#if only any smoothie place near me was open past like 8

[thestarmaker]

God I want a smoothie but I'm not willing to wash the blender

[barrysjumpsuit]

the dark side - jj maybank x shoupe’s daughter, ch. 1

w/c: 1.9k

summary:  catherine shoupe has the perfect life. when she gets hired by heyward to run groceries, she has a new coworker - jj maybank. as the deputy’s daughter, she can’t help but hate him. but when jj decides to bring her to the dark side and woo her over, cat not only has to hide her activities from her father, but also hide who she really is.

warnings: none for this chapter

a/n: i’m super excited for this! making it up as i go.... posting may be slightly delayed/irregular since i’m busy with working and moving but who knows i’ll probably waste my time and work on this more than i should

---

Cat’s feet and back ached, and the sun felt good on her cool skin as she stepped out of the overly air-conditioned grocery store she had been in since they opened that morning. She sat down on a bench in a shaded area between the store and a coffee shop, resting and enjoying her fifteen minute break.

The same thing. Every day, five days a week. Cat would be the opener for the grocery store, getting there at four in the morning and working until ten. It was smaller, a hippie fresh market type of place with fresh produce and organic products. Very Kook-y. It drew tourists and locals alike, as well as a bunch of people her age, working for grocery delivery services.

Morning shifts in the summer were nice because they drew more of the local crowd. The working class, like her, though still kooks. Moms grabbing their groceries after dropping their kids off at school, working professionals stopping by for premade sandwiches or donuts for their coworkers. That particular morning, her dad had stopped by for his own lunch and spent entirely too long chatting with her.

Cat enjoyed seeing people, asking them about plans for their days. She often suggested the best surfing spots and restaurants to the non-locals, while striking up easy conversations with the regulars that frequented the market in the mornings. After work she often took her brother out to the beach. It was her mission this summer to teach him how to surf. In the evenings, if her dad wasn’t working, she would help her mom cook dinner and they would have a big family meal. It was repetitive, but perfect and full of things and people she loved.

After her fifteen minute break was up, she went back inside, but her manager pulled her aside before she returned to her checking lane.

“Hey, Catherine, come see me in my office?” Mrs. Lee’s voice rang out. 

There was a brief nervousness that made Cat’s stomach roll over, but it quickly vanished once she saw the smile on the store owner’s face. “So you know Heyward, right?”

“Of course,” she answered, smiling at the thought. She knew the man and his son well - they were always in and out, buying groceries for their customers. “He’s awesome. What about him?”

“He and I are partners now,” she continued, obviously excited about the development. “He’s looking to hire some new people to deliver groceries. I know you love being out on the water and talking to people, so I figured I’d ask to see if you were interested. It’ll come with a bump in your pay, too.”

“Yes!” she said, perhaps a little too eagerly. “I’m definitely interested. Does he want an interview?”

Mrs. Lee laughed. “He said if you were interested, you’re on board automatically. He knows you’re a good worker. I’ll call him and let him know and get back at you, okay?”

“Sounds good! Thanks, Mrs. Lee,” Cat said, smiling back at her before leaving her office.

Going back to her checking lane was almost bittersweet, knowing that lane three had been hers for almost two years. As soon as she flipped her light back on, a local came through, eagerly starting up a conversation and letting Cat know how his son was doing in the summer little league baseball series.

After she got off, she cranked the AC on in her car and began the drive home. The place was flooded with tourists, the summer season officially in full swing. She lived right off the main strip, which was fun and convenient, but could get annoying when anyone and everyone was there. 

“Hey Cat!” her brother greeted her as she got home. He was sitting on the couch, watching TV.

“Hey Tyler! Want to go out for ice cream later?” she asked, and he nodded excitedly. “I’ll make us some lunch then we can go after that.”

“Okay!” she heard him respond as she jogged up the carpeted steps. She walked past her parent’s bedroom and then into hers, kicking off her shoes and changing into flowy shorts and a basic tee before going back downstairs to make lunch.

The rest of the day was pleasant and uneventful. After they ate lunch, she took Tyler to the ice cream place two blocks away. He got birthday cake while she got peppermint, enjoying the cool sensation on the hot day. They walked on the beach, her brother talking nonstop about the video game he was playing, while Cat smiled and faked listening.

She was really listening to the sound of the waves lapping at the store, and the voices of those who lounged on the beach. Some were playing in the ocean, some were playing games in the soft sand. 

Her father was off work at six, so once they returned home, it wasn’t long until her mother got off work and they started prepping dinner. Cat’s mom was laid back, always smiling, which she loved. She left her work at the office, unlike her father.

Being the daughter of a sheriff’s deputy was odd. Cat didn’t mind it. There were rules in place, of course, but she hadn’t any urge to break them. There were people from her school out doing drugs and drinking most nights of the week, but Cat had never touched any of that. She had a curfew, but she didn’t really mind it.

Her dad got home right before dinner was ready. He pulled Cat towards him, kissing the top of her head before kissing her mom on the lips. “How are my ladies this evening?” he asked, grinning. A patch on his uniform read Shoupe in bold letters, and he was still fully clad in his uniform.

“Pretty good,” Cat answered, stirring the sauce that was simmering on the stove. 

They made light conversation until her dad went to change out of his work clothes while Cat and her mom set the table and plated up dinner.

“How was work, Cat?” her dad asked when they were sat down and eating.

“It was good. The usual. But, I got a new job!”

“Oh?” her mom asked, taking a sip of wine and raising her eyebrows. 

“Heyward and Mrs. Lee are working together now, and Heyward needs runners. So he wants me. I get a pay bump too.”

Cat was smiling, but it dropped when she saw her dad’s face. Her mom noticed too, casting him a glare, and he spoke. “That’s great, honey. But be careful, okay?”

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Her father hated her going near the Cut. Not that she had much reason or urge to, but she knew it could be rough down there. He often worked down there, on the south side of the island, and constantly told stories about shoplifting Pogues and underage drinking. “Dad, it’s Heyward’s. It’s basically Figure Eight.”

“I know, I’m just saying,” he said, raising his hands in surrender.

“Can you take me on the delivery boat sometime?” Tyler asked, luckily rerouting the conversation.

The issue was luckily dropped, but Cat still felt bad. She didn’t know why - she was seizing the opportunity, something her parents had always encouraged. Cat had been working ever since she was old enough. Her father always told her, a good work ethic is the most important thing you can have. They were urging her to save up for college, and now she was essentially being promoted.

Mrs. Lee had texted her during dinner. Heyward wants you to start tomorrow! Meet him at 9, wear whatever you want.

She responded to the text before settling down in bed with a book. At ten, before she went to bed, her father stepped into her room after knocking softly on her door.

“Hey, dad,” she said, and he walked over to sit on her bed. Cat pulled her feet up to give him some room and put her book down on her nightstand.

“I’m happy for you, Cat,” he said, smiling at her. “Just be careful, okay? With all the boat traffic now and going everywhere… Heyward’s a good guy. I trust him.”

“I will, dad. You know me. I grew up on the water.”

He smiled again. “Yeah, you did. Have fun tomorrow, okay? Good night.”

“G’night, dad,” she said as her father stood and left the room.

---

Cat woke up early, not used to getting to sleep in since she usually was at the grocery store before dawn. Her parents had already left for work, leaving Tyler in front of the TV as normal. She made a smoothie before changing into shorts and a t-shirt. 

“Bye, Ty!” she called as she left the house at 8:30, closing the back door behind her before heading to her car.

It was about a 20 minute drive to Heyward’s from her house. When she got there, she quickly located him on the dock, filling a gas can. As she stepped onto the dock, he gave her a wave, and quickly hurried over.

Heyward gave her an impromptu ‘training’. How to read the orders, how to use the boat’s navigation. It was simple, and she knew most of the people who had put in orders for that day. “Right now I have two people who shop and two of you who run and deliver together, each day,” he was explaining. “Here’s your work shirt, I don’t give a damn what pants you wear as long as your ass isn’t hangin’ out.”

He thrust three t-shirts of different colors towards her, each with the Heyward’s logo printed on it before taking her into the office to discuss her pay and scheduling. Since she was already in the system, it went by quickly, and she ran her printed schedule to her car and slipped into her new work shirt before returning to the dock. 

“There’s those sons of bitches getting back now,” he said, waving at two people who stood on a white boat pulling up to dock. “Catherine, go ahead and start carrying over the groceries in the cooler over there, time for your first run.”

She went inside the small building and started pulling bags out of the ice, full of produce and goods from her store. She noticed Heyward’s son, Pope, standing on the boat, and he held out his hands to take the bags from her to load.

“You working here now?” he asked, and she nodded. Cat had always liked Pope; they went to the same school until high school. He was quiet and witty, which she appreciated, and they had even sat together at lunch one year.

As soon as she finished handing Pope the groceries, she took his outstretched hand and climbed onto the boat.

“Hey Catherine!” she heard Heyward call. She turned to see him, grinning at her. “These are your new coworkers. Have fun.”

Pope grinned at her, but Heyward said coworkers. Plural.

A blond boy came into her line of sight, smirking. Cat’s heart sank as she recognized who it was, and she considered getting off the boat, but couldn’t bring herself to move or speak. It was someone she hadn’t seen in quite a while, and she was okay with that.

JJ was the first to speak up, his voice smooth and cocky. “Hey, kitty Cat, long time, no see.”

---

taglist:  @letsgofullkook @stargazingstarkey @sortagaysortahigh @jjsmentalpolaroids @ims0golden @jjmaybcnks​ @shawnssongs​ @queenk00k @broken-jj​

[purplesurveys]

644

What is your favorite time of the day? I love when evening sets. It’s the end of the day, everyone turns their lights on outside and it’s all pretty, and it’s a great time to tell stories and catch up with friends who were busy with you throughout the day. When was the last time you had pizza? Last December. My org had its last meeting for the year and JM treated us with four boxes of party-sized pizzas :) Are you close with your mother? She’s pretty okay when she’s in a good mood, but do I absolutely hate her when she’s not in that mood. She has an ugly side that I never learned to love. Do you have a short fuse? On certain things, yes. I get tense the moment I get in the driver’s seat, I have no patience for slow workers in my group, and in general my short fuse pops out when I’m hungry. Have you ever blown a breaker? I have no idea what this question means, which means I either don’t get the slang of the past, or this is a grown-up thing I’ve yet to learn.

What is your favorite cereal? Cookie Crisps! I haven’t tried Reese’s Puffs, but I’m like 98% sure that it would be my favorite as well if I ever get to try it. Is there a certain place that you go when you're upset? When I’m already in school, I might stay in my car but it gets hot inside so my next best option is the student lounge in my college called Skywalk, which is also where my organization is settled/headquartered. Typically, I’d go to an empty table and cry over there. At home, I like being on the couch or at the dining table. Name a new friend you've made this year. I haven’t met a new friend just yet, but the best new person I’ve met so far is my friend Sam’s uncle. His bar had a soft opening last Friday and she all invited us to come for a night of drinks and music. It ended up being so so fun, and the uncle was super nice and welcoming. Honestly, do you check the caller i.d. to see who's called you? The technology of caller ID never reached the Philippines. I can say the same for voicemail. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? I forget it most days, but when I’m driving on more accident-prone highways like C5 or EDSA (also highways with the most traffic enforcers), I’ll put mine on. Have you ever known anyone that's gone missing? Yeah, my friend and orgmate Mik was reported missing for a couple of days last September. Their family approached our org asking for help in the blasting of social media posts hoping to find him. Do you put your foundation on with a sponge or your hand? I don’t put foundation at all, but when my friends do it on me they always do so with a sponge. What was the last thing you ate? I had chocolate digestives from M&S a few minutes ago but they tasted a little sour; so I checked its labels, and turns out it’s a day away from expiring D: So now I’m making mi goreng-flavored instant noodles. What game is in your game system right now? My brother plays NBA 2K20 all the time so I’m pretty sure that’s the game in the PS4, and as for the Switch my best guess is Mario Kart 8. What color are your toe nails? None. The 2nd to last person you texted, how did you meet them? It was in first grade, we were seatmates, I had a newly-sharpened pencil and I accidentally struck her palm with it and her hand started to bleed. She started telling on the teacher but thanks to my experience living with siblings and cousins, I was able to think on my feet and insist that I didn’t do anything. Angela insists to this day that I stabbed her on purpose hahaha, but it really wasn’t the case. But yeah, that was the start of our 15-years-and-counting friendship. Do you miss a lot of school? No, unless I really find the class not worth it. My worst attendance record was racking up 8-9 absences in the one and only psychology elective I took. I still love psych, but that prof provided a meh first impression and since then I’ve never been in the mood to take another psych class. Do you have to pee often? Only when I’m out drinking, but other than that no. Do you live near a pet store? No, I don’t. Do you ever watch The Bad Girls Club? I’ve never even heard of it.

