#if i ever feel bold enough to make macarons i might try it

[rose-of-the-valley]

Pairing: barbatos x gn!reader/mc (pre-relationship, implied romantic) Genre: fluff, sfw Warnings: n/a Word Count: ~650 Notes: i wrote this in the one hour it took my bread to rise so it is very themed around watching too many baking vids at 3am

When Barbatos came knocking at Purgatory Hall’s door at midnight, he wasn’t expecting you to answer. Likewise, you didn’t expect to see him outside the castle at such a late hour. You blinked at him a few times, both in surprise and to try and shake off some of the grogginess that came with being startled awake.

“Oh uh, hi Barbatos. What brings you here?”

“I might ask the same of you - why are you not at the House of Lamentation?”

Before you could reply, a gentle whirring noise came from inside. Barbatos glanced past the door and saw Luke fast asleep on the couch, the source of the sound a Deviltube video playing in front of him.

Your eyes followed Barbatos’s gaze as you answered. “Luke was having some nightmares, so Simeon asked if I could come over and help comfort him. We ended up watching some cooking ASMR videos.” You smiled sheepishly. “I guess we both fell asleep to them.”

“Well then, it appears we are here for the same reason. I apologize for not being here sooner - I had to finish my duties to Lord Diavolo first. May I offer my assistance at this point in time?”

 The two of you carried Luke back to his room and tucked him in, saying your goodbyes to Simeon and turning off the TV on your way out. Before you could say farewell to Barbatos, he requested to walk you home, citing the time of day as a safety concern. After some protesting that he should rest sooner rather than later, you gave in and accepted his escort.

There was a comfortable silence as you walked. A warm breeze blew past every so often, and despite the Devildom’s strange weather, it felt like a perfect summer night. Perhaps it was the lateness of the hour, or maybe the summer vibes, but something emboldened you to reach for Barbatos’s hand. Your pinky brushed against his, the direct contact making you hesitate until you felt his finger curl around yours. The only evidence that he knew what he was doing was the faint blush dusting his cheeks. The two of you walked like that for a while, neither commenting on your now linked pinkies. 

Barbatos was the first to break the silence. “Do you often watch those kinds of videos?”

“You mean the cooking ASMR ones?”

He nodded.

“Sometimes, I guess. They’re really calming, and the recipes are pretty good when I feel like trying them myself.”

A small smile graced Barbatos’s lips. “If you would like, we could try one of the recipes together sometime. Or, if you would prefer to stand by, I would be happy to have you in the kitchen just watching and listening. Your own personal ASMR, if you will.”

You felt your cheeks flush, and not from the summer heat. “Yeah, I... I’d like that. Oh! We could start with the video I was just watching! They were making these really pretty tea macarons and I know how much you like macarons and - ” 

You stopped short as Barbatos’s laughter bubbled up. “I’m sure we will find the time to try as many recipes as you’d like. However, for the moment you should probably head inside.” He gestured at the open door in front of you.

“Oh. Right.” In your excitement you’d failed to notice that you’d unlocked the door the moment you arrived, the motion routine enough to be stamped into your subconscious. If it were possible for your cheeks to get hotter, they probably would’ve. “Thanks for walking me back. I’ll text you later to see when you’re free?”

“I shall look forward to it. Macarons sound delightful.” Barbatos bowed slightly. “Goodnight, MC.”

“Goodnight, Barbatos.”

As you closed the door you heard Beel rooting around in the kitchen. His head poked over the fridge door as you walked past. “Was that Barbatos? Did I hear you talking about macarons?”

You simply smiled as you headed to bed, anticipating dreams as sweet as the desserts you would bake with Barbatos.

[ineffably-effable]

further good omens fic recs

It’s been awhile since my last reclist post so here goes, please enjoy the rewards of my complete lack of self-control when it comes to this ship.

Please reach out if I’ve missed a tumblr tag, or drop a note if you have any recommendations I’ve missed! ( 31 recommendations underneath the cut )

(51k) Acts of Service by seekwill / @jasmine-cottage-uk

After receiving direct instruction from God, village reverend Aziraphale leaves his countryside congregation to serve the underserved and in-need at an urban church in London, a transition made all the more complicated by the mysterious and handsome Crowley, who always seems to appear when Aziraphale least expects him.

mood: pining, denial, secrets, idiots-in-love. 

(Warning: Don’t start reading this one at midnight expecting to put it down. Learn from my mistakes.) 

(44k) Mirror, Mirror by ImprobableDreams900 / @improbabledreams900

Crowley from an evil!au swaps places with our Crowley.

mood: butterfly effect, identity theft, Aziraphale!whump, badass!Aziraphale  

(40k) The Strong Tower by BuggreAlleThis

After the failed executions, a vengeful angel takes it upon herself to neutralise the threat presented by Crowley and Aziraphale.

mood: aziraphale!whump, protective!crowley, hurt/comfort, pining and fantastic world building.

(23k) You Might Think I'm Crazy (All I Want is You)   by soft_october / @soft-october-night​

Since the next shop over closed down, Aziraphale's had a peaceful few months, barring those unpleasant interactions with the men in cheap suits who keep trying to persuade him to sell his shop. But now a (handsome) new owner has taken up residence beside him and, horror of horrors, he wants to open up a coffee shop.

mood: fledgling friendships, obviously-in-love-to-everyone-but-themselves, almost-letting-your-doubts-and-insecurities-ruin-things, if-only-these-dumb-bastards-knew-how-to-communicate

(23k) names in history by lagaudiere

Maybe he’d shown Crowley how to perform a few miracles, but that Crowley had taken to them so well was surely a sign that he wasn’t all bad. And maybe Aziraphale had let himself be called upon to perform a few temptations, but that was just testing the will of the faithful if you looked at it from a different angle.

mood: slow-burn, through-the-ages, beautifully written.

(22k) This Soul Outstreaming by Rend_Herring 

Aziraphale constructs intricate rituals to touch the skin of other men (by “men” I mean Crowley).

mood: slow-burn, through-the-ages, forbidden love, UST, beautifully written. 

(29k) 5 Times Aziraphale was Almost Discorporated and One Time He Actually was by charliebrown1234 / @charliebrown1234

What it says on the tin.

mood: Aziraphale!whump through the ages, protective Crowley, hurt/comfort, wonderful characterizations.

(20k) In Pleasure's Clothes by obstinatrix, wishwellingtons

Three Times Aziraphale Stalked Crowley In Gay Clubs And One Time He Moped At Wilde’s Grave.

mood: jealousy, pining, miscommunications, idiots-in-love

(18k) Soft (A Love Story in Three Bites) by mia_ugly / @mia-ugly​

Crowley was an angel, once. Before she fell. Aziraphale was a warrior (she fell too. It just took a little longer.)

mood: ineffable wives thoughtfully done and beautifully written, pining, emotional vulnerability, hurting the ones you love, references to gothic romances that absolutely slay me, switching POVs between Aziraphale and  Crowley.

(18k) On Earth as it is in Heaven by JMA

Aziraphale was at Crowley's trial...the first one.

For six thousand years Aziraphale felt like an angel who has fallen, waiting for Heaven to realise. His fear and doubt has shaped and defined him. Now, with the Armageddon over and Heaven and Hell off their backs it is finally time to come clean.

mood: betrayal, pining, misguided attempts at atonement, miscommunication and forgiveness 

 (15k) Through Every Door by darlingred1 / @darlingred1​

After thwarting the end of the world, Aziraphale begins to avoid Crowley, and Crowley accidentally awakens his own repressed lust.

mood: mutually-pining-idiots, miscommunication,  immortal-beings-taking-turns-with-their-single-brain-cell, surprisingly-Crowley-has-first-dibs

(16k) Least of All by stereobone / @stereobone​

Every so often, Crowley talks to God.

mood: Crowley worrying after Aziraphale through the ages. Beautifully written, fantastic Crowley perspective.

(14k) Wine Fraud and Other Worthy Pursuits by ImprobableDreams900  / @improbabledreams900​

When Aziraphale, rare book dealer and part-time wine collector, encounters a bottle of 1844 Château Lafite-Rothschild he suspects isn't all that it claims, he becomes determined to track down the truth.

Unfortunately, the finger of suspicion seems to point at fellow wine collector Anthony J. Crowley, whom Aziraphale is already well on his way to befriending.

mood: suspicious Aziraphale and fledgling friendships  

(12k) Laugh When It Sinks In by Tenoko1 / @tenoko1​

Crowley stopped them in their trek, slipping his arm from Aziraphale’s grasp to face him, hands on his shoulders. “Are you sure you’re alright? A-are you having, like, a mid-life crisis or something now that Heaven’s cut you loose? You’re worrying me. What’s next? Cherry red sports car?”

mood: making a home for yourself and your charmingly oblivious life partner 

(10k) The Original Bar Joke by deathbycoldopen / @deathbycoldopen​

The way Crowley saw things, it was all one big joke, with him as the punchline.

mood: drunk!pining, idiots-in-love, jealous!Crowley, straw-that-broke-the-camel's-back moments, drunk!confessions

(8k) did you open up your heart there? by weatheredlaw / @weatheredlaw​

Aziraphale and Crowley meet over and over and over again. Aziraphale doesn't know what Crowley is, or why their souls can't seem to be parted, but he is a creature of love, and he's not going to argue with that.

mood: ready to have your heart broken over and over and over?

(7k) The Ark by rfsmiley / @redfacesmiley​

We’ve all been assuming that it takes them 6,000 years to figure it out, but what if it takes 6,300?

Or: the ineffable husbands evacuate a dying Earth.

mood: ineffable dystopian sci-fi romance (and yes, I love that this is a mood I can use to describe a good omens fic).

(7k) Where Thou Art by Mottlemoth / @mottlemoth​

A late-night bus to London, a few human comforts, and a long overdue confession... nothing will ever be the same for an angel and his demon.

mood: we-might-be-dead-by-tomorrow-love-confessions

(5k) Love Stories by goodomensblog  / @goodomensblog

Crowley goes too slow, Aziraphale drinks copious amounts of alcohol, and the bookshop is (very nearly) set on fire. Again.

mood: drinking because you’re an idiot in love (or because you’re in love with an idiot), looking after your drunk mate (only he’s not your mate he’s the love of your life and he’s finally starting to get that)

(4k) A Metaphor Of Some Kind by copperbadge / @copperbadge​

After the world doesn't end, Hell gets Crowley and Heaven gets Aziraphale, but not for very long.

mood: witty with great voices, loads of fun

(4k) One Sweet Moment Set Aside For Us by Arej 

Tattoos are like stories you write on your skin, and they'll say things for you if you'll let them. Or perhaps prompt other people to say things.

Or, Crowley is just drunk enough to get bold and let his guard down, and it leads to something he never thought he'd be allowed to have.

mood: pining, touching, reverance, love confessions

(3k) Something To Talk About by iamtheenemy (Steph)

Aziraphale jumps to some very inaccurate conclusions.

mood: pining and misconceptions, let’s see if we can make Crowley have an aneurysm.

Wow! Thanks for scrolling this far! You’ve unlocked the secret  “I’ll be in my bunk” section of the rec list! ;)

(That’s not to say the fics above don’t have their own hot scenes, or that the fic below are only  pwp, but these are the fics where the plot is either focused mostly on sex or the build-up to sex.)

(4k) left with no trace, as if not spoken to by drawlight / @drawlight​

Aziraphale's finger brushes against the edge of Crowley's hand. The theater is packed, it is dark. Everyone is watching the stage (no one is watching them). "Do you - ?" "Yeah, angel."

mood: Shakespeare may not have deserved this, but this reader is glad this exists.

(4k) I Tempt, You Thwart... Right? by AEpixie7 / @knightofthesevenfandoms​

Crowley accidentally-on-purpose roofies Aziraphale and then feels bad about it because Aziraphale is so high that he can't remember how to sober up.

mood: serious wing kink, drug-induced-loss-of-inhibitions

(6k) Appetite by spunknbite / @spunknbite​

Crowley places the macaron against Aziraphale’s lips with more reverence than the angel had thought him capable. “It’s alright, angel. Just take a bite.”

mood: drunk sex, overcoming inhibitions, first time, hand feeding 

(6k) The Better Part of Valour by obstinatrix

Said I, a few weeks ago: "I feel there’s also room for e.g. bedsharing fic where the apocalypse has Not Happened and they’ve fallen into queerplatonic (or so they think) bedsharing and Crowley thinks he’s alone in being driven slowly to distraction by it, so he says nothing. Then one night he wakes when it’s still dark, and at first he doesn’t know why, until he hears Aziraphale’s breathing a little raspier than usual, and feels the very slight trembling of the bed."

mood: bed-sharing-with-serious-insecurities-and-misunderstanding

(7k) a treatise on your fingers in my hair by Nimravidae / @tooeasilyconsidered​

Crowley sleeps for two days, his hair is a mess, and all it takes is a touch. Like a catalyst. Like striking flint, like a matchstick, like touching fire to gunpowder

mood: all that pent up UST has to go somewhere 

(9k) Released by vaguely_concerned / @vaguely-concerned​

After they get together Aziraphale has some lingering Ideas about his brief stint in the Bastille; Crowley is happy to help him explore them. Hijinks, as they say, ensue.

mood: french revolution era role play w/ feelings, fantastic dialogue. 

