#knowing how much to add and how much to reduce can tip off some balance in the diet

[mapelie]

When you're a diabetic you can never rely on McDonald's to keep you healthy.

i am not joking we need to force teach cooking in schools. like. it is an essential thing for survival. do you know how easy it is to make things if you know even the bare bones shit about how cooking works. we need to teach teenagers how far you can take an onion and some other veggies it''s sad that people grow up not knowing how to prepare literally anything. and i'm not talking about oh this home ed class taught me how to make chicken nuggets at home i'm talking about learning the balancing of sweetness and acidity and saltiness and bitterness and shit like that and techniques and oil temperatures and how meats cook. it needs to be taught because it's literally not even that difficult and it matters so much

[minindo]

What are some general mixing tips? Ofc i know every rip is different and stuff is suggestive but i mean like when and how would i use eq, when and how would i use reverb, when and how would i use delay, when and how would i use compression

You have a good point in that every rip (or song or whatever you're doing) is different, even if it's derivative you're making a piece of art so there's plenty of ways to approach it. There's definitely ways to mix that most people would consider sounding better than others, but getting that right is tricky if you can't reliably hear the difference. For a while I didn't really have an ear for these things (hearing clashing and/or subpar mixing) so I just had to go off what other people told me. Eventually, to my surprise, I started to develop an ear for this and now I can judge both my own rips and other people's rips on various criteria. I think that's probably just from raw practice. (Note: I don't have perfect pitch but you don't need that, I have a decent sense of relative pitch now and often use Melodyne to more accurately measure what I'm hearing.) Here's a handful of examples of when I use all of the things you mentioned. This is really not comprehensive, it's just a lot of different tips I remembered.

EQ

Note: You might want to keep the names of frequency ranges in mind here for what I'm saying. If you open Fruity parametric EQ 2 in FL, you can see at the top that it's divided into SUB, BASS, LOW MID, MID, HIGH MID, PRS, and TREBLE. You can find this out by testing, but generally:

bass instruments will be in SUB and BASS (of course). But that's not the only thing that will be there, "bass" is not only an instrument name but a range of frequencies.

Vocals will be roughly around the MIDs, usually.

hi-hats, cymbals and other "wispy" sounding things (like sibilants, the "sh", "t", "ch" in vocals etc) will tend to be in the highest range, near TREBLE or whatever PRS is meant to mean.

Everything else varies wildly, but the good thing is that with visual EQ you can test and hear for yourself what sounds are spread across what frequencies, by reducing or raising them.

Golden rule of EQing mashups: In general, you want to strike a balance in the frequencies between the sources. If one source is naturally strong in the high mids (like in its vocals), you may want to reduce the high mids of the other source to compensate. These songs were not originally designed to be together, so the goal is to somehow make them feel like a cohesive whole. This is why using split stems/multitracks really helps, because you can more accurately reduce certain instrumental elements than a soft EQ would have (for example, by totally removing the bassline of one of the sources so that it doesn't sound muddy against the other source's bass.) Like everything here though, how much you should follow this "rule" would vary in practice depending on the music.

Specific EQ tips:

On DIY vocals I always remove the sub and some of the bass (not too much to where it heavily affects how they sound) because those don't need to be there. I think it cleans up the mix a little bit.

If vocals sound too harsh or piercing, I often lower the high mids. Melodyne pitch-shifting and stretching on certain vocals can sometimes cause that.

Similarly, if percussion is too harsh-sounding, I may lower the highs (treble) a bit, but carefully and not too much.

Reverb

This is another one where… I just use it when it sounds nice. I like putting a little bit of reverb on vocals when it feels like the mix needs it, and sometimes I do it when it probably doesn't need it. Taking FL Studio's Reeverb as an example, the knobs you may want to fiddle with the most would be SIZE, DEC (decay), DRY/WET, H.CUT/L.CUT and maybe BASS?

If I used a de-reverb algorithm on vocals so that I could pitch-shift them better, I would always put a reverb effect back on when I add the vocals into the mix.

One useful thing to note: when you add reverb (particularly to vocals) it's probably a good idea to increase the low cut, this can make the reverb sound less muddier and generally better. This is a tip I gathered from a friend, and posted to Twitter last year.

(There's also stuff to say about convolvers and impulse responses in regards to matching reverb in sequenced music, but I feel like that's outside the scope of this post.)

Delay

Delay makes echo(es) repeated across intervals. You can make the delay panned if you want (even back-and-forth between the ears), or you can make its frequency cutoff reduce with further echoes (sort of a "going underwater" effect), among other options. One thing I use delay for in mashups is when I'm covering a lead melody with vocals and the lead in the instrumental has a delay channel or effect, so I find it fun to match that effect on the vocals too, with the same delay time and panning.

Sometimes you might just want to do it for fun, or to make something sound less empty. In Circus (HQ Audio) - Five Nights at Freddy's I added delay to the vocals. The original Right Foot Creep vocals don't really have any; the Most Mysterious Song vocals might have a little but that didn't matter to me. I added them because it sounded cool and more "full" (one reason might have been the short syllables with more empty space between lines than Right Foot Creep's lyrics normally provide.)

Compression

This one is actually an area I'm less familiar with. I certainly didn't understand compressors for a while, and I usually prefer to use the limiter because the visual aid really helps me understand what's happening to the sound. (That's really just me though, plenty of people I know use other things like Fruity Compressor or common third-party VSTs like OTT, look into these if you're interested.) But they're a very important tool for mixing, and I can definitely think of reasons I would use compressors or limiters:

Evening out the level of vocals. It helps the sound of vocals to have most words be roughly around the same volumes. DIY vocals can especially have this issue, for various reasons relating to how the instrumental may have affected them. A limiter that just smoothes off the high peaks of vocals can be a simple way to solve that. If you want to do it more "finely" for a possible better sound, there's lots of ways syllable volumes can be changed individually. That includes volume automation, clips in the newer versions of FL, Melodyne's amplitude tool, etc.

Compressing drums to make them sound tighter. Again, something that's hard for me to describe at my current level of knowledge/skill lol. I would suggest to put the "Drums" preset in Fruity Compressor on a drum stem and hear what happens to it, as one example of how you can change the texture of a sound through compression.

I can use this topic to talk about the master limiter too. Generally when I'm mixing a rip I like having the volume sort of generally approach the limiter ceiling, maybe going over it a little bit on occasion but not too much of the time. If you compress/limit something too hard, it can become a "brick wall" and will certainly sound like it. (Again, sometimes that could be what you're going for!)

Final note - don't be afraid to use automation clips to change any of these effects' values throughout the track. It's possible that you may want to EQ certain words or lines harsher than others, for example, or that it's appropriate for one section of a melody to have more reverb than the other. Once you get a good feel for what sounds better, you might start going crazy with automation like I have on occasion, but that's not usually expected.