Who was the last person other than family to tell you that they love you? My girlfriend. Do you ever play those games on the myspace ads? I’ve never seen a Myspace ad. But sometimes, ads for games that pop up on my phone will be interactive and will let me play for like 30 seconds hahaha I love those. Have you ever been told that you resemble an animal or insect? No. But I’ve said that about other people (not to them though). How many people have you kissed in the last month? Just one. Do you know anyone who writes really well? I’m taking journalism, so almost everyone I know writes outstandingly. Least favorite food? Raisins. Do you get big headed easily? Never. My friends and I are totally the type to smack each other at the back of the head if we ever ended up that way. Can you play any instrument really well? Sadly, no. But my dream instrument to play for the longest time has been the piano, and it’s always bittersweet when I watch my friends who can play it well. Are there any foods that you loved when you were little, but hate now? Pork and beans, because my mom used to buy cans of those allllll theeeeeee timeeeeee. I also ate a lot of Oreos as a kid, but I’m a little sick of them now. What is your zodiac sign? Taurus. What was the last picture you uploaded? Someone on Twitter initiated a challenge that asked anyone to upload side-by-side photos of the oldest picture they have of themselves on their phone vs the most recent one, and I joined. Do you prefer chocolate candy, or fruity candy? Fruity! For chocolate, I like them better as bars. Is your about me long and detailed, or short and to the point? Here on Tumblr, it’s pretty much to the point.  What is your favorite type of cola? I don’t drink soda. Who did you spend your last birthday with? My family during the day; Angela in the evening. Does it bug you when people spell color "colour"? No. That’s the more accepted spelling on some parts of the world, and no one has a right to bitch about it lmao. Do you actually pay attention to how many profile views you have? Ugh, that’s such a 2010 thing...along with embedded playlists that automatically play when you visit someone’s page hahahahaaaaaaah.  What flavor was the milkshake you had last? Cookies and cream, but it was my girlfriend’s. Where is the nearest place that sells smoothies? I’m not sure. But there are three malls that are all five minutes away from my house, and there’s gotta be at least one smoothie place in those. What kind of body wash or soap do you use? Funny that you ask this – I actually got three of these as Christmas gifts so I’m taking turns in using them :) I got a bourbon vanilla shower gel from my aunt, a milk tea-themed shower gel from my cousin, and Gabie gave me a shea butter soap because I mentioned to her once that I liked any skincare product that had any type of food in it, and turns out she listened hahahaha :)

[iwritefanficsometimes]

13 Days of Halloween Day 1: “This Haunted House is Kind of Over The Top.”

Welcome to Day 1 of 13 Days of Halloween Writing Challenge, or, as I’m calling it, #13DoHWC2018. Here’s the main post. Here’s the AO3 work. I hope you enjoy!

Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13!

Pairing: IronStrange

Rating: T

Warnings: Cursing, subtle and not subtle innuedo/sexual language

Word count: 3,827

Summary: Newly graduated Tony Stark apparently has nothing better to do than build a ridiculously scary haunted house. At said haunted house he meets a super hot tall guy who doesn’t take any of his shit, and it’s amazing.

----

Once Upon a Time in This is a Good Idea Land, Tony decided that he wanted to make the scariest haunted house anyone had ever experienced. He didn’t know why he wanted to do it, he couldn’t conceive of any motivation for a mature young man with post grad education in engineering and physics to be working on a haunted house. It was juvenile, and it was a waste of what Pepper insisted was his very valuable time, and okay, maybe he just wanted to scare the pants off some people because it sounded like fun. Of course, making a Very Scary Haunted House quickly became a matter of personal achievement. Tony wanted to make the biggest, scariest haunted house anyone had ever conceived of... and he kind of had.

“Are those, are those paramedics?” Rhodey asked, looking at the not one, not two, but three ambulances parked near the entrance of the house.

“Um, yeah, kind of. See, we had some problems with panic attacks that people thought were heart attacks the first night. They have to sign a waiver to go in, and no one under 18 is allowed to even be in the parking lot...” Tony looked over the gutted and rebuilt structure of his childhood home. Really he’d left all the outside parts the same. He’d only changed the inside. The inside... was a problem.

“Tony, I think you went overboard.”

“Maybe,” Tony shrugged and waved at one of the anxious looking 20 somethings who was looking between Tony and the ambulances and the door like he wasn’t really sure going in was a good idea. “I had to do something to keep me busy. It’s better than drinking myself to death.”

“You could have been, I don’t know, making something that isn’t going to be obsolete in a month?”

“In a world of changing technology that’s everything playtpus.“ Tony put his sunglasses on and took Rhodey’s arm in his to lead him towards the house. “See, that’s the beauty of a haunted house, really. If the technology I put in it is obsolete in a month, that doesn’t matter, because so is the haunted house.”

“I can’t believe you did this to your house.”

“Yeah you can.”

Rhodey sighed, “Yeah, I can. Well, at least you’re having fun. The press certainly is.” Rhodey looked towards the news crews that were just off the property of Tony’s parents’ mansion, talking into their cameras about the phenomena of the Stark Raving Mad House, coined, unfortunately, by Tony.

“Oh the press!” Tony giggled and Rhodey raised a cautious eyebrow, “Boy do I have plans for them. They can’t go in until the last night, obviously, wouldn’t want to spoil the surprises, but...” He waved at one of the cameras that was obviously zooming in on them and then blew a kiss. “Boy do I have plans for them.”

“Please don’t get sued.” Came out of Rhodey’s mouth in a way that was far too easy and familiar for his liking.

“They can’t sue me if they sign a waiver.” He kept grinning as he took Rhodey around the side of the house to the staff entrance. “Besides, with as many of them that have tried to sneak in cameras, I’m not feeling all that merciful. Damn cheats.” He opened the side door, usually an entrance into an elaborate kitchen now being used for make-up and staging. It was noisy and chaotic and it just felt right. “Maybe I should do stuff like this full time. There’s good money in it, and I’m having a blast.”

“I’m sure Obediah would love that.” Rhodey rolled his eyes and let Tony lead him to the out of the way counter in the far corner where there was finger food fit for a king and smoothies for people with constricting costumes or masks that wouldn’t allow them to chew.

“You know, he hasn’t even been riding my ass about it, I’m kind of surprised. I expected a lot more resistance than I got.” Tony picked up a crustless half sandwhich and handed it to Rhodey before claiming one of the protein shakes that the chef was making one or two in advance.

“I can’t believe you have a Michelin star chef making sandwiches for a haunted house.”

Tony looked at Rhodey with raised eyebrows. “Can’t you?”

Rhodey sighed and Tony grinned, “Unfortunately, yes. Of course you would.”

“Of course I would. Nothing but the best for my favorite people.” He said it a loud enough that anyone in the vicinity probably heard him. He’d hand picked these people months ago, and he was paying them well. The set designers, painters, set builders, construction team, costume designers and actors had all been top of their field. Tony spared no expense, and it was paying off, despite Pepper’s insistence that it would be a money pit. He was pretty sure she’d only been telling him that because she wanted him to stop though, not because she thought it was true. If nothing else Tony opening up his house for people willing to buy tickets would have drawn in enough money on it’s own.

“Yeah, okay. So, when are you gonna show me your secret project, or is this all I get?” He asked, indicating the half dressed actors and costume designers and emergency crew.

“Don’t worry, Honeybear, I’m going to take your through myself once the crowds clear out a little.”

“You don’t close the doors until past 2am Tony.”

“What, can’t hang anymore, army man?”

“I’m in the Airforce.” Rhodey corrects him without much heat.

“Huh, I could have sworn you were an army man. Must be all the paint fumes I’ve been sniffing as we got the place ready. And the construction adhesive. And-“

“Don’t-“ Rhodey said, shoving the straw of Tony’s shake into his mouth, “finish that.”

“Don’t finish my protein shake? Okay, Rhodey, whatever you say.”

“Oh shut up.” Rhodey laughed and Tony smiled at him.

“If you two are done,” a woman dressed like a zombie, smiled, showing all her grotesque fake teeth that looked far too real, “Some of us want to eat before our four hour shift.”

“Okay,” Rhodey said, dragging Tony away from the table. “I don’t know what you’ve done, but it’s officially freaky.”

“That was all the costume designer. She’s wonderful, Janet! Wave and acknowledge your awesomeness to my Rhodey.” Tony called in the general vacinity of the costuming area, there were several stalls set up for people to change in and beside them was a rack of costumes and a slight woman about Tony’s age, with pins in her mouth that she was to fake skin and torn cloth delicately.

“I’m awesome, Tony’s Rhodey, thanks for acknowledging it.” She mumbled around the pins, never dropping one.

“You know, the more I look around the less I like this.”

“That’s the point.” Tony smiled, “Come on, let me show you the studio.”

Tony dragged Rhodey to what used to be the large butler’s pantry that had been converted into a control room. Several people were inside, watching the monitors and making the affects happen, each wearing a head set to communicate with the actors in their rooms. The lights were dimmed, but there was no trace of red corn syrup or costumes to be found. It was the least creepy room in the house.

Tony dragged Rhodey to the closest screen, the one with the dinning room setting and a tablet set with realistic looking cooked human remains. The bigger pieces were fake, but each of the three actors at the table, dressed to resemble Tony and his parents, were eating rather docily from plates of completely edible non-human food that looked like human food. They were getting paid extra.

“Um...” Rhodey said, but Tony smacked him in the arm lightly to shut him up. “There’s a new group coming in, shut up.”

Sure enough a new group of people, mostly college age students, were walking into the room, marveling at the scenery. The floor around the table was dripping in red corn syrup, and there were rusty pieces of metal tacked up against the wall and hidden under the floorboard to give the room a rusty feel. Someone got the bright idea to try and touch the food and “Howard,” roared, exposing fangs and red contacts. The guy jumped and Tony giggled.

“I can’t believe you really did this.”

“Yeah you can. Keep up the good work, Gary.” Tony said, clapping the tech on the shoulder as he led Rhodey back out.

“You got it boss.” Gary said, pushing a button and making a leg on one of the plates jerk.

——

“This haunted house is like the equivilent of a monster truck with six foot tires. It screams ‘I’m insecure in my masculinity and overcompensating.’” Stephen Strange, med student with no sense of adventure told his best friend, Christine.

“This haunted house is amazing and you need to quit being such a condescending jack ass. A lot of people put a lot of work into making this really cool. Respect that.”

“I will not respect one of the geniuses of our generation wasting his talents on...” Stephen looked at the plain house with a line of people all the way to the gate, “this.”

“Don’t say it like that. The staff has a twitter account and it’s hilarious. They all say he’s fun to work for, and since when is giving people jobs a bad thing?”

“Since those people are actors and he could be employing people with actual college degrees.”

“Wow, you are determined to suck the fun out of this for me, aren’t you?” Christine grabbed his arm and dragged him to the back of the line. “Well, be prepared to be amazed. Everyone who’s come out on the other side says it’s terrifying. I’m so excited!”

Stephen looked down at her, nothing short of condescension in his expression and she punched him in the chest. “Don’t be a dick. This is gonna be fun. Trust me.”

“I trust you. What I don’t trust is the ambulances parked outside.”

Christine looked at the ambulances and back at Stephen. “I bet he’s paying them just to be here. And I bet they’re not actors.”

“I bet you chicken out before we get to the door.”

“Oh, whatever. I’m so excited for this.”

“Do you remember that Halloween party we went to last year?”

“Stephen, shut up.” She glared at him and he raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Alright but all I’m saying is that frat boy in a bed sheet-“

“Shut. Up.”

“-made you jump into a lunch bowl and-“ Christine clapped a hand over his mouth. Stephen kept talking into her hand, smug at the attention they were drawing.

“You’re such a dick.” She shook her head and wiped his breath off her hand and on to his tee shirt.

“You’re the one who hangs out with me.”

“I’m starting to forget why.”

——

“Okay, I can’t wait any longer. We’re going in with the next group.” Tony said after his leg had been bouncing for nearly half an hour. The house was running smoothly, no one needed him, and Tony’s attention to Jan’s costuming of the second shifters was only going to last so long.

“Tony, the line is huge, are you sure that’s a good idea?” Rhodey asked as Tony dragged him out of his chair and Rhodey had to quickly set down his soda or risk it being dropped in Tony’s haste.

“I’m positive that it’s a good idea, unless you want me to get in a costume and go scare people, because running a haunted house is even less fun than running a company once all the planning is over. Okay, maybe not less fun, but comparably unfun.”

Rhodey sighed and just followed Tony out of the kitchen back around to the front of the house. He smiled at the ticket taker and she gestured for the tall man and the girl beside him to stop coming inside. “We’ll get you in the next group.” She promised with a kind smile Tony really admired.

“We’ve been waiting for hours, he can wait for ten more minutes.” The tall man with angry blue (maybe gray) eyes said, and Tony didn’t hide that he was checking him out.

“I built this, and I can go in whenever I want to. You can wait ten minutes.” Tony shot back even though the tall guy was obviously not talking to him.

“Tony,” Rhodey murmured, “maybe we should wait, alright?”

“No, I’m not going to wait. It’s my creation. They can wait.” Tony usually agreed when Rhodey tried to reign him in, he didn’t do it all that often so if he was trying to now it was because he was being a serious asshole, but he didn’t like tall guy’s attitude.  And Tony kind of had a good track record with verbal sparring and someone ending up in his bed, but that was beside the point.

“That’s just like a one-percenter, entitled asshole much?” Tall guy glared, and Tony smirked.

“Yeah, pretty much, but listen, I’d rather be an entitled asshole than what, a burned out college student barely making ends meet being dragged here by hid girlfriend. No offense, you seem lovely,” he said to the woman standing beside tall guy.