(17k) One Night In Bangor (And the World's Your Oyster)  by Atalan / @seaskystone​

Heaven and Hell share a corporate party once per millennium. This time someone's had the bright idea of issuing a challenge to the demons of Hell. Crowley has no intention of missing the opportunity; Aziraphale's just enough of a bastard to make him work for it.

mood: flirting and first times

You’re still here? Can’t get enough? Well check out these amazing WIPs!

Slow Show by mia_ugly / @mia-ugly​

The Ineffable Pining Showmance AU that no one asked for.

mood: a more accurate summary would be the: ineffable pining showmance AU that no one knew to ask for, and everyone wanted more of. The characterizations in this are amazing. Crowley as a fallen film star is perfection. 

Shifting Heaven and Earth by BuggreAlleThis

For most of history, since he narrowly avoiding Falling from Heaven with Lucifer, Crowley has been working for the Angelic Corruption Unit. This ended up being far more boring than he hoped it would be, but things change when he is assigned to go undercover on Earth. His mission is to investigate Aziraphale, an infamous angel who has been on Earth since its Creation, and whom Heaven is sure is guilty of corruption or dereliction of duty. 

mood: slow-burn, betrayal, regrets,  aziraphale!whump, bamf!aziraphale

the bucket list by darcylindbergh / @forineffablereasons

If you’re going to go native, you might as well go all the way.

mood: saying the absolutely wrong thing at the wrong time, reaching your breaking point, miscommunication and heart break.

Still here? :)

My previous good omens recs post can be found here [x]

[purplesurveys]

1120

[created by: vyvyan86]

What do you do for work? I work at a public relations agency, so I handle servicing for a good number of clients across different industries. PR is basically like the extroverted sibling of journalism; and since I turned out to not enjoy journ, I gave PR a try halfway through my time in college and ended up liking it more.

What would you ideally like to do for work? I actually really enjoy what I do, like getting to work directly with big local and even international brands. I’m glad I made the decision to make the career shift because I can’t imagine how miserable I would be in a newsroom.

What are you doing in order to achieve this? I’m already where I want to be, at least for now. I don’t see it changing any time soon because I’m nowhere near tired of the work yet.

What is the meaning of your life? What is it that you really live for? Erm I don’t really try to define it or have an answer to this right away because I feel like it puts a lot of unwanted pressure on me, by me. As long as I’m satisfied in the present, I shouldn’t be worrying for whom or what my life is ultimately supposed to be.

Have you ever REALLY thought what it means to have children? Yup. Having kids would be the perfect life, but realistically speaking I am not at all ready to start that particular chapter. I don’t make enough money to be able to build a family, and I’ve never even tried changing a diaper yet...then you have to think about weekly formulas, what school to enroll them in, building a nursery...it’s all very hectic and stressful and it’s definitely not a priority as of the moment.

Are you planning to have children anyway? It would be nice, but I still don’t know if it’s in my future.

What is the most awful thing about the world today? I doooooooooon’t understand racism. It’s those videos of white people being caught on tape harassing POCs without a care in the world that get to me the most. It’s horrifying and it’s made me have close to zero plans to travel to the places where the videos usually come from. It’s happened too many times and too many clips have gone viral, that I can’t help but think it would happen to me and my family as well. What do you think is the worst being on the planet? Abusive and/or neglectful parents.

Have you ever been arrested? If so, what for? Nopes.

Have you ever been in court? If so, in which role? Definitely not.

Which do you think is a more valuable being, a human or an animal? I don’t think it’s fair to compare. A life is a life.

What, in your opinion, will cause the end of the world? I’m gonna let science answer this and refer to whatever predictions they have for the future based on their calculations. 

What does your mother do for work? She works in an international hotel chain as an executive secretary, but work is actually kind of slippery for her at the moment because of Covid. There are only certain days in the week where she’s called in to report for work, and there is a chance those requests will stop coming in at a certain point.

^If she's a homemaker, any specific reason for this? She’s not anymore but she did enjoy a brief period of being a homemaker after resigning from her previous workplace back in likeeeee 2013 I’d say? which according to her had increasingly turned into a toxic environment after 20+ years of working there.

What about your father? What does he do? He is an executive sous chef. Cruise ship industry, so his situation is also actually quite bleak. Fortunately the job security with his company is a lot stronger and more guaranteed.

How do you like your coffee? I like it sweet and for its color to be light brown.

If you're of age, what's your favorite alcoholic drink? Tequila shots if we’re going hard. Long Island Iced Tea or Zombie if I’m looking to have a chill session with friends. Red Horse is fine as well, whatever. I hate beer with a passion but I’d drink it if everyone in the table is having a bottle.

If you're under-aged, what is your favorite soft drink? Bold of you to assume all minors like soda hahaha. I don’t, though.

Do you smoke? Yeah, just super seldom though because I don’t want to form a habit. I had the opportunity to last Friday but voluntarily skipped out on it, but that was also because I already had a vape pen on me.

^If so, did you start when you were 18 or were you younger? My first cigarette was when I was 21. Start of 2020.

Did your parents approve of your smoking/alcohol use before you turned 18? They wouldn’t have approved of it at all. And I wouldn’t have let myself either.

Do you have siblings? If not, skip the next few questions. Yeup.

Are you eldest, in the middle or youngest? I’m the eldest of two siblings.

How big an age gap is between you and your siblings? With my sister, 2 years. With my brother, 5 years.

Do/did your siblings cause trouble? Not at all, actually. We were all well-behaved, aka the three of us were always too shy to do anything bad or mischevious. I guess the biggest issues with each of us were - I was very messy with my stuff and ignored all my homework; Nina was a crybaby and would get into tears over literally any inconvenience; and my brother was a violent crybaby, which means he is Nina but always ready to punch you in the face, kick you in the neck or stomach, scream into your ear, etc.

If your siblings are old enough, what do they do for work? My sister is taking up digital filmmaking in an art school; my brother is only in his junior year of high school.

Have you ever been jealous of your siblings? I’m not jealous of her, but Nina is amazing at art and drawing and painting and all that stuff and I always wish I shared even like 1/98th of her skills, hahah.

Do you still live with your parent/s or do you live alone/with a partner? I live with my family, yeah. I’m nowhere near ready to start being on my own.

What do you think about growing up? Like what Paramore said (heheh), has to happen sometimes.

What about having responsibilities? I don’t really think anything of them? They’re kind of expected.

Do you know how to cook? Nope.

^If so, what's your favorite thing to cook? I don’t know how to make anything yet, but some dishes I would love to be able to master are risotto and paella. I’d also love to inherit my grandma’s kare-kare recipe but I’m already 300% sure from this early that I’ll never be able to make it as good as she does.

What about baking? I also can’t bake but some stuff I’d want to learn how to make are cupcakes, macarons, cheesecake, and a chocolate chip cookie recipe so good that my kids would literally bring their friends over to our house just to make them try it.

Do you ever drink tea? Iced tea for the most part. If I do ever drink the traditional hot tea, it’s usually because it’s served either at a hotel I’m staying at, or at an Asian restaurant.

Have you ever followed any of these fad diets that go around? I don’t follow a diet. I’m usually open to trying out foods that are packaged to fall under a certain diet, though – paleo, keto, etc. - just to experience how much different it could possibly taste from the food I typically have.

What do you usually order at your favorite restaurant? I usually get rosu, a type of tonkatsu cut that has a lining of fat on its side. My favorite restaurant then provides unlimited rice, miso soup, and cabbage with my order.

Do you prefer a proper restaurant to a fast food place? Not necessarily. I love a lot of either.

What's your dream vehicle? A Mini Countryman.

What about your dream house? I don’t have an exact image of it yet, but I always said that my dream house, wherever and whatever it might be, must have a room for all the wrestling memorabilia I plan to collect in the future. It’ll be like a ~mancave~  as I also plan to have a couch and a big TV in it so I can watch documentaries and pay-per-views there.

What is the biggest dream of your life? Right now, I would say the ‘biggest’ - since I’ve established it since I was a kid - is to go to the 50th installment of Wrestlemania, which is like the Superbowl of wrestling. This year it’ll be the 37th, so I have 13 years left to plan the dream out and save up and stuff.

If you could travel to another country right now, where would you go? Morocco.

What is a country you'd never ever visit? There isn’t a country I wouldn’t want to visit at least once. I’d probably avoid the ones that have dangerous political situations or are literally at war at the moment, but it doesn’t mean I don’t ever want to step foot in them.

Are you good at taking care of your finances? I’m getting there! I was able to have a good amount of savings this month :) My finances were shit for the first two months of my job because there was immediately soooooooo much to pay for, but I’m glad everything is on track now.

Have you ever had any trouble paying your bills? Well no, because I don’t pay my own yet. I do hand a portion of my allowance to my parents every payday so that I can help out with the family bills, though.

What about your rent? We don’t have rent.

What do you think is the best thing about being an adult? The freedom that comes with it is very empowering. I don’t technically have to ask permission to go out with friends anymore, or be scared of a curfew (but my mom still imposes one, LOL. It’ll mellow it within time though, I’m sure); I make my own money and can spend it however way I want while the rest I can save; I can take a drive or book an entire trip altogether as long as I can afford it...it’s letting me get to know myself even more, in a way that college and my teenage years weren’t able to do.

What about the worst? Being expected to have my shit together when I’m very clueless still about so many things in life. I make fuckups at work at least once a week and I always feel like I’m going to get fired with every mistake, lol.

Is there a person in your life, who wastes their life somehow? Hmm, I don’t think so. I have an uncle who had seemed to be headed nowhere before, but I think he’s slowly getting back on track. I think. At least I don’t hear anything about him anymore.

^If so, how are they wasting their life? Never had a stable job, was a neglectful husband and father (I think he still is), was never able to secure a house and even a car for his family, and deals with his problems by drinking...and worse, drunk-driving, sometimes. It’s an embarrassment and I don’t care if my grandma tells me off for giving him the cold shoulder every family gathering. I’m not gonna get close to someone who negatively affects my mood and my energy.

What is something you need to do, but you keep postponing it? Getting a new pair of glasses. Booking an appointment is a Newly-Unlocked Adult Thing that I’ve never done yet, so I’m nervous and I keep putting it off, hahaha.

Do you think life should just hand things to you? Not at all.

Or should you earn the things you want and need with hard work? Yeah, there you go.

Would you rather live off government benefits or earn your own money? Earn on my own, as much as possible. But some balance would be nice as well so that I can start feeling as if the government is actually helping and serving me.

When you take a survey, do you skip questions? Typically, no. But some of the older ones I’ve seen made by, like, 15 year olds of the time will have nonsense, downright immature, or lowkey racist/homophobic questions that I will have no problem deleting altogether as I think no one here would have any interest in answering them either.

Why, do you think, people write lyrics as the title for a survey? To be creative and catchy, I guess. And it works - I do tend to click on surveys that use lyrics.

If you have a Facebook, what do you use it for? Look for things to share, mainly. I’m fully back on it now after going a way for a bit to do some healing on my own.

If you have a Twitter, what do you use it for? As a space to let out literally all my thoughts and brianfarts. No one cares on Twitter, so it’s the perfect space to make a mess and be a mess.

If you have a Tumblr, what do you use it for? I used to have a wrestling-themed Tumblr (and before that, many more other themed Tumblrs), but when my interest died down I soon switched to using Tumblr for my surveys and being more lowkey altogether on here.

If you have an iPhone, why? I find it easier to use, and I like the interface more. The camera’s features are also more to my liking.

If you have an iPad, why? We have a really old model of it, and we bought that because iPads were all the rage at the time. It had been the newest concept from Apple and most people felt they had to have one, including my family. We definitely don’t feel the need to get another tablet anytime soon since it just functions like a giant phone for the most part.

If you have the latest electronic gadgets, did you pay for them yourself? I’ve never paid for a gadget before.

