#indoor plant care guide

[seismic-tartness]

Indoor plant care guide by apairandaspare on Flickr.

[Image Description: Ink drawings of houseplants on a white background with text in the center that reads: "a pair & a spare: Indoor Plant Care Guide"]

Organized by increasing light needs:

Low-light tolerant

Indirect bright light

(Your plants see the sun; the sun doesn't see your plants)

Bright light

[planthouseandgarden]

Ludisia Discolor Care: The Complete Guide for Thriving Jewel Orchids

Ludisia discolor care is essential for keeping this captivating plant, thriving in any indoor plant collection. Also known as the jewel orchid, this remarkable orchid originates from Southeast Asia, primarily in regions like Malaysia and Indonesia. Unlike many other orchids, Ludisia discolor is prized not only for its delicate flowers but also for its stunning dark green foliage adorned with…

[ashleyscottgardening]

How Does Jade Vine Smell? Discover the Scent of This Exotic Beauty

The Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) is a stunning plant known for its cascading turquoise blooms, adding an exotic charm to any garden or conservatory. But beyond its vibrant colors and unique appearance, many people wonder: what does the Jade Vine smell like? Let’s explore the scent profile of this botanical marvel and understand how it enhances its allure.

For more insights into the Jade Vine and tips on growing it, visit my in-depth article here!

[cselandscapearchitect]

Creating a Tropical Haven: How to Increase Humidity for Your Monstera Deliciosa

Is your Monstera deliciosa craving a little extra humidity? As a tropical plant, it thrives in a humid environment reminiscent of its native rainforests. In this blog post, we’ll explore various methods to boost humidity levels for your leafy companion, allowing it to flourish and display its iconic lush foliage. Let’s dive into the world of humidity and create a tropical haven for your Monstera…

[cheaphousespending]

The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for Corn Plant Dracaena Indoors

As a plant lover, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting plants to add to my collection. One of my recent discoveries is the Corn Plant Dracaena, also known as Dracaena fragrans. This plant is native to tropical Africa and can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. In this ultimate guide, I will be sharing everything you need to know about growing and caring for Corn Plant Dracaena…

[agirlwithglam]

TEENAGE SUMMER (12-16yo)

so summer has finally arrived and school has ended. and ofc, we want that hot girl summer with the perfect body, mindset, habits, holidays, and a great time in general but what if we have sorta strict parents who are just.. parents. so here are some tips to have your dream summer and glow up but also make it family/ teenage friendly!

GLOW UP:

external glow up tips:

numero uno: WORKOUT. yes, ofc this is on here, what did u think? work.out. decide why u wanna workout first: healthy body? dream body? abs? being stronger? for happiness? for fun? then, you can find a workout on youtube / pinterest for the one you want. (also what i love doing is the workouts on pinterest where its related to a tv show- or just search up [movie/ show name] workout)

smell nice! perfume, scented shampoos/ body scrubs, etc.

SUNSCREEN. trust me, u DO want to put it on.

skincare! moisturiser, lip gloss/ lip balm, exfoliation, etc.

put cold spoons under your eyes in the morning to reduce puffiness.

u dont like something? fix it! i didn't like my teeth for a while, so i got braces. you can't fix it? stop worrying about it and just give it to god cus u got better things to do

MANIFESTING:

affirmations!! affirmations in the mirror, listening to them, repeating them, thinking them, they helped me SO much!

Believe you’re hot. As simple as that.

Visualisation. Imagine people giving you compliments and staring at you all day long

internal glow up tips:

confidence. duhhhh! heres a guide to self love& confidence

abundance mindset. everything works out in YOUR favour.

detachment. stop taking shite so seriously. honestly, if someones hating on you then pity them or laugh then move on. like ur too busy to spend even a second of your day to make someone feel bad about themselves or argue about something pointless.

keep learning! educate yourself, expand your knowledge and your mind.

HAPPINESS. the real glow up starts when you're genuinely happy with who you are and where you are. be a light, carefree, bubbly girl but also remember to set standards and boundaries. when you're just genuinely happy, life truly does start to get better.

hotness is a mindset.

other tips:

channel your little kid energy

take a bunch of photos! (at the end you'll basically have a pretty summer mood board)

don't be on your phone all the time. try to ✨socialise✨ your time on earth is limited don't waste it on crusty, unhot stuff. ur parents will thank you for this as well

romanticise it. (laugh. smile. wear nice clothes, talk to people, get lost in a daydream. appreciate the beauty in stuff. even if its just a sofa.)

be positive. quit complaining. be happy and focus on what you have. spread love and happiness! you're privileged and you are a privilege. act like ittt!

stay present minded. live here, now.

listen to groovy, aesthetic-themes music. to get u into the moooddd!

become a better person. a better daughter/ son, sibling, friend, person in general.