I wrote a lot, but there's definitely parts of this that are lacking in detail either because I thought it was too much for this post, don't have enough knowledge or just couldn't explain it well. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

[where-skies-end]

winter weather driving tips from someone with a lot of cars and a lot of winter weather

you can drive on snow. if it's actual ice don't try

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AINT FOUR WHEEL STOP!!!! I avoid doing above 35 on unplowed roads

four wheel drive is best because the steering/direction-determining front wheels have power but it's evenly distributed among all four wheels and reduces skidding on takeoff

front wheel drive is second best. wheels with power are wheels pointing where you want to go. prone to skidding on takeoff

rear wheel drive just requires you be really, really mindful of how you approach turns

do everything like it's slow mo. slow down way back. move slow through every turn.

if you start to skid, do NOT jerk the wheel or slam on the brakes. point where you want your car to go, don't touch the pedals (except for MAYBE soft brake pressure) and let it correct itself

if you do need to stop hard, know whether or not your car has abs brakes. abs brakes prevent skidding by pumping the brakes rapidly to avoid locking up, far faster than a human driver consciously can. if you don't have abs brakes and have to stop hard, pump them rapid fire so they don't lock up. and again don't jerk the wheel

seriously just go slow. everything is slow. accelerate slow stop slow turn slow move slow. no sudden moves

and just be mindful of where the bulk of your cars weight is. some pickup drivers will load up with bricks or whatnot in the back of the bed to keep them more balanced as pickup trucks are very very front end heavy

stuck? kitty litter or sheets of cardboard. don't spin endlessly or you'll have nothing to grab when you do get kitty litter or cardboard. quite a few experienced winter drivers, myself included, carry it with us to help us or others

if it's your first time, go find a nearby empty parking lot (churches during weekdays are great) and just fuck around and get a feel for how your car handles in snow

oh yeah uh. don't overinflate your tires. this varies by tire but most passenger cars should be around 32 psi. the cold will probably drop it some. this is normal, the light coming on is normal.

also some general car maintenance stuff

(gasoline and diesel) cars running rich and/or having a really high idle rpm when you start them cold is normal. give the engine a few minutes to idle and warm up a bit. some cars may have a safety built in that won't let them go above a certain speed until the engine warms up enough. again this is normal depending on the car you drive and done to preserve engine life

if it's not going to be rain/slush switching to snow and your car is outside, put cardboard under the wipers to keep from freezing rather than lifting them up in the air. less chance of breakage and less exposure to the rubber

defrost will help you scrape ice. let it run while you scrape its SO much easier

when the weather warms go through a car wash with an undercarriage rinse to get the salt off. salt eats metal so washing it keeps your car rust free and on the road longer

I keep feeling like I'm missing something but this is already a long post as is. I'll probably edit it if I have more to add

[storedapear]

5 Simple Tips for Improving Digestion in Just One Week

Many of us deal with digestive issues, but we may not realize the impact poor digestion has on our overall health. Problems like bloating, sluggishness, and even skin troubles are often connected to digestion. When our digestive system isn't functioning properly, it can affect not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being.

So, what are some common digestive issues people face? Bloating is a big one – that uncomfortable feeling of puffiness and fullness after eating. Constipation is another frequent complaint, often causing discomfort and frustration. Then, there’s that general feeling of being off – like our bodies are sluggish and not quite working as they should. These issues can disrupt our daily lives, making it hard to focus, stay productive, or simply feel like ourselves.

Digestive issues can also take a toll on mental health. When we experience regular discomfort, it can make us feel anxious or irritable, further exacerbating the problem. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle, but the good news is that improving digestion doesn’t have to be difficult. Here, we’ll cover five simple tips that can help you start to feel better in as little as one week.

1. Stay Hydrated 💧

Hydration is crucial for a healthy digestive system. Water helps our digestive system break down food and absorb nutrients. Without enough water, digestion slows down, which can lead to bloating, constipation, and other discomforts. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and be cautious with sugary drinks or excessive caffeine, which can worsen digestive issues. Keeping water on hand throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to support healthy digestion.

2. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods 🥗

Fiber is essential for digestive health, acting like a “broom” that helps regulate bowel movements and reduce bloating. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides your body with the fiber it needs. Fiber promotes smooth movement through the digestive tract and helps prevent constipation. Try to gradually increase your fiber intake if you're not used to it, as too much too quickly can lead to temporary bloating or discomfort.

3. Add Probiotics 🦠

Probiotics are good bacteria that play a critical role in digestion. These beneficial microorganisms help break down food, support nutrient absorption, and even boost immune health. Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented vegetables are rich in probiotics. Adding a small serving of these foods to your diet daily can help balance gut bacteria, improving digestion and potentially reducing bloating and discomfort.

4. Reduce Stress 🧘‍♀️

Stress can have a surprising impact on digestion. When we’re stressed, our bodies enter “fight or flight” mode, which can slow down digestion and lead to issues like bloating or cramps. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine – such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga – can improve digestion by lowering stress levels. Just a few minutes of relaxation each day can make a big difference in how your body processes food, reducing discomfort and promoting a healthier gut.

5. Get Enough Sleep 🛌

Poor sleep can disrupt the digestive system, leading to bloating, constipation, and other discomforts. Rest is essential for all bodily functions, including digestion. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a consistent sleep schedule. Good sleep habits help your digestive system reset and function more effectively, reducing the chances of digestive issues.

One of the tips that may surprise people is the impact of relaxation on digestion. Many of us know that stress affects our health, but understanding how it directly impacts digestion can be eye-opening. Even taking a few minutes each day to unwind can lead to noticeable improvements in digestive health.

Conclusion

Improving digestion doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These five simple tips – staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, incorporating probiotics, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep – can make a big difference. The key is consistency and patience. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results immediately; stick with these habits, and over time, your digestive health will improve.

If you’re looking for additional support, consider trying Dapear’s premium nutrition products. Designed to promote wellness from within, these products can be a great addition to your digestive health journey. Visit www.dapear.com to explore options that fit your health goals.

By making small changes and building them into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to better digestion and a healthier you. Here’s to taking control of your digestive health!

[finotica]

Understanding Diamond Market Credit Card Charges: Essential Tips

The diamond market is captivating, offering elegance and exclusivity in every sparkling stone. However, when using a credit card to make these luxury purchases, it's essential to understand the potential charges involved. Knowing the ins and outs of credit card fees can save you money and help you make smarter decisions. Here’s what to look out for when purchasing diamonds with a credit card.

1. Interest Rates and Financing Costs

High-value items, like diamonds, can quickly accumulate interest on credit card balances if not paid off promptly. Credit cards typically have higher interest rates on revolving balances, which means that leaving a large amount unpaid can end up costing significantly more over time. To avoid high interest, consider using a credit card with a low interest rate or, if available, a promotional 0% APR for a limited time. This approach allows you to pay off the purchase without additional charges.

2. Transaction Fees

Transaction fees are often overlooked but can be substantial when making large purchases. Many credit cards charge a percentage-based transaction fee on high-value items like diamonds, which can increase the total cost. For example, a 2% fee on a $10,000 diamond purchase would result in an additional $200 in charges. To keep costs low, it’s wise to use a card with no or minimal transaction fees for big-ticket purchases.

3. Foreign Transaction Fees

Purchasing diamonds internationally? You might encounter foreign transaction fees, typically ranging between 1-3% of the purchase amount. Many credit card companies charge for converting currencies, which can add up if you’re buying from a foreign vendor. If you’re planning an international diamond purchase, check your card’s foreign transaction policy, or opt for a card that waives these fees to avoid extra costs.

4. Benefits and Rewards on Large Purchases

The silver lining? Some credit cards offer substantial rewards for high-value purchases, allowing you to accumulate points, cashback, or other perks. If you’re buying diamonds with a rewards card, this can help offset some of the fees and even offer valuable benefits. Be sure to review your card’s rewards policy to understand how much you can earn back on your diamond purchase.

5. Tips for Reducing Credit Card Costs on Diamond Purchases

Choose Wisely: Use a card with low interest rates, minimal transaction fees, and no foreign transaction charges.

Pay in Full When Possible: Avoid hefty interest by paying off your balance quickly.

Explore Payment Alternatives: Some sellers offer alternative payment options that might eliminate credit card fees altogether.

Want to dive deeper into diamond market credit card charges? Check out my detailed guide here to learn more about minimizing fees and making savvy choices when investing in diamonds.

[sweatytyphoondinosaur]

DIY Solutions: Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs

Is your furry friend scratching incessantly? 🐶 Dry skin on dogs can be a real pain, but don't worry! Natural Home Remedies has got you covered with some paw-some solutions to soothe your pup's itchy skin. 🌿

The Itch That Won't Quit: Understanding Dry Skin in Dogs

Dry skin in dogs is more than just an annoyance – it can lead to discomfort, infections, and even behavioral changes. Common causes include:

Allergies

Nutritional deficiencies

Weather changes

Excessive bathing

Underlying health conditions

Fortunately, there are several natural remedies you can try at home to provide relief for your four-legged friend.