Do you always put your litter in a trashcan? Of course. I know how to pick up after myself like a respectful human. < Yup.

When you walk/ride your bike/drive your car, are you careful? Yeah, unless I’m mad. Sometimes road rage will take over me tbh, especially if other people on the road have been stupid for quite some time.

What is the rudest thing a person could do or say to you? Something phobic after seeing Jess and I together. < This reminds me of when my ex and I used to get stares or whispers in public. But to be honest, I actually enjoyed those encounters because it only served as fuel for me to get even more affectionate and piss them off more, lol. Good times. 

Anyway, the rudest thing I can think of at the moment is being cut while in line. Some people do it so subtly too, and their shy, careful shuffle to get in front of me is what irritates me the most because THEY KNOW they’re doing something shitty and yet are being so sneaky about it.

Have you ever been that rude to someone else? I have never cut in line, never will.

Do you think your parents are proud of you and what you do with your life? I don’t know. I hope so. I don’t know if they’re expecting me to move out at this point, but I hope they’re at least proud of the fact that their first kid managed to land a job, especially considering we’re living in Covid times.

Which would you rather be, famous or a "nobody"? Why? Can’t I be somewhere in between? When it boils down to it, I’d probably go with being a nobody...I’d miss the socialization and having friends, but at least it means I can get away with more.

Do you need to have the latest fashion in clothes and accessories? It would be nice, but I’m not desperate to have them.

If you have a job, do you get along with your co-workers? Yeah, I’d say so. I definitely have never fought with anyone yet. It’s hard to gauge my relationship with each of them because I entered the workplace while we’re under WFH so I’ve only gotten to talk to most of them through Viber; but so far, so good.

What kind of hobbies do you have? I like traveling and learning, so anything that’s got to do with those - going to museums, visiting ancestral houses, trying local art forms - I would definitely dive into. But if I’m not in a new province or country altogether, I like trying out new food and new restaurants, embroidering, watching my favorite shows, coloring, painting, and reading essays about history. :)

Would anything in the whole world make you give up any of those hobbies? I’m not super attached to painting anymore, so I guess.

Have you had/do you have any pets? I currently have two dogs. In the past we’ve had a cat, a rabbit, two birds, and several goldfish.

Do you even like animals? I love them, except insects.

If you aren't already, would you ever get married? It would be a nice thing to tick off my life event list.

If you are already married, what was the ultimate reason for the marriage? -

As a child, did you do anything really bad? I was raised in a highly violent household with the worst influences as my elders. Yes, I managed to squeeze in some horrible stuff when no one was looking.

^If so, what was it? What were the consequences? I was violent towards my brother but won’t get into it. The only thing I’ll mention is that I used to chase him around with a knife whenever he’d start becoming too much of a headache.

As a teenager, did you do anything really bad? I don’t think so. I was well-traumatized and abused by the time I was a teenager so I was afraid of fucking anything up and being in more trouble.

^If so, what was it? What were the consequences? The worst thing I did was lie about my performance in school, honestly. Which, looking back now, doesn’t even seem like a big deal considering I was only in high school then and grades from there barely matter.

Do you have a problem with authority? Nope. Well, a good number of my teachers didn’t seem to like me for some reason. I’d say it’s their problem though since I never did anything to raise hell in school, ever.

What's your favorite comic strip? I don’t have one.

Is there a piece of clothing you absolutely must wear every day Underwear... < Yep.

Has a doctor ever told you to lose weight? No. I’ve always been on the lighter side so that has never been a comment given to me by anyone.

Have you ever been diagnosed with a lifelong disease? Isn’t scoliosis a lifelong thing? If it is, then yes I have been.

What is something you absolutely hate? Fruits.

What about something you absolutely love? Seafood! Which is why I have spicy tuna salad and dynamite rolls with me at the moment :)

[lonelypond]

Soldier Game: Operation LA Smile, Ch. 4

NicoMaki, Love Live, 3.4K, 4/?

Summary: Early morning post party, pre airport encounters.

Morning After

Umi had fallen silent and was staring out the window at the Tokyo skyscape as the rising sun made the metallic towers sparkle; Kotori preferred her view, leaning forward on the sofa, her arm behind Umi, enchanted as Umi couldn’t keep back the cutest yawn, then shaking her night blue hair with a little laugh.

A staff member appeared suddenly, distracting Kotori.

“Minami-sensei?”

“Mmmm.” Kotori acknowledged the presence, but did not go so far as to offer charm.

“The chefs are preparing for breakfast so we thought you might enjoy some coffee and pastries.”

Kotori smiled. This wasn’t invasive, this was a gift to cap off a long night of conversation. “Yes, Umi-chan and I would appreciate that.”

Umi heard her name and turned away from Tokyo. “Kotori?”

“We are getting a breakfast treat.”

“Oh good. I can sleep on the plane, but I do have some last minute packing. Coffee will keep me awake for that.”

“Espressos, quad shots, lots of sugary things in mine,” Kotori giggled.

“”And your guest?”

“Caffe latte. And something on the healthier side.”

“What, no sweets, Umi?” Kotori pouted, ‘but they have the tastiest here.”

Umi’s smile was gentle, “I have already had the sweetest indulgence of tucking the night into dawn in the loveliest company. Coffee and something sturdier than a macaron would be preferred.”

“I will see to it.” Helpful staff bowed out.

“Thank you.” Umi stretched. “That was an indulgence. I have not told so many school stories in years.”

Kotori leaned in a little further, her fingers resting lightly on Umi’s shoulder, still impressed by the texture of the dress, but even more impressed by the feel of the muscle underneath. “I would have loved to see you in your blazer and uniform.” Kotori leaned back and closed her eyes, “I imagine you were so serious.”

Umi shrugged, “I still am. And now I have to get back to work.”

“This wasn’t work?” Kotori asked.

“No.” Umi shook her head. “It was too comfortable. I showed too much of my true self.”

Kotori’s hand covered Umi’s as they stared into different memories of Tokyo, “Thank you.”

###

Maki heard the noises. Kitchen noises. Adding to the headache twinges inside her sinuses and skull. Not her place, she didn’t have a roommate. Unless she’d…Maki bolted up, the white floral sheet falling away, her clothes from last night still on. She recognized the family pictures lined up neatly on the dresser. Eli’s place. Maki relaxed, which only made her head throb worse. But at least if Eli had taken her home, Maki had probably not done anything stupider than what she could remember. She really had to take tequila off her Self Dare list. That would be the adult thing to do.

She managed to stand and head for the kitchen. Eli was putting together breakfast from what looked like leftovers.

“Sorry if I woke you. Figured I might as well use what’s in the refrigerator. We’ll be in LA for a month.”

“Why are you up so early?”

“Yazawa needs to go somewhere and we’re officially on bodyguard duty.”

“Where the hell does she need to go this early?”

“I don’t ask, I just drive. I was supposed to stop by the office and meet Nozomi to double check all the arrangements but now...” Eli near pouted.

Maki winced. The sun was bright and Eli’s idea of flirting as bonding over paperwork was just nutso. “I’ll drive Nico. Just hand me the food.” Maki stretched out a hand.

“Are you all right to drive?”

“I sweated out all the tequila on the dance floor. Now I’m just a shell over throbbing pain. And I intend to be in a bad mood so someone who deserves it might as well suffer with me.”

Eli laughed, “What did Nico do to deserve you?”

Maki blushed, growled, and grabbed the plate, nearly running for Eli’s couch.

“Civilized people eat at tables.” Eli teased.

Maki had shoved enough food in her mouth to prevent conversation and just pointed to her chipmunk cheeks with the fork.

“You have to pick Nico up in 40 minutes. She’s at the hotel.”

Maki froze. Nico was at the hotel. Still. In the FeatherSmile suite. With…? Images of Nico leaning over to kiss her signature over and over again, on lacy black, pink, blue, brown, gold, and sheer bras, on giggling women with no shirts and no shame, each offering Nico a lingering view, inviting more attention, shoved into the back of Maki’s eyes with more force than the hangover.

“Maki? Change your mind?”

Maki swallowed and shook her head, “No, I’ll do it.

“Thanks. US Customs twists everything up in petty. Plus, one office doesn’t know what another is doing. Nozomi sounded so frustrated about it.”

Maki frowned, “Are FeatherSmile handling their own baggage? Have they been complaining.”

“Yes.” Eli answered slowly, “And no. Maybe they know tricks. They’ve done trunk shows all over North and South America.”

“It’s an odd business setup.”

Eli considered, “Not really. They’ve been trying to break into the big fashion events, Milan, London, Toronto, New York, Miami...and even if their events were virtual only, they insisted on using local locations and vendors. Very detailed planning to support a solid strategy.”

“They’re thinking bigger than Tokyo.”

“World domination.” Eli chuckled, “I suppose you were asleep on a sofa when Nico gave her Number One Designer In the Universe toast. She’s bold.”

“Yeah.” Maki muttered, too wired to filter memories that proved Eli’s statement. Then the practical part of her brain kicked in. Nico had seen her last night, in these clothes. “I have to borrow clothes.”

Eli shook her head, “You know where my closet is. And remember,” Eli glanced at her swellegant vintage watch, “You have to be there in 37 minutes. So pick your outfit faster than…”

“Shut up, Eli.” Maki growled and headed into Eli’s bedroom. Pants and a shirt should work. Maki should just keep a change of clothes here. She crashed on the couch often enough. Umi’s morning routine, which began at dawn, was designed to deter lingerers.

###

Loose light blue linen shirt, navy pants, braided belt, Maki kept her own shoes, Eli had driven her car so Maki had an embroidered bomber jacket tossed in the trunk. Sliding it on was like sliding into armor. Whatever Yazawa had to throw in her direction, charm, orgy partners, anger, Maki would just let it slide off the nylon shoulders, to be eaten by the tiger snarling on the back.

Eli had Nico’s number so Maki texted her when she arrived at the hotel. Sooner than seemingly possible, the door opened. Nico. In a trench coat, mask, and sunglasses.

“You’re not my ride.”

“You look ridiculous.”

“Nico managed to get through the lobby without signing lingerie so discreet is the adjective you want to use. And why is it you? Can’t stand to be away from Nico?” Nico slid into the seat, blowing a kiss as she buckled in and Maki scowled. Nico pointed up. “Can’t you afford a roof?.”

“It’s a classic Porsche.” Maki hissed.

“It’s a disaster for Nico’s hair.”

Maki ignored that, “Where do you need to go?”

Nico mentioned a street Maki didn’t recognize. Maki started to type it into her phone’s mapping app.

“Nico will tell you. The turns are quick.”

“Is it your apartment?”

“My mom’s. I’m making my siblings breakfast.”

Surprised by the answer, Maki forgot to engage the clutch. She winced at the chattering noise; Nico giggled.

Maki snapped, “Do you have the time? This is important.”

Nico’s voice chilled, “Nico will be out of the country or quarantining for at least two months. I’m making my siblings breakfast before I go. The sooner you start the car, the more time Nico gets to spend with them.”

Maki’s cheeks flushed as she merged with traffic. “Which way?”

“Take a left. How fast does this thing go?”

Maki grinned. That was a question she would enjoy answering,

###

“Just park the car and come up for breakfast. You haven’t eaten, have you?”

“Not much.”

“Nico’s making pancakes. It’ll be amazing. Mama keeps a spot for Nico’s car so you can take it.”

“I’ll be intruding.”

“If you stay in your roofless car Nico will feel guilty. Plus,” Nico leaned over, staring intensely at Maki’s face, “You look hungover.”

“I do not.” Maki snapped.

“Nico knows what hungover looks like and last night, it was too much tequila on the dance floor.”

Maki flared red. “Were you watching me?”

“Everyone was watching you. Tokyo was watching you.”

Maki wondered if that meant binoculars or something. Nico’s continuing grumble explained, “Half the crowd was livestreaming you, the other half was undressing you in their heads. If we were actually dating Nico would shut down the party and throw them all out…”

Maki couldn’t help what she said next or the meek squeak that accompanied it, “Not me?”

“Nico would have thrown you off the roof. That kind of stupid, useless behavior as a mad attention grab…”

“What about having women strip right in front of everyone as a mad attention grab.”

“Nico is a professional, a lingerie artist. There are expectations, it is art.”

“It’s bull. You just like seeing…”

“Sexy women?” Nico snorted, “Yes, I do. I also like touching them, and I do it very well, if you remember just two days ago when you couldn’t resist Nico’s…”

Suddenly desperate to change the subject, Maki blurted. “I’m parking here right?”

Nico shook her head, Maki thought she might be angry, but her voice was as vapidly bright as ever, “Perfect, Ms. Perfect Ass.”