GET OUTSIDEEEE!!!! TOUCH SOME GRASS. its sunny, its summer, why tf r u staying indoors????

sleep girl. sleep. just because you don't have to wake up early tomorrow, does not mean you can stay up till 2am watching netflix. sleep makes your skin glow, makes you look prettier, makes you happier and 10000 more benefits. so sleep.

channel your creativity! (paint, draw, sketch, write, poetry, music, etc.)

play. you're still young!! have fun and do silly and embarrassing things while you still can!!!!!!!

create a summer mood board!

channel a certain era- barbie summer, blair waldorf summer, hot girl summer, etc.

bucket list ideas:

go to a park

redecorate your room

spa day (w friends)

girl slumber parties! (face masks, girlie things, movies)

volunteer somewhere

beach day!

write letters and kiss them (like those pretty pinterest summer!)

go biking (i love doing it in the mornings)

bake! (cakeeee)

get back into some old hobbies (childhood nostalgia)

gardening. care for a plant (then talk to it when you feel sad ur won't be insane i promise)

look at the sunrise / sunset

read dude. just read and romanticise it with a pretty comfy space

make a goal. then work on it so hard that you get it!

learn something new (for me i rly wanna learn crochetting)

scrap booking

do a workout with friends

video diary!! (film everythinggg)

make jewellery (u can sell them after if u want. also there are tons of jewellery making kits on amazon or toys r'us!)

donate / sell stuff (like books and toys)

flower press (with printer tho)

dance with your friends

wear jewellery!! summer necklaces, bracelets, etc!

go for walks (w friends)

get your nails done. (you don't have to go out to get them done. you can do it yourself. i dont have nail polish but my friend does so we love putting it on together)

make some new friends! (join clubs, visit new places, talk to people, join classes,)

go to the beach

"what makes life so beautiful is the fact that it ends"

[truevedicastrology]

🌿 Zodiac Plant Parent Guide

Green Thumbs in the Stars! 🌟

Ever wonder why your bestie's succulents thrive while yours wilt? The answer might be written in the stars! Let's explore which plants vibe with your zodiac energy and how to keep them thriving! 🔮🌱

♈ Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Perfect Plant: Cacti 🌵

Loves a challenge? Check!

Low maintenance? Double check!

Tip: Channel that fire energy into propagating new cacti babies!

♉ Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Perfect Plant: Pothos 🍃

Lush and beautiful? Absolutely!

Easy to care for? You bet!

Tip: Create a cozy plant corner to satisfy your need for comfort and beauty.

♊ Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Perfect Plant: Air Plants 🍀

Versatile and adaptable? Totally you!

Minimal soil needed? Perfect for your busy lifestyle!

Tip: Try different display methods to keep things interesting!

♋ Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Perfect Plant: Peace Lily 🕊️

Nurturing and protective? Just like you!

Loves a humid environment? Think spa vibes!

Tip: Mist your peace lily regularly to create a soothing atmosphere.

♌ Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Perfect Plant: Sunflower 🌻

Bold and attention-grabbing? Definitely!

Loves the spotlight (aka sunlight)? Of course!

Tip: Plant sunflowers outdoors for a dramatic garden statement.

♍ Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Perfect Plant: Herbs 🌿

Practical and useful? Check and check!

Requires attention to detail? Right up your alley!

Tip: Start an indoor herb garden for fresh flavors and aromatherapy.

�� Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Perfect Plant: Orchids 🌺

Elegant and balanced? Totally your style!

Appreciates beauty? Just like you do!

Tip: Display orchids in pairs for perfect symmetry.

♏ Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Perfect Plant: Venus Flytrap 🪰

Mysterious and intense? Absolutely!

Fascinatingly complex? You get each other!

Tip: Feed your Venus flytrap small insects for a truly immersive experience.

♐ Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Perfect Plant: Wandering Jew 🌿

Loves to spread and explore? Sounds familiar!

Easy to propagate? Perfect for sharing with friends!

Tip: Hang in a macrame planter for a boho travel-inspired look.

♑ Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Perfect Plant: Jade Plant 🪴

Symbolizes wealth and prosperity? You're all about success!

Long-living and sturdy? Matches your persistence!

Tip: Place in your home office for good financial feng shui.

♒ Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Perfect Plant: Tillandsia (Air Plant) 🍃

Unique and low-maintenance? That's so you!

Doesn't conform to traditional potting? Neither do you!

Tip: Create a terrarium with air plants for an out-of-this-world look.

♓ Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Perfect Plant: Ferns 🌿

Loves humidity and water? You're in your element!

Creates a dreamy atmosphere? Perfect for your imaginative nature!

Tip: Place in the bathroom for a spa-like, moisture-rich environment.

Remember, cosmic gardeners, these are just celestial suggestions! The best plant for you is the one that brings you joy and fits your lifestyle. 🌈🌱

What's your zodiac sign, and do you have a favorite plant? Share your cosmic gardening experiences in the comments! 💬✨

[planthouseandgarden]

How to Fix Yellow & Brown Edges on Dracaena Plants

Yellow and brown edges on Dracaena leaves are common concerns, but don’t worry—there are simple steps to keep your Dracaena leaves vibrant and healthy. In this article, we’ll dive into the primary causes and solutions for this issue. By understanding these factors and implementing a few care tips, you can restore the natural beauty of your Dracaena. If you prefer visual instructions, you can…

[ashleyscottgardening]

Martha Washington Geranium: Expert Guide to Growing and Care

[heavenlybackside]

Begonia 'Moonlight Butterfly'

A captivating display of dark, almost blackpink leaves adorned with intricate white veins, resembling the wings of a butterfly.