“I am. And he’s gay.”

“Christine!” Stephen protested, shoving her and she laughed.

“What, he’s obviously into you, I was just doing you a favor.”

“I didn’t ask for your help, because you’re help is never as helpful as you think it is.” His glare focused back on Tony. “And that wasn’t an invitation.”

Tony tilted his head to one side, looking at tall guy up and down. “It should be. I’d accept it gladly.” He winked and tall guy glared, but Tony could see him blushing. Aggressive flirting was pretty much always the answer. “And I know how to show someone a good time.”

“I don’t really want to try and fit in a bed with your ego, thanks.”

“I like you.” Tony nodded, “You’re still not going in before us, but I like you. Maybe call me or something.” He pulled out a business card and handed it between two fingers to the girl standing beside him, knowing that tall guy wouldn’t take it.

He waved at tall guy flamboyantly and then turned to go into the house, dragging an exasperated Rhodey behind him. He was almost inside when something sharp and tiny hit him in the back of the head.

“What the hell?” He yelled, clutching the back of his head where his business card had just hit him. “Lovely woman, how could you betray me like this? I trusted you.” He looked over his shoulder at the two of them, and Christine was covering her mouth to giggle while Stephen just glared back at him.

“If I wanted your number, I would’ve asked for it.”

Tony was kind of taken aback. Sure, people hated Tony all the time, because of who he was, or because sometimes he could be an asshole, but tall guy with ridiculously beuatiful angry eyes was different somehow.

“Can I have yours then?” Tony asked, and it was Stephen’s turn to be taken aback.

“They’re soulmates, right? Like, they’re obviously soulmates?” Christine asked Rhodey who was just watching them both flabbergasted.

“Probably. You guys go ahead, we’ll wait.” He said pointedly, holding Tony’s arm and keeping him from protesting.

“How evil is it that I want them to go in together? It’d be a great bonding moment.” Christine grinned, and Rhodey raised an eyebrow at her.

“They’d kill each other.”

“Stephen doesn’t bite.” Christine waved a hand dismissively.

“I’m right here, you know. I haven’t gone anywhere,” he glared and she scoffed.

“Oh trust me, I know. The indignation rolling off of you is palpable. I can taste it it like sexual frustration in the back of my throat.”

Stephen gaped at her and Tony smirked, but Rhodey couldn’t just let this Stephen guy take all the blows. “I wouldn’t look so smug Tones, your thirst just as bad. You’d think he threw a love potion at you and not your own business card.”

“I was really getting that vibe from him.” Christine nodded, pushing Stephen towards the door. “You want to go into the haunted house so bad, do it with him. Now.”

“No, I’m not going to.”

“What, are you scared?” Tony asked, seeing a chance and jumping at it. He’d take Rhodey through on the next round, but he really, really, really wanted to screw with Stephen. And maybe just screw him. Maybe at the same time. That sounded great...

“I’m not scared of some cheesy animatronics and overpaid actors.”

Tony sucked in a breath, and Rhodey looked instantly worried. “Cheesy animatronics? No, these are top of the line animatronics that I designed myself.” The sharpness to Tony’s grin made even Christine, who didn’t know Tony from Adam, a little worried.

“Um, maybe-“

“Fine.” Stephen cut her off. “Let’s see how scary your little overcompensation project really is.”

“Please, lead the way.” Tony said, gesturing for Stephen to go inside.

“With pleasure.” He glared and went inside. Tony followed quickly behind and Christine, Rhodey and the ticket woman all looked at each other uneasily.

“This isn’t going to end well, is it?” Christine asked.

“Challenging Tony’s tech is like insulting his honor.” Rhodey confirmed and Christine nodded.

“Alright, well, now we wait.”

“Actually, I was going to go watch them from the control room. This is going to be too good to miss.”

“Can I come with?” She asked, not even caring about spoiling the surprise inside the house. She cared far more about what Stephen was doing with Tony freaking Stark.

“Be my guest.” Rhodey said, going back the way he and Tony had come.

——

Twenty five minutes later Stephen was sweating, Tony’s heart was racing, and they were both having trouble breathing as they filed out of the last room into what used to be the garage that had been converted into a cool down room of sorts complete with soft couches and snacks

“That haunted house is over the top.”

“I see that now. That was my first time going through it with the staff. They make it much scarier.” Tony took a bottle of water and an apple, handing the water to Stephen and taking a bite out of the deep red apple. It was a suggestion of Pepper’s to distract anyone who may be too traumatized. Tony had thought maybe it had been overkill, but now he understood her reasoning. He was a master of horror, apparently. Who knew?

“That room where the family was eating people, it smelled like blood...”

“Rust.” Tony corrected, “Similar, but not quite the same. The visual of the blood made your brain make the association though. Yeah.”

“And the... that woman she knew our names.”

“That... I didn’t do.” Tony said, taking another bite of his apple.

“I still think you’re overcompensating for something.”

“I’m trying to fill the hole in my heart with horrifying imagery, you caught me.” Tony smiled, but it was shaky at best.

“Well, you’re doing a damn good job.”

“Yeah, I know. Maybe too good.”

“Definitely too good.” Stephen pulled out a pen, “If you ever wanna talk about that,” he grabbed Tony’s wrist and wrote his number on Tony’s arm. He was attractive, creative and intelligent, and he kept up with Stephen like only Christine ever seemed to, and he wasn’t a straight woman, so... He was pretty sure he was making the right choice. He looked up at Tony between his eyelashes as he finished, “this is my number.”

Tony breathed in evenly to hide the fact that he wanted to screech. “Yeah, I’ll do that.” He said, and Stephen nodded, smiling and then he left. Tony stared down at his wrist, almost not believing what he was seeing, but the elegant scrawl had to belong to the med student, and unless it was a fake number... Tony sighed a little because he was happy and no one was watching. Maybe making a haunted house hadn’t been stupidest thing he’d ever done. Maybe it had served a very important purpose in his life after all. Take that Pepper.

——

Stephen was smiling tentatively as he approached Christine at the front of the house. “Well that looks like a good sign,” she said, “I can’t remember the last time I saw your smile when it wasn’t related to showing someone up.”

“Who says I didn’t show him up?” Stephen asked, immediately defensive, and Christine chuckled.

“That is not your ‘I just showed someone up’ look. Tell me what happened.” She demanded, and Stephen shook his head, looking at her and then at the line, squinting at it, “Weren’t you supposed to be inside already?”

“I wanted to see how it went!” Her voice was just a bit too strained for Stephen to believe her.

“Where’s that guy, the one who was with Tony.”

“He wen’t to meet him in the staging room. Said that was probably where he’d go when he came out.”

Stephen looked at her suspiciously. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything!”

He glared at her until she finally sighed, looking down at her feet. “Okay, we went to the control room to watch you guys go through. No, don’t look like that! You guys were so cute!”

“You spied on me.”

“It wasn’t spy... It was just... creative intervention.”

“You told them my name!”

She bit her lower lip, “Yeah, I did.”

“You’re a piece of work.”

“You have him your number.”

“This, this is spying.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Stop being so-“

His phone pinged and she sqeaked, covering her mouth with her hand. “Is it him? It’s him isn’t it! I bet it’s him.”

“Shut up, it’s not...”

It was Tony.

Unknown number: Hey, it’s Tony. I kind of can’t shake this stupid house. Want to go get a coffee or something? My treat.

Stephen stared down at his phone for a second, giving Christine plenty of time to peer over his shoulder to look at the text.

“Say yes.” She whispered, and Stephen... did.

Stephen: Yeah sure, you know May’s?

Unknown Number: Hell yeah I know May’s it’s only the best coffee on the east coast. You’ve got good taste.

Stephen: I’m aware.

Unknown number: Are you still at the house? I can drive us down there.

Stephen: Yeah, that works. See you in a few?

Unknown number: Oh, you’ll see me alright

Stephen sighed, exasperated, but he couldn’t hide the tiny smile from Christine, who was jumping up and down on the porch of the ridiculously large house. “I told you you were soul mates!”

“Shut up, Christine.”

“I’m telling this story at your wedding.”

[captainolive23]

Fun Facts about Lawrence, Kansas

(So this is mostly just for people who want their fics to be accurate. I'm not saying you have to use these things in fics but if you want to, here ya go.) Ok so as someone from Lawrence I have trouble reading supernatural high school au fics that take place in Lawrence because of all the inaccuracies. Which is the sucky part of having the main characters from your favorite show be from your home town. Ok so first off if your fic takes place before 1997(1996?) then there was only one high school in town (Lawrence High) but if you're making it take place in modern day then there are 2. The newer one is the one I went to so I'm gonna give you some facts about Free State cuz I don't know shit about Lawrence High. -Free State was designed by a prison designer. -they were going to name it "Quantill High" but if you know anything about Lawrence history you know that Quantrill was a dude from Missouri, who during the civil war came over to Lawrence and burnt the town to the ground and killed a shit ton of people. -when you first walk into free state you see the main common area which is also the lunch room. There's two main doors leading into this area. One is on the side that faces the main road and the other is on the side that faces the student parking lot. The entrance to the office is on the side with the parking lot. -up until my senior year anyone could pretty much walk in the doors any time of day. Then in my junior year there was a remodel and the office got moved so they started locking the doors during the day and if a parent needed to come in or if a student got in late you had to get buzzed in through the office. -one security guard is total dick and will get after anyone for anything. Like wearing hats for example. While wearing a hat was against the dress code, none of the teachers gave a shit. The principal didn't give a shit either. Hell the other security guard really didn't give a shit. But one time it was snowing and it was cold as fuck and I was wearing my hat. The second I walked in the door this guy was yelling at me for wearing a hat. -so the average school day goes from either 0 hour to 6th hour or 1st hour to 7th hour. Most people go 1-7 but one of my friends went 0-6 since she had to be at school super early every day anyway. 0 hour starts at 7 am. 1st hour starts at 8. I wanna say that 6th hour ends at 2:20ish but I could be wrong. 7th hour ends at 3:10. -there are 3 lunch periods taking place throughout 5th hour. 1st lunch was preferred by most people but second lunch was nice to cuz it cut 5th hour in half and made it feel waaayy shorter. -we also had open lunch where we could leave to go to one of the restaurants or stores that surrounded the school. There was taco bell, burger king, McDonald's, starbucks, Jimmy johns, arbys, little ceasars (which tastes like the schools pizza so we avoided going there), dominoes, Chipotle and orange leaf(frozen yogurt place) and there was a Wal-Mart, CVS, a dillons (krogers grocery store), hyvee (another grocery store) and sprouts (organic food grocery store). If you had a car you could probably go other places too but lunch was only 30 minutes long so most people didn't. -wednesday and Thursday are short days. Until my senior year (so last year) Wednesday schedule was 0,1,3,5,7 starting at 7 and ending at 2:30. Thursday was 2,4,6 and was late arrival so school didn't start until 9 and went until 2. That switched my senior year so now Wednesday is the super short day. -they also started holding classes at the new career and college center during my senior year. Basically juniors and seniors can take one 3 hour long class at this place and get college credit. The class I took was forensic science but there was also a nursing class and a robotics class. There were others to but I don't remember them. You could either take the class in the morning or in the afternoon (which is what I did) and it only lasted one semester but if you took the science class that gave you a whole science credit instead of half a credit like a normal science class. -you only needed 3 science and 3 math credits to graduate but it you wanted to go to college you needed 4 of each. You had to have 4 English credits to graduate. -senior consumer math taught you how to do taxes and shit. -as long as you're not an overachiever senior English classes are fucking easy as hell. My first semester class was myth, fantasy, and folklore and we barely had to to any writing and my teacher read to us cuz it was the first class of the day and Mr. Wolak was about to have his first kid so he was practicing his character voices. And the second semester class was a little harder cuz it was mostly writing but Ms. Elliot was super laid back (someone brought pot brownies to her class once and she ate one even tho she knew there was pot in it. Seriously there's a reason she was everyone's favorite teacher) -the dress code was not heavily enforced. The only person who really cared was the security guard I was talking about earlier. -juniors and seniors could be office aids or teacher aids. Becoming a teacher aid was a little harder cuz you had to get a note from the teacher and permission from your counselor but becoming an office aid was pretty easy as long as there was an opening. -you only had to have half a P.E. credit (one semester) to graduate. Most people took more since it was an easy a. -you also had to have half a foreign language credit. So now we're going to get into actual stuff about Lawrence. -LAWRENCE IS NOT A SMALL TOWN. In the 80s and early 90s it kind of was but it's not anymore so if you're writing a fic that takes place in the 80s or 90s then it's fine to write it as a smallish town. But if you're basing it in modern day Lawrence it's not small. The high schools are getting so overcrowded they're thinking of building a third one. -there are 14 elementary schools. 4 middle schools(which were junior high (7-9th grade) until my 8th grade year when it switched to middle school(6-8th) in 2011). There are 2 high schools. There's also a bunch of private schools but idk how many since they're not on the district website. -downtown Lawrence has a bunch of really cool old houses and all 3rd graders in the town get to take a tour of downtown Lawrence and see all the historic spots (like the giant boulder in the park and the oldest cemetery in town) -the sorority and frat houses are in downtown Lawrence. -there's this really creepy mansion between the frat houses that I always thought looked like a castle and I'm pretty sure a dentist lives there or at least did when I was little. -the guy who invented basketball lived here. -a couple years ago they blew up one of the dorm buildings cuz they built a new one and it was this huge thing that anyone who didn't have to work that day went to watch. I still have the video on my laptop. It was awesome. -the one place almost every teenager in town goes to hang out is java break. Its been here since my mom was a kid. They make milkshakes and smoothies and you can add cereal to them. There's a room in the back that's basically the graffiti room. You can draw on any surface you can find in there. There's some really cool art work in there and every once in a while they go in and paint over it. Most people just draw dicks tho. -the last day that the outdoor pool is open every summer they have a dog day where people bring their dogs to go swimming. I've never been since my dog hates water and other dogs but it always looks like fun. -on the 4th of July they have a firework show by the river which is next to downtown. I usually go to the hospital parking lot to watch it. -there's this one homeless dude who lives near the river who has chickens and the cops just sort of leave him alone cuz he's far enough away from any residential areas that he's not bothering anyone. -Lawrence is the most liberal town in Kansas mostly because Its a college town. We are an island of blue in a sea of red. -there are still racist homophobic douchebags here but not nearly as many as you would expect. There are a couple assholes that like to hang confederate flags on their trucks. Unfortunately said douchebags went to my school. They didn't have many friends tho. -the the Campbell's own pretty much everything in town. Every time they start another housing community they named it after one of their kids. From what I've heard most of their kids are pretty nice but I knew one of them and he was a total dick. He was the stereotypical rich white guy. -the other super rich family in town is the Compton's. They own peacocks, zebras and a camel. -both families live in these super huge mansions near free state high school. The Compton's oldest son dropped out of college to become a rapper and from what I heard he sucks at it. -for a long ass time there was only one place in town you could get fried chicken (kfc) but in the past 2 years we've gotten about 10 different fried chicken places. All of them within about a 3 block radius of each other. -for a long time (about 20 years) there was a bridge to no where next to the movie theater because they started building a road but then had to stop cuz they didn't have permission to build through the marshlands. They recently finished it. -the movie theater got remodeled in the last couple of years and it used to be super gross but now it has reclining seats that are super comfortable and it's a lot cleaner than it used to be -south park is downtown and it has a gazebo. -every year the humane society hosts a zombie walk downtown and it starts at south park. Its a really big thing. People decorate their jeeps with zombie parts and fake blood and have "zombie hunter" stickers. People dress up as either zombies or zombie hunters and walk through downtown. Some of the zombie costumes are fucking amazing. And there's always this one guy that goes with his daughter and they run up to random people and scream in their faces. My best friend got her picture in the paper one year cuz her zombie costume was that good. Anyway that's all I can think of for now. If anyone wants a part 2 or has any questions just ask and I'll do my best to help.