Maki slammed the door so she could pretend not to have heard.

###

“Hey Eli! Good morning! We got donuts in the office.” Nozomi’s cheerful assistant with unspecified duties waved as Eli turned down the corridor leading to Nozomi’s office. She was glad she’d taken the time to eat a quick, substantial breakfast. Sugar crash was no way to start out a day that would involve a transoceanic flight.

“Thanks, Rin. I already ate.” Eli paused to adjust her rolling luggage as Rin disappeared into the office.

“Eli’s here.”

“Right on time.” Eli heard approval in Nozomi’s voice.

“Of course.” Eli entered the office, closing the door behind her, “Punctuality is the cornerstone of professionalism.

Nozomi raised an eyebrow. She was once again dressed in a dark, formal business suit, the multicolored pattern scattered over her collarless blouse the only hint of personality. “So how’s your go go dancer colleague today?”

Eli paused, taken aback, “Maki?”

Nozomi nodded. Eli couldn’t help it. Nozomi’s implied criticism shocked the friendly out of Eli’s reply. “She’s fine. She and Nico should be wherever Nico needed to be by now.” Eli left her luggage standing by the door, “What is it you needed from me?”

“You said you might be able to help me figure out the paperwork we need for customs.”

Rin didn’t hide her boredom, “I’m gonna load up our ride, Nozomi.”

“Good idea, Rin.” Nozomi was glancing at two open folders, then decided to push one in Eli’s direction, “Take a look at this. Highlight everywhere someone has to initial.”

Eli leaned forward to grab a pen, “Will do.”

Nozomi smiled, “Thank you. Paperwork wasn’t listed as one of your talents.”

Eli winked, “Always keep a few secrets.”

Nozomi nodded back. That’s what she was afraid of.

###

“Nico!!!!!” Nico heard her sister, Cocoa, whining from the living room. But Nico was at the delicate part of the making of pancakes, whisking them full of fluffy and delicious airiness.

“Nico’s busy.”

“Your friend’s cheating.”

“MAKI!”

Nico’s other sister, Cocoro, appeared in the doorway, “I don’t think Maki’s cheating. She just seems to be really good at MarioKart. She hasn’t lost a race yet.”

“Get Cocoa to play another game, one of the party ones where random things happen.”

“Your friend won’t play anything else.”

“Tell her Nico says you get to choose.”

Cocoro nodded and returned to the couch, where Maki was fighting off a last minute surge by Nico’s teenage brother, Cotarou.

“Ha!” Maki raised the controller in a triumphant gesture, “I RULE.”

“Cheater…” Cocoa muttered.

Cocoro stood in front of Maki, who was still getting used to so many people in the same room who looked like Nico, were all younger than her, and all at least slightly taller than Nico. It made her think maybe some tequila was still lingering in her system, in the veins that made her forehead throb slightly if she paused to think about it at all.

“Nico says I get to pick the next game. And I want to play Dance Party.”

Maki sighed and handed over her controller, “I’m taking a break.”

“Rematch.” Cotarou demanded.

“You got it, buddy.” Maki whirled with finger guns and a wink, turning back to hide the wince that came with the spin of disorientation.

“Cool.”

Maki headed Nicoward, drawn partly by the smell of a cinnamony breakfast. She was starting to feel ravenous. Had she eaten anything at the party.

“Did I eat anything at the party?”

Nico turned, tilting her head quizzically, “Nico might have been too busy to monitor your calorie intake.”

Maki sat at the table, “I don’t remember eating much.”

“Did wherever you woke up feed you breakfast?”

“Eli’s spare futon and some kind of leftovers.”

Nico couldn’t get grumpy about a coworker’s spare futon. “Nico’s pancakes require appreciation. This is not an eat and run.”

“Smells good.”

Nico stopped and stared. Maki was sitting at the table, oxford sleeves rolled up, too many buttons undone for a breakfast with Nico’s siblings, long, delicate fingers sorting out tussles in red locks as Maki stretched her head back and carried on a conversation like they had some kind of a normal relationship.

“Had to borrow Eli’s clothes.” Maki frowned, unrolling a sleeve, “they don’t fit.”

“Not designer huh?”

“Oh, no, they’re designer, they’re just tailored for Eli.”

“DIdn’t seem like much difference to me,” Nico decided to test the mood, “Nico hasn’t had a chance to measure your partner yet.”

“Shirt’s too loose.” Maki grumped, pulling on the placket. Apparently there was no mood. Just breakfast. Nico sighed.

“Here. Eat your pancakes.” Nico dropped a plate in front of Maki.

Instead of instantly wolfing them down like Nico expected, Maki shuffled them around with her fork, crumb clumping the syrup Nico had so evenly poured.

“Is something wrong?”

Amethyst eyes examined Nico, and with a pout, Maki decided on a teasing tone, “Your cooking’s not the only thing I’d like to …”

Oh my god. Nico almost swatted Maki with the spatula. “My siblings are in the next room. What is wrong with you?”.

A huge blush flared all over Maki’s face and most of her chest, which the unbuttoned looseness of Eli’s shirt allowed Nico a nearly full view of.

And then Nico smelled the burning. She hadn’t factored bizzaro conversation with crazy sexy really bad at flirty but so so hot...burning hot...burning...Nico jumped as Maki said, “You should flip those.”

“I should flip you.” Nico muttered.

“What?”

Nico scraped the pancakes off the grill. Total loss.

“These are great, Nico.” said the only person in the house with food.

“Of course they are.” Nico kept her voice even, “Now leave Nico alone so no one starves.”

“Okay.” Maki actually sounded contrite so Nico sneaked a peek. Maki was looking glumly at her pancakes.”

“What is it now?”

“You came to cook breakfast for your siblings, not me.”

“Just eat the pancakes, Maki. Nico owes you breakfast. Everyone will get their pancakes. Cute guests always come first.” Nico groaned at her own phrasing, but Maki didn’t react to the subtext, she just bit into her breakfast with another, shyer, blush. Adorable. Nico knew she shouldn’t be enjoying this. Because Nico was on the job. No distractions allowed. A swimsuit shoot with...Nico shook her head, knocking out memories of panting, moaning, fingers sliding down soft, sleek skin, solid, sexy muscles alert to every touch. Nico sighed, barely stopping herself from slamming her head forward, which would have been into the grill. This was going to kill her, wasn’t it?

“Are you all right?” Maki sounded sweet. Like syrup.

Nico straightened up, shaking her head slowly, “Nico’s just dandy. If you keep eating and stop talking, we might get everyone fed.”

“Okay.” Maki grinned, “Then I’m going to win again.”

“Ha! Didn’t anybody tell you Nico is the reigning champ.”

“You’re going down.” Maki continued to calmly, obviously eat pancakes while Nico screamed inside her head, so many pictures rushing across her innervision.

“Pancakes.” Cotarou demanded from the doorway.

Nico said a prayer of thanks to the gods for teenage appetites and waved a spatula at her brother, “Sit next to Maki. Nico’s almost done with this batch.”

“You play pretty well. Is that your favorite game?” Maki asked.

Cotarou shook his head.

“What is?”

“Golf.”

“Oh, I love golf.”

“It’s very silly golf.” Nico relaxed now that the conversation had been diverted, “Full of weird things for golf haters.”

“Sounds like I might like it.” Maki chuckled.

Nico smiled as Cotarou did.

###

Kotori’s calm place was Marie Kondo style laundry folding while a charming samurai of a more ancient vintage than currently available napped soundly on her hotel suite’s couch. Umi didn’t snore, her breaths slow and even, the blanket Kotori had covered her with not moving even a centimeter. Sonoda Umi was as solid as a granite stone in a rushing river and with so many unknowns on this trip, Kotori found that a comfort. Plus, there would be Umi in a swimsuit, eventually, showcasing those muscular curves. Kotori couldn’t wait to get to the fabric draping part of design work once they got to LA. As rapidly as Kotori wanted to dress Umi, she had learned Umi’s pace to anything personal would be more measured. But Kotori would be content to stare at the dreamfuel profile, framed by glossy hair, for as long as Umi needed.

###

Maki felt more awake. Great (not that she’d tell Nico) food, fun with Nico and Nico siblings, laughter...she stretched out her arms. Next would be the drive to the airport. That would only make this mood better. And then she felt the hand on her waist, spinning her, Yazawa Nico staring up with what might be a lethal intensity if Maki hadn’t just casually bumped hips with her on the way out the door in a comradely fashion.

“Are you doing this on purpose?” Nico pulled Maki close while pushing them both forward, Maki feeling the car against her back, suddenly breathless.

“What?” Squeaked out.

“EVERYTHING!” Nico flicked the placket of Maki’s shirt, undoing another button. “Buttons flirting being great with my siblings biting your lip fingers hair breathing…”

Nico ran out of words at Maki’s wide eyed look of...surprise, it really was surprise wasn’t it? Damn. This was new level of want, a new surge of must have, must hear, must share this sensation...and suddenly Nico had Maki against the car, lips working up her throat, needing to feel the moan that was about to slip out of Maki’s perfect lips. Nico knew this was crazy, a hormonal teenage level of crazy, in her mama’s garage, with her siblings upstairs, but then Maki dug her fingers in Nico’s back and the only word Nico could think of was the only thing she always wanted to do with Maki.

###

Maki felt the movement and sat up, an oversized coat falling off her torso, her shirt unbuttoned. She hadn’t been wearing a bra. Nico had taken instant advantage of that. And...

“Better cover up.” Nico raised the coat up to Maki’s neck. “We’re almost there.”

“Who said you could drive?”

Nico snorted, “You said yes to everything else.”

“This is my car. It requires handling.”

Nico stared at Maki, oblivious to traffic for a moment, “Did you seriously just say that? To Nico?”

Maki looked away.

“Maybe stay awake next time, Princess. Or be less distracting. Nico has a plane to catch.”

“You’re a nightmare.” Maki wrapped her arms around her torso, too embarrassed to temper her tone.

“That’s not what she...wait...you said…” Nico did a drum roll on the steering wheel.

“Just shut up.” Maki glared out the window at all of Tokyo, missing Nico’s wink.

Nico just laughed as she expertly shifted gears. Maki pulled sunglasses out of her glove compartment. They were staying on until this mission was over.

A/N: Hi. Had a request for another chapter of this, so here we are.

[edorazzi]

Well, here we are again! Twitter said yes to a review post for a Miraculous magazine that suddenly showed up in my local area. ‘Tis the season after all, and by that I mean someone bought it for me as a joke birthday gift and I was way too happy about that.

I’ve done previous reviews of the Miraculous Christmas calendar, Easter egg set, superhero fashion dolls and action figures, so let’s dive into the unknown world of merchandising yet again!

(As always, if you enjoy my posts, please consider checking out my Twitter page or supporting me on Patreon for lots of bonus content!)

4 FREE GIFTS! PACKED WITH ACTIVITIES! MEET THE KWAMIS! PRANKS & LOLS! CUT-OUT MEMES! FANGIRL ALERT! NAIL ART! 100% OFFICIAL! I’m overwhelmed! It feels like I’m having a seizure just from the packaging!!! 

I should preface this by saying I haven’t bought a magazine like this in years. Possibly ever. I read things like the Beano, Animals & You and the odd Disney Princess zine when I was a kid but I have no idea what to expect from a free-gift-packed kiddie magazine in 2019. If the outside is anything to go by we’re in for a wild ride.

I’m noticing that it says “Miraculous #20″ on the back. Does this mean I’ve missed 19 previous issues? I’m genuinely a little upset by that. My local area is a complete dry zone for Miraculous so I haven’t had the chance to pick these up.

First step: let’s separate everything out and get a look at these freeeee giftssss. Except they aren’t free, because this magazine was like £3.99. This does seem to be the current trend - it’s kinda rare to see any kids’ zines without the excess packaging crammed with ‘free’ stuff. Is it really too expensive to just produce the magazine? Probably, in this economy.

Chat Noir is revealed on the cover! He was on the back of the plastic jacket, but it’s still nice to see the kids as a front-cover duo. Apparently we’re going to learn to draw Pollen, too, which sounds fun. I’m actually liking the look of the gifts as well, but we’ll get into those in a minute.

This hairbrush............. is adorable. Oh my god. It’s pretty cheap and flimsy but it functions the way it’s supposed to, and the Ladybug design has been taken into account in a better way than “it’s red/black, that counts” (lest we forget the UTTER BULLSHIT of the Christmas calendar, and YES I’m still mad about that). I don’t know how well I expect the outer sticker to last, but if it can take a bit of wear and tear this would be an adorable little travel brush. Nicely done, lads!