Plant care guide:

Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.

Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Misting the leaves regularly or using a humidifier can help maintain humidity.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season.

Garden decoration ideas:

These striking begonias are perfect for adding a touch of drama and elegance to your indoor garden. They can be displayed on their own or combined with other plants for a colorful and vibrant arrangement.

#houseplants #Plants #garden ‎

[cselandscapearchitect]

Shining a Light on Profitability: How to Grow and Sell Tropical Foliage Plant Liners Under Grow Lights

This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive guide on growing tropical foliage plant liners under grow lights for profitable resale. It targets nursery owners, small-scale growers, and gardening enthusiasts interested in expanding their product range or starting a business in plant resale. The post will delve into the practical aspects of setting up and managing a grow light system, selecting…

[welldonebeca]

Conveniência (4)

Summary: On a twist of events and to the ton’s most delightful surprise, Miss Penelope Featherington marries Lord Debling. Warnings: Canon divergence, romantic slow burn, smut, virginity loss.

Penelope squeezed her eyes, surprised with the sudden invasion of sunlight into her room from the wrong side of her bed, and the feeling of sheets on her body and her chest…

Oh, dear!

She tugged on her sheets, pulling them up and covering up her naked breasts.

Rae turned to her, smiling like nothing was different from their usual morning.

“Good morning, Lady Debling,” she curtsied. “Lord Debling wishes to meet you in the front hall before breakfast is served to introduce you to the staff.”

Penelope yawned, sitting up while clutching the sheets to herself. Rae was already dressed in her new uniform—a much more pleasant shade of green, in Penelope's opinion—and seemed quite happy.

“We shouldn’t leave my husband waiting,” she breathed out.

Rae moved with efficiently to help Penelope dress, and as she slipped into her gown, her mind mind raced through everything it all meant. Her new role was so much bigger than who she used to be. It was… scary.

She was the lady of the house now, it was her duty to be in charge of it – and being in change meant caring for his large – very large – staff.

She finished, dressing up and doing her hair simply, and let Rae guide her down just as she caught sight of the servants all lining up to be introduced to her, and her husband was waiting for her.

Lord Debling owed the biggest house in Mayfair, and that meant a lot of work and a lot of organization and structure. Penelope liked structure. His home was beautiful, now that she could fully pay attention to it. The front hall was grand, with high ceilings and intricate woodwork, full of light and indoor plants, all of them very well cared for, although the wall was a little... bare.

Her maid slipped into line seamlessly, and her husband was waiting for her right at the bottom of the stairs.

He took her hand, smiling gently, and she put her arm on his as Lord- Alfred guided her down.

“Good morning, Penelope,” he greeted her, his eyes soft and kind. “Allow me to introduce you to our staff.”

Penelope smiled, breathing out, trying to relax.

“Good morning.”

Alfred introduced every person by name, one by one. Their housekeeper, Mrs Thorne, was a stern-looking woman. Their butler, Mr Hawthorne, bowed very deeply and welcomed her very formally. Then came the maids, the footmen, the cooks – two of them, although he would be taking one in his excursion –, the gardener and his apprentice, and the stable hands, amongst others. Penelope tried her best to keep everyone’s name in her mind, but she would certainly benefit from managing the house and being able to interact with them correctly, instead of such an endless line.

Finally, they reached the governess, an older woman with the most maternal look in her eyes, Mrs Selby.

“Lady Debling,” she curtsied. “It is a pleasure to welcome you.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Penelope smiled.

The woman nodded strongly, turning to address the staff.

"As you can see, ma’am, we have quite a large household, with twenty-five members of staff in total, with our welcome new addition in Miss Rae. Our home is extensive, and I will be delighted to give you a thorough tour this afternoon, should you wish it."

“I would like that very much,” she agreed.

They rounded up the introduction with the staff that would be in direct contact with them before they all stepped away and moved on to their duties and she found herself gravitating towards her husband once more.

“Good morning, husband,” she greeted nervously.

Husband.

The word rolled off her tongue most wonderfully.

Husband.

She glanced at him, and Alfred seemed amused by how she was addressing him.

“Good morning, wife,” he spoke softly. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit overwhelmed," she admitted, "But… well.”

Alfred kept his eyes on her.

“Do you hurt in any way?” he asked. “Any soreness? Any pain I might have caused?”

A feeling of a red hot blush crept up her neck and face.

Well.

“I’m… unused to…” she spoke slowly. “Such… intense nights,” Penelope decided. “And I’m a little tender. But it isn’t anything that bothers me to the point of discomfort.”

He watched her, clearly reading her face.

“Are you certain?” he asked. “I could speak to Mrs Selby, and you can tour our home at a better time. We had a very eventful night.”

“Eventful, indeed,” she agreed in a mumble.