Oatmeal: Nature's Itch-Buster

Oatmeal isn't just for breakfast – it's a powerful skin soother for dogs too! Here's how to use it:

Grind plain, unflavored oatmeal into a fine powder.

Mix with warm water to create a paste.

Apply the paste to your dog's dry patches and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

This treatment can help relieve itching and reduce inflammation[1].

Coconut Oil: The Multi-Tasking Miracle

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer with antimicrobial properties. It can be used both internally and externally:

Add a teaspoon to your dog's food for a shiny coat and improved skin health.

Gently massage a small amount directly onto dry patches.

Remember, a little goes a long way – too much can lead to greasy fur[2]!

Apple Cider Vinegar: The pH Balancer

Apple cider vinegar can help balance your dog's skin pH and fight off yeast and bacteria. Try this simple spray:

Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.

Spritz onto affected areas, avoiding open wounds or raw skin.

Allow to air dry.

This remedy is particularly effective for dogs with yeast-related skin issues[3].

Chamomile and Green Tea Soak

These calming teas aren't just for sipping – they can soothe your dog's skin too!

Steep several tea bags in a quart of hot water.

Allow to cool completely.

Pour over your dog after bathing or use as a soothing compress on irritated areas.

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in these teas can provide quick relief[1].

Vitamin E: Nature's Moisturizer

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help heal dry, damaged skin:

Break open a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to dry patches.

Add vitamin E-rich foods to your dog's diet, such as leafy greens or fish oil supplements.

Regular use can improve skin elasticity and promote healing[2].

The Power of Prevention

While these remedies can provide relief, prevention is always better than cure:

Brush regularly: This distributes natural oils throughout the coat.

Balanced diet: Ensure your dog is getting enough omega-3 fatty acids.

Proper bathing: Use dog-specific shampoos and don't bathe too frequently.

Humidify: In dry climates, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

When to See the Vet 🏥

While these home remedies can be effective, it's important to know when professional help is needed. Consult your veterinarian if:

The dry skin persists despite home treatment

You notice excessive hair loss, redness, or open sores

Your dog seems unusually uncomfortable or in pain

There are signs of a more serious skin condition

Remember, these remedies are meant to complement, not replace, professional veterinary care.

Wrapping Up

Dry skin doesn't have to be a constant battle for your furry friend. With these natural remedies and a little TLC, you can help your dog feel comfortable in their own skin again. 🐾

Don't forget to subscribe to Natural Home Remedies for more paw-some tips on home remedies for dry skin on dogs keeping your pets healthy naturally! 🌟 And remember, a happy dog means a happy home. So let's get those tails wagging and those coats shining! 🐕💖

Social Media

Plurk - home remedies for dry skin on dogs

Pearltrees - home remedies for dry skin on dogs home remedies

Facebook - home remedies for dry skin on dogs

Pinterest - home remedies for dry skin on dogs home remedies

MySpace - home remedies for dry skin on dogs

Imgur - home remedies for dry skin on dogs home remedies

Acadri - home remedies for dry skin on dogs

Listly - home remedies for dry skin on dogs home remedies

Flipboard - home remedies for dry skin on dogs home remedies

Diigo - home remedies for dry skin on dogs

Instapaper - home remedies for dry skin on dogs

Reddit - home remedies for dry skin on dogs home remedies Discussion

ViewHTMLOnline - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Video

Youtube Redirect Links

Recreation.gov - YouTube Video

PASDA - YouTube Video

Pandora Archive - YouTube Video

Med.jax.ufl - YouTube Video

BBS PKU - YouTube Video

RZ Moe - YouTube Video

GetHearth - YouTube Video

WEI LTD - YouTube Video

Soton - YouTube Video

Articles and Blogs

Tumblr - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Reviews

Google Sites - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Works

Blogspot - Does home remedies for dry skin on dogs Work

usrear - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Scam

Quora - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Scam

Livepositively - Does home remedies for dry skin on dogs Work

Wix - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Scam

WordPress - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Scam

Forum and Discussions

Active Board Forum - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Discussion

POWER Apps Portals - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Discussion

Micro Soft Crmportals Forum - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Discussion

My Sports Go Forum - home remedies for dry skin on dogs Discussion

US CGQ Forum - How to home remedies for dry skin on dogs

Micro Soft Crmportals Forum - How to home remedies for dry skin on dogs

ULVAC-Techno Forum - home remedies for dry skin on dogs

Grup Discussions

Latinoleadmn - How to home remedies for dry skin on dogs Discussion

Contoso Education - How to home remedies for dry skin on dogs Discussion

LVMPD Portal - How to home remedies for dry skin on dogs Support Forum

LVMPD Portal - How to home remedies for dry skin on dogs General Discussion

HPD CRM Portal - How to home remedies for dry skin on dogs Support Forum

NY Courts Portal - How to home remedies for dry skin on dogs General Discussion

[dheemahi]

Understanding Psoriasis: An Ayurvedic Approach

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition—it’s a sign that your body needs attention. If you’ve been dealing with those stubborn, itchy, red patches, you know how challenging it can be. But what if there was a way to address the root cause rather than just the symptoms? That’s where Ayurveda comes in.

What Is Psoriasis, Really?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin. It causes red, scaly patches that are not just uncomfortable but can also be a bit overwhelming to manage. According to Ayurveda, psoriasis isn’t just about the skin; it’s about what’s happening inside your body. Specifically, it’s often linked to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which is responsible for your body’s metabolic processes. When Pitta gets aggravated, it leads to inflammation and an accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body. The result? Those familiar patches on your skin.

The Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to treating psoriasis. Instead of just focusing on the skin, Ayurvedic treatments work on balancing your body’s energies, detoxifying your system, and making some lifestyle changes. The goal is to address the condition's root causes and improve your overall well-being. Sounds promising, right?

Why Psoriasis Happens According to Ayurveda

Several factors can disturb the balance of the doshas and trigger psoriasis:

Dietary Choices: Eating too much spicy, salty, or acidic food can increase Pitta. On the other hand, foods that are too dry or heavy may aggravate Vata, another dosha.

Stress: Emotional stress is a major trigger for psoriasis. It exacerbates Pitta, leading to flare-ups.

Lifestyle Habits: Irregular sleep, inadequate hydration, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions can throw your doshas off balance.

Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures or pollutants can aggravate Pitta and harm your skin health.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis

Now, let’s get to the part you’re probably most interested in—the treatment. Ayurveda approaches psoriasis treatment in three main phases.

Phase 1: Preparation for Cleansing

The first step is to prepare your body for cleansing. This involves internal and external oleation, where medicated ghee is administered following a strict regimen (Snehapanam). Think of this as the warm-up before the real workout begins.

Phase 2: Cleansing the Body

Next comes the cleansing part. Under medical supervision, you’ll undergo procedures like emesis (Vamanam) or purgation (Virechanam) to eliminate impurities from your body. Depending on your condition, medicated oil enemas or herbal decoction enemas (Vasti) may also be part of the process.

Phase 3: Healing and Maintenance

Finally, after cleansing, the focus shifts to healing and maintaining the positive effects. This phase involves specific internal medicines tailored to your needs. The aim is to keep your body in balance and prevent future flare-ups.

Diet and Lifestyle: The Ayurvedic Way

Diet plays a crucial role in managing psoriasis. To keep Pitta in check and reduce inflammation, here are some dietary tips:

Cooling Foods: Incorporate cucumbers, melons, leafy greens, and dairy products into your diet.

Anti-inflammatory Spices: Add turmeric, ginger, and coriander to your meals.

Avoid Aggravating Foods: Steer clear of spicy, acidic, and fried foods.

Maintaining proper hydration and sipping on herbal teas can also help flush out toxins and keep your skin healthy.

But diet isn’t the only thing that matters. Ayurveda also emphasizes lifestyle modifications to manage psoriasis effectively:

Stress Management: Practice yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress.

Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get consistent, restful sleep to support your body’s natural healing processes.

Routine: Follow a balanced daily routine that includes regular meals, physical activity, and relaxation to maintain dosha balance.

Why Choose Dheemahi Ayurveda?

At Dheemahi Ayurveda, we believe in a personalized approach to treating psoriasis. Our team of expert doctors combines traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern healthcare practices. With regular consultations, consistent follow-ups, and active supervision during therapeutic sessions, you’re never alone in your healing journey.

What makes us unique? It’s our commitment to blending five generations of Ayurvedic knowledge with today’s healthcare practices. We document every treatment schedule meticulously, adding transparency and accountability to your care.

Whether you’re seeking psoriasis Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala or looking for Ayurvedic Treatment Packages in Kerala, Dheemahi Ayurveda is dedicated to providing authentic and effective care tailored to your unique needs.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Living with psoriasis can be tough, but with the right approach, you can manage it effectively. Ayurveda offers a holistic way to treat psoriasis by focusing on the root causes and supporting your overall health. If you’re ready to explore Ayurvedic treatment options, consider Dheemahi Ayurveda—where tradition meets personalized care.

Your journey to better skin health and overall well-being starts here.

[eazy-group]

Eating Out on Slimming World | Top Tips and Tricks

New Post has been published on https://eazydiet.net/eating-out-on-slimming-world-top-tips-and-tricks/

Eating Out on Slimming World | Top Tips and Tricks

Eating out at restaurants can be a fun experience, but it often comes with the temptation to abandon your healthy eating plan. However, with a little preparation and some savvy choices, you can enjoy dining out while staying on track with your Slimming World journey. In this article, I will share some valuable tips and tricks to help you make wise choices and savour your meal guilt-free.

You know, one of the best things about Slimming World is that it’s not about deprivation. You don’t have to say goodbye to your favourite meals or skip out on dining with friends. Nope, it’s all about making smarter choices. You can still enjoy hearty, flavourful dishes, and, most importantly, you can have your cake and eat it too – well, in moderation, of course! It’s a lifestyle that’s all about balance, making healthier swaps, and discovering that a diet plan doesn’t mean boring food! 

1. Plan Ahead

Before heading out to a restaurant, it’s crucial to do some research. Many restaurants now provide nutritional information online, including the number of Syns in their dishes. Check out the menu in advance to identify the healthiest options. Some restaurants are now available on the Slimming World App and we even have some extensive lists here on Fatgirlskinny.

Related Article: Eating out Slimming World Guides

2. Choose Your Restaurant Wisely

Opt for restaurants that offer a variety of dishes, including salads, lean protein, and grilled options. This provides you with a broader range of choices and makes it easier to find something Slimming World-friendly.

One of the top restaurants for eating out on Slimming World is the Harvester chain. The extensive salad bar means you can fill up on Syn free options. Also a lot of their mains can be made Syn free by removing certain sides and adding a plain baked potato. 

Related: Find your local Harvester here.

3. Watch Portion Sizes

Restaurant portions can be quite generous. Don’t be afraid to ask for a smaller portion or a takeaway container to pack up half your meal for later. This will help you control your portion size and reduce the temptation to overeat. Or why not try sharing? Have a dessert but share with a friend.

4. Choose Grilled or Baked Over Fried

When selecting your main course, opt for dishes that are grilled, baked, or broiled rather than fried. This reduces the amount of unhealthy fats in your meal. Don’t be afraid to ask, most chefs will be happy to change the way they cook something. Places like McDonald’s offer a grilled option with their chicken wraps, this can save a lot of Syns/Calories.

5. Make Smart Swaps

Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications to your dish. For example, request steamed vegetables instead of fries, or ask for sauces and dressings on the side. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate special requests.

6. Be Wary of Hidden Sugars and Fats

Keep an eye out for hidden sources of added sugar and unhealthy fats in sauces, dressings, and condiments. These can add extra Syns to your meal. A good practice is to ask for sauces and dressings on the side, so you can control how much you use.

7. Control Alcohol Intake

Alcoholic drinks can be high in calories and Syns. If you choose to have a drink, go for a lower-calorie option like a glass of wine or a slimline gin and tonic. Also, remember to drink water alongside your alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.

Related Article: Slimming World Friendly Alcohol Guide

8. Stay Mindful and Enjoy the Experience

Eating out should be an enjoyable experience. Focus on savouring your meal, engaging in good company, and not rushing through your food. Eating mindfully can help prevent overeating.

9. Don’t go off track

Even if you do push your Syns or overeat. Stay on track for the rest of the day. It is very temping to go off of the rails after a cheat meal.

To Conclude: 

Eating out on Slimming World doesn’t have to be a stressful or restrictive experience. With some thoughtful planning and smart choices, you can navigate restaurant menus and still make progress towards your weight loss goals. Remember that consistency and balance are key, and the occasional dining out experience can be a part of your Slimming World journey without derailing your efforts. Enjoy your meals, stay mindful, and savour the flavours while staying on track with your healthier lifestyle.

Related

Source link

[40sandfabulousaf]

大家好! Another version of fish soup: this came with bitter gourd, tomatoes, julienned ginger, lettuce and small well-seasoned pork balls. Our moderately healthy local favourite is so popular, people try to recreate it at home. I've included 2 recipes below, so if you're open to expanding your healthy meals beyond salads and grain bowls, check them out. Switch up the fish and veggies for different flavours, add some tofu and serve it with rice or rice vermicelli.

SW and I liked the khai jiao (Thai omelette) at the diner we previously visited so much, we returned to try their seafood tom yum goong with rice and shared a khai jiao with shrimp. The tangy flavourful soup came with prawns, squid, tomato, Napa cabbage and mushrooms, perfect with fragrant rice. I found the khai jiao delicious with veggies and rice for a meatless meal, but this version with shrimp tasted even better. We'll return to try the other dishes; they have some interesting meat options that looked pretty tempting. The sides looked good too!

Besides fish soup, another moderately healthy local favourite is prawn noodle soup. I shared it once before; this is another version with larger prawns. I chose meepok (flat egg noodles) and, together with beansprouts, it was a qing (less oil) and balanced meal. The crustaceans were succulent and the broth was steaming hot prawny goodness. If you're open to trying this nourishing dish, I've included 2 recipes below - the second one also shows you the dry version (my upbringing is very Cantonese so it's soup for me all the way!).

There's been so much hype about European life expectancy and how their diet is the healthiest. In Asia, we aren't that far off in spite of a fall in life expectancy due to covid; in fact, we're doing better than some European countries. With our nation preparing for an ageing population and spreading health awareness now, hopefully we can look forward to remaining productive, agile and mobile as we grow older. The importance of balanced meals and exercise will continue as we advance in years, as is reducing stress. At 46yo, self care to me is no longer about luxuries - it's about getting the basics right.

Fitness fads in recent years are about getting swole for bragging rights but as countries pushing it experience deteriorating mortality rates, is this sustainable (is it even natural to be this huge)? To get that muscular, their diets suggest large quantities of protein, including red meat. It may look good to them, but at what price when their nations' lives are getting shorter? To start with, is a nutritional imbalance even a good thing? 下次见!

[jehandivecha]

Jehan Divecha - 5 new year resolutions for managing your money in 2023

Jehan Divecha - The New Year brings a wave of fresh optimism, and it’s an ideal time to look at how you can make your money work better for you. To help you get started, Jehan Divecha has provided some tips as to how you can improve your financial position in the coming year so that it can be better than it's ever been before.

5 New Year Resolutions for Managing Your Money

Prioritize Saving

Jehan Divecha says, Prioritizing saving is an important part of becoming financially stable. It's also a process that can be overwhelming, especially if you're not used to it. However, there are some things you can do to make prioritizing your savings easier.

First, figure out how much money you need each month for living expenses. Then, create a budget that accounts for all of those costs. You should also include any interest payments on credit cards and other debt. Finally, make sure the budget includes what percentage of that amount goes toward savings each month. 