These nail stickers? Also adorable. They remind me of the kiddie makeup sets I had when I was little, back in the early 00s when plastic stick-on nails and decals were all the rage. Are they still a thing? That’s nice to know.

There are 13 designs (that I can count) - a Queen Bee mask, Chat Noir pawprint cake, macaron, cupcake, heart-print cookie, Ladybug stud, flower, lightning bolt, love heart, Marinette heart, bee, fox tail and star. The majority are directly related to the show and that makes them feel special. No Carapace though? :(

I’ve put a little Marinette heart on my furthest finger. At the time of typing this up (about a day later) it’s still firmly in place. I haven’t really knocked it around, granted, but it’s not flimsy enough to fall off after five minutes either. It’s also really cute to look at. Guess I’m still a decal-loving 2004 girl at heart......

These stickers though!!! Wow! They’re those holographic and slightly-puffy kind and they feel like pretty good quality, and the designs are so cute! I can’t fault these, they’re absolutely adorable. I immediately want to stick them everywhere.

So I’ve stuck them everywhere. I’m especially proud of the light switch pun. My room looks GREAT.

I saved these “mystery stickers” for last because I’m weak for the thrill of mystery bags, and there wasn’t anything on the packaging to indicate what kind of designs to expect. And OH!!!! OH, IT’S MY BOY!!!! Look at him!!!! 

I made jokes with the Christmas calendar about all the Chat Noir items being stolen ahead of time, but that’s definitely NOT the case with this magazine. I have been SPOILED with the presence of my cat son.

These stickers are similar to the sticker sheet (and the Chillin’ Out design is reprinted), but they’re puffier and non-holographic. I’m deeply allured by the “decorate your phone or tablet” suggestion on the packet, but I’m going to see how the previous stickers withstand the wear-and-tear of my laptop lid before adding any more. If I damage these beautiful Adrien stickers I’ll be devastated.

Those are our free gifts! They’re actually very fun and cute, I’m really happy with them! I guess now it’s time to get into the magazine itself...........

I genuinely almost forgot the magazine was the main part of this package. I figured I was done, but we’ve barely even started! Here’s a splash page of the kwami. Kwami with a capital K? Kwamis? I still feel like it should be singular-lower-case-k-kwami. I’ve never been happy about this “miraculouses” business either.

But is that--

It IS!!!! It’s Nino!!! 

I guess this is the new flavour of Miraculous tie-ins. Now they’ve broadened out to a full team we’re seeing a lot more of Adrien alongside the girls, and Nino is the elusive hero who shows up once in a blue moon. At least this time his name isn’t in the title of the gotdam show.......

Anyway, I can see I’m supposed to draw my “fave Kwami”. Better get to it.

Felix just wants a break. Just one break. But not in this magazine.

Speaking of seeing more of Adrien (and, tragically, less of Nino), this is the kind of splash page I want to see! Both kids are here! The banner themed with Marinette’s signature flowers is a nice touch too; that’s associated with her arts ‘n’ crafts in the show already and it makes sense to apply it to the creative portion of this magazine too.

I LOVE the promotion of Chat Noir nails as something the little girls buying this magazine will definitely want to try. I’d expect them to do Marinette vs Ladybug nails, but instead we get a boyish option! Hell yeah!

I’m a little confused by the Queen Bee masks apparently going on the Chat Noir nails though. I guess they’re friends? Is this secret AdriChlo confirmation? Watch out, Marinette, Kagami’s not the one to be worried about.

SURE WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE SOME TURTLE STICKERS FOR AN ALL-BOYS THEME BUT I GUESS NOT HUH

Next up is a short merch catalogue (why would you put the big bold arrow pointing right to the underoos.....). Would those Chat Noir socks come in my size? Asking for me.

Then there’s......... this page. FANGIRL ALERT. God. It’s like the Ladyblog, if only the Ladyblog ever gave a heck about reporting what Chat Noir’s up to.

THE SPELL WAS BROKEN AND THE FANDOM IMPLODED WITH JOY.

I really have to wonder what age range this is meant for. Do kids know what a “fandom” is? Do little girls consider themselves “fangirls”? I guess most kids have enough internet access to figure it out these days (all the hashtags and LOLs and memes speak volumes), but I can’t imagine being young enough to fit the target range of this magazine while also knowing these terms. I dunno.

(Also, the definition of ‘implosion’ is ‘an instance of something collapsing violently inwards’, so I’m not sure that’s the word they’re looking for. Unless the return to the status quo in Dark Cupid and the continuing stagnation of the love square was enough to make people quit in frustration? Probably.)

I’m filling it in, of course. Because I must.

I gave up on the pre-approved ratings system pretty much right away, but I think this is an accurate rating of my LadyNoir opinions. 

I might be kinda cynical about it here, but I am actually pretty fond of how this magazine sells Ladybug and Chat Noir as a couple. The show’s portraying it as very onesided lately, with Chat pining over Ladybug who has absolutely no interest in him (Glaciator was a TERRIBLE episode and I’m still hurting from it), but reading this zine I’d guess they were already dating. It’s cheesy, but in a nice way.

I have to laugh at “the most amazing thing about this super duo is that they always look out for and protect each other” though. Chat’s usually pretty focused on LB, sure, but there are endless instances of LB using Chat as cannon fodder and just generally abandoning him to get mauled by akuma while she carries out her personal private plan to save the day. Maybe we’re just focusing on the better-written episodes, huh?

Moving ahead. I’ve been dreading this page since reading “Plaggs Pranks & LOLs” on the back of the packaging. I feel hatred in my very bones just looking at it.

I like that there’s ONE instance of the term “ladybird” in the joke column. This is a UK-based magazine and that IS the word we tend to use over here - “ladybug” is an Americanism - but it’s like they’re worried kids could have got to the middle of this magazine about a superhero named Ladybug and then not understand the bug jokes. Maybe whoever was writing this page slipped up?

OH NOOOOO. MARINETTE, NOOOOOOOOOO.

THIS IS WHY FELIX GOT RID OF YOU, PLAGG. THESE ARE ADRIEN’S PROBLEMS NOW.

(mmm whatcha saaaaay)

I mean........... YEAH, I guess, but we absolutely did see Plagg destroy Felix with an entire shelf of heavy books. I guess he’s nicer with Adrien. It’s all fun and games until someone has a nervous breakdown in the library.

I do love the concept of Tikki getting glitter-bombed by Plagg through the mail. She just curiously opens up the little letter which got slipped into Marinette’s purse, and-- WOOSH. One entire wall of Mari’s room is glittery except for a little Tikki-shaped silhouette. 

Next up is a two-page comic which is absolutely adorable! Look at those little chibis! The warm and soft colour palette! This is nicer than most of the official Miraculous comic book art I’ve seen, I hope they keep giving this artist work.

Nino’s here too (and he looks great!), and I like the touch of Marinette and Adrien playing as each other’s superhero characters. Adrien even wins the match, though I guess there’s something to be said about Ladybug beating Chat Noir (again)...... 

It does raise the question yet again of where this tie-in merchandise is coming from! They’ve had action figures, a movie, music video features, now an arcade game... Who’s getting the royalties here? Who’s profiting? Is this how Fu can afford to buy all those rare ingredients for the magic potions?

Over the page we have an activity to Design your Secret Lair! Right away I love the Marinette theme of the page, the soft pink and flowers, and the drawing space looking like a page in a binder with marker tabs and everything.

I have to design my secret lair, of course: 

What do you think? I’m very creative. I’ll need an adult to send in the drawing of my hideout but I think I’ve really got a shot at those unicorn headphones.

Now we’re on to puzzles and character pages. I don’t know what ol’ Gabe is doing trying to meet a 13 year old girl in the dead of night without telling anyone, you’d think if he’s got that much free time on his hands he could be spending it with his son.

I don’t know how those points in Ladybug’s power profile are awarded or what they mean, but you can tell this is a fan magazine. Official sources would have put her at a 10.

Standard House of Villains page! Most of these were good episodes but I’m deeply offended Riposte isn’t on here. Maybe her motives weren’t dramatic and cartoonish enough to be up in the ranks with Glaciator and Gorizilla?

“Cat Noir’s dad is also the evil Hawk Moth”, huh? I mean that’s not WRONG, but is it really something to put in his power profile when Adrien doesn’t even know yet??? Feels like we’re kinda jumping the gun on the poor boy. What if he picks up this magazine?

Apparently he’s one point weaker than Ladybug (seriously???), two points faster, equally as agile, one point less skilled and two points less cool. Despite all those lesses he still comes out at an equal 9, which is a relief! These kids are a team, putting either of them below the other would have been a big no.

I did the colouring page too, naturally. Je suis un artiste.

Now we’ve got a page fresh from the Ladyblog, a Miraculous quiz! Not a lot of excitement, but it’s nice to see Alya getting her own section.

I like that the qualifications of “you could be Ladybug herself!” are knowing what city Marinette lives in and what school she goes to. Well done, Mari! You’re doing your best!!!

TEACHER I AM SO HUNGRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I gotta say, I’m not so sure about decorating donuts with fondant. I’ve never tried it so I could be wrong, but it feels like rolled icing instead of frosting(?) would be too heavy for an entire donut. The texture is totally different.

I mean I guess if you’re going to load your kids up on sugar you might as well go all the way. They’re going to look like they’ve eaten something horrible with all that black fondant, but they’ll have fun. Adrien would love these.

WHERE’S NINO. THIS IS JUST UNFAIR. You’ll have four out of five heroes, then a double of Marinette and Tikki? Maybe this just goes to show how little memorable dialogue Carapace has.

Though if “Spots On!” is Marinette’s dialogue and not Ladybug’s, why are the other transformation phrases attributed to Rena Rouge and Queen Bee instead of Alya and Chloé? Surely they could have picked something better for Marinette to justify having her on this list twice instead of Nino.

The next page brings us one of those flowchart quizzes! And ouch, yet again the absence of the other heroes is obvious. I can understand not including Chloé here since she’s technically not a “friendly” character yet, but no Nino? Alya and Marinette are close friends, but Adrien doesn’t really hang out with them without Nino around. Having the three of them together just seems strange.

I do like the little fashion page! They’re all cute and affordable and easy to find on the high street here. I’d love to see how other issues of this magazine are structured; is there a different fashion spot every time? Styles to channel each individual hero would be adorable.

Moving on to a tutorial for a Ladybug notebook! I would have made this, but I didn’t have the time nor a notebook to stick it to.

Between this and the donuts, it seems weird that these designs are based on, like... an actual beetle, eyes and antennae and all. Shouldn’t it be Ladybug’s symbol? These come across more like “fun animals” arts ‘n’ crafts instead of themed after Miraculous specifically. I think if I made this (or decorated the donuts) I’d miss out the head and match the spot pattern to Ladybug’s symbol. 

The hidden message design is adorable though. I can see this being a craft kids are super proud of.

Another activity page! I didn’t have a go at these but they’re pretty standard. It’s cute that the coded message designs are the same as the stickers and nail decals!

Also, apparently Ladybug’s ‘secret’ is “LB mask + heart + CN mask”, which was (somehow) stolen by Volpina. Is that the secret Hawk Moth was talking about earlier in the magazine? Is he blackmailing Ladybug with revealing she has a crush on Chat Noir? How did Volpina ‘steal’ this secret? Is LadyNoir finally reciprocated???? THIS IS A WHOLE EPISODE IN ITSELF, I NEED ANSWERS--

Next page we have an ad for another girly magazine (Quizzes! LOLs! Celebs! Cringes! Puzzles!). I think I’ll pass, no matter how appealing that giant microphone pen is. 

And a “Miraculous Identity” quiz! Tikki’s apparently super fickle with her wielders, three seasons of relentlessly praising Marinette and now she’s telling us we’re the Chosen Ones. You can’t fool me with those big ol’ eyes.

My inner superhero is Marvellous Fox, by the way. Though yet again I’m noticing we don’t have turtle options...................

And on the back cover... the memes. Oh, sweet lord, the memes. They’re hashtag-SoRelatable! And I can cut them out to keep! Oh boy!!!

Is this what kids do when they have limited internet access? Cut fresh memes out of magazines and carry them around? I need to know.

That’s a very sinister Ladybug at the bottom of the page though. What’s-- What’s she going to do to me if I don’t cut out and keep these memes. Ladybug what are you going to do if I d--

Well that brings us to the end of the magazine! And yet again I’m surprised by how much time it takes to just put a bunch of photos together and write about them.