[embracingmybraces]

Saturday: Behold, a photo of me awkwardly smiling with my new temporary upper essix retainer and trying to test if I was in the frame.

Post-Bone Graft Update: Detailed Version

This is sort of a two week update while my video exports, but technically tomorrow is the official day. I have a love/hate relationship with uploading videos... I can’t believe a 10 minute video takes 5hrs to encode. I can’t guarantee it’ll be uploaded anytime soon and this was filmed on Saturday, but while I sort that out, this will be about my experience with the surgery, healing, lessons I’ve learned (tips/self-esteem), and updates from my prosthodontist and orthodontist.

This will also sum up my vlog from last week.

For those of you who are new, I have a missing front tooth and I got bone taken from my chin (in between my teeth and lips) to be placed in the gap on my upper arch. This video explains it all.

PHOTOS will be added later on.

SURGERY PREPARATIONS

My surgery was at 8am on Tuesday, May 9th.

The day before, I picked up my medication which included 7 pills: antibiotics, several pain killers, and decadron (for swelling?) which I took 2 hours before my surgery. I was advised not to eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to, so I used as very little water to wash down the pills. God, they almost got stuck in my throat.

I took public transit by myself to my prosthodontist’s office, which was an hour away. I remembered feeling a bit out of it on my way there, which I’d blame on the medication but it helped with being less nervous (jokes, I was still very nervous).

I was advised to wear a short sleeved T-shirt going in and no face makeup. They then outfitted me with this scrub to protect my clothing and I had to wear a hair net. I was also given mouthwash beforehand.

SEDATION – I had a separate doctor, who specialized in sedation, come in. He asked to what degree did I want to be “sedated”. Ultimately, sedation affects your memory, but I did not want to be awake at all, so I asked him to put me right out haha.

The insertion of the IV was definitely the most unpleasant for me.

I’ve never had blood work done, but I’ve had flu shots and lots of local anaesthesia done, so I didn’t think it’d be an issue. However, I was pretty nervous and I just reminded myself to take deep breaths while I felt the needle go into my vein. The pinch wasn’t bad but the thought and feeling of the needle’s presence and having it taped was what bothered me the most and I might have shed a fear tear drops...

The medication then got screwed into my IV and I just remembered feeling calmer as time passed and before long, the needle didn’t feel like anything and I eventually dosed off (I don’t even remember when I did).

SURGERY – I wasn’t awake for any of it. No recollection. I just remembered waking up and noticing everyone was cleaning up around me and that I had the IV removed beforehand was band-aided up on my hand and the inner bend of my arm. No pain either. I just knew my lips were numb because I couldn’t close it properly and I was given gauze for my upper and bottom lips.

Getting up, I was a bit disoriented and needed assistance but only momentarily.

Afterwards, I was given an envelope of medication (same kinds that I took before the surgery) and my parents drove us home.

FIRST 24 HRS – The sedation didn’t really affect me all day like I was told. I did ice my chin immediately and it took a while before my upper lip felt “normal” (e.g., when the numbness wears off and your lip no longer closes funny).

It did take me 2 hours to eat my food because I couldn’t open my mouth wide and the rest of my face just felt very swollen. I stopped bleeding shortly after and didn’t need to use gauze for the rest of the healing.

Sleeping on an elevated pillow helped but my face did feel very “heavy” whenever I would bend down.

Lots of salt water rinses as I couldn’t brush my teeth.

HEALING – Generally, I didn’t have much facial mobility for the whole week+ I couldn’t open my mouth wide or smile and laugh as it pulled on the sutures. I described it as my face being very “stiff”. No drinking from straws or exercising, at all.

My bottom lip was numb and tingly until maybe 1.5 weeks in. Smiling naturally occurs around the same time frame. I still can’t frown or pout though - I blame that on the sutures. But, I can do double chins for Snapchat 8)

My bottom teeth has no feeling currently and this will last a maximum of 6 months before the feeling returns.

Currently, I still find it a bit straining to naturally close my lips. Perhaps after the stitches are taken out it may get better. A few pieces of the stitches did come out this week.

Expect to book off 1 week from any activities or work, unless you don’t mind going out with a swollen face. I could work on my computer, edit videos, make food, walk in the mall and take public transit later in the week. 

 SWELLING – It was definitely got worse on the 4-5th day, but after that it gradually went down.

MEDICATION – I have to take antibiotics until they are finished. I did not take the extra strength pain killer, but I did continue to take pain killers consecutively after each meal for the next three days and on and off throughout the week for good measure/peace of mind.

BRUISING – I believe my face showed visible bruises on both sides near my lips on the 5th day and gradually got more prominent before it went away I’d say, close to 4 days later.

Where I had my IV also bruised. The one on my hand hurt when pressed, but my face and inner arm was fine.

PAIN – Not really “painful” or excruciating per say, but it felt like I had a canker sore on my bottom lip if I didn’t take my painkillers and it was just uncomfortable... Much like how it feels when you get your braces tightened and your teeth are “sore”.

On and off I may feel light headed if I exert too much energy, so I kept myself hydrated and lounged around to resolve that. In the vlog, cooking was probably the most labour intensive thing I did.

RETAINER – Yeah, I didn’t wear it the whole week :S I’m not sure what could’ve been done differently. Yes, the fake tooth on my retainer was altered to not touch the gums but I had forgotten to check until later in the week. For some reason I didn’t think they did anything to it? 

The post-surgery care sheet said not to wear any prosthetics as it may affect the healing. That being said, my orthodontist also said it might not have been good to wear it as my gums would be quite swollen and that I should’ve made an appointment earlier a few days after the surgery to get a new temporary fitted.

My teeth did close in a bit into my gap, so my hawley retainer is tight but I didn’t want to force it in while the stitches were still tender.

I got a new temporary essix retainer on Thursday, May 18th with resin added as the “fake tooth” which isn’t the best craftsmanship... The colour does not match at all and it sticks out slightly so I look like I have a buck tooth.

It holds my teeth for now, so I can’t complain too much. It did cost $50. More add ons to my bill :( BUT now I have two matching pairs, two essix (upper and lower), and the same for hawley. At least now, from far it doesn’t look like I still have braces on as it’s just a clear tray.

ALSO, IF ANYONE HAD A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR RETAINER, PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU DID. I feel like we could all learn from this.

DIET – LOTS OF FRUIT/SMOOTHIES/VEGETABLES/SOFT PROTEIN. 

Kale and Lentil Curry Soup. Congee. Scrambled eggs. I had Pork Bone soup and Korean side dishes, the spiciness was not a problem. Baked fish, sweet potato, cereal... sautéed greens, soggy bread.

Tbh I ate more solids later in the week as I could still chew with my back teeth. Anything in small pieces. After the first week, you can even attempt lightly toasted bread but just be careful and allow yourself the extra time to chew.

TIPS

IF YOU HAVE A RETAINER, MAKE SURE YOU GET THAT SITUATION SORTED OUT FIRST.

Drink lots of water!

Grocery shop before! Look up recipes for soft foods, soups, etc. have fruit to puree so you can still have nutritious food while you are healing. No ice cream or much junk food for me (other than cereal)

A blender in any form is your best friend :) or be patient and cut into smaller pieces. Of course, this depends on where your surgery site is.

Mason jars or tupperware to portion your food also helps

Have movies to watch, low energy activities to do, or friends who you won’t mind to see your swollen face. It helps the time pass.

Boil an egg with the shell on, wrap it in a cloth, and rub it on your bruise to help it heal faster

MOST IMPORTANT LESSON LEARNED –

COMMUNICATE! COORDINATE! With those who are in charge of your braces/surgery. Write down concerns you have as you will forget something important and ASK AWAY. Or write down instructions too! I won’t blame anyone for the retainer situation, as we are all human and sometimes little details get forgotten, but sometimes these are also crucial and it might be best to take matters into your own hands. If your orthodontist or prosthodontist does not coordinate with each other, you should remind them to or initiate it (which I didn’t). The more clarity you have, the less miscommunication or misunderstandings there are and it will cost you less if you don’t have to fix things. I am glad that my prosthodontist’s office called to check on me for the first few days, as I was also able to ask them questions right then.

SELF-ESTEEM – I had my retainer in probably 90% of the time these past 4 months since I’ve had my braces off. I loved how ‘normal’ I looked with a full set of teeth, and I would only take out my retainer when I am eating, but sometimes I felt reluctant to do so with friends who I am not close with or in front of strangers. By myself in a restaurant, I didn’t care so much. Oddly enough, I still feel self conscious, despite having a gap for 3 years... but back then I had all this hardware to hide behind. Note: I will do a video/post on this topic soon! But this week+, living without my retainer made me get used to how I look au natural. I also couldn’t wear makeup, so that helped too! In fact, going outside without my retainer, I probably look like I got into a bad fist fight with my bruises and lost a tooth in the process hahah. But whatever, I embraced it. My friends embraced it.  In short, people may look confused, but it wasn’t a big deal. I had to explain to my co-workers what was happening but afterwards they were very understanding. 

Thank you so much for making it here - please continue to send me your questions and comments :) I love reading them.

Until next time!

Thursday, May 25th - PROSTHODONTIST FOLLOW UP (for real this time)

Saturday, June 3rd - ORTHODONTIST RETAINER CHECK UP

[gigglybts]

Performer

SpeakEasy Series

Pairing: Hoseok x Reader Genre: ….fluff? With Smut? (More like suggestive content?) Word Count: 2.1k

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRI! @j-dopee Here’s Part A of your birthday present 😉

His hand slid up the side of my leg, slowly, but surely. He sat in a squat on the floor, gingerly moving his hand to the beat of the song. His movements were timid, as he glanced up every time he moved it closer to my hips. I stared down at him with my chest heaving to the sound of the bass. His hand made its way to my hip and I grasped his hand in mine, halting his movements.

The audience soared with excitement and anticipation. His other hand coaxed my hand into releasing the death grip on his hand, that I held in my clutches. I relaxed and he went back to work, his hand slid up to my waist and controlled my drop to the floor. I laid in front of him, with my back facing him. The sensual mood swaying in the air, shaking its tail in the face of the audience. They sat on the edge of their seats, completely engrossed in the performance. Hoseok ran his hand down my arm, over the curve of my hip, and onto my thigh. The choreography continued on, with simplistic movements that would captivate any audience. He stood up, on a whim and grabbed my hand, yanking me up into him. Our bodies molded together, with my leg hooked around his hip. He smirked to the audience and placed his head in the crook of my neck. My head fell back with my eyes closed, before they shot open, as I “realized” what he was doing. I pushed him away before quickly running back up to him, and melting against him.