Alfred raised his eyebrows, and she shook her head, naked fingers rubbing along the sleeve of his shirt.

“No need,” she told him. “I need to get acquainted with my duties and the home and its routine.”

“Our home,” he corrected her. “You are my wife. This is your home as much as it is mine.”

She nodded, a bit nervous.

Of course, he was right.

“Now, shall we go?” he offered. “I’m sure breakfast will be served at any minute, and I wish to show you some of our garden.”

“Yes, please,” she agreed.

He offered her an arm, guiding her to the garden with an expectant look. As they walked, the sight of the garden took her breath away. It was a beautiful place, vibrant and seemingly endless. There were meticulously maintained flower beds, countless fruit trees, and neatly trimmed berry bushes. They even passed by a vegetable garden!

“I grow some of the food we eat,” Alfred explained. “Not everything, sadly.”

“I’m sure we can work towards it,” she offered.

Her husband smiled, seeming satisfied, and they stepped by a small wrought-iron table set beneath a canopy of trees, and the servants were just done setting their breakfast down on it, a sumptuous spread of fresh fruits, croissants and pastries.

He pulled the chair for her to sit down, and she was so enchanted she quite literally missed the servants still placing things on the table.

“It’s so beautiful,” she looked up at him.

“I love having breakfast here,” he told her. “Close to my own little spot of nature.”

Penelope smiled, still taking in the garden.

“Well, if I had access to such a beautiful place, I’d break my fast here every day.”

When she looked at him, her husband had his eyebrows slightly raised and a look of amusement on his face.

“It’s an agreement, then?” he asked. “We’ll meet here for breakfast in the mornings?”

She let out a nervous laugh.

Oh! It was her house! And her garden. She covered her face with a hand, absolutely embarrassed, and he just laughed lightly.

“It’s new,” he noted. “I understand. Don’t worry.”

She shook her head, feeling her cheeks even pinker.

A servant came to her side, and poured what she expected to be tea onto her cup, but it wasn’t.

“You mentioned how much you like hot chocolate,” her husband recalled.

Penelope smiled.

“I do,” she agreed. “Thank you. It is very thoughtful of you.”

She took a sip and closed her eyes as she enjoyed the rich, thick and creamy taste.

“It’s wonderful,” she praised it. “Thank you.”

They started eating in comfortable silence. Penelope looked around, trying to identify the various trees and plants.

“What are those?” she asked, noticing some trees that hadn’t flowered yet.

“Pomegranate trees,” he told her.

Penelope tried not to frown. She wasn’t particularly fond of pomegranates.

“We have a few of them; I think they’ll flower around September or October.”

She nodded anyway.

“Do you like them?” she asked.

“Quite a lot,” her husband confirmed. “You?”

She hummed a bit.

“Not my favourite,” Penelope told him honestly, as they had agreed to be with one another.

Her husband hummed, sipping his tea.

“There are also apple and pear trees,” he told her. “A few plum and cherry trees, and… I believe two peach trees our gardener has recently introduced.”

Oh, that was very nice.

“And of course, I grow the same trees in our family estate,” he told her.

Penelope nodded.

“That’s really good,” she noted.

As an Earl, her husband had lands and quite an extensive estate. If his Mayfair house was that big, she was quite curious about his country home—though she would only be going down to it once he was out of the country.

“You can redecorate the lady’s quarters and the nursery as you like once you’re there,” he told her. “And here too, of course.”

She paused, chewing a piece of fruit.

The nursery.

Penelope stared at him, the reminder of their future washing over her like a bucket of water. It had been a wonderful night, and this was a delightful morning - but in two and a half months, he would be leaving for three years.

Her husband seemed to notice her change of state and raised his head to look at her, curious.

“Yes?” he asked, as if she had called him, though they were in simple silence.

Penelope sat stiffer, ready to dismiss her thought, but didn’t. Honesty was all he had asked of her, and something had certainly been playing on her mind ever since their engagement.

“My sister, Philippa,” she explained. “She has been married for a year, and she only seems to have conceived recently.”

Alfred paused, sitting a bit more straight, giving her his full attention and leaving his tea on the table.

“I didn’t know that,” he told her.

“And Prudence,” she noted. “She married Mr Darkworth right before the New Year, and only now are they expecting.”

Both of her sisters, pregnant, at once. And yes, that was good, but Penelope didn’t have a year, like Philippa, or six months, like Prudence.

“Wonderful news,” her husband nodded.

She breathed in deep, feeling the heat crawling up her face.

“We only have ten weeks,” she spoke slowly. “Until you go away.”

Alfred exhaled, and she could see his shoulders falling, but she raised a hand to interrupt him.

“I’m not going to request you to delay your excursion, I know how much it means to you and how important it is,” Penelope assured him. “But what worries me is what will be of me while it happens.”

Her husband nodded, very firm and very serious, and the whole time, he listened to her very attentively.

“I understand your concerns,” he spoke firmly. “We have time, and I am more than confident that we will manage whatever is reserved for us. You are smart and capable, and I trust you to oversee everything while I am away, regardless of anything.”