This is a neat little magazine all in all! The ‘free gifts’ are pretty nice, there’s a fair amount of content and the whole thing is pretty cute for young fans of the show. I could see myself buying this again - if it ever shows up on shelves, Miraculous is so scarce around here that I fully expect it to disappear again after this one issue - just for the free junk, but it would be interesting to see how they’d structure different issues too!

I notice we never did get that promised tutorial on how to draw Pollen; the one advertised on the cover. Was the “draw your favourite Kwami” activity supposed to cover that? I’m not sure that really counts.

If you got this far, thanks for joining me on this Miraculous journey! We’ll meet again whenever I get another piece of weird ML merch to cover. Bien joué!

[gothify1]

I'm about to let you in on a little secret: Topshop is low-key one of my favorite places to find affordable beauty products. I rarely hear people in the beauty-editor community buzz about the British brand 's makeup and skincare offerings, but last fall, it relaunched its beauty section, and from foundations and highlighters to K-beauty skincare, the brand's selection is legitimately fire —and almost everything costs less than $20. The makeup is Leaping Bunny–certified, meaning cruelty-free, which is fab. The retailer also has major sales (one is happening right now!), so if getting high-quality lipsticks and foundations at $8 and $12 price points interests you, Topshop should probably be on your radar. What isn't such a secret is that Topshop is one of our favorite retailers for trend-forward fashion pieces. (These are the spring/summer Topshop pieces we're loving most right now, by the way.) Who knew its eye pencils and face palettes were just as good as its jumpsuits and sandals? So next time you load up your Topshop cart with clothing, make sure to add a few of the following—my favorite selects from Topshop's clandestinely lit beauty section. A lightweight, super-blendable liquid concealer that you can apply lightly or build up for full coverage and leaves a soft matte finish? Yep, we'll take all eight shades. Especially the product is on sale right now for only nine bucks. Topshop offers a number of different lipstick formulations, but I recommend going for the cream version, which has a demi-satin finish, applies smoothly, and doesn't feel at all drying on the lips. There are 25 shades, some of which are a little sheerer, and others more opaque. My faves are Macaron, a super-pretty coral; and Mink, a warm, darker nude. Sparkly powder highlighters are not the vibe for 2019, but slick, dewy face glosses and jellies totally are. I love Topshop's take for the cheekbones and eyelids. It's smooth, but not sticky, and leaves the perfect glazed-skin look. A pet peeve of mine with brow gels is that the applicators are too big, which causes messy application. I love Topshop's skinny tip, and the pigmented formula (which comes in four shades) offers just the right amount of hold. We love us a shimmery body mist for summer, and this elixir, which leaves a luminous (but not sparkly) finish, does just the trick. Doesn't hurt that it smells like florally vanilla goodness. Spray this on your limbs and décolleté whenever you go poolside for that Instagram-worthy body glow. Highlighter pots are very *now,* and Topshop's version is nice if you want to add a creamy dewiness to your face without looking too greasy or slick. The product, which comes in two shades, blends easily and sets on the skin so it's dry to the touch. I'm really into a fluffy, doe-eyed lash look these days (nothing spidery or heavy), and that's just what Topshop's mascara achieves. It also comes in a waterproof formula, which is great for summertime. Matte foundations with thicker textures aren't usually my go-to, but for those who have oilier skin types and enjoy a shine-free finish, definitely give this easy-to-blend formula a try. It comes in only 12 shades, but they do cover a wide spectrum of skin tones, which a plus. Good goddess I love a chubby eye crayon. These 10 matte and shimmery shades are muted enough for simple, everyday wear. They dry down after 60 seconds and last all day. You need to sharpen them (they're not twist-ups), but for $8? Worth it. If you like a softer lip look (I know I do this time of year), opt for Topshop's Blush Lipstick. It comes in six fun shades, from mauve-y pink to '90s brown. My fave is the salmon hue, Elated. What can I say? I love corals. The superfruit-infused formula is super lightweight and hydrating. A no-makeup makeup must-have for only $8. I'm really picky about mattifying powders. If the formula is too cakey, I want nothing to do with it. I love how silky this pressed formulation is. A light dusting works for me, but you could definitely build it up for more coverage. It comes in six shades and a very sleek metal compact with a convenient mirror included. Everything I dig about Topshop's pressed powder I like even better in its bronzer. It's silky, blendable, and pigmented (but not too pigmented). I wish it came in more shades; only one is in stock currently, an almond-colored matte hue. But still overall a very solid product. Silky smooth? Check. Blendable? Check. Offers a natural (but still visible) lit-from-within flush? Check. Color me a fan of Topshop's powder blush, which currently comes in four bright shades. Topshop's makeup brush selection is also impressive. Out of all its offerings, I'll probably get the most use out of this big fluffy brush: Use it to apply setting powder, or bronzer and blush if you like a lighter finish. It's $8, but the quality measures up to brushes twice the price. If you had told me two years ago that I'd soon be obsessed with lip gloss, I would have told you to STFU. But here we are, in summer 2019, and gloss is kind of all I want to wear on my lips. Topshop's four shades are fun because they're sheer and infused with micro glitter, so you can layer them on top of another color (or just wear them on their own) for a whimsical  '90s vibe. Despite the sparkle, the texture thankfully doesn't feel grainy on the lips. For a very reasonable $28, this chic gold box serves you nine sparkly eye shadows, three highlighters, and a flamingo-pink blush. I'm obsessed with the eye makeup trend of applying a single bold color to the whole lid, and this palette offers endless iterations of that. It's perfect for travel (useful for wedding season, y'all!), and also makes a great gift. One more highlighter: It's hard to believe these drops are on sale for only $11. So chic! Dot the luminous liquid on the high points of your face for a subtle glow that dries down to be super long-lasting. Onto skincare: Topshop doesn't have its own line, but it does carry a number of cute, curated products from other brands, like K-beauty line Oh K!. If you love the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask ($48), you'll vibe with this super-hydrating sheet mask version, too. Plumping, revitalizing ingredients like ceramides and antioxidants give the skin a quick pick-me-up. If you're already a member of the Baby Foot cult (or new to deeply exfoliating your feet), check out Oh K!'s affordable peel, which uses fruit-derived acids to slough dead skin off your tired tootsies. I own one of Tangle Teezer's adorable travel-size detangling brushes, and if I ever lost it, a small part of me would die (until I bought another one from Topshop, at least). No tiny compact brush does a better job of making my hair shiny and knot-free. And while you're filling your Topshop cart with beauty products, you might as well throw in a tube of this classic lip balm (which Topshop carries in yummy flavors like Peach & Mango Burst). I never leave the house without one of these intensely moisturizing little guys.  Next: The $20-and-Under Eye Creams That Will Make Your Skin Look Like a Million Bucks

[atypical60]

This is a difficult post to write because I’m covering two subjects at once and I honestly don’t know where to begin.

A couple of days ago I received a request on Instagram to list favorite items that I buy in France—I’m pretty sure it was meant to mean beauty products.  And I was all set to start writing about those products last night when I realized something.

I realized that when this blog post would be published, it would be on the 17th.  Two years after Bonaparte’s aunt, Danièle Delorme passed away.  Today marks the second anniversary of her passing.  And she’s been on my mind since I woke up this morning.

From Gigi to Femme Fatale to a best-seller about her life and career. She was one of a kind and I am missing her badly.

If you are familiar with this blog, then you are very familiar with Bonaparte’s and my stays with Danièle’s apartment in Paris.  When she was alive, her apartment was our second home.  She was my French mama.  And we had a blast together.

And so, on this day, I would like to link a few posts so that you can either familiarize yourself with her or have another look at some of my  memories of her:

Here’s the First of Three Parts about our stay during Daniele’s Funeral. The second and third installments are immediately following Part Un.

One of my favorite photos of Daniele.  I forget what movie this was from.

Paris Without Daniele–Part Un

Those blue doors. I could cry just looking at this photo.

The shocking news that hit me when I found out the apartment was being sold:

Au Revoir to Our Little Paris Apartment

Place Dauphine. Lively in the summer and at rest during the late fall through the early spring.

Our trip to Paris last November. It was bittersweet. Read the entire four posts about it!

Three Days In Paris. Leave the Chic at Home and Enjoy Being a Flaneuse

Now that you have a bit of a background on my many stays in Paris over the years,  I’ll touch on a few more things.

First of all, Paris is a very special place for me.  I’m a city girl.  I miss living in Manhattan.  My two favorite cities are NY and Paris—but that’s another story.  I love Paris because of her imperfections.

  Just one of the many reasons I love Paris. The morning views always make me feel very comforted.

And within an hour of Paris you get to see cool places like this…

And come back to this at dusk!

Paris is an incredibly romantic city. And not just romantic in the way it brings lovers together. It is romantic in other ways as well–buildings are ancient.  Stairways are worn.  Floors are uneven.  Walls have peeling plaster.  The streets are too narrow. I could go on and on and on—but with these imperfections, she is a city of beauty, history, culture, and splendor.  And that’s what makes Paris romantic.

My version of Paris is not the one most bloggers write about.  I’m not that blogger running down a side street in a pair of six-inch stilettos, wearing a midi-length fluffy tutu skirt with a tight-fitting Breton shirt, hair extensions blowing in the wind, carrying a Chanel bag in one hand and a box of Ladurée macarons in the other.

That’s because I’m the blogger who makes my own macarons.  Here is mine with chocolate cream filling, pistachio filling, and almond cream filling.  I think it’s time to make more.

Nor am I going to write about the starred Michelin restaurants that are spread throughout the arrondissements.  Most of my meals over the years have been cooked by Danièle ’s various housekeepers.  And might I add, she hired some mighty fine cooks!

Casual, informal table for three.  Fathia was by far the best cook–she made couscous by hand!!!!  Her tagines were the greatest!

Instead, I want to focus on one thing.

Shopping.  As in normalized shopping.  That’s right.  You can go shopping in Paris and get really nice things without breaking the bank.  The average French woman does not walk along Boulevard du Montparnasse carrying a Chanel bag.  You will most likely see a Longchamp Le Pliage or a La Bagagerie shopping tote hanging off the shoulders of local femmes.

This La Bagagerie Shopping Tote is the bag you will see more women in Paris carrying than Chanel.  I promise you.

Whether you will be traveling to Paris for the first time soon or in the future, please remember that Paris offers affordable shopping—and not just during the winter and summer soldes.

Let’s shop!

City Pharma:  (Click the Bold Name to link to the website–I don’t know why it isn’t turning purple–WordPress!) How much do I love this treasure trove of all things beauty?  Enough that I make it a point to shop there every time I go to Paris.  This might be inappropriate, but during the three days that we stayed for Danièle ’s funeral, I made time in between family visits to get there.  The discounts on brands such as Caudalie, Nuxe, Roche, Bioderma and all other French brand names is ridiculous! Even brands that aren’t well-known to those outside France are worth trying.  I found one of my favorite toners here—a simple orange blossom water for less than 5 €. In fact, I hoarded and am now down to my last bottle.  Time to get back.

THIS is the store that rocks my bateau! Bonaparte can wait outside and people watch while I go candy-pickin’!

Part of my haul from last year…most of this stuff is gone….

I think I may have paid tops 20 euros for this. It retails for $79. here in the States!

Mama is runnin’ low.  I need to get back to CityPharma!

Freaking Bioderma’s small micellar water was a whopping €2.49. Here in the States, the same small bottle sells for about seven bucks.

That tiny bottle of micellar water by Bioderma cost me two euros and change. Here it cost almost seven bucks.  The middle Fragonard lotion was purchased at the Fragonard Boutique.  The Orange Blossom water is another CityPharma steal. I picked up three or four bottles. I’m dowm to my last one!

One euro and the best lip balm I’ve ever purchased!  I also purchased this at Geant Hypermarche in Mandelieu-la-Napoule.

Located on the corner of Rue du Four and Rue Bonaparte, the place gets crowded as the day goes by. Get there early. Wear flat shoes.  Be ready to shove your way through the narrow aisles.   Grab a basket as you go in because I can guarantee that a lot of stuff will be leaving the store with you.

You’ll know that you’ve reached City Pharma when you see a ton of French men smoking cigarettes outside. They are waiting for their significant others.

Fragonard:  This boutique at 196 bd. St. Germain is one of the most charming shops I’ve ever been in. It’s so adorable.  During the summer, we always make a stop at the Fragonard in Grasse. But there are quite a few locations scattered around Paris.  The scents here are very affordable and the selection is good. The perfumed body lotion is a steal at around €10 or 12.  Soap sets make great gifts and my favorite, Fleur d’Oranger is always in stock.  Don’t forget to have a look around at the cute fabric bags that Fragonard sells for various uses such as laundry and shoes.