The audience cheered before they were cut off by the music. His hands roamed down the sides of my body, leaving a fire in their wake. I bent over and pushed my heels over my head before landing on my feet. Hoseok danced his part behind my back and the music froze when I look back at him. He froze in his position and didn’t move a muscle, nor glance at me. I slowly dropped my head to look at my feet. The tapping of a man’s heel resounded throughout the room, before a shiny pair of loafers stood in front of me. My gaze slowly traveled up to meet the eyes of a kind soul. He gave me a heart warming smile as the next move came up. He was trying to give me last-minute comfort before the toss. He placed his hands on my waist and pulled me into a hug; turning around so my back was to the audience. He threw me up into the air and I twirled before he caught me, but he faked a trip and fell to the ground. He spun himself so his back would hit the floor and I would be hovering on top of him. I looked down at him with a smile on my face, my hair shielding us from the outside world. The song cut to a close and the audience was in a uproar. Hoseok and I slowly stood up, before joining hands and bowing. Roses were thrown at our feet and next time I knew we were off the stage. The heat of the bright lights no longer enveloping my every movement. The thunderous praise of the crowd no longer ringing in my ears. It was less of a buzz back stage, only the dismal sound of cheering resided in the distance. Still coming down from the high on stage, I sat down on the floor with a water bottle next to me. Hoseok sat down next to me and I rested my head on his shoulder.

We have done this same routine every night for the past week. And it was taking a toll on my well-being. I mean, not that we have much a choice, the pay is really good for a performer at a speak easy. A speakeasy? You may ask. Well a Speakeasy used to be a place to get alcohol back in the prohibition era. And of course, more things, but the main thing was booze. Now-a-days it’s all the same concept, except it’s completely legal. Performers would go on stage to dance, sing, and even strip. You could call it a risqué joint to get involved with, but who can complain when the pay is good and employees are treated well? Hoseok and I were the “star duo” of this certain speakeasy; This speakeasy being one of the most respected in town, we were paid a pretty penny. But of course, I would do this for free.

Why? You may ask. Let me just, introduce you to Jung Hoseok. The man that has convinced me that he is one of the most talented people on the face of the earth. The man who moves with such lithesome gesticulation. Bless the women who ends up with him, because Hoseok has quite the stamina, and very very nice hips. Take that how you want it.

Hoseok is a kind ball of fluff that is sunshine to anyone he comes in contact with. But then, there’s practice/on-stage Hoseok. Lord, help us all. Let’s see… How can I describe Stage Hoseok? A tease. A killer. Rude. Sweaty Devil who knows how to make you fall under his whimsical spell. Plenty of smirks. King of dancing with the occasional slip of the tongue. An absolute flirt. But, I couldn’t complain, The Man knew what he was doing. “(Y/n)?” I glared at the voice that had brought me from my thoughts. Which turned out to be my manager. “You’re free to go, your performance is over.” I nodded and sat up, about to stand up. Hoseok quickly stood up and held a hand out to me. I glanced up, meeting his eyes. He gave a ginger smile as my hand connected with his. I stood up and immediately dropped his hand. Hoseok is just a colleague. Like it or not, our “sexual” relationship is completely for show and only for show. Why would he want it to be any more than such? “(Y/n), would you like a cup of coffee before practice, tomorrow morning?” I heard Hoseok ask, behind me. “Uh, yea! Sure!” I answered. “I’ll meet you on the subway.” He smiled. “See you tomorrow!” I waved goodbye.

Birds are chirping! The sun is shining! But it would all disappear the moment I got onto an escalator, to go underground to the subway. I sat down on a bench, waiting for the next arriving subway. A couple minutes passed and an orange haired fellow appeared next to me. He wore the gray sweatpants. Like… you know the ones I’m taking about, THE gray sweatpants. Yep. Nope. Not ok with this. “Good Morning.” He chirped. I smiled before standing up, as I hear the subway nearing the station. Hoseok hooked his arm with mine and pulled me closer to the ledge. The station was decently crowded today, meaning most of us would try and fit in the cart. The subway pulled up and it was completely packed. People got off, accessing a little bit of room. Hoseok quickly pulled me along and into a seat. We managed to get into a pair of chairs before they were occupied. The ride went as smoothly as a subway could go. Hoseok dropped our hooked arms and grabbed my hand. He laced his fingers with mine and gently pulled me along behind him. Keeping me close by his side, so I wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. Once out of the busy station, the air seemed fresher, the sun seemed brighter. You know, all of the little wonderful things in life.

He guided me across the street and paused in front of an innisfree. Hoseok started pulling me towards the door. “I thought you said coffee.” I said confused. “They have coffee.” He informed me. “But when I go here, coffee isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.” I frowned. “Well, then what comes to mind?” He questioned, opening the door. I walked inside. “Jeju Pink lemonade. Or a smoothie.” I told him walking towards the stairs. The second floor is where the cafe resided. It was all freshly decorated in white and green. Hoseok pulled me to his side. “Go find a seat, I’ll get the drinks.” He whispered, giving my hand a squeeze before dropping it. He walked up tot eh counter, as I walked towards the tables. I took a seat at the small booth and patiently gazed out the window. Watching as spring was starting to arise. Well…. the season that is slightly less hot than summer. A frosted mug was placed in front of me. I smiled lightly and stood up. “They gave us stickers.” He held out a small sheet of colorful pictures. “Really?” I cheered, and grabbed the sheet from him. He handed me my drink, just a simple peanut butter, chocolate, and Banana smoothie. He grabbed my hand, pulling me down the stairs, out the door, and through the streets. We reached the dance studio and rented out a room for the next 8 hours.

A silent groan found its way off my mouth as my back slammed against the floor. I hissed as I sat up, rubbing my back in order to alleviate the sting. “Let’s do it again.” I said through grit teeth, attempting to get up as my back screeched in protest. “(Y/n), let’s take a break.” Hoseok said, kneeling down in front of me. “I’m ok.” I waved him off, still trying to get up. He sighed. “If you are so adamant on practicing, how about we try the part on the ground?” He bargained. I agreed and laid back on the ground. He grabbed the remote to the sound system and played the part we were at. Hoseok laid next to me, on his side. He placed his hand on my stomach, the melodic tune rang out of the speakers. He rolled over and sat between my legs. His hand slid up from the bottom of my leg to behind my waist. He slowly pulled me up, to rest against his chest. My Chest heaved up and down as ragged breaths escaped my mouth. I rested my head on his shoulder, while his hands slowly slid up my sides and up to my neck. He laid back and I slipped my legs out from underneath him and laid on top of him. I rolled over, so my back was to his chest. I slowly sat up, glancing over at the mirror to make sure my posture was correct. I got onto my feet and slowly rolled my body up, with my hand gliding up my leg. Hoseok rolled his hips up into the air, as he pulled himself to stand behind me. His hands crested down my hair and hung loosely around my waist. I watched in the mirror as his head dipped down into the crook of my neck. My mouth slightly fell open and let out a content sigh as lips gingerly pressed on the soft skin of my neck. “Hoseok….” I whispered. “Hmm?” He mumbled, sloppily placing small kisses down the side on my neck. “This isn’t part of the choreo.” The words barely made it out of my mouth, as each breath I heaved, seemed to weigh a ton. “Just go with it.” He mumbled, slowly coaxing me to relax. He started humming lowly, a soft tune that went along with the music that played in the background. I closed my eyes, lost in the sounds that enveloped me. We swayed side to side, listening to the pleasant sound of the melody. “Can I try something?” I asked. He only hmm’d in response. I took the liberty of slipping out of his arms and forced him to turn around. He faced the wall adjacent to the mirror, so he could not see a single thing that happened behind him. I hesitated, taking a step back, before propelling myself up and onto his back. My legs latched around his waist and my arms wrapped around his neck. He slowly turned back around to look in the mirror. I gave him a sheepish smile and he chuckled. He hands suddenly reached behind him and grabbed onto my sides. His fingers danced up and down my side, sending me into a fit of laughter. “Ho-Hoseok! P-Please!” I managed to annunciate. He paused, “breathe.” He instructed. I quickly inhaled but was cut short when his hands started tickling me again. Laughter filled the air and my legs weakened so I slowly slid down his body. I dropped to the floor and can you guess what fell with me? Hoseok gasped and I quickly stood up running out the door, maniacal laughter escaped my mouth. “(Y/n)!” He shouted. His pants… His pants are what fell.

[edanjoygelt]

Hot Yoga Class Fail  - this cracked me up!

A few years ago, a Seattle man was trying a hot yoga class for a first time and posted this classic ad on Craigslist after.  It was too funny not to share - especially after my epic fail at my last Bikram class!

Yoga mat for sale. Used once. - $1 (Bellevue)

Yoga mat for sale. Used once at lunch hour class in December 2009. Usage timeline as follows:

11:45a Register for hot yoga class. Infinite wisdom tells me to commit to 5 class package and purchase a yoga mat. I pay $89.74. Money well spent, I smugly confirm to myself.

11:55a Open door to yoga room. A gush of hot dry air rushes through and past me. It smells of breath, sweat and hot. Take spot on floor in back of room next to cute blonde. We will date.

11:57a I feel the need to be as near to naked as possible. This is a problem because of the hot blonde to my left and our pending courtship. She will not be pleased to learn that I need to lose 30 pounds before I propose to her.

11:58a The shirt and sweats have to come off. I throw caution to the wind and decide to rely on my wit and conditioning to overcome any weight issues my fiancée may take issue with. This will take a lot of wit and conditioning.

11:59a Begin small talk with my bride to be. She pretends to ignore me but I know how she can be. I allow her to concentrate and stare straight ahead and continue to pretend that I don't exist. As we finish sharing our special moment, I am suddenly aware of a sweat moustache that has formed below my nose. This must be from the all the whispering between us.

12:00p Instructor enters the room and ascends her special podium at the front of the room. She is a slight, agitated Chinese woman. She introduces me to the class and everyone turns around to greet me just as I decide to aggressively adjust my penis and testes packed in my Under Armor. My bride is notably unfazed.

12:02p Since I do have experience with Hot Yoga (4 sessions just 5 short years ago) I fully consider that I may be so outstanding and skilled that my instructor may call me out and ask me to guide the class. My wife will look on with a sparkle in her eye. We will make love after class.

12:10p It is now up to 95 degrees in the room. We have been practicing deep breathing exercises for the last 8 minutes. This would not be a problem if we were all breathing actual, you know, oxygen. Instead, we are breathing each other's body odor, expelled carbon dioxide and other unmentionables. (Don't worry, I'll mention them later.)

12:26p It is now 100 degrees and I take notice of the humidity, which is hovering at about 90%. I feel the familiar adorning stare of my bride and decide to look back at her. She appears to be nauseated. I then realize that I forgot to brush my teeth prior to attending this class. We bond.

12:33p It is now 110 degrees and 95% humidity. I am now balancing on one leg with the other leg crossed over the other. My arms are intertwined and I am squatting. The last time I was in this position was 44 years ago in the womb, but I'm in this for the long haul. My wife looks slightly weathered dripping sweat and her eyeliner is streaming down her face. Well, "for better or worse" is what we committed to so we press on.

12:40p The overweight Hispanic man two spots over has sweat running down his legs. At least I think its sweat. He is holding every position and has not had a sip of water since we walked in. He is making me look bad and I hate him.

12:44p I consider that if anyone in this room farted that we would all certainly perish.

12:52p It is now 140 degrees and 100% humidity. I am covered from head to toe in sweat. There is not a square millimeter on my body that is not slippery and sweaty. I am so slimy that I feel like a sea lion or a maybe sea eel. Not even a bear trap could hold me. The sweat is stinging my eyeballs and I can no longer see.

12:55p This room stinks of asparagus, cloves, tuna and tacos. There is no food in the room. I realize that this is an amalgamation of the body odors of 30 people in a 140 degree room for the last 55 minutes. Seriously, enough with the asparagus, ok?

1:01p 140 degrees and 130% humidity. Look, bitch, I need my space here so don't get all pissy with me if I accidentally sprayed you with sweat as I flipped over. Seriously, is that where this relationship is going? Get over yourself. We need counseling and she needs to be medicated. Stat!

1:09p 150 degrees and cloudy. And hot. I can no longer move my limbs on my own. I have given up on attempting any of the commands this Chinese chick is yelling out at us. I will lay sedentary until the aid unit arrives. I will buy this building and then have it destroyed. I lose consciousness.

1:15p I have a headache and my wife is being a selfish bitch. I can't really breathe. All I can think about is holding a cup worth of hot sand in my mouth. I cannot remember what an ice cube is and cannot remember what snow looks like. I consider that my only escape might be a crab walk across 15 bodies and then out of the room. I am paralyzed, and may never walk again so the whole crab walk thing is pretty much out.

1:17p I cannot move at all and cannot reach my water. Is breathing voluntary or involuntary? If it's voluntary, I am screwed. I stopped participating in the class 20 minutes ago. Hey, lady! I paid for this frickin class, ok?! You work for me! Stop yelling at everyone and just tell us a story or something. It's like juice and cracker time, ok?

1:20p It is now 165 degrees and moisture is dripping from the ceiling. The towel that I am laying on is no longer providing any wicking or drying properties. It is actually placing additional sweat on me as I touch it. My towel reeks. I cannot identify the smell but no way can it be from me. Did someone spray some stank on my towel or something?

1:30p Torture session is over. I wish hateful things upon the instructor. She graciously allows us to stay and 'cool down' in the room. It is 175 degrees. Who cools down in 175 degrees? A Komodo Dragon? My wife has left the room. Probably to throw up.

1:34p My opportunity to escape has arrived. I roll over to my stomach and press up to my knees. It is warmer as I rise up from ground level - probably by 15 degrees. So let's conservatively say it's 190. I muster my final energy and slowly rise. One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other. Towards the door. Towards the door.

1:37p The temperature in the lobby is 72 degrees. Both nipples stiffen to diamond strength and my penis begins to retract into my abdomen from the 100 degree temp swing. I can once again breathe though so I am pleased. I spot my future ex wife in the lobby. We had such a good thing going but I know that no measure of counseling will be able to unravel the day's turmoil and mental scaring.

1:47p Arrive at Emerald City Smoothie and proceed to order a 32 oz beverage. 402 calories, 0 fat and 14 grams of protein -- effectively negating any caloric burn or benefit from the last 90 minutes. I finish it in 3 minutes and spend the next 2 hours writing this memoir.

3:47p Create Craigslist ad while burning final 2 grams of protein from Smoothie and before the "shakes" consume my body.

4:29p Note to self - check car for missing wet yoga towel in am.

http://www.edanjoygelt.com

http://www.edangelt.com

[topicprinter]

I'm opening a high-end, late night, delivery only restaurant in DC because I noticed it's really hard to find quality food past 10pm. Despite being a mid-tier, expensive city to live in, everything closes after 10pm. Whats left is junk, like pizza and convenience shops, McDonalds, and Subway.I want to get your opinions on what I need to do in order to be successful and whether you think I'm crazy.​Set opening, Nov 20, 2019Time: 7pm-6amKitchen lab with all appropriate licenses. I only have to pay $900 per to gain access to the kitchen from 6pm to 6am. An extra $400 grants me 24 hour access everyday.Target market. I am targeting-hospitals, nurses order out a lot and want better options. Hospital workers will get a discount.-congress: bunch of people slave away late at night-working professions (consultants, lawyers, etc). If your a lawyer, the client pays for food if your still working past 8pm so you care less about price.-hotel guests: a lot of hotels close their kitchens at 10pm on the dot, if not earlier.-airport travelers: people flying into DC or who are stuck, often run into the issue of having no good food options-college students: many are poor but many are loaded. Georgetown has a bunch of rich kids, next is George Washington University, and American U. Howard U is also in play but not as much.-clubers, smokers, night owls: these people are generally pretty cheap but I'm hoping a small enough fraction ball out.Economicstarget sale price: $40 per orderfree delivery for orders within DC.$5 delivery fee for orders going to Arlington, Bethesda, and National Harbor MD.$10-20 for deliveries further than that.If you order directly from me (phone, website), you get 10% automatic discount.If you order from 3rd party apps, you get the privilege of paying extra to cover their extortion fees:)I talked to an owner/investor of restuarants, his business is near the National Mall.He said he can get me quality Sous chefs for $60k a year. Apparently that's market rate in DC after talking to multiple people.Ideally I want 2 sous chefs and assistants. One of each would work half the week together, while the other covers the rest. I can't cook for shit. The assistant would probably cost $40k per year.Ideally I want to contract out deliveries to disgruntled Uber/Lyft drivers and pay them a flat $7 per delivery fee.Realistically, I would start with one sous chef and assistant. Maybe just the chef to further cut down on costs. I would also do deliveries myself.Doing the math, I think I only need an average of about 30 direct orders per night to make money. I don't know how realistic this is though.​Menu & PricesThis seems to be the hardest so far. I first asked a 60 year old women what she thought about paying $30 for just a burger, fries and drinks sold separately for $7. She said she paid $20 for tea at her hotel so $30 for a burger seemed reasonable. That's the thing with DC, you never know who's rich and who's not. I ultimately begrudgingly include fries and drop the price to $25. I paid $20 for my burger and fries downtown around that time. I decided to model my prices on the restaurant Black Tap NYC's prices. I know I need to scale down the menu but I don't know what to keep and get rid of. Everything will be order in small batches, and will not be made until the order is placed. Customers can pre-order and schedule orders prior to 7pm open, those who do get an extra 10% discount.​Drinks - signature crafted beverages handmade from scratch-Non-alcoholic (juice/smoothies/tea): $9.99-Alcoholic: $14.99-Shakes: $14.99-Coffee: $14.99SidesSingle slice of pizza: $9.99Fries: $9.99Single Caramel Pretzel: $9.99Corn on a cob: $9.99Lobster mashed potatoes: $29.99Bacon cream spinach: $24.99Black truffle mac & cheese: $24.99 (Everyone loves this and the price which makes me think why not increase it to $30)Appetizers / DesertOne gourmet taco: $14.99One egg fusion: $14.99Mozzarella: $14.99Cookies (5): $14.99Plus glass bottle of milk jug: +$7.99Chocolate banana: $14.99Ice cream in glass container: $14.99Half a sandwhich: $14.99Half a stuffed burrito: $14.99One Kabob: $14.99One gourmet hotdog: $14.99Single slice of cake: $14.99Corn dogs (3) - $14.99Lobster roll with poached lobster tail: $27.99Prime roll with Tempura shrimp, cream cheese, scallion, beef carpaccio: $24.99Tuna roll: $24.99Grab n Go food / meals to eat while on the go (home from work, or to the office)Crispy noodle salad: $24.99Burger plus fries: $24.99One drink (mason jar container): +$7.993 Gourmet tacos: $24.99Mac n Cheese: $24.99Meatball (5) inspired dishes (similar to the meatballshop NYC): $24.99Extra meatball: +$3.99 per meatballFully loaded Gourmet burrito: $24.99Fully loaded gourmet sandwhich: $24.993 slices of pizza: $24.99Single slice of cake with high-quality graphic/comic art (instagram worthy): $24.99Salad bowl: $24.99Portion of Ribs: $24.99Lobster tail: $24.99​Entree'sWhole pizza: $34.99Blowfish tail: $39.99Ribeye: $39.99-Steak: $39.99Chopped Sirloin Steak: $39.99USDA Prime Filet Mignon (8 oz): $69.99Dry Aged USDA Prime NY Strip (12 oz): $69.99Steak Au Poivre (12 oz): $74.99Tripe and Pig foot stew: $39.99Veggie bowl: $39.99Octopus tail: $44.99Rack of ribs: $39.99Lobster: $39.99Chilean Sea Bass: $49.99Sliced Norwegian Salmon: $34.99Yellowfin "Ahi" Tuna: $59.99Imperial Crab: $59.99Veal Rib Chop: $69.99Terriyaki salmon: $59.99King Salmon: $59.99Twin lobster tails: $59.99Sea scallops: $59.99Crab cake: $49.998 oz. Filet, butter poached lobster tail: $79.99Bearnaise: $79.9916 oz Ribeye: $69.99Painted Hills NY Strip: $69.99​Group order / catering (I haven't really thought this out yet but I think it could actually be big business)150 Cupcakes: $2,099.99500 cupcakes: $5,999.991,000 cupcakes: $9,999.99

[katiezstorey93]

11 Instagram fitness Celebrities tell us what Is inside their gym bag

‘The Body Coach’ Joe Wicks

Number of followers: 1.8 million.

Bio: Wicks has constructed a fitness empire on showing folks the best way to have “Lean in 15.” The idea relies on 15-minute recipes, which he shares through fast and snappy Instagram videos, in addition to 20-minute HIIT (high intensity) work outs.

2. A palatable protein shake.   “I create it with water, oats, lettuce, whey protein, along with blueberries,” he advised Business Insider.

3. A jumping rope –“so that when I am travelling I could perform HIIT training.”

4. A fantastic pair of trainers. “I’ve just got new Nike Metcon Flyknits,” he said.

Fashion designer and lifestyle blogger Natasha Oakley

Number of followers: 1.9 million.

Bio: The co-creator of A Bikini A Day and designer for Monday Swimwear along with Monday Active, the lifestyle blogger is becoming known for her enthusiasm for fitness.

2. Phone by Gilles Guide with Body.

‘sterile Eating’ Alice Liveing

Number of followers: 570,000.

Bio: Qualified nutritionist, author, and personal trainer Alice Liveing became a Instagram celebrity after she awakened junk food and fad diets for a fit, balanced, and healthy lifestyle.

3. “Homemade almond and sea salt nut butter with apple pieces  for a bite.”

Tone It Up’s Katrina Scott

Number of followers: 1.2 million.

1.  Sea salt spray. “I enjoy spraying this on after my workout to include lovely, beachy texture to my own hair,” Scott informed Business Insider. “Additionally, it includes a brand new tropical scent so that it doubles as cologne.”

2. Sunscreen. “I work out outside a great deal, so having sunscreen on hand is critical for keeping my skin secure. I add a single pump of coverup for my sunscreen to create my very own tinted moisturiser.”

3. Tone It Up protein powder. “Protein is so important for forming lean muscle and also preventing soreness,” she said. “I always aim to possess protein 30 minutes after my work out. It tastes amazing at a smoothie, or mixed with either water or unsweetened almond milk in case you’re on the go.”

4. Headphones. “I am constantly jamming out while I am on a run or getting my toning moves in.” You may check out what Scott is listening to here.

5. Socks. “Nothing is worse than forgetting your socks once you head to the fitness center. I always keep several added pairs of our Tone It Up socks within my gym bag in the event!”

Celebrity coach Jessie Pavelka

Number of followers: 89,700.

Bio: Celebrity coach Jessie Pavelka has emerged on the likes of “The Biggest Loser” and has been even in the running to play Christian Grey from the “50 Colors” movies.

2. L-Arginine supplement.

4. “My glasses for reading whilst performing cardio.”

Girl Gains’ Zanna van Dijk

Number of followers: 168,000.

Bio: The London-based fitness blogger and personal trainer started fitness events company Girl Gains with just two friends she met through the image sharing app. The company has ambassadors all around the world, and hosts events with the goal of empowering girls in countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK, along with the United States.

1.  Glute activation rings. “I always have them in my handbag, too — you don’t know when you’ll need to activate your glutes!”

2. Trigger point boards. “I use these to release tight muscles,” he said.

Tone It Up’s Karena Dawn

Number of followers: 1.2 million.

Bio: The other co-founder of all Tone It Up  with Katrina Scott. Dawn is fitness model and a former triathlete.

1. Bandier apparel. “We’re super excited about our newest line with Bandier. It’s chic and the cloth is so cosy. We could wear these outfits daily. Occasionally we really do!”

2.  Qalo rings. “Katrina and I’m working out all the time, involving filming fitness videos, performing our everyday workout, and also our favourite hot yoga courses. All these Qalo rings allow us to still wear wedding rings without worrying about damaging or losing our rings.”

3.  Tone It Up water bottle. “Staying hydrated is critical for smooth muscle and skin healing. I don’t go anywhere without water in hand.”

4.  Lucky Jack Cold Brew Coffee. “I am a coffee man, and bright days in California call for brewed coffee. I love catching a bottle of Lucky Jack Cold Brew to sip before my workout.”

5. Goggles and a swim cap. “I love to compete in triathlons and swimming is a portion of my workout regimen. I always maintain my goggles and a swim cap available if I feel like having a dip, especially on beach or poolside vacations.”

6. Dry shampoo. “This really is vital. Just a fast spritz after a workout and you’re ready for the day.”

7. Tone It Up protein bars. “My favorite is the blueberry coconut. They’re fermented, fermented, and manufactured out of ingredients that are clean.”

‘Fitness on Toast’ Faya Nilsson

Number of followers: 124,000.

Bio: Half-Swedish, half-English fitness expert Faya Nilsson established her blog “Fitness on Toast” at 2013. It’s since won both the Cosmopolitan and UK Blog Awards “Best Lifestyle Website” accolade.

1.  Monreal leggings. “They operate both to and out of the gym, in addition to during a workout,” she advised Business Insider.

3. Skipping rope. “Light as a feather, and you can carry it in your handbag and whip it out anywhere and anytime for an entirely portable and mega-challenging workout. 20 minutes of extreme skipping can burn 400 to 500 calories, as well as that the thermogenic after-effects that keep you burning more calories daily.”

4. Powerbeats wireless earphones. “Super easy to use, they slip onto your own ears and can’t be shaken off during even a hands on sprint. And because there are no dangling cords, you won’t inadvertently pull out them with your flailing arms whilst running.”

5. Apple Watch — Sport Edition. “The action tracker thinks for mepersonally, which is fantastic since it feels like somebody’s forever got my spine, in fitness terms.”

6. Nuts and seeds.   “Crucial for any health-aware tote (unless, of course, you’ve got an intolerance). Total of vital (good) fats that work wonders for the hair, skin, training outcomes, and overall systemic well-being.”

7. Water. “I love to drink as near as you can a litre daily, so I maintain a 500ml bottle with mepersonally, just if”

8. Powerbank. “since you don’t know when you’ll need some juice on the go.”

Body From Gilles’ Gilles Souteyrand

Number of followers: 88,800.