God, he was sweet. But that didn’t change how important it was that they secured their future – especially when he was going to spend so much time away.

“But I do understand your worries,” he agreed.

Penelope breathed in deeply.

“I really want a baby,” she told him, straight and direct, looking right into his eyes.

Alfred’s expression softened, and he thought about it for a moment.

“I’d expect you to,” he agreed. "I want a baby too."

“I want one before you go,” she explained. “It’s what I want to focus on while you are away—our baby. And… I don’t want to wait three years to have a baby.”

“Penelope,” he began, his voice tender yet determined, “I want that too. And I promise I’ll do everything we can in the time we have, but...”

She stiffened, staring at him.

But?

Alfred reached across the table, taking the hand she had on the tableand placing it over his palm, covering it with his free hand.

He seemed to think of what he was going to say.

“We had an intense night, you said so yourself,” he recalled. “An eventful night.”

Even her ears felt like they were blushing now.

“Yes,” she agreed softly.

He nodded simply.

“And we are just married,” he reminded her. “It’s all new. I wouldn’t ever want to hurt you. It can be… tiring.”

Penelope’s shoulders sagged a bit.

Well, yes. But she… she enjoyed it when they did it last night.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he told her, squeezing her hand. “You need time to get used to… everything.”

She shook her head.

“You didn’t hurt me,” Penelope told him. “You were gentle. Pleasant.”

She could see his Adam’s apple bobbling when he swallowed down, his eyes a bit more intense on her.

“If we are to… focus so intensely on making a child,” Alfred's gaze pierced into hers. “We would need to engage in our marital activities frequently. Daily.”

She tried to keep her eyes from widening and her face from showing her shock.

“Daily,” she repeated it as flatly as she could say it.

She didn't know that.

“Every night,” he told her. “Or… more, if we want to be certain it will happen.”

Penelope sat with the thought of that for a moment.

Well, he was… pleasant.

She licked her lips at the thought of kissing him again, and looked up at his eyes when he inhaled loudly.

“I don’t see a problem with it,” she decided, at last.

He lowered his eyes, trying to hold a smile, but she could see it anyway.

“We should eat first,” Alfred told her, clearing his throat.

Penelope nodded, feeling her face all pink.

“Of course.”

And they did – eat. She tried not to rush it, so it took a bit of time for them both to finish.

And when they were done, she put her hand over his arm and he guided her up into her bedroom again.

Penelope took off her gown and her petticoat before he made his way to her, and gasped in surprise when her husband spun her around and leaned into her, sans coat and shirt.

He moved back right away, wide-eyed and… blushing?

“Forgive me,” he apologised. “I didn’t-”

She placed her hand over his, squeezing it.

She wasn’t upset, she was just… surprised.

“It’s okay,” she mumbled. “I… I like the way you kiss me.”

He exhaled, seeming relieved, and leaned in closer to her again, kissing her lips once more.

Penelope grabbed his suspenders, running feeling his strong chest under her fingers, and breathed out when he wrapped his arm around her waist and helped her sit, lowering himself.

Alfred kissed her even more intensely now, and Penelope couldn’t help herself, holding onto his shoulders while she tried to reciprocate, and when he pulled back to kiss her cheek, she was probably as flushed as she could be – weak on her knees and with her heart thundering in her chest.

And it was beating even faster when he started kissing her neck and down, tugging on her stays to push them out of the way to her breast, not even caring to unlace them as his lips made her skin shiver.

“Husband,” she she whispered.

He breathed in deep and pulled back, looking back at her face.

“Yes, wife?”

“You should… unlace it,” she mumbled.

Alfred swallowed down and cleared his throat, nodding.

“Of course,” he agreed. “I’ll… I’ll unlace it.”

He raised himself to his feet and sat by her side, and Penelope tried to steady herself as his hands moved over her back, to the little bow of her short stays, slowly moving to unlace her thoroughly, not rushing one moment, and she glanced back at him over her shoulder when he was halfway through it, tucking her chin into her chest again when she found his eyes staring right into hers.

Penelope inhaled, surprised, when his lips touched her naked shoulder and neck, kissing her softly.

“Is this alright?” he hummed against her shoulder.

Penelope nodded.

“I like the way you kiss me,” she mumbled.

His lips curled in what she could have sworn was a quick smile before he moved to kiss more of her skin, and she sighed when he did so to the sensitive back of her neck.

She felt her stays fully loose, and he slipped it off of her shoulders, to the floor, and she let him push her shift down, lips right on the other side of her neck as he pushed his hand down to her chest, pinching her nipple and pushing the littlest sound from her lips.

“I like the sounds you make when I kiss you,” Alfred spoke into her shoulder. “They are the prettiest sounds I’ve ever been gifted.”

A shiver ran up her spine, and she could feel a very familiar feeling between her legs.

He pushed her shift lower until it was pooling around her waist, and both his hands focused on her chest for a moment.

Her husband had big hands. He could take her breasts so easily in them – and he seemed to like to do it, because he squeezed them twice, and her flesh nearly spilled from his fingers.

“You’re beautiful,” he praised her.

Penelope wasn’t one to take compliments, usually, but anytime her husband gave them to her so easily was world-wrecking.

She breathed in deeply when she felt his hand moving down, past her stomach, over her belly button and resting on her thighs.

“Will you let me show you something?” Alfred asked. “Before he lay?”

She licked her lips, and nodded shyly.

“Anything.”

Once more, she felt him smiling on her shoulder, and bit her lips when his thumb caressed her nipple idly.

“Spread your thighs.”

You can also read this on AO3.

[dira333]

Passing Peonies - Post War Touya Todoroki - Part IV

When the war ended, Midoriya Izuku had proven one thing: That Villains did not need to be killed to be defeated. That you could make friends from enemies.

Touya Todoroki, formerly known as Dabi, had been one of those taken into the rehabilitation program. After one year of intense physical and psychological therapy, he's got the chance to prove himself. To prove that he can be a part of this world.

Complete fic length: 30.600 words - Masterlist

Warnings: poor mental health and resentment against past actions is mentioned, burn scars etc. as well. There is angst but this is mostly soft Touya coming back to his family...

Part 4: (2,1k words)

You’re a good teacher.

He’d known before but it becomes clearer now. 

He’s still got problems with fine motor skills, his fingers often too stiff to tie ribbons or cut the smallest branches without damaging the rest of a Bonsai but he’s learning so much, not just about taking care of plants but other things as well.

The old ladies that used to coo at your friendly gifts now flock around him, tell him about their grandkids and ask for his opinion on what to buy them.

He figures out quickly which students like his snarky comments and who’s appreciative of being guided toward a cheaper alternative.

The week after he gets his ZZ plant, he can choose between a bouquet or an indoor plant.

“You don’t even know if I’ve taken good care of him.”

“Well, have you?” You ask, pushing the sleeves of your cardigan up your arms as you prepare to dig into the roots of fiddle-leaf fig, the sight of your bare underarms distracting him for a second.

“Of course. But that’s not the point.”

“Bring him in tomorrow then if you want me to review your work.” You cheekily smile up at him. “Even if you’re just fishing for compliments.”

He picks a golden pothos for his therapist, knowing that he desperately needs a plant to light up that office while also knowing he can’t take that free bouquet and gift it to you, even if he’s starting to want to.

🌺.

Three months later you’ve fallen into a rhythm. 

Every second Friday after closing you let him into your apartment where, after a grilled cheese sandwich and a shared bowl of soup, he waters your plants and renames them.

Bob’s doing so well, he’s already a parent, one of his kids now sitting on Fuyumi’s shelf. 

Hawks has put in a request for more Bouquets for his agency, as well as his father and Shouto, who in turn has seemingly told all his classmates about this great flower shop downtown.

Touya would love how much more money you’re making now if all those customers wouldn’t cut into the time he gets to spend with you.

At least the purple-haired gremlin Shouto calls a classmate hasn’t shown up since he scared him off. He doesn’t like guys buying flowers as an excuse to check you out, especially when they’re too cheap to buy a proper bouquet.

🌺.

“No grilled cheese today.” You tell him one Friday evening as you close the door and turn the key. “I’m buying you dinner.”

His heart skips traitourously.

“You sure your plants can survive without my care?” He jokes and you grin.

“Positive. Now grab your jacket and let's head out.”

“What’s the occasion?”

“Oh, multiple things. We’ve got so much business now we’ll have to start dividing our orders into two different pick-up dates. What do you think of Tuesday and Thursday? We could use Monday and Wednesday to make the bouquets.”

“And the other reasons?”

You laugh, clearly figuring out that there’s no use in redirecting his thoughts. 

“I don’t believe in anniversaries but I’ve heard people say that it’s always hardest after the third month, so I thought you could use a little celebration.”

He looks at you, calculates the slope of your nose against the curve of your lips, and cocks his head to the side.

“And the last thing?”

You sober up quickly, looking down the street into the dark night, the sign of a gas station glowing in the distance.

“Today’s the anniversary of my father’s death.” You look up at him, your eyes open and vulnerable. “I like to do something nice for someone else on that day. As a gift to the world, you know?”

He doesn’t know. But it fits you. Like green aprons and cardigans, white shirts, and grilled cheese.

-

“Do you want to talk about him?”  

You walk in silence for a while, the same comfortable silence he’s shared with you since he’s met you, until eventually you open your mouth.

“We have the same quirk. It has been in our family for generations. My great-great-grandmother was a hero, actually. She made sure to marry someone who complimented her quirk and so on and so forth, until my father decided to marry someone quirkless, to not be a hero, or even a fancy landscaper. He just wanted a normal, comfortable life.”

You point at the door or the restaurant and he follows you, feeling like your story isn’t over yet, but not ready to push you to talk when you never do that with him.

The restaurant isn’t fancy, but it’s not fast food either, telling him that you’re spending quite some money when he’s seen how you live and knows how much the shop used to bring in.

When the waiter leaves your table and he opens his menu, you lean across the table to whisper, bringing along a scent he’s grown so familiar too. The scent of earth and greenery, of flowers and foliage, of you and your shop and your home.

“Sorry, what?” He shakes his head to clear his mind, realizing he missed every word you’ve just said.

“I said if you’re not against sharing they have this amazing combination of gyoza dumpling and melted cheese. They line the Gyoza up and when the cheese is melted you can dip the gyoza in. You can choose what the fillings are and if you want other dips for it but it’s usually a serving for two.”

He blinks at the giddiness lighting up your face. He’d never been especially inclined towards cheese until his mind started linking it to you and now, linking it to you being happy.

“Of course.” He hears himself say and sees you lighting up even more. “But if we order it, we have to go full in. Filled with cheese to dip in cheese. We’re not cowards after all.”

You giggle and he looks back down at the menu to keep himself from staring, glad that his skin grafts cannot blush.

When the waiter returns, however, he’s pulling a face that spells uncomfortableness.

“I’m sorry.” He says, clutching his notepad with both hands. “But I’m… well, I was made aware that we cannot serve you.”

“What do you mean?” Your face is full of confusion while Touya catches on faster. 

“He means he can’t serve me.” He explains and the way the man cringes tells him everything he needs to know.

“It’s alright.” He says when he feels that it’s not, in fact, alright. “I’ll just see you tomorrow then.”

“No.” Your hand’s flat on the table and your voice serious. “Matsumoto-kun, you’ll be serving us.”

“I’m sorry, please, I-”

“Leave it.” Touya tells you, the hard line of your mouth something he hasn’t seen before.

“Is there a problem?” Behind Matsumoto, a new face appears.

“Yes.” You’re standing now, smaller than the two men, but standing your ground. “You’re taking part in the rehabilitation agreement, yet you’re not willing to serve a member of the same agreement. I don’t want to do this but I will have to make a formal complaint if you continue to refuse us service.”

“Madam.” The man behind Matsumoto, obviously the manager, is wringing his hands now. “This isn’t about the agreement. You have to understand what your companion did-”

“It doesn’t matter who he is or what he has done.” You tell them sharply. “He could be Tomura Shigaraki and it would still be your duty to serve him as a customer if he came in here as part of the Rehabiliation agreement.”

“This isn’t our decision,” Matsumoto whispers, eyes looking everywhere but at Touya himself who’s now standing himself, hand on your arm as if that would do something but ground himself.

“Come on.” He tells you. “Not today.”

And somehow he’s said the right thing because you nod and grab your purse and your jacket, following him out of the restaurant.

Five steps from the door he can hear you curse under your breath.

Ten steps from the door he can hear you sniffle and when he turns, you’re full on crying, fat tears dripping down your face.

“Hey. Hey, don’t cry about that. It’s not worth it.”

“It is!” You disagree wetly. “They shouldn’t treat you this way and now I’m mad and I’m hungry and I’m upset that I always cry when I’m mad, and-”

“If it would make you feel better you could let weeds grow in front of their door.”

“They would just pull it out, that’s just hurting the plants.” You complain but you’re almost smiling now.

He’s grinning back at you. “We could spray paint their windows. Egg the front. Put toilet paper over the door.”

“What are you? Five?” 

He laughs and you laugh with him, frozen on the sidewalk in your shared little bubble.

“There’s a Kentucky Fried Chicken down the street, isn’t it?” He asks. “They have cheese fries. It’s not as good as dipping cheesy Gyoza into melted cheese but would it satisfy your cheesy needs?”

“You make me sound like an addict.”

“Aren’t you?”

“Maybe a little bit.”

-

He watches you pop another cheese-covered fry into your mouth and feels only a little weird about it.

“Feeling better?” He asks, chewing on his straw.

“A bit. But I’m still going to put in a formal complaint. It’s not okay.”

“It’s been a year. It’s going to take some time.”

“Still. God, now I can never go back there again and I don’t know anyone else who offers that dish.” You complain.

“I could learn how to make it.” The words are out of his mouth before he can stop them and he bites his tongue, regretting them immediately when you pinch your brows.

“I didn’t know you can cook.” You offer him an easy way out and he shrugs.

“I don’t. But it doesn’t sound that hard.”

You laugh. “Oh, it is. Why do you think I only offer you Miso soup and grilled cheese sandwiches?”

“Because that’s your favorite food?”

“True. But it’s also the only thing I can make. Well, when the sun’s in the right position and the moon’s not looking, I can also make a fried egg.”

He laughs at that. 

“You seem so talented, I thought you’d be good at everything.”

Your smile wavers and you wipe your fingers, signaling you’re done with your food.

“Want to take a walk?” You ask and he nods, throwing away the trash and meeting you at the door.

Something in him wants to take your hand, make sure your pulse is still the same as always, that you’re fine and well and there with him, but he knows that’s not the whole reason.

He wants to take your hand because he wants to hold it and feels like a ZZ plant that’s been put in a dark spot, longing for more light and scared it might burn him at the same time.

He doesn’t put his hands in his pockets, lets them hang by his side loosely, hoping against hope that your hand will knock into his as if a ray of sunlight might accidentally come his way.

-

“My father died five years ago.” You tell the night sky above you. “He had a heart attack and died in his sleep. I miss him every day. And I know he’d be proud of me. Of what I’m doing and how I’m doing it. He’d love my apartment and my shop and even if he’d call every bouquet I make perfection, he’d still pluck around in it, because he couldn’t let anything go untouched. Isn’t that love, that you love something not only despite its imperfections but simply because of them?”

Heaviness settles in his gut yet again as your words sink in. 

You look at him and he wonders if you’re talking about him too. 

He thinks about his parents, his siblings, his friends - if he can call them that. 

He wonders if they love him despite his imperfections and he wonders if he loves them.

“My mother remarried three years ago. And I’m happy for her, because her new husband is really nice, and she’s happy. But they moved, about two years ago, to America of all places. Plane tickets are expensive.”

“It gets lonely sometimes.” He says, not really knowing why until you nod.

“Yeah.” You breathe out. “Yeah.”

He wants to say that he’s here now. That you can lean on him. That he’ll be there for you.

But he doesn’t. Because he can’t. He shouldn’t. He won’t.

So he doesn’t say anything and it seems to be the right thing, allowing the two of you to walk in silence through the dark.

taglist: @misfit-megumi @shoulmate @pixiesavvy @the2ndl @neko-my-cat @chelseaquake

taglist is open, if you want to join, just mention it in a comment or send me a message.

My Kofi if you want to tip me

[chokrihizem]

Growing papaya indoors is an easy and rewarding experience, With proper guidance and care, you can grow healthy, productive papaya plants. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the entire process of growing papaya indoors, from choosing the best papaya seeds to growing them as seedlings. Whether you have gardening experience or are just starting out, rest assured that you will find all the information and advice you need to successfully grow your own papayas!

Want to read more!

Starting Papaya Seeds Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide

[divinedomesticity]

Nourishing the Heart of Home: A Homemaker's Guide to Warmth and Wellness

In the sacred realm of homemaking, where every corner holds a story and every room echoes with warmth, there lies a beautiful tapestry of nourishment. Today, let's embark on a journey of self-care and tender gestures that not only nourish our homes, family, and kids but also nurture the radiant soul of the homemaker herself.

1. A Cozy Cup of Tea: Sipping Serenity

Begin your day with the simple ritual of a cozy cup of tea. Whether it's the earthy warmth of chamomile or the comforting hug of a chai blend, let each sip be a moment of serenity. As you cradle the cup in your hands, feel the nourishment seeping through, not just for your body but for your spirit. I love chamomile and try to have at least one cup a day. Grab my favorite organic variety here.

2. A Bath Drawn with Love: Soaking in Tranquility

Indulge in the luxury of a bath drawn with love. Enhance the experience with a sprinkle of calming lavender or invigorating eucalyptus. Let the warm water wash away the cares of the day, creating a sanctuary of tranquility within your own home.

3. Beeswax Candlelit Evenings: Illuminating Warmth

Transform your evenings with the soft glow of beeswax candles. The gentle flicker not only illuminates your space but also kindles a sense of warmth and intimacy. Allow the soothing ambiance to wrap your home in a cocoon of comfort.

4. Reading Nook Bliss: Cozy Corners for the Soul

Create a reading nook bliss for yourself. Adorn it with plush cushions, a soft blanket, and shelves of cherished books. Let it be a haven where you can escape into other worlds, even if just for a few precious moments.

5. Culinary Comfort: Nourishing with Love

In the heart of your home, the kitchen, infuse each meal with culinary comfort. Experiment with recipes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also warm the soul. Let the aroma of home-cooked goodness become the melody that lingers in the air.

6. Family Movie Nights: Shared Joy

Designate cozy family movie nights. Pile up pillows and blankets, choose a favorite film, and revel in the joy of shared laughter. These moments become the threads weaving the fabric of family bonds.

7. Nature's Embrace: Bringing the Outdoors In

Incorporate elements of nature into your home. Fresh flowers, potted plants, or even a bowl of seasonal fruits can infuse the indoors with the vitality of the outdoors. Nature's embrace nurtures both the environment and the spirit.

8. Mindful Moments: Breathing in Gratitude

Embrace mindful moments throughout your day. Pause to breathe in gratitude as you witness the sunrise, share a meal, or tuck in your little ones. These pockets of mindfulness become the anchors that ground you in the present.

Cultivating a Homestead of Wellness

As you weave these warm and cozy elements into the fabric of your home, remember that the act of nourishing extends beyond the physical. It's a dance of intention, a symphony of love, and a dedication to cultivating a homestead of wellness.

May the cozy cup of tea, the drawn bath, the beeswax candles, and every tender gesture you weave into your homemaking journey be a testament to the nurturing spirit that resides within you. As you nourish your home, family, and kids, may you find an abundance of warmth and wellness enveloping every corner of your cherished abode. 🏡✨