Yes. The Fragonard shop in St. Germain is as cute as this illustration!

And even though I purchased the Fleur d’Oranger Intense (pictured on the right),  These scents are always in stock at the boutiques in Paris.

This adorable fabric sac was purchased way back when–at the Fragonard St. Germain. I’ve had years of use from it. I pack my ballet flats in it when we travel!  All for about ten or twelve euros.

Sophie Sacs: I found out about Sophie Sacs from a friend of mine.  She also introduced me to Nat et Nin bags.  Sophie Sacs is a discounted bag shop at 149 Rue de Rennes—a great shopping street, and affordable shops to boot!  Sophie Sacs also sells a varied selection of Nat et Nin bags.  The bags are like buttah and at the discounted rate come in at less than €200 for a decent bag.

Monsieur Sophie Sacs will take care of all your Sac needs!!!

It’s a small shop, but packs a whallop of bags!

Some of the Nat & Nin bags I’ve purchased at Sophie Sacs.  Yes. There’s more. 

La Bagagerie:  64 b. Haussmann.  Another affordable brand.  The shopping totes are a cross between a nylon Longchamp bag and a Birkin bag.  You’ll see them all over the City. Beware though. If you purchase the shopping tote, make sure you buy a dark color.  I had the cream color and it got so filthy that I had to trash it.  Thankfully, it was very affordable.

Another brand of affordable bags with locations throughout Paris. If your luggage gets messed up you can buy new here!

Jeanne Danjou: 15 Place du Pont-Neuf.  Hold on!  I need a moment here. ……….. OK.  In writing this post, I just found out that this jeweler is selling on Etsy.  This.  This is the smallest little bijou boutique on the corner at Pont-Neuf.  I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve passed this shop because I can’t count that high. But I’ve gotten gifts here and treated myself to a few things.  The prices are crazy inexpensive proving that you can bring home a piece of French jewelry without going all Cartier!

Thankfully, Daniele’s apartment was up the street because this shop has unusual hours!

Aren’t these red earrings the cutest?

A coupla more pieces.  Now that I know these goods are on Etsy……..

Monoprix:  Various locations throughout Paris and all through France.  Everyone raves about ‘Monop.  It’s like the Target of France but a few years back, the prices were really cheap.  Over the years, the chain has raised prices. I think you can get better prices on toiletries at Carrefour, Casino, and Geant. Just my opinion.  But the great thing about Monoprix is the little nylon tote bags that you can get for one euro.

Load up on these.  I’m not kidding. These also make great stocking stuffers!

Nicolas: Also, locations throughout Paris and France.  The best place to buy wine but Nicolas also sells these one-euro totes as well.  I’m demanding that you buy at least five of these bags.  When you get home put one in each of the purses you use the most.  These come in handy when you need to make a stop at the grocery store. But—if you aren’t aware, grocery stores in France do not offer free bags for your groceries.  These little totes are essential.  Better yet, buy twenty of them and hand them out to your friends.

All folded up…

This thing is in constant use–who knew that a little, nylon, one-euro wine store sac would be used over and over and over and over again!

If you get the chance, drop into the Guerlain Boutique at 68 Champs-Elysées. When Snow White bit into that poisoned apple and fell into that deep slumber, I’ll bet she was dreaming of this place because it is a girly dream!  As a lover of Guerlain scents, I had yet to shop in this magnificent shop until Danièle decided to take me on a spending spree!  I have never had an experience to rival this one and my damned phone broke so I wasn’t able to take photos!

This was where the magic happened. And from the ceiling, flowers were floating down.  My damned luck the phone broke! 

Well, I’ll always have Pushy Pink as a memory…

And my perfume!!

When we arrived at the shop, the sales staff greeted Danièle as though she was royalty. And when she introduced me as her niece from America, I was treated like the princess I was meant to be! The red velvet rope at the end of the stairs leading to the second floor was opened for us and I walked into a room with a larger-than-life lazy Susan filled with every Guerlain scent imaginable.  I was ordered to pick whatever I wanted—and the large  bottle of La Petite Robe Noire was put aside for me. Then it was off to buy some makeup!  To this day, Guerlain’s Pushy Pink remains one of my most revered lipsticks and I use it sparingly.  I cannot even describe the feeling of shopping in that store.  But—I can tell you that if you do want a lovely, girly, fairy-tale shopping experience.  Visit this flagship boutique.  And buy am eyeliner pencil. It’s affordable!

Galeries Lafayette:   Oddly enough, this isn’t my favorite place to go shopping. I prefer the smaller shops. But, during Christmas, the décor alone will put even the biggest Scrooge in the spirit!  It’s beautifully decorated!  Lots of little “galleries” in this huge department store—and at times can be downright overwhelming.

The ceiling last year at Galeries Lafayette. I was so happy that we were there for the Christmas decorations!

It was gaw-jus!!!!

Randomness:  I hoard sugar substitute and those little candies in the tin.  I don’t know why but I just do.  Back in the summer of 2016, I discovered Adopt’ scents at Geant and now I’m hooked.  I have various little spray bottles in different purses. My favorite is Oud Ambre. It’s one of those masculine scents but feminine at the same time. The little spray bottles run for about €6 and are a stellar buy!

If you are in Paris or any other area in France and you see adopt’ perfumes, buy a couple!  This scent is the perfect autumn scent–it’s like tweed and leather and wool wrapped into one!

I must have 25 of those sugar substitute thingies. I buy them every year then forget about them–and those candies!

Think outside the box for gifts.  I received this scarf from Daniele after she went on a shopping trip. It wasn’t something that I would have selected but I’ve worn this year after year after year since I received it. It is a lightweight wool and the threading is silver. But somehow it works.  And notice in the small photo with the Antik Batik tag. The plastic is still there. You would think I would have cut it out?  Non. I’m that lazy!

Don’t forget about airport shopping!  I picked this solid scented perfume by Diptyque at CDG last year. I could not resist the packaging but this is some strong stuff!  I must use very carefully! 

Etam:  Various locations. Great for underwear and pj’s.

And there’s always window shopping!  But seriously folks.  You don’t have to be the one percent to enjoy Paris or the shopping that it has to offer.   There is something for everyone here.

I took this photo of a window display somewhere in the 6th.  The dress is made of scarves and you can take photos have them printed and frame them–for a great memory!

I could go on and on and on, but right now, I’m going to leave you and re-read a letter I found that Danièle wrote to me ten years ago. And I’ll place it with her other letters!

Listen to this song by Henri Salvador “A Saint-Germain des Pres.  It’ll put visions of sitting in a cafe in Paris on a lazy afternoon into early dusk, perhaps you will start off with a cup of coffee and end with an aperitif. This song is beautiful.  Bonne Nuit!

My Saddest Bye from Paris and My Best Buys Too This is a difficult post to write because I’m covering two subjects at once and I honestly don’t know where to begin.

[purplesurveys]

1054 - Just bolding surveys, both taken the long way.

survey by lilprincess

Names

Your given name begins with a C. False. That’s what my surname begins with, though.

Your middle name begins with a vowel. True. Both my second and legal middle names, actually.

Your last name ends with a consonant. Yeah, the aforementioned C.

Your first name is of Latin origin. I don’t think so. If I remember correctly, it’s French and German. There's a silent letter in your surname. Filipino words or names rarely have silent letters.

People tend to have issues pronouncing your surname. It’s a common surname and is very straightforward and easy to pronounce. Your father was the one who picked out your birth name. He came up with Robyn, and I’ve since felt bad about hating my given name so much as a kid because doing so definitely must have made him sad :( My mom came up with my second name, Isabelle. You think your first name is pretty. That’s what I think so now. I love how unique and unisex Robyn is. You have names picked out for your future kids. I have a list of favorites, but nothing final. Your first name rhymes with multiple words. Sure. ‘Robin’ itself is a word, so I’m fairly certain it has a lot of rhymes. You're named after a Catholic holy figure. I’m not but that is very much the case in Filipino cuture, actually. A lot of kids are named after the saint that they share a feast date with.

Age

Many people mistake you for being younger than your actual age. Yep. Just last Saturday I got stopped at the mall entrance because the guard thought I was a minor. To confirm my age he asked for my driver’s license in such a condescending way, as if he didn’t expect me to be able to pull out one; and that soured my mood for the entire morning. Like Jesus, just take my fucking temperature and be courteous at your job. Why do you have to be such an asshole?

You're old enough to legally drink, drive and vote. Yeah the legal age for all of those things here is 18, so I’ve been able to do all three for four years now.

You have a youthful physical appearance and attitude. I’d say I look very young (see above incident with Asshole Guard), but ~youthfulness might not be the first thing one sees from my attitude or actions. I think I look stressed and tired all the time.

Education and Job Background

You are a post-high school graduate. Yes, went straight to college after high school as is normal practice here. I seldom hear of people taking a gap year, and that’s usually reserved for really really rich kids who already have their futures planned out by their parents and technically never really have to take up schooling.

You've attended some college but never completed it. Batch 2020, baby.

You've attended 2 different middle schools. I went to the same school from kinder to high school, and only moved when I started university.

At school you had very few close friends, but many acquaintances. This was applicable in both schools. Either way, I’ve been fortunate to be able to form lasting relationships and make friends.

Math was your least favorite subject. Some math classes, like trig and calculus, sucked. But I enjoyed statistics, algebra, and parts of geometry. My most-hated class has to be chemistry though.

You've participated in extracurricular academic activities. I don’t think so. I liked participating in extracurricular activities like being in clubs and orgs, but being in extracurricular academic activities just sounds exhausting. Why bring my studies outside of my studies?

You've won a spelling bee in elementary school. We didn’t have spelling bees per se but we had a lot of spelling quizzes in class and I remember scoring the highest for most, if not all, of them. I also won first place in a quiz bee in fifth grade but it had various categories, spelling included.

Home economics and wood shop were required courses in your middle school. Home economics was. We did a lot of things that I absolutely hated when I was that age but I see the appeal of now, like tye-dyeing, baking rainbow cakes, apple pies, and macarons, cross-stitching, crocheting, etc. I have no idea what wood shop is. 

You attended your high school prom alone. My high school is very controlling, and bringing a prom date was actually mandatory and would’ve led to repercussions if you weren’t able to find one. Given that I wasn’t interested in boys at the time, I just brought my cousin to get the evening over with.

Physical Appearance

You're a dark-haired brunette. I have black hair. Which makes me dark-haired, but not a brunette.

You have green eyes. I don’t, but I find this eye color the prettiest.

You've been wearing glasses for a long time. Since I was 11. I needed them a little earlier than that, but my mom had always thought I was fooling around when I was 9 and first started letting her know that my vision was getting blurry.

You are near sighted. Very much. If I took my glasses off right now, even if my laptop is very close to me, I would be unable or at least have a very difficult time finishing the rest of this survey.

You have a button nose. Erm, I don’t know what this is and I don’t feel like checking.

You are 5'4". A little shorter than that. I got the shortest end of the stick when it comes to the height in my family.

Your smallest pants & skirt size was a 2. We don’t measure this way, so I dunno what the Filipino equivalent for size 2 is. I know I usually go for XS and XXS clothes, though.

You take morning showers. Eh, sometimes. I don’t schedule my showers as often anymore. I did take a shower this morning, though.

You polish your own nails. I never do anything with my nails, except trim them or bite them myself.

Your favorite color to wear is black. Used to be. Now I like having color in my outfits.

You've had your hair completely dyed before. Never done this.

You've worn spray-on tattoos before. I don’t think so, but as a kid I was obsessed with sticker tattoos hehe. Filling up my wrist and arms with them is one of my favorite childhood memories.

You have multiple piercings. Just the two in my ears.

You find it nearly impossible to walk in high heels. It can be a little uncomfortable by the 3rd hour of walking around with them, but I honestly love high heels.

You currently have bangs. I want to get rid of them but people have to see me with bangs first lol, so they’re staying until a little after the pandemic subsides, whenever that is.

You barely wear makeup. I don’t see the appeal and I don’t feel like learning how to apply it any time soon.

You have tiny feet. Size 6 or 7.

You're dominantly right handed. Yep. I can barely achieve anything with just my left hand.

Love, Sex & Romance

You're not a virgin. Yeah, well. This is self-explanatory.

You're considering using the birth control pill. I didn’t really need to given the nature of my past relationship. I’m also not seeing anyone at the moment so again, no reason to be on it.

You're currently involved in a long-distance relationship. I’m not, and I’m not sure if I can handle that. My mom and dad have been long-distance for their entire marriage and seeing their experience is enough for me to not want the same thing for myself.