Bio: Personal trainer and lifestyle coach Gilles Souteyrand may be better known for being the boyfriend of Instagram celebrity Natasha Oakley, but he’s also the founder and director of the Body by Gilles  Fitness guides.

2.  Bounce Almond protein balls.

5. Phone by Gilles Guide with Body.

Personal coach and yoga instructor Shona Vertue

Number of followers: 94,600.

Recruiting: Vertue is a personal trainer, yoga instructor, and the creator of the Vertue Method online training regime and book. She recommends that “the key to wellness is a dedication to your own self-love and self-worth.”

1. Resistance bands, “to help activate my glutes and assist me with some other callisthenics moves I am working on.”

2. Aesop Exfoliant Paste. “I spend my days going in and from filthy gyms, going from sweaty environments to cold ones — that opening and closing of the pores from not-so-hygienic places has ever played havoc on my skin. If I don’t cleanse my skin nicely (and moisturise) after training and working, I get breakouts caused by congestion. This stuff works nicely for the skin and I am all about supporting Aussie brands (for obvious reasons).”

3.  Chanel Blue Serum. “I am hooked on this item. Since using this product 17, I’ve noticed a enormous change. I don’t wear makeup, so I am all about keeping the health of my own skin to support my makeup free life.”

4.  Chanel La Solution 10. “The only moisturiser that does not leave me feeling tacky or hurt. Really fine for sensitive skin.”

5.  Type Nutrition vegan protein. “I may be a little biased, since I am one of the ambassadors, but frankly, I challenge you to get a much better tasting, high quality vegan protein that tastes good in plain water. It’s ideal because I usually have time to eat post workout. Two scoops offers me 24g protein.”

6. Rose quartz crystalclear. “This really is just straight up absurd, actually. I am a hippie and that I carry these things around with me, so much to the dismay of my poor arms and shoulders. Sometimes I Will carry up to 3kgs value of crystals in my bag because I love them a lot.”

Whether just escape bed and into the fitness center or it’s to complete that last group, the fitness celebrities help of Instagram motivate us.

But workout places that are magnificent and their fitness center visits  take a little bit more work than it may seem.

Business Insider talked to some of the planet’s biggest fitness celebrities to inquire what workout snacks, gear, grooming and beauty products, without — or exercise — and gadgets they could not survive.

The post <p>11 Instagram fitness Celebrities tell us what Is inside their gym bag</p> appeared first on fitness.

from network 8 http://www.resultsfitnessbyram.com/11-instagram-fitness-celebrities-tell-us-what-is-inside-their-gym-bag/

[resultsfitnessbyram]

11 Instagram fitness Celebrities tell us what Is inside their gym bag

‘The Body Coach’ Joe Wicks

Number of followers: 1.8 million.

Bio: Wicks has constructed a fitness empire on showing folks the best way to have “Lean in 15.” The idea relies on 15-minute recipes, which he shares through fast and snappy Instagram videos, in addition to 20-minute HIIT (high intensity) work outs.

2. A palatable protein shake.   “I create it with water, oats, lettuce, whey protein, along with blueberries,” he advised Business Insider.

3. A jumping rope –“so that when I am travelling I could perform HIIT training.”

4. A fantastic pair of trainers. “I’ve just got new Nike Metcon Flyknits,” he said.

Fashion designer and lifestyle blogger Natasha Oakley

Number of followers: 1.9 million.

Bio: The co-creator of A Bikini A Day and designer for Monday Swimwear along with Monday Active, the lifestyle blogger is becoming known for her enthusiasm for fitness.

2. Phone by Gilles Guide with Body.

‘sterile Eating’ Alice Liveing

Number of followers: 570,000.

Bio: Qualified nutritionist, author, and personal trainer Alice Liveing became a Instagram celebrity after she awakened junk food and fad diets for a fit, balanced, and healthy lifestyle.

3. “Homemade almond and sea salt nut butter with apple pieces  for a bite.”

Tone It Up’s Katrina Scott

Number of followers: 1.2 million.

1.  Sea salt spray. “I enjoy spraying this on after my workout to include lovely, beachy texture to my own hair,” Scott informed Business Insider. “Additionally, it includes a brand new tropical scent so that it doubles as cologne.”

2. Sunscreen. “I work out outside a great deal, so having sunscreen on hand is critical for keeping my skin secure. I add a single pump of coverup for my sunscreen to create my very own tinted moisturiser.”

3. Tone It Up protein powder. “Protein is so important for forming lean muscle and also preventing soreness,” she said. “I always aim to possess protein 30 minutes after my work out. It tastes amazing at a smoothie, or mixed with either water or unsweetened almond milk in case you’re on the go.”

4. Headphones. “I am constantly jamming out while I am on a run or getting my toning moves in.” You may check out what Scott is listening to here.

5. Socks. “Nothing is worse than forgetting your socks once you head to the fitness center. I always keep several added pairs of our Tone It Up socks within my gym bag in the event!”

Celebrity coach Jessie Pavelka

Number of followers: 89,700.

Bio: Celebrity coach Jessie Pavelka has emerged on the likes of “The Biggest Loser” and has been even in the running to play Christian Grey from the “50 Colors” movies.

2. L-Arginine supplement.

4. “My glasses for reading whilst performing cardio.”

Girl Gains’ Zanna van Dijk

Number of followers: 168,000.

Bio: The London-based fitness blogger and personal trainer started fitness events company Girl Gains with just two friends she met through the image sharing app. The company has ambassadors all around the world, and hosts events with the goal of empowering girls in countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK, along with the United States.

1.  Glute activation rings. “I always have them in my handbag, too — you don’t know when you’ll need to activate your glutes!”

2. Trigger point boards. “I use these to release tight muscles,” he said.

Tone It Up’s Karena Dawn

Number of followers: 1.2 million.

Bio: The other co-founder of all Tone It Up  with Katrina Scott. Dawn is fitness model and a former triathlete.

1. Bandier apparel. “We’re super excited about our newest line with Bandier. It’s chic and the cloth is so cosy. We could wear these outfits daily. Occasionally we really do!”

2.  Qalo rings. “Katrina and I’m working out all the time, involving filming fitness videos, performing our everyday workout, and also our favourite hot yoga courses. All these Qalo rings allow us to still wear wedding rings without worrying about damaging or losing our rings.”

3.  Tone It Up water bottle. “Staying hydrated is critical for smooth muscle and skin healing. I don’t go anywhere without water in hand.”

4.  Lucky Jack Cold Brew Coffee. “I am a coffee man, and bright days in California call for brewed coffee. I love catching a bottle of Lucky Jack Cold Brew to sip before my workout.”

5. Goggles and a swim cap. “I love to compete in triathlons and swimming is a portion of my workout regimen. I always maintain my goggles and a swim cap available if I feel like having a dip, especially on beach or poolside vacations.”

6. Dry shampoo. “This really is vital. Just a fast spritz after a workout and you’re ready for the day.”

7. Tone It Up protein bars. “My favorite is the blueberry coconut. They’re fermented, fermented, and manufactured out of ingredients that are clean.”

‘Fitness on Toast’ Faya Nilsson

Number of followers: 124,000.

Bio: Half-Swedish, half-English fitness expert Faya Nilsson established her blog “Fitness on Toast” at 2013. It’s since won both the Cosmopolitan and UK Blog Awards “Best Lifestyle Website” accolade.

1.  Monreal leggings. “They operate both to and out of the gym, in addition to during a workout,” she advised Business Insider.

3. Skipping rope. “Light as a feather, and you can carry it in your handbag and whip it out anywhere and anytime for an entirely portable and mega-challenging workout. 20 minutes of extreme skipping can burn 400 to 500 calories, as well as that the thermogenic after-effects that keep you burning more calories daily.”

4. Powerbeats wireless earphones. “Super easy to use, they slip onto your own ears and can’t be shaken off during even a hands on sprint. And because there are no dangling cords, you won’t inadvertently pull out them with your flailing arms whilst running.”

5. Apple Watch — Sport Edition. “The action tracker thinks for mepersonally, which is fantastic since it feels like somebody’s forever got my spine, in fitness terms.”

6. Nuts and seeds.   “Crucial for any health-aware tote (unless, of course, you’ve got an intolerance). Total of vital (good) fats that work wonders for the hair, skin, training outcomes, and overall systemic well-being.”

7. Water. “I love to drink as near as you can a litre daily, so I maintain a 500ml bottle with mepersonally, just if”

8. Powerbank. “since you don’t know when you’ll need some juice on the go.”

Body From Gilles’ Gilles Souteyrand

Number of followers: 88,800.

Bio: Personal trainer and lifestyle coach Gilles Souteyrand may be better known for being the boyfriend of Instagram celebrity Natasha Oakley, but he’s also the founder and director of the Body by Gilles  Fitness guides.

2.  Bounce Almond protein balls.

5. Phone by Gilles Guide with Body.

Personal coach and yoga instructor Shona Vertue

Number of followers: 94,600.

Recruiting: Vertue is a personal trainer, yoga instructor, and the creator of the Vertue Method online training regime and book. She recommends that “the key to wellness is a dedication to your own self-love and self-worth.”

1. Resistance bands, “to help activate my glutes and assist me with some other callisthenics moves I am working on.”

2. Aesop Exfoliant Paste. “I spend my days going in and from filthy gyms, going from sweaty environments to cold ones — that opening and closing of the pores from not-so-hygienic places has ever played havoc on my skin. If I don’t cleanse my skin nicely (and moisturise) after training and working, I get breakouts caused by congestion. This stuff works nicely for the skin and I am all about supporting Aussie brands (for obvious reasons).”

3.  Chanel Blue Serum. “I am hooked on this item. Since using this product 17, I’ve noticed a enormous change. I don’t wear makeup, so I am all about keeping the health of my own skin to support my makeup free life.”

4.  Chanel La Solution 10. “The only moisturiser that does not leave me feeling tacky or hurt. Really fine for sensitive skin.”

5.  Type Nutrition vegan protein. “I may be a little biased, since I am one of the ambassadors, but frankly, I challenge you to get a much better tasting, high quality vegan protein that tastes good in plain water. It’s ideal because I usually have time to eat post workout. Two scoops offers me 24g protein.”

6. Rose quartz crystalclear. “This really is just straight up absurd, actually. I am a hippie and that I carry these things around with me, so much to the dismay of my poor arms and shoulders. Sometimes I Will carry up to 3kgs value of crystals in my bag because I love them a lot.”

Whether just escape bed and into the fitness center or it’s to complete that last group, the fitness celebrities help of Instagram motivate us.

But workout places that are magnificent and their fitness center visits  take a little bit more work than it may seem.

Business Insider talked to some of the planet’s biggest fitness celebrities to inquire what workout snacks, gear, grooming and beauty products, without — or exercise — and gadgets they could not survive.

The post <p>11 Instagram fitness Celebrities tell us what Is inside their gym bag</p> appeared first on fitness.

from fitness http://www.resultsfitnessbyram.com/11-instagram-fitness-celebrities-tell-us-what-is-inside-their-gym-bag/

[meditationklaus]

Funny Yoga Mat Craigslist Ad Describes Hot Yoga Hell

Craigslist, that bottomless pit of barely-used blenders and secondhand patio furniture, is also a goldmine for hilarious ads.

This particular Craigslist ad has been doing the rounds for a while, but it still makes us giggle.

A Seattle man has posted a yoga mat for sale at a measly $1. The yoga has been used just once, but it’s gone through a LOT, as has its owner, hence the rock-bottom price.

The ad describes his harrowing experience at his first hot yoga class in five years. We’re spared no details , from the way his sweat forms a mustache above his lip, to how body odor and excessive perspiration led to the untimely end of a (totally imaginary) relationship with the cute yogi on the next mat.

Read the full text of the funny yoga mat Craigslist ad below:

Yoga mat for sale. Used once at lunch hour class in December 2009. Usage timeline as follows:

11:45a Register for hot yoga class. Infinite wisdom tells me to commit to 5 class package and purchase a yoga mat. I pay $89.74. Money well spent, I smugly confirm to myself.

11:55a Open door to yoga room. A gush of hot dry air rushes through and past me. It smells of breath, sweat and hot. Take spot on floor in back of room next to cute blonde. We will date.

11:57a I feel the need to be as near to naked as possible. This is a problem because of the hot blonde to my left and our pending courtship. She will not be pleased to learn that I need to lose 30 pounds before I propose to her.

11:58a The shirt and sweats have to come off. I throw caution to the wind and decide to rely on my wit and conditioning to overcome any weight issues my fiancée may take issue with. This will take a lot of wit and conditioning.

11:59a Begin small talk with my bride to be. She pretends to ignore me but I know how she can be. I allow her to concentrate and stare straight ahead and continue to pretend that I don’t exist. As we finish sharing our special moment, I am suddenly aware of a sweat moustache that has formed below my nose. This must be from the all the whispering between us.

12:00p Instructor enters the room and ascends her special podium at the front of the room. She is a slight, agitated Chinese woman. She introduces me to the class and everyone turns around to greet me just as I decide to aggressively adjust my penis and testes packed in my Under Armor. My bride is notably unfazed.

12:02p Since I do have experience with Hot Yoga (4 sessions just 5 short years ago) I fully consider that I may be so outstanding and skilled that my instructor may call me out and ask me to guide the class. My wife will look on with a sparkle in her eye. We will make love after class.

12:10p It is now up to 95 degrees in the room. We have been practicing deep breathing exercises for the last 8 minutes. This would not be a problem if we were all breathing actual, you know, oxygen. Instead, we are breathing each other’s body odor, expelled carbon dioxide and other unmentionables. (Don’t worry, I’ll mention them later.)

12:26p It is now 100 degrees and I take notice of the humidity, which is hovering at about 90%. I feel the familiar adorning stare of my bride and decide to look back at her. She appears to be nauseated. I then realize that I forgot to brush my teeth prior to attending this class. We bond.

12:33p It is now 110 degrees and 95% humidity. I am now balancing on one leg with the other leg crossed over the other. My arms are intertwined and I am squatting. The last time I was in this position was 44 years ago in the womb, but I’m in this for the long haul. My wife looks slightly weathered dripping sweat and her eyeliner is streaming down her face. Well, “for better or worse” is what we committed to so we press on.

12:40p The overweight Hispanic man two spots over has sweat running down his legs. At least I think its sweat. He is holding every position and has not had a sip of water since we walked in. He is making me look bad and I hate him.

12:44p I consider that if anyone in this room farted that we would all certainly perish.

12:52p It is now 140 degrees and 100% humidity. I am covered from head to toe in sweat. There is not a square millimeter on my body that is not slippery and sweaty. I am so slimy that I feel like a sea lion or a maybe sea eel. Not even a bear trap could hold me. The sweat is stinging my eyeballs and I can no longer see.

12:55p This room stinks of asparagus, cloves, tuna and tacos. There is no food in the room. I realize that this is an amalgamation of the body odors of 30 people in a 140 degree room for the last 55 minutes. Seriously, enough with the asparagus, ok?

1:01p 140 degrees and 130% humidity. Look, b*tch, I need my space here so don’t get all pissy with me if I accidentally sprayed you with sweat as I flipped over. Seriously, is that where this relationship is going? Get over yourself. We need counseling and she needs to be medicated. Stat!

1:09p 150 degrees and cloudy. And hot. I can no longer move my limbs on my own. I have given up on attempting any of the commands this Chinese chick is yelling out at us. I will lay sedentary until the aid unit arrives. I will buy this building and then have it destroyed. I lose consciousness.

1:15p I have a headache and my wife is being a selfish b*tch. I can’t really breathe. All I can think about is holding a cup worth of hot sand in my mouth. I cannot remember what an ice cube is and cannot remember what snow looks like. I consider that my only escape might be a crab walk across 15 bodies and then out of the room. I am paralyzed, and may never walk again so the whole crab walk thing is pretty much out.

1:17p I cannot move at all and cannot reach my water. Is breathing voluntary or involuntary? If it’s voluntary, I am screwed. I stopped participating in the class 20 minutes ago. Hey, lady! I paid for this frickin class, ok?! You work for me! Stop yelling at everyone and just tell us a story or something. It’s like juice and cracker time, ok?

1:20p It is now 165 degrees and moisture is dripping from the ceiling. The towel that I am laying on is no longer providing any wicking or drying properties. It is actually placing additional sweat on me as I touch it. My towel reeks. I cannot identify the smell but no way can it be from me. Did someone spray some stank on my towel or something?

1:30p Torture session is over. I wish hateful things upon the instructor. She graciously allows us to stay and ‘cool down’ in the room. It is 175 degrees. Who cools down in 175 degrees? A Komodo Dragon? My wife has left the room. Probably to throw up.

1:34p My opportunity to escape has arrived. I roll over to my stomach and press up to my knees. It is warmer as I rise up from ground level – probably by 15 degrees. So let’s conservatively say it’s 190. I muster my final energy and slowly rise. One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other. Towards the door. Towards the door.

1:37p The temperature in the lobby is 72 degrees. Both nipples stiffen to diamond strength and my penis begins to retract into my abdomen from the 100 degree temp swing. I can once again breathe though so I am pleased. I spot my future ex wife in the lobby. We had such a good thing going but I know that no measure of counseling will be able to unravel the day’s turmoil and mental scaring.

1:47p Arrive at Emerald City Smoothie and proceed to order a 32 oz beverage. 402 calories, 0 fat and 14 grams of protein — effectively negating any caloric burn or benefit from the last 90 minutes. I finish it in 3 minutes and spend the next 2 hours writing this memoir.

3:47p Create Craigslist ad while burning final 2 grams of protein from Smoothie and before the “shakes” consume my body.

4:29p Note to self – check car for missing wet yoga towel in am.

Hot yoga can be a bit challenging to the uninitiated, but once you get used to the heat, the benefits can’t be beat! Check out 10 Essential Ways to Adjust to Hot Yoga for ways to get yourself used to the extreme temperatures, if you aren’t yet.

The post Funny Yoga Mat Craigslist Ad Describes Hot Yoga Hell appeared first on DOYOUYOGA.COM.

[resultsfitnessbyram]

11 Instagram fitness Celebrities tell us what Is inside their gym bag

‘The Body Coach’ Joe Wicks

Number of followers: 1.8 million.

Bio: Wicks has constructed a fitness empire on showing folks the best way to have “Lean in 15.” The idea relies on 15-minute recipes, which he shares through fast and snappy Instagram videos, in addition to 20-minute HIIT (high intensity) work outs.

2. A palatable protein shake.   “I create it with water, oats, lettuce, whey protein, along with blueberries,” he advised Business Insider.

3. A jumping rope –“so that when I am travelling I could perform HIIT training.”

4. A fantastic pair of trainers. “I’ve just got new Nike Metcon Flyknits,” he said.

Fashion designer and lifestyle blogger Natasha Oakley

Number of followers: 1.9 million.

Bio: The co-creator of A Bikini A Day and designer for Monday Swimwear along with Monday Active, the lifestyle blogger is becoming known for her enthusiasm for fitness.

2. Phone by Gilles Guide with Body.

‘sterile Eating’ Alice Liveing

Number of followers: 570,000.

Bio: Qualified nutritionist, author, and personal trainer Alice Liveing became a Instagram celebrity after she awakened junk food and fad diets for a fit, balanced, and healthy lifestyle.

3. “Homemade almond and sea salt nut butter with apple pieces  for a bite.”

Tone It Up’s Katrina Scott

Number of followers: 1.2 million.

1.  Sea salt spray. “I enjoy spraying this on after my workout to include lovely, beachy texture to my own hair,” Scott informed Business Insider. “Additionally, it includes a brand new tropical scent so that it doubles as cologne.”

2. Sunscreen. “I work out outside a great deal, so having sunscreen on hand is critical for keeping my skin secure. I add a single pump of coverup for my sunscreen to create my very own tinted moisturiser.”

3. Tone It Up protein powder. “Protein is so important for forming lean muscle and also preventing soreness,” she said. “I always aim to possess protein 30 minutes after my work out. It tastes amazing at a smoothie, or mixed with either water or unsweetened almond milk in case you’re on the go.”

4. Headphones. “I am constantly jamming out while I am on a run or getting my toning moves in.” You may check out what Scott is listening to here.

5. Socks. “Nothing is worse than forgetting your socks once you head to the fitness center. I always keep several added pairs of our Tone It Up socks within my gym bag in the event!”

Celebrity coach Jessie Pavelka

Number of followers: 89,700.

Bio: Celebrity coach Jessie Pavelka has emerged on the likes of “The Biggest Loser” and has been even in the running to play Christian Grey from the “50 Colors” movies.

2. L-Arginine supplement.

4. “My glasses for reading whilst performing cardio.”

Girl Gains’ Zanna van Dijk

Number of followers: 168,000.

Bio: The London-based fitness blogger and personal trainer started fitness events company Girl Gains with just two friends she met through the image sharing app. The company has ambassadors all around the world, and hosts events with the goal of empowering girls in countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK, along with the United States.

1.  Glute activation rings. “I always have them in my handbag, too — you don’t know when you’ll need to activate your glutes!”

2. Trigger point boards. “I use these to release tight muscles,” he said.

Tone It Up’s Karena Dawn

Number of followers: 1.2 million.

Bio: The other co-founder of all Tone It Up  with Katrina Scott. Dawn is fitness model and a former triathlete.

1. Bandier apparel. “We’re super excited about our newest line with Bandier. It’s chic and the cloth is so cosy. We could wear these outfits daily. Occasionally we really do!”

2.  Qalo rings. “Katrina and I’m working out all the time, involving filming fitness videos, performing our everyday workout, and also our favourite hot yoga courses. All these Qalo rings allow us to still wear wedding rings without worrying about damaging or losing our rings.”

3.  Tone It Up water bottle. “Staying hydrated is critical for smooth muscle and skin healing. I don’t go anywhere without water in hand.”

4.  Lucky Jack Cold Brew Coffee. “I am a coffee man, and bright days in California call for brewed coffee. I love catching a bottle of Lucky Jack Cold Brew to sip before my workout.”

5. Goggles and a swim cap. “I love to compete in triathlons and swimming is a portion of my workout regimen. I always maintain my goggles and a swim cap available if I feel like having a dip, especially on beach or poolside vacations.”

6. Dry shampoo. “This really is vital. Just a fast spritz after a workout and you’re ready for the day.”

7. Tone It Up protein bars. “My favorite is the blueberry coconut. They’re fermented, fermented, and manufactured out of ingredients that are clean.”

‘Fitness on Toast’ Faya Nilsson

Number of followers: 124,000.

Bio: Half-Swedish, half-English fitness expert Faya Nilsson established her blog “Fitness on Toast” at 2013. It’s since won both the Cosmopolitan and UK Blog Awards “Best Lifestyle Website” accolade.

1.  Monreal leggings. “They operate both to and out of the gym, in addition to during a workout,” she advised Business Insider.

3. Skipping rope. “Light as a feather, and you can carry it in your handbag and whip it out anywhere and anytime for an entirely portable and mega-challenging workout. 20 minutes of extreme skipping can burn 400 to 500 calories, as well as that the thermogenic after-effects that keep you burning more calories daily.”

4. Powerbeats wireless earphones. “Super easy to use, they slip onto your own ears and can’t be shaken off during even a hands on sprint. And because there are no dangling cords, you won’t inadvertently pull out them with your flailing arms whilst running.”

5. Apple Watch — Sport Edition. “The action tracker thinks for mepersonally, which is fantastic since it feels like somebody’s forever got my spine, in fitness terms.”

6. Nuts and seeds.   “Crucial for any health-aware tote (unless, of course, you’ve got an intolerance). Total of vital (good) fats that work wonders for the hair, skin, training outcomes, and overall systemic well-being.”

7. Water. “I love to drink as near as you can a litre daily, so I maintain a 500ml bottle with mepersonally, just if”

8. Powerbank. “since you don’t know when you’ll need some juice on the go.”

Body From Gilles’ Gilles Souteyrand

Number of followers: 88,800.

Bio: Personal trainer and lifestyle coach Gilles Souteyrand may be better known for being the boyfriend of Instagram celebrity Natasha Oakley, but he’s also the founder and director of the Body by Gilles  Fitness guides.

2.  Bounce Almond protein balls.

5. Phone by Gilles Guide with Body.

Personal coach and yoga instructor Shona Vertue

Number of followers: 94,600.

Recruiting: Vertue is a personal trainer, yoga instructor, and the creator of the Vertue Method online training regime and book. She recommends that “the key to wellness is a dedication to your own self-love and self-worth.”

1. Resistance bands, “to help activate my glutes and assist me with some other callisthenics moves I am working on.”

2. Aesop Exfoliant Paste. “I spend my days going in and from filthy gyms, going from sweaty environments to cold ones — that opening and closing of the pores from not-so-hygienic places has ever played havoc on my skin. If I don’t cleanse my skin nicely (and moisturise) after training and working, I get breakouts caused by congestion. This stuff works nicely for the skin and I am all about supporting Aussie brands (for obvious reasons).”

3.  Chanel Blue Serum. “I am hooked on this item. Since using this product 17, I’ve noticed a enormous change. I don’t wear makeup, so I am all about keeping the health of my own skin to support my makeup free life.”

4.  Chanel La Solution 10. “The only moisturiser that does not leave me feeling tacky or hurt. Really fine for sensitive skin.”

5.  Type Nutrition vegan protein. “I may be a little biased, since I am one of the ambassadors, but frankly, I challenge you to get a much better tasting, high quality vegan protein that tastes good in plain water. It’s ideal because I usually have time to eat post workout. Two scoops offers me 24g protein.”

6. Rose quartz crystalclear. “This really is just straight up absurd, actually. I am a hippie and that I carry these things around with me, so much to the dismay of my poor arms and shoulders. Sometimes I Will carry up to 3kgs value of crystals in my bag because I love them a lot.”

Whether just escape bed and into the fitness center or it’s to complete that last group, the fitness celebrities help of Instagram motivate us.

But workout places that are magnificent and their fitness center visits  take a little bit more work than it may seem.

Business Insider talked to some of the planet’s biggest fitness celebrities to inquire what workout snacks, gear, grooming and beauty products, without — or exercise — and gadgets they could not survive.

The post <p>11 Instagram fitness Celebrities tell us what Is inside their gym bag</p> appeared first on fitness.

from fitness http://www.resultsfitnessbyram.com/11-instagram-fitness-celebrities-tell-us-what-is-inside-their-gym-bag/