For example, if your goal is to save $1,000 per month to buy a house in five years, then your monthly savings should be $50 ($1,000/5). If your goal is $2,000 per month instead—to save enough money for a down payment on a home—then your monthly savings should be $100 ($2,000/12). The more precise your goal is, the easier it will be to prioritize saving.

Pay off Debt 

According to Jehan Divecha, if you want to organize your finances this year, the best thing you can do is to pay off your debts. This will reduce the amount of interest you pay on your loans, freeing up more money to save and invest.

There are a few different ways to pay off debt. You can start with the loan with the highest interest rate, or you can focus on the loan with the lowest balance. Some people also prefer to tackle their debts one at a time, so they can feel a sense of progress as they go.

Whichever method you choose, make sure you stick to it and do not add any new debt when you are already working on paying off the dues. And remember, even if it takes some time, paying off your debt is worth it in the long run!

Set Financial Goals

Setting financial goals is one of the most important things you can do to manage your money. This will assist you in staying on track and ensuring that you saved for the future.

Some things to consider when setting financial goals include by Jehan Divecha:

• What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s saving in a year, buying a house or retiring early, knowing what you want to achieve will help you set realistic goals.

• When do you want to achieve it by?Having a timeline for your goal will help you stay focused and motivated.

• How much do you need to save? Doing some research and calculations will ensure that your goal is achievable and realistic.

•What changes do you need to make in order to achieve your goal? This could include cutting expenses, increasing your income, or making investments.

Once you've set your financial goals, it's important to review them regularly and adjust them as needed. This way, you can be sure that your money is always working towards achieving your objectives.

Track Your Spending

According to Jehan Divecha, Tracking your spending is one of the best ways to manage your finances. It helps you identify areas where you can improve, and it gives you a clear picture of how much money you're spending overall.

If you are unsure where to begin, there are numerous resources available online. Once you get into the habit of tracking your spending, it will become easier and more second nature.

Don’t Spend More Than You Earn

If you want to get ahead financially, you must live within your means. Spend less than you earn and invest the difference wisely, and you'll be on your way to a bright financial future.

One of the best ways to do this, says Jehan Divecha, is to track your spending and ensure that your expenses do not exceed your income. This can be accomplished by developing and adhering to a budget. When you know where your money is going, it becomes easier to make adjustments when necessary and keep your spending in check.

Another way to make sure you don't spend more than you earn is to save regularly. Automating your savings can help you reach your financial goals faster. By setting aside money every month, you'll have a cushion to fall back on when unexpected expenses arise.

If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help get you started on the path to financial success. Speak with a financial advisor or enrol in a personal finance class. The most important thing is to start today so that you can achieve your goals tomorrow.

[5-falsehoods-phonated]

Soulmate September

Series Summary- a collection of one shots exploring different ships and au concepts. The list I created and am following can be found here.

Day One: Sparks Fly

Summary: Virgil goes deeper into the forest than he’s ventured before in the hopes of gathering more food. He finds more than he bargained for when a fairy claiming to be the prince of the forest begins to follow him.

Warnings: food mention. If there’s more please let me know!

Ships: Prinxiety (Virgil x Roman)

Prompt: Feel a spark when you touch your soulmate

WC: 3959

AO3

Tugging his long, dark cloak impatiently away from a jagged branch, Virgil skid down the steep embankment swearing the entire way. He didn’t often venture this far into the woods but he was getting just desperate enough to find gatherable ingredients he had decided to risk it. Honestly as long as he kept his eyes straight ahead and avoided the beckoning twinkles of light between the trees he should be fine. Thankfully this time of year the river was reduced to a large creek at best, making crossing to the other side where he was certain to find berries and mushrooms aplenty quite easy. It was only a matter of keeping his balance on the slimy rocks that normally made up the river bed, a skill he had mastered before he had even been entrusted as a gatherer.

Hiking his pants up to just below his knees he carefully adjusted his pack to be more balanced and draped the bottom of his cloak over his arm for good measure. The last thing he needed was to be scolded for dripping mud all over the floors again when he returned to the kitchens. Absentmindedly rubbing the stinging memory from the back of his head he hopped to the first rock, breath hissing between his teeth as the cold water rushed over his heated skin. With another breath he was perched on the second rock and then the third, toes gripping the moss in a mostly unneeded measure for stability. Wiggling a bit so his pack would recenter he eyed his next target, muscles tensing in preparation for the bigger leap.

“What are you doing?”

Squawking in alarm, Virgil tipped back dangerously, arms pinwheeling as his feet lost their purchase and let him fall backwards into the creek. Taking a brief moment to thank the gods he hadn’t landed on a rock he sat up quickly, sputtering as water ran down his face and soaked his shirt more than it already was. His cloak dragged behind him as he tried to get up, aiding only in him slipping back again with an unceremonial splash.

“Oh my dear I didn’t mean to frighten you!” There was more mirth than malice in the voice but that didn’t stop Virgil from flinching away from the strange hand that reached towards him. It retreated as he shoved sopping hair from his eyes and squinted against the sun to try and see what idiot made it a habit to scare people when they were jumping on wet stones. His breath caught when a face finally came into focus, sunlight forming a halo around the most beautiful person Virgil had ever seen.

His brightness was almost blinding, with shining red curls looking like spun gold in the light. Sharp features complemented kind brown eyes and tanned skin flecked with earth. Like Virgil he was barefoot, but instead of wearing sturdy pants and shirt to protect himself from the woods, autumn-red pants flowed just below his knees with an equally flowy white shirt tucked into them and unbuttoned to the chest. Despite the darkness of his skin he seemed to radiate his own gentle light that somehow made the sun look dull by comparison, making Virgil idly wonder if this was what seeing a god was like.

“Prince actually, but you do know how to inflate the ego.” The man chuckled.

Face burning with the realization that he had not only said that outloud but he had also been sitting in the water gaping like a stunned fish for entirely too long. Mumbling low curses under his breath he once again struggled to his feet while waving away the other’s outstretched hand impatiently. A fairy prince coming to pester someone with zero assets or connections- the fae were worse pranksters than they had the reputation for. Sighing, he decided to wade the rest of the way through the creek since he was already soaked, leaving the stranger behind in hopes he would stay there.

“So you never did answer.” No such luck apparently. “You do realize what part of the forest you’re in right?”

Virgil gritted his teeth. “I don’t wish to consort with your kind fae. I’ll only be in here for a little while.”

“My kind?” Virgil winced as he detected insult in his tone. “My kind are the reason your kind feel safe enough to traipse wherever you please regardless of obvious territorial lines!”

Virgil glanced at him quickly as he began scrambling up the incline of the bank. “Territorial lines?”

The man drew himself up proudly, keeping pace with Virgil as he effortlessly stepped his way up the embankment rather than crawling. “This part of the forest is mine, a long way from the edge of the river by your route. I could turn you into dandelion fluff for trespassing here.”

Virgil raised an unimpressed brow as he searched around for his next handhold. “Mhm, I’m sure you could.”

Smirking as the other man stomped his foot impatiently he made it up and over to the other side, slinging his pack around to see how damaged the things he had already gathered were from his earlier fall. Shoulders sinking as he surveyed the smashed contents he shot a glare at the stranger, who was currently standing on tiptoes with his arms crossed trying to see inside the bag.

“Humans used to grovel at our feet, what happened to that? Also is it custom to smash ingredients well before they’re cooked? I’m not caught up with the latest human affairs. Terribly dull, most of them.”

Gritting his teeth Virgil dumped the berries and mushrooms he had collected onto the forest floor, water that had seeped in from the top sloshing out as well and coming out like a weird, thick juice for all the mush everything had turned into. “They only smashed because I fell- something I never do unless someone decides it's a good idea to startle someone who’s trying to balance.”

The man looked unimpressed. “Why were you coming over this way anyway? There should be plenty of the things you were collecting on the other side of the river...and much closer to the nearest village too might I add.”