Your significant other's native language is different from yours. You have no idea how much I hate having to cross this out.

You believe there's much more to a romantic relationship than just sex. I barely think of sex when I think about relationships. Honestly speaking, I don’t consider it a big priority. I can see myself lasting with someone and yet never having sex.

You've been in love with someone else while in a relationship. Hell no.

You are straight but support same-sex marriage. Just the latter part is true.

--

survey by xflirtykaosx

Have You Ever...?

Lied to your friends about who you saw? I feel like this lacks a bit of context, unless it’s slang that I don’t understand. Saw when? Doing what? Hahahaha.

Cheated on a test? Yeah, once. It was a statistics exam and I knew I already had a 99 in the bag but there was one item I was stuck on. Midway through the exam the school speakers played a certain prayer that was played daily; and since we had to let go of our test papers for a bit to pray, I got a glimpse of my classmate’s paper. I didn’t know if she was right but I just copied her answer on the item I was stuck on just to get it over with. Ended up getting a 100 on that test but I never felt like celebrating, and I never cheated after that. It’s just not worth it.

Cheated on a partner? I’ve never done this, and I would never do this.

Dated a friend’s ex soon after they broke up? I don’t plan on doing this and I’ve never been put in this situation before.

Dated your ex's friend soon after you broke up? No, I’m not interested in any of her friends.

Eaten caviar? I’ve had it in some high-end buffets, but I’m sure it was the inexpensive kind. I haven’t tried rich-people high-society caviar yet.

Smoked a cigar? Haven’t, but willing to try.

Had more than 15 cigarettes in one day? That sounds disgusting. My personal record is probably like 4 or 5 in one night, which is nasty enough.

Smoked weed? I also have not. But I know someone who has access, and I’m just waiting for the right time to try weed for the first time.

Smoked weed on a regular basis or in a large amount? See above.

Eaten at a famous Chef’s restaurant? Never tried it mostly because there are none here lol, but it’s definitely in my bucket list. I’d love to try out Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants the most.

Read someone else’s diary or bank info without permission? Never. I know my ex has a collection of journals from her angsty years that she never let me read, and I always respected that. There were a lot of times I was alone in her room and I had every chance to be an asshole and go through her private diaries, but I never felt the need to. I respected her and her privacy way too much.

Bought someone a membership to a club or society? No. I’m not even a part of one myself.

Kissed a poster of a celeb or person you find attractive? Hahahaha probably. I haven’t done so since I was a young teenager, though.

Eaten a chip sandwich? No but I looked it up and ngl it looks kinda delicious? I wanna try.

Eaten a mustard and ham sandwich? Eugh, no. I winced immediately at mustard; just not my condiment of choice.

Got caught doing something bad on tape? I dunno...maybe? There are CCTVs everywhere now so it’s definitely possible, but if I did do anything ‘bad’ it was probably just a small petty thing, like taking a lost and found ballpen. I’ve always been afraid of breaking the rules.

Drunk a drink that you thought was something else? The reason I hate soda as much as I do was because I had been very thirsty during a family lunch when I was 3, and a glass of what I thought was water, which I fervently drank until I felt the burn in my throat, turned out to be Sprite.

Had extra strong chewing gum? JM brought a pack to school everyday, and I would occasionally ask for one if I felt like chewing on something.

Bit your gum or lower lip and it bled? For sure. Many times.

Broken a vase or plant pot and blamed it on the cat? No but similar. I always blamed my younger siblings whenever I accidentally sent something crashing to the floor as a kid.

Broken anything else and blamed it on a pet? I don’t think so. I love Kimi too much to blame him. And whenever something does break at home it usually is Cooper’s fault, so.

Eaten roule cheese? I don’t think so. It certainly doesn’t sound familiar.

Watched a foreign film without the subtitles on? Well yeah, American films are foreign to me. I’ve watched a bunch without subtitles but I’ve always preferred to have them on, because some accents can be thick. And I hate when actors mumble their lines or speak too fast.

Kissed a frog to see if a prince would come? No.

Coloured a black and white photograph in? I mean I’ve finished pages in coloring books, if that counts.

Pronounced your name in a foreign accent? I can say it in thick American and Filipino accents, but that’s it.

Saw an eclipse with your own eyes? Super blue blood moon, 2018. Eclipses are usually not visible here, so when the news spread that that particular eclipse will be very much present in the Philippines I didn’t hesitate to be outdoors and stare at it for a few minutes.

Sat an exam after 4pm? Yup, I once took an exam at 6 PM.

Covered your face with so much makeup it looked hideous? I have a few childhood photos where I was made to wear too much makeup and I ended up looking like a ghost.

Gone on a school camping trip? Never happened to my class. That would’ve sounded like a blast, though.

Stolen something off your parents? I don’t think so. I wouldn’t be able to stomach the guilt.

Watched TV for 5 hours solid? Yeah, well the TV was the main source of entertainment before phones and quicker internet exploded, so we definitely sat around in front of the TV as kids way longer than five hours. Our elders weren’t too strict with our TV usage, and the general idea was that if an electronic device can keep a handful of kids behaved, then it won’t be an issue.

Cried while on a fairground ride? Not cried, but I’ve felt light-headed, weak, and close to fainting. My body is just not built for fair/amusement park rides.

Had to go to the doctor’s due to a bad flu? Yep. Turned out to be a UTI.

Got a CAT or other form of brain scan? Never happened before. I hope I never see myself in a situation serious enough for these procedures to be deemed necessary.

Spilt spaghetti all over your light coloured top? Never, but this is definitely a Robyn thing that can happen.

Got wine or coke on your parents’ furniture? No. I’ve lived 22 whole years with my mom; I know better than doing that, even if accidentally.

Faked sadness to get out of trouble? I don’t think so. I’ve definitely used it as an excuse, but it was always real to a certain extent. I’m always upset when I know I’m in trouble.

Opened up a packet of chips or crisps upside down? Sure, when opening from the right side up doesn’t work.

Called your friend Mum or Dad by accident? Never. That’s a bit of an odd mistake to make ngl, but I suppose it’s happened to others.

Eaten a boiled egg on its own? Of course. I’d be more surprised if someone hasn’t.

Eaten raw onions as a snack? That doesn’t sound appealing. Pass. 

Watched someone commit a crime and didn't report it? I don’t think so. If this happened I’m pretty sure 1) I would report it immediately, and 2) I would also get extremely anxious and probably feel troubled by it for a few days.

Slipped a disc whilst carrying something heavy? I never heard of this term before, so I’m guessing this hasn’t happened to me before.

Swore at a teacher whilst at school? There’s a chance I’ve sworn while a professor was within earshot, but I’ve never sworn at one.

Would You Ever...?

Dress up as the opposite sex? No. I don’t feel the need to, and there are never any circumstances where I’ve had to do so.

Eat a whole pizza to yourself? That’s definitely a big goal of mine haha. I wanna be able to accomplish it at least once.

Sing in front of 2000 or more people? I’ve kinda done this, in school plays; I was always part of a big group though. I’ve never done it solo and have no desire to do so at any point in my life.

Swim with dolphins? I’d love the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, but if I do get to encounter them I’d rather stay in the boat and watch them do their thing; that would be enough for me. As friendly as they can be, I don’t want to disrupt their routine and even spook them in the process.

Audition for a reality show? You lost me at ‘audition.’

Lick your partner’s toes? I mean if doing it would solve global warming or give me a million dollars or end world hunger, then it’s a really small price to pay.

Not shower for 2 weeks? Again if there’s a big prize waiting for me in the end, it suddenly doesn’t sound like such a difficult task.

Look after someone else’s child permanently? There has to be a very good, personal reason behind it.

Fly an aeroplane? I’d love to take lessons. My dad’s dream for me was to be a pilot, so it’d be a fun surprise to show him I could actually operate a plane.

Ask a stranger for directions? This isn’t too difficult a task. I’d make sure I’m somewhere crowded and look for someone who looks approachable and helpful, though. Some places do look sketchy.

Catch a 5am train? If it was my only choice, I guess? My family has had to leave the house even earlier for certain trips.

Buy condoms at a pharmacy? I’ve had a friend ask me to do this when she felt too shy to do it herself. But in general, people really shouldn’t be embarrassed when buying things like this. If the cashier judges you, that’s their problem.

Hold a stranger’s hand if they were scared? In an extreme situation, yeah.

Illegally sell drugs for a lot of money? That’s a nope. I’d like to keep my hands off drugs.

Jump into a swimming pool off the highest board? This reminds me of that episode of Mr. Bean where he found himself on the highest diving board at the public pool hahahaha. Anyway, I’d do this if money was on the line, but never just for my own leisure.

Lick a stamp? Sure, whatever.

Make fun of your partner’s family in front of them? ...Why would I even do that?

Murder someone who murdered or raped a child? I would definitely react to a crime like that, but I could never carry out murder myself.

Name your child Adele? It’s a pleasant name; it fits as a second name. It’s not in my top choices by any means, but it’s still pretty.

Name your pet Toby? You pretty much hit the jackpot. Our bunny was named Tobi.

Touch a naked flame with one finger? God no. I know it’s a fairly easy trick and nearly everyone I know knows how to do it, but I’d never try it.

Play strip poker? I don’t even know how to play poker.

Pay for sex? I don’t see myself doing this.

Pet a dog you didn't know? I’d ask permission from the owner first, because the dog might be a biter. If it’s a stray dog, I’d motion for it to come over but keep a distance so as not to scare them.

Pee behind a bush or in a field if you thought nobody could see? I mean, if it’s an extreme emergency and it was the only possible place...

Queue up for a concert ticket for 5 hours or longer? For my favorites, yes. If it was for someone like Beyoncé I’d probably even camp out the night before.

Ride a camel in the desert? I’d still have to check if this is an ethical practice involving the camels. It sounds appealing, though.

Risk your life for 1000 strangers? Depends on what’s at stake.

Show your privates in public to raise a million for charity? If the act of doing so is tasteful and makes sense.

Wear a turban for a year? I don’t think I’m in the place to wear one, culturally speaking.

Can You...

Ride a bike? Cannot, have not been able to in the last 22 years. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to learn, as much as I want to.

Swim? I mean I can definitely stay in the water, tread, and do several strokes, but I’m no professional swimmer if that’s what you mean. I don’t even know how to do a proper dive.

Skate? I used to love ice skating. Ice skating rinks used to be a common feature in malls when I was a kid, and my mom usually dropped me off there while she did groceries and did errands, so that I was kept occupied. I’m very certain that I’m rusty now though, because I haven’t put ice skates on in more than a decade.

Cook? Not a chance. My cooking skills only extend to instant noodles, scrambled eggs, frozen hotdogs, and basic sandwiches.

Ski? I’ve never even seen snow before, much less put skis on.

Speak fluent in another language? Yep, I speak Filipino all the time.

Remember all your families names? What does this mean? Like if I recognize all my relatives? I wouldn’t be able to name all of them if you lined them up, to be honest with you. Filipino families are notorious for being huge and there are lots of people on both my mom’s and dad’s sides whose names I could never remember.

Ride a horse? Nah, I can only do so if a professional is riding with me or maneuvering the horse themselves.

Play Tennis? I’ve never actually tried playing tennis before; I’ve never had the chance.

Play Golf? No, and no desire to. I find golf a little boring and underwhelming.

Play Football or Soccer? We had to play futsal as part of high school PE, which is just essentially football but indoors. That’s where I realized I could’ve been good in football since I turned out to be naturally decent in kicking and blocking the ball...I just never got around to polishing my skills and getting better because I didn’t know if I could maintain training anyway.

Control your temper? Sure, for the most part.

Show your emotions? I can also do this, whenever necessary. I’m able to strike a balance.

Help others? Erm, sure? I try do whenever I can.

Stay neutral? Yeah, if it’s the most mature thing to do. I definitely always stay in the middle when it’s two of my friends who are arguing and I can’t remember a single time I actively took a side.

Eat spicy foods? Kinda comes with being Asian, at least for the most part. Spicy food is the best in Korean and Indian cuisines.

Work as a team?

Work on your own?

Used a compass? Just in geometry class, but I never understood what it was for so I abandoned it quickly.

Do simple Math?

Spell reasonably well? I have to thank Akeelah and the Bee for this. After that movie I’d just read the dictionary for days as well as look up the winning words from the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Understand basic Science? I actually take a liking to science, so I enjoyed our classes as a kid.

Reach a 175 or more in bowling? Haha, does Wii Sports count?

Touch your nose with your tongue? Never could do it.