holle

Ishtar

Isis

Apollo

Attis

Balder

Bacchus

Dionysus

The Green Man

Helios

Lugh

The Oak King

Odin

Ra

Sol

      3. Herbs:

Bay Laurel

Blessed Thistle

Chamomile

Cinnamon

Evergreen Trees

Holly

Ivy

Juniper

Mistletoe

Oak Leaves

Pine

Pinecones

Poinsettias

Rosemary

Sage

Wintergreen

      4. Colors:

Gold

Green

Red

White

Silver

Yellow

Orange

      5. Oils:

Cinnamon

Ginger

Orange

Pine

Wintergreen

      6. Incense:

Cedar

Cinnamon

Clove

Frankincense

Juniper

Myrrh

Orange

Pine

      7. Gemstones:

Bloodstone

Clear Quartz

Diamond

Emerald

Garnet

Ruby

       8. Food:

Apple Cider, spiced

Cinnamon cakes and cookies

Dried fruits

Egg nog

Gingerbread

Mulled wine

Roasted meats

Spiced meats

Roasted apples

Warm and warming drinks

Wassail

       9. Zodiac:

Capricorn

Sagittarius

      10. Activities and Spell Types:

Caroling 

Wassailing the trees 

Burning the Yule log, 

Decorating the Yule tree, 

Exchanging of presents, 

Kissing under the mistletoe, 

Honoring Kriss Kringle the Germanic Pagan God of Yule 

Happiness

Hope

Love, unconditional

Peace

Strength

World Healing

World Peace

Sources:

x . x . x 

[bigyack-com]

Christmas 2019: 9 Christmas Foods That We Cannot Wait To Binge On 

Highlights Christmas is celebrated on 25th December each yearPlum cake is a signature Christmas delicaciesA Christmas feast is a mix of many savoury and sweet treats 'Tis the season to indulge and make merry for Christmas is just around the corner. Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals around the world. Many schools and offices shut down towards the year-end to ring in the festivities with aplomb. You cannot take a stroll around the market without running into Christmas trees, fairy lights, hollies and men decked in Santa costumes, and we are not complaining. But in the midst of all the splendour, all that we can think about right now are the scrumptious Christmas treats. Feasting forms an essential part of Christmas celebrations. Here are 9 Christmas foods, we cannot imagine Christmas without. 1. Plum Cake What's Christmas without biting into a fruity and yummy plum cake. The cake mixing for the Christmas staple begins months in advance. The cake is made with alcohol-infused fruits like grapes, currants, raisins or prunes and nuts. You can easily find non-boozy plum cakes in the market too. (Also Read: How To Make Traditional Plum Cake For Christmas)

2. Gingerbread Cookies The legends say that the richly-spiced cookies helped people fight the chill as they delved in the Christmas celebrations. Many families still prepare these scented and flavoured cookies at home around Christmas. (Also Read: Christmas Special: What is the Story of the Gingerbread House?)

3. Candy Cane Candy cane or a joss stick is a special X-mas candy that resembles Santa's cane. Coloured in strips of white and red, the candy is a hit with kids. (Also Read: Significance of the 'J shaped' Candy Cane in Christmas) 4. Minced Pie Warm and comforting, minced pie is another Christmas favourite we are looking forward to. The English dessert is stuffed with a mixture of dried fruits and spices called "mincemeat". (Also Read: 17 Christmas Dinner Recipes You'll Love | Best Christmas Recipes With Menu)

5. Roasted Chicken Not just a few parts, but according to traditions, a whole chicken is glazed and roasted for a Christmas feast. It is then enjoyed with either mashed potatoes or Brussel sprouts. (Also Read: 10 Best Roast Recipes) 6. Christmas Trifle Remember, how Rachel from 'Friends' put jam and meat in her trifle? The idea may have misfired for her, but the truth is that trifle is an excellent dessert to experiment with. Trifle is a layered dessert, typically made with cream, fruits, and sponge cake. You can be as creative as you want! (Think nuts, cookie crumbs and chocolate shavings)

Photo Credit: Istock 7. Mulled Wine Agreed, it's not food, but this grape juice concoction has been an intrinsic part of our Christmas feast. Here's a recipe that may help you mimic authentic mulled wine at home.

8. Christmas Pudding Long before plum cake rose to prominence, it was the rich and decadent Christmas pudding that was popularly associated with the Christian festival. The pudding is essentially a dense mix of fruits, flour, and chocolate. 9. Boiled Potato Salad Thought Christmas feast is just a meaty or sweet affair? You are mistaken. The festivities are sort of incomplete without a potato salad. The creamy salad made with the goodness of hard-boiled potatoes, sour cream, cheese, herbs and oil is a lip-smacking treat that is sure to make you drool. Here's wishing you all a very happy and foodie Christmas! About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows. Read the full article

[shelleyseale]

9 Great Finds for Summer

From new style staples to smart hair and skincare to ways to amp up that summer soirée, these 9 finds will help get you through the summer season in fab form.

Ah, summer. Sun in our face, wind in our hair, flowing fashions and travel...lots and lots of travel! Such an eagerly anticipated and exceedingly enjoyed season indubitably ushers in an array of covet-worthy beauty and style solutions and, lucky for you, I’ve found nine fine ones among them.

William Henry ‘Zurich’ Design Money Clips

Photo Courtesy of William Henry First are the stunningly gorgeous money clips from William Henry, a luxury jewelry and accessory brand. The company’s Zurich design money clips are stellar for summer. This striking ‘Raven’ design features a hand-forged 'brain wave' Damascus frame by Chad Nichols, inlaid with carbon fiber and a blazing red topaz. A beautiful engraving is bright cut against the matte-finished background. The Zurich ‘Panama’ design features hand-forging by Mike Sakmar using an ancient Japanese art used to decorate samurai swords. The inlay is cocobolo wood, punctuated with smoky quartz. Its engraving is also bright cut against the matte-finished background. Only 1,000 pieces of this special design are available. The Zurich ‘Talon’ money clip features a hand-carved sterling silver frame, inlaid with Kingman turquoise and a white topaz gemstone. This exquisite piece is another limited edition with just 250 available. Known for its meticulous use of classic natural materials, precious metals, gemstones, and state-of-the-art alloys, William Henry is a benchmark luxury brand that has an upper echelon following world-wide. Just visit the “Proud Owners” section of its web site to see what entertainment power players like Harrison Ford, Nick Jonas, Jared Leto, Laurence Fishburne, John Varvatos, Luke Bryan, Pierce Brosnan, and Adrien Brody own from the company’s collections. Evan A-list ladies like Cameron Diaz have bought this brand’s baubles.

Photo Courtesy of William Henry

Kut from the Kloth Apparel

Embodying the summer season and spirit of California overall, Kut from the Kloth is a vibrant, contemporary lifestyle brand. With innovative fabrics, a flawless fit and sophisticated style, the Kut collection is designed with your busy life in mind so you can confidently go from day to play. They recently debuted the go-anywhere “vacation vibes” line of ultra-fashionable travel staples designed for easy packing, wearing and washing. In fact, you can vacation with on-trend pieces created to wear right out of the suitcase. An online boutique beloved for blending modern trends with coastal flavor, Kut from the Kloth makes couture-inspired fashion both accessible and affordable. Their essential summer escape collection is great for jet-setters who want to look like a million bucks and still have plenty of cocktail cash. Short-sleeved button-ups feature palm fronds and pastel pinstripes, perfect underneath a soft, quilted sweatshirt or white denim jacket for chilly evenings. So feel those vacation vibes of delicate florals in shades of pink, coral and yellow that’ll help you stand out in the crowd.

Metalicious Silver Shark Tooth Necklace 

Photo Courtesy of Metalicious Thanks to the Metalicious line of luxury jewelry made from recycled metals, ocean-lovers can tell people their wearing the tooth of a maneater! The company’s Small Silver Shark Tooth Necklace is cast in sterling silver from an original shark tooth, then oxidized to bring out the details and give it a soft finish. Available with choice of a 17", 20" or 22" sterling curb chain to ensure it falls in that perfect spot on your necklace, the shark tooth pendant itself is 1" long x 3/4" wide. I like this piece because it can be edgy and sophisticated, but sweet and subtle also. It looks like a work of modern art! You can wear this every day, mixing and matching it with various looks. Metalicious sources recycled metals and ethically mined gemstones to create meaningful, handcrafted heirlooms that adhere to strict environmental and sustainability standards. Also charity-minded, the company donates a portion of its profits to City Harvest, a non-profit organization that provides meals to over 1.4 million New Yorkers a year.

Ekster 3.0 Parliament Smart Wallet 

Photo Courtesy of Ekster After reportedly raising over $1,000,000 in their previous crowd- funding campaign, Ekster, the world’s largest smart wallet brand, has launched their latest edition perfect for discerning men: the Ekster 3.0. This time they have engineered both the slimmest and the first voice-activated smart wallet to date. Owners can now call their wallet, find it on a map or even make use of the widespread Chipolo community to help locate their missing belongings easier than ever before. Battery issues are also no longer a problem due to Ekster’s patented solar-powered tracking solution, which on a full charge can last up to two whole months. These identity theft, RFID- blocking wallets also look extremely handsome. They’re held together by handcrafted premium leather for a luxury look and feel, while the design provides instant card access whenever necessary.

Dining Elevated Utensil ‘Uplifts’ 

Create a more stylish table setting and eat smarter at your summer soirées with the help of Dining Elevated Uplifts. These offer a cleaner, more sophisticated dining experience by elegantly raising all flatware and cutlery above a table's surface. Similar to a chopstick rest, Uplifts elevate western-style utensils to establish an improved aesthetic and hygienic standard. Uplifts look, feel and function better than the traditional table setups. Supported by research from the University of Arkansas and showcased by the National Environmental Health Association, Dining Elevated brings the highest level of food safety to hospitality. Featured on Top Chef and reportedly showcased in some of the finest hotels and restaurants, Uplifts are a game-changing addition to place setting design that the world never realized it always needed. Of course, there are a myriad to styled, materials and designs available to suit your desired aesthetic and complement your tableware.

Bloomers Frosé and More

Courtesy of Bloomers Frosé Bloomers Frosé is a vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher non-alcoholic mixer that’s ready to use and enjoy. They enable anyone to whip up an icy-smooth version of their favorite beverage in just minutes—important when you’d rather be poolside soaking up those rays. Bloomers Frosé makes it simple to take different variations of Rosé, Prosecco, Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc and spirits to the next level with easy-to-create frozen concoctions that are sure to please both intimate groups and large crowds, alike. Because what summer gathering is complete without the frozen beverage brigade? There are also brand new, low-calorie and low-sugar formulas offered by the company so, for those who want to keep their summer bod in check, there are plentiful options on that front as well.

Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask 

Photo Courtesy of Gleamin Gleamin is a yellow Australian Vitamin C Clay mask that's helping women worldwide achieve a natural glow! In fact, all over Instagram customers are talking about how this skincare solution has helped their skin tremendously, which is part of the reason this product actually sold out at least twice since it launched. The product is formulated from 100% vegan, natural and ethically-sourced ingredients like Yellow Clay, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Kakadu Plum, Desert Lime, and Finger Lime Caviar. It’s designed to banish dark spots and hyperpigmentation, replacing these areas with a natural brightness. This Vitamin C-infused Clay Mask also revitalizes skin and replenishes moisture thanks to the Aloe Vera, while turmeric enhances and revives skin tone. Native to Australia, the Desert Lime, Kakadu Plum, and Finger Lime Caviar ingredients are among the richest known sources of Vitamin C. Together, this trio fights acne, heals imperfections, evens the skin tone, and prevents future breakouts. It’s especially helpful for users with deep skin tones. Gleamin offers a Glow-and-Go single kit that features a 60 gram jar of the vitamin c clay mask, plus a brightening brush, for just $39.99.  Value-minded customers can even save 25% if they purchase the Glow-and-Go Duo package that includes two masks and two brushes, available for $59.99. And, the company offers free shipping on all orders, so gotta love that!

Herban Body Care 

Imagine being able to hand-make soaps and elixirs from scratch, like a batch of fresh-baked cookies or homemade soup. Using only plant-based and concentrated formulas, you’d mix organic ingredients with herbs and essential oils from around the world. Now imagine if these soaps incorporated only body-nurturing ingredients which possess healing properties and promote a feeling of rejuvenation for all skin types. No need to get out the mixing bowl for such hand-crafted skincare, as you can turn to Herban, instead. Their collections are unisex and their custom-molded versions of different soap varietals are even featured at high-end wellness retreats and boutique hotels around the United States. All of their formulas are created in-house, so you never have to worry about outsourced ingredients. Particularly popular items include their Plant Bar soap and Salted Butter moisture scrubs. The company’s name has significant meaning as well. Breaking it down: Herb - they use herbs in all of the formulas; Ban - they ban all chemicals from their formulas; Her – it’s "her" company (woman owned); and Herban - originally targeting an underground urban culture. The line is also entirely gift-worthy!

Pura D'or Hair Care 

Photo Courtesy of Pura D'Or Get the shiny, chic hair with voluminous undertones that you can flaunt all summer long with the help of Pura D'or Hair Care. This brand features proprietary blend of organic extracts and oils helps heal your hair. With ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Vanilla, among other natural vitamins and nutrients, there is no shortage of quality that helps to get the job done quite effectively. This cold press, preservation-harvested oil, known for centuries as pure gold, fuses inside each formula to help solve problems like thinning hair and hair loss due to breakage and dandruff. With products such as Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner, Energizing Scalp Serum, Volumizing Styling Spray and Moisturizing Masque, Smoothing Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner, Smoothing Therapy Cream, Curl Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner and Curl Therapy Cream, take your next step to healthier hair this summer, all season long. Rest assured that, o matter what your particular hair challenges might be, there is a Pura D'or formula with a solution just for you. ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Read the full article