“Fall makes the pickings slimmer the closer to the village you are. Other people gather, animals eat what ‘s left, sparcer trees means more sun means things ripen and fall faster. I was trying my luck further in.”

“And you came alone?”

“None of your business.” Virgil hauled up the pack and stood. “I’m a tracker so I’m the one that usually gets sent out.”

“Oh really? Must be an expert to come out this late.”

“Sure.” Grunting, Virgil stepped over a rotting log and began pushing his way through bushes.

The man snorted. “Expert tracker- when I could hear you tromping through here from across the forest.” 

“Your words not mine. And stop following me, I’m only here to gather ingredients.”

They continued on in silence for a while, the fae following behind him near silently as he kept an eye out for anything edible. The crops had been plentiful this year but berries, nuts and mushrooms weren’t something locally grown, so gatherers routinely went into the forest to search for them to dry for the winter. Fast protein was always welcome in the harsher months when tracking fresh meat became a dangerous chore.

The forest was quiet here, nearly serene if it wasn’t for the fae still following him no matter how harsh a path he took- not that he was having much luck finding easier ones. He imagined he could easily get lost here if he wasn’t careful so he kept an eye on the direction of the shadows and any landmarks he spotted so he couldn’t get turned around. Fair folk were rarely hostile towards travelers as long as you met them on their level and stated your intentions clearly. Most of the time a certain level of sass while only answering them when they were curious served Virgil just fine. Of course, they didn’t normally follow him either but he remained unconcerned so long as the forest didn’t turn hostile. He didn’t think he’d succeeded in pissing the other off that much...hopefully.

It was some time later when Virgil found his cloak snared on a branch as he was struggling to get over a particularly high log. Crawling under it hadn’t been an option so now he was stuck straddling the thing awkwardly with the cloak snagging in one direction and his pants in the other. Blowing out a frustrated breath he startled as the fae appeared a foot from his face, brown eyes searching his green ones as he struggled not to fall backwards for a second time.

“What are you tracking anyway?”

“What?” 

“You’re a tracker, so what are you tracking?”

Virgil resumed trying to lift himself enough to get his other leg over without ripping his pants. “Nothing at the moment. Not that, again, it’s any of your business.”

The fae glanced at the dirt under his nails and hummed thoughtfully. “Mushrooms is it?”

Groaning, Virgil sat back down and instead reached behind him to try and tug his cloak free. “Partly.”

Trying and failing to get his cloak untangled he stumbled as his feet found solid ground after dangling for the better part of ten minutes, nearly overbalancing for the third time that day as the fabric went limp in his stranglehold. Looking up he saw the spot on the river bank he had climbed over not ten minutes before with a significantly lighter pack. Confused, he slung it around and peeked inside only to see it nearly overflowing with varieties of mushrooms he had never seen mixed with the more common ones he had found before. Opening his mouth to speak he quickly shut it as a light breeze carried faint laughter through the trees.

“Feel free to thank me later.” A faint voice called.

Looking down again, he carefully closed the pack and looked up at the sky. It was barely encroaching late afternoon...would anyone believe he had gathered these that quickly? Deciding to just say he had gotten turned around and found a good spot if anyone asked he started hiking his way back as slowly as he could. He’d have to find something to offer as thanks when he came back.

-----

“You’re back.”

Virgil shuffled around a low shrub between the trees awkwardly. “Mhm.”

“Do you need more mushrooms?” The fae crouched on a low branch, balancing on his tip toes as he watched Virgil struggle through the underbrush. 

“They asked me to come back- ow!” Stumbling away from the bush he knelt down to tear away some thorns sticking out of his pants. “Since I was so successful yesterday they asked me to come back to find more. Among other things.”

“They?”

“People from the kitchens.” He started off in a slightly different direction, seeing sunlight a little ways away and hoping for a clearing.

“What else do you need?”

“A variety of things to dry for the winter. Nothing to concern yourself with. I won’t invade your forest for too long.”

“A shame. My forest is beautiful but I’ve found I enjoy looking at you more.”

Virgil stopped in his tracks as he tried to process the comment. Was this a trick? Some weird fae flirting technique to get his guard down so he gave away his soul? Which reminded him-

“Not because of that comment, but for helping me the other day.” He dug around in his pocket and pulled out a smooth skipping stone, the surface a perfect, uniform pale gray. He knew fairies rarely had use for human materials but things like this could be enchanted or used for entertainment- the more pleasing to the eye the better. “Here. And...thank you.”

The man’s eyes lit up at the sight of the stone, taking it carefully and running his fingers gently over the smooth surface. “For me?”

“Don’t expect it again, I don’t expect anything more from you.” Hoping that would settle it, Virgil continued on in the direction of the clearing. Fae were always tricky to get involved with and with the fall harvests approaching, continuing to speak with one claiming to be a prince wasn’t something he would allow himself to get involved with- at most for the sake of the village and at the very least for his own sanity.

“A pity really.” The fae called from behind him. “I could help you find whatever you need.”

Gritting his teeth, Virgil resisted. “I don’t need any help.”

“Right, expert tracker and all that.” He startled as his pest of a companion appeared in front of him waving a hand dismissively. “This is my forest and I can bend it however it suits me at the moment. Right now it suits me to help you, why won’t you let me?”

“I don’t want to owe you anything. Owing things is a risky business- especially with fae. No offense.”

The fae sniffed indignantly, putting a hand  dramatically over his heart. “No offense indeed! I suppose this wound was here before you arrived, it’s fine really.”

Virgil glanced over as the other man draped a hand over his eyes and leaned back slightly, sighing loud and deliberate and trying to disguise the fact he was peeking at his human companion from under his arm. Virgil couldn’t help it- he barked out a laugh he managed to quickly catch with a hand slapped over his mouth. Watching as a wide grin took over the fae’s features he realized he was too late and the damage had been done. He stalked over and jabbed the air in front of Virgil with a perfectly manicured finger. 

“You like my company!”

Blinking, Virgil lowered his hand. “Absolutely not!”

“You do! You find me amusing! Dare I say charming!”

Snorting, Virgil readjusted his pack. “Uh-huh. Nothing like a raving lunatic spouting he’s royalty to get the giggle juice flowing.”

“You don’t believe me?”

“I believe fae will say anything to strike whatever emotion they want in a human. Whether it be fear or awe, the end goal is always to lead someone astray.”

Glancing over he startled when he saw the other man actually looked a bit hurt at his words, head down and eyes flicking to the side with a tight draw to the lips. A trick...obviously. But one that had him reconsidering his choice of words.

“Look I-”

The fae held up a hand. “It’s okay! I’ll prove it to you! You need mushrooms and berries and the like right?”

“Uh- yeah?” Virgil watched as the fae stepped forward and furrowed his brow in concentration. Bringing his arms up towards the clearing he swung his arms out and up before slouching tiredly. 

Virgil squinted against the sunlight shining overhead, looking around in wonder. They were in a large clearing absolutely teeming with enough plantlife to fill his pack ten times over. Dappled shade dominated at least half of the clearing as the sun shone through the bright trees at an angle. Soft grass soothed his aching feet that had previously been treading on nothing but snapping sticks and long-dead leaves. It was beautiful- and  glancing over at his companion as bright gold shot through his hair and the sudden calming warmth relaxed him- Virgil could tell he was in his element. 

“Did you just use magic in front of me?” He honestly hadn’t thought the fae would go that far to prove a point.

“Watch regular fair folk top that for ability.” the fae mumbled under his breath. Speaking up, he flashed a bright smile and punched a hand lightly onto his hip. “Of course! Got the point across didn’t it? Never seen a fairy bend a forest before?”

Virgil raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen a fairy perform any magic before. Usually they keep that to themselves. Honestly none of the good neighbors have paid me any mind before whether I was in their territory or not.”

“Oh.” The fae sputtered uselessly for a moment, fluttering his head to his hair to fidget with the curls. “Well, clearly that’s their loss. Berries, was it?”

Face burning, Virgil nodded mutely and made his way over to a far tree that looked like it promised chestnuts in the higher branches. He never figured having company, however forced upon him it was, would be so nice. 

Later, when Virgil’s pack was practically bursting at the seams, he reluctantly turned towards home. The afternoon had been wonderful, gathering enough to make the people in the village happy while listening to the other man as he sang almost like he didn’t realize he was doing it. Rich, low tones filled the clearing with a bright melody that Virgil didn't recognize but found himself humming along to- much to his companions utter delight. 

It had surprised him when he began singing popular festival songs after that, thinking that fair folk never bothered much with humans and therefore wouldn’t know many traditional tunes. But when Virgil had started softly singing along, offering a wry grin when the other man had started excitedly bouncing on his toes from having a singing partner he couldn’t bring himself to care. Eventually both of them had started getting louder and louder, swaying along to an invisible beat as they had continued collecting what was needed. Another reason Virgil was reluctant to return to the village for fear their noise had reached ears he’d rather not explain himself to. He found it strange that he felt drawn to stay, stranger still that he didn’t immediately think it was some trick on his companions' part. He just- enjoyed his company and wished he could come into the forest to actually visit rather than just his job. Pressing his lips together he turned around, smiling faintly and gesturing to his back.

“You really didn’t have to help, or keep helping. But thank you again-”

“Roman!” The fairy blurted at his slight pause.

Smirking, Virgil cocked his head to one side. “Aren’t I supposed to give you my name first?”

Roman shuffled slightly. “Yes well, seems a shame that if you were to think of me you’d have no name to give the thoughts.”

“Bold of you to assume I think of you after leaving the woods.”

“How could you not?” Striking a bold pose he sniffed indignantly. “It’d be an insult really, wounding me so deeply.”

Chuckling Virgil turned and started walking away. “I’ll be sure to bring bandages next time.”

“It’s a date, Doom and Gloom!”

“That a promise, Sir Sing-a-lot?”

“If my serenades are what brings you back I shall renounce my princehood and become a siren.”

“Your voice is certainly deadly enough, leads to something prettier though.” 

The forest was silent for a moment, before Virgil began walking as quickly as possible without stabbing his feet to the edge of the woods. Why had he said that? Did he mean that? Of course he meant it but why on the gods green earth had he said it? Could he even come back now? Chest tight with nervous anxiety and head swimming he didn't look back as he dashed out of the trees.

Though if he had he would have seen Roman standing stock still, face a mask of shock but slowly splitting into a flustered smile below rapidly reddening cheeks.

-----

When Virgil stepped into the creek the following day, it was without his pack. Early evening sunlight drifted through the trees as a slight breeze ruffled the cloak around his shoulders. Pushing his dark hair away from his eyes he surveyed the banks for any sign of Roman, deflating a bit when he saw none. It was stupid to think he could get away with saying something so forthright without reaping anything but negative consequences. It was just as well he supposed, consorting with fair folk never led to anything good after all. He had just- hoped this would be different.

Fair folk and humans rarely mixed well, platonic or not, and once he found his soulmate he was doubtful they would enjoy the thought of fraternizing so casually with one of the good neighbors- especially one as powerful as Roman appeared to be. If he knew anything of the fae it was that one didn't just casually bend an entire forest to their will with so little effort by themselves. Sighing, he turned to leave, feet missing the wispy grass of the clearing as they crunched through dead leaves.

“Going so soon?” Whirling around he was met with a charming smile, Roman balancing on a rock in the middle of the creek with a hip thrust out cockily.

“I thought- I didn’t think you’d come back around.”

“If you were trying to get me to leave, your methods are wanting my friend.” Roman squinted at him curiously. “No pack today?”

Virgil shuffled a bit before answering. “I- just wanted to see you.”

Blinking in surprise, Roman smiled warmly. “What an honor it is that our wants should align. Care to join me?”

Face burning, Virgil was quick to hop to the first rock, finding his balance easily. Keeping his head down he stepped from rock to slippery rock, finally getting close to where he assumed Roman would be. Looking up however, he didn’t expect to be quite as close as he had gotten, vision suddenly filled with deep brown eyes surrounded by flaming red curls. Yelping he tipped backwards, arms reaching forward in a desperate attempt to not repeat their first meeting even as he prepared to go home soaking once again.

To his surprise, the riverbed never rose to meet him, instead finding himself surrounded by the scent of wildflowers and moss in the most comforting embrace he’d ever been in. Virgil tilted his face up when he heard Roman gasp in wonder, his own eyes widening in disbelief as he leaned back to take in their surroundings. Colorful sparks seemed to catch the evening sunset as they bounced off and around them, falling like stars imbued with the colors of the sky and sizzling as they hit the water only to be immediately replaced by ten more. 

Leaning back but still catching each other’s arms they watched as the sparks continued to fly around them in a frenzied shower, dimming the already fading sun itself in their wake. Virgil watched as the light caught itself in Roman’s eyes, flecking the brown with golds and brilliant reds and deep purples. Seeing his face literally light up in amazement and wonder, Virgil couldn’t help but let out a low chuckle, then tilting his head back and laughing out loud.

“What- why are you laughing?” Receiving no answer, Roman grinned uncertainly. “Do I have something on my face?”

Shaking his head, Virgil stifled another bout of laughter to answer. “I’ve never seen the sparks of soulmates before. Are they supposed to be this dramatic or is it just because of you?”

Smile turning more genuine and laughing himself, Roman let go of his arms and instead wrapped his arms around his waist and lifted, twirling them around with a sure step even as the water splashed around his feet. Setting him down gently, he rested his forehead against Virgil and held him as close as he could. 

“Maybe both- knowing me, probably more of the latter. Do you really mind?”

The sparks were dying down as the sky darkened and yet to Virgil his companion still stood bright enough that he feared nothing the darkness could threaten him with. Leaning impossibly closer he touched Roman’s nose to his  own and smiled softly.

“Absolutely not.”

If you like this, please consider reblogging. Sharing a creators work helps more people see it.

[steveroger]

Colouring rainbow gifs

The lovely @buckiecap​ and @djarsdin​​ requested a tutorial of some gifs from this TFATWS rainbow set.

My colouring process is kinda chaotic and it always depends on the gif itself. These three gifs will highlight the similarities and differences in how I colour my rainbow gifs.

You’ll need some understanding of basic gif making and adjustments. I use Photoshop 2021 but I imagine these processes will still work in other versions.

Some basic tips:

When doing rainbow sets, once I've got my base gif ready, I always make a hue/saturation layer on saturation +100 so I can see what colours I'm working with. I just keep it hidden so i can check how my colours are doing throughout the editing process.

Also something to stick at the back of your mind: you want your final gif to be as “monochromatic” as possible - make sure your final palette will be only black + shades of whatever colour you're targeting. This is not only to make the gif as colour-focussed as possible, but it also helps with saving your gif under 10mb. That saturation +100 layer I always keep hidden at the bottom of my gif so I can keep an eye on what colours are present.

It’s also helpful to understand how RGB and CMYK colours work and what to add/subtract when you want to bring out a certain colour. A good example of this is with Colour Balance:

You’ll notice the colours on the left are Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMYK), while the other side is Red, Green and Blue (RBG). So if you want more cyan in your image, you’d push the bar towards cyan, but then you’re compromising the reds. In Selective Colour adjustments, the panel is reversed.

This knowledge is absolutely necessary when you’re doing any adjustment, so keep this in the back of your mind as I work through the tutorial.

Green gif - Eli's door

So I start with my hue/saturation on saturation +100 to check what I’m working with here. This gif of Isaiah's grandson opening the door has green, yellow and red as the dominant colours, and I can see a bit of cyan on the right. I’ll keep that hue/saturation layer hidden as a reference.

Normally when I make gifs I start with a curve or levels layer to get any unwanted hues or create a more visible scene. But in this gif, I'm pretty happy with the colours, so I'm just using a simple curves adjustment, because I want to have whatever is behind the door as the ‘background’ and the door frame is the ‘foreground’, so only a slight adjustment is needed here.

Since the colours are already prominent, I'm going to make the green more visible and vibrant. I do this by using selective colour in the green colour to make the green stand out. When thinking of CMYK adjustments, you might think that Magenta -100 would work, as that normally pushes the greens, but I find that this makes things grainy and patchy looking, as you can see here:

Instead, I’m enhancing cyans and yellows, and only pushing the magenta back just a little bit towards green. I’m not sure why green specifically does this, but it’s useful to know this when you’re colouring.

With the yellows, I want to push those more as well, since the amount of yellow usually influences the green-ness of the gif.. I'm also going to max yellow too since that will also make the green pop, but I also have to be careful not to distort the skin colour too much. I also want to balance the skin tone with a little redness so he doesn’t look like he has jaundice (skin tone will be explored later in the gif process)

I've added another selective colour layer on top of that, only adjusting the greens just to make it pop a little more. Don’t be afraid to use more than one selective layer, this can really bring out vibrant colours if you use it right.

Just to get some more depth, I add a colour balance layer, again just subtly pushing the cyan and yellow up and not playing with the green too much. Then my usual last layers are with a vibrance and brightness/contrast - I’m usually quite generous with contrast so I can bring out the different shades and it makes things a little more vibrant too.

This next step is really important when colouring people with dark skin - you want to lower the redness from their skin so they don't look unnaturally orange, as you can see here:

There is a fantastic tutorial here about colouring dark skin tones and avoiding the orange-washed look, and I recommend all gif makers to take note! It's difficult especially when doing rainbow gifs, and it takes some practice. I do this with a hue/saturation layer, and specifically targeting red and yellow and reducing saturation. I might need to play with selective colour or colour balance to get it right. Luckily Eli doesn’t move around too much, so I can use a mask to adjust only his face. 

And that’s the end product! now just ignore me as I re-upload the green gif in my set so you don’t see such a horrible jaudiced skin tone sldkfjsldkf

Yellow gif - Karli vs Sam

I'm gonna be completely honest here - this gif was very tricky to do. I actually have about three different versions of it. At first I thought "this is the yellow gif so I'm only going to have yellow tones", and did selective colour to get rid of any traces of green AND red, because I didn't want any orange at all. It ended up looking quite dull:

I mean.. yeah it’s yellow........... but it’s kinda boring. So I deleted all adjustments and watched the raw gif, and noted the orange light contrasting with the pale light. The raw gif itself already had some beautiful lighting - why get rid of it? It depends on what you want, but I like my rainbow gifs to have a different colour there to contrast with the main colour. 

Starting off with a hue/saturation layer with saturation 100+, I can see there are clearly yellows and reds and a bit of green on the ceiling. 

I thought the contrast of the orange and pale lighting was too good to mess up so I started with that. My first layers are vibrance and brightness/contrast to exaggerate the silhouettes and bring out the colours that are already there. 

I added a channel mixer layer to narrow down the colours. I wanted to fill the white bits with yellow, and with channel mixer I’m able to manipulate colours into something else while still looking natural and blended. I won’t be doing too much colour manipulating here so the settings are very minimal. I don’t know how to explain it but it just takes a little fiddling to figure out what works for your gif. You’ll notice the white reflections on the ceiling are now a solid yellow colour:

Next is a colour balance layer. I'm basically trying to bring out the yellow out. This is really just trial and error. I added a bit of magenta to bring the depth of the orange colours in the darker shades:

Now for selective colour. I'm often adjusting all of these while hiding/showing the hue/saturation layer I have kept at the bottom. This time, I’m aiming to subtract the reds and bring it down to a warm orange, and I do that by bringing it towards cyan/away from red, and away from magenta/towards green. 

Then I max out the yellows so it becomes the most dominant colour. I've also manipulated the green to make sure it is excluded from the gif - again, checking with the hue/saturation layer at the bottom, while keeping my eye on the ceiling and other places where I’ve noticed green lurking about. I don’t want any unwanted shades ending up in the final colour table.

Finally, I finish with yet another vibrance and brightness/contrast layer, just because I like things bright and vibrant!

And there it is! The orange is still there and adds a contrast, but you can tell that the main colour is the yellow. This gif seems very straightforward but I assure you, it took me quite a while to get this one right. This gif was a joy to work on because Sam was so very extra in this fight sequence lolll

Pink gif - suspicious mechanical grenade? idk

While this gif may look simple, it actually took a couple of tries before I got the colouring right. You'll notice when the ball activates, there is a bright green light that highlights the gas released and it reflects on the chair legs and carpet.

At first I tried this with the above mentioned selective colour method - which I thought turned out okay but it didn't sit with me right. Notice the reflection of the blue light on the carpet - it definitely isn't blue and more like a green-orangey kinda colour, and it doesn't look natural at all.

So I re-started from the beginning and had a look at what I’m working with, starting with hue/saturation at saturation +100. I can see that the original gif has red and green as the dominant colours, with yellow bits blending the two on the carpet. That’s what I was having issues with the selective colour - so I’ll be doing it differently. 

Enter: channel mixer. I’m gonna be honest............. I have ZERO idea how the channel mixer really works! It’s all a matter of trial and error, but I’ll try and explain my process step by step. 

I normally start in the blue channel (again - no idea why, it just works for me). I start with the reds, and I know if I go over 0, it will push the reds towards cyan, which will get it more purple-y:

Ooooh looking good!!! then I want to push the greens towards magenta, so that needs to go over 0 as well:

Woohoo! It’s already starting to look good. The green light and the way it blends into the red/pinks have all been completely changed into the cyan hues, so there’s a perfect reflection you can see on the carpet! Yay! I had a fiddle with the green and red channels but nothing too drastic. Here are the settings:

Even with just the single adjustment, I was already pretty happy with it and only did a few touch ups: I added a selective colour layer to bring out a more pinky-purpley colour, then a levels layer to brighten things up. It might seem very backwards to add a brightening tool at the end, but I didn’t want to mess up the original colour shades because I liked having the dark shadows lit up by the ball’s light.

And that’s it! Only three adjustment layers, but it took some time to play with the different adjustments and what worked best. Channel mixer can be really intimidating but it works like a charm when you manage to figure it out.

the end!

Finally I have to give credit to some amazing content creators and their brilliant colouring tutorials that have made such a huge impact in the way I edit. Some brilliant guides include:

this colouring tutorial by @favreaus​​ 

this colouring tutorial by @inejz-ghafa​​ 

this colouring tutorial by @meliorn​​

​I hope this tutorial has been helpful! I’ve tried to explain myself as best I can, but let me know if you’d like any clarification or have any questions. I’m still learning how to do things, and honestly most times it’s just randomly clicking things until something works out! 

[sevenvirtuespdx]

5 Reasons Your Coffee Tastes Bitter

If your cup of coffee suddenly tastes very bitter when it didn't before, here are some of the culprits and how to fix them.

Is there such a thing as coffee that doesn't taste good? A well-brewed coffee should be fragrant, without bitterness. Strong, sweet coffee is the result of a bad brewing process, bad coffee, or both.

Top 5 Reasons Your Coffee Tastes Bitter

Here's a list of the top 5 reasons why your coffee tastes bitter along with some tips and what you can do about it:

Make Your Coffee Stronger

Steeping describes a method of brewing coffee where you mix your grounds with water directly (instead of going through a filter). This is common in many types of coffee makers "press" for example, French Press. However, the danger is knowing how long you will drink, because if you finish your coffee, you will be happy and happy. This is due to high absorption. Take out a lot of delicious coffee. Leave a little and the coffee will be stronger and taste better

Use Tap Water

Do not use tap water when making coffee. The use of filtered water makes a difference in the flavor of the brewed coffee. Tap water can introduce a variety of metallic flavors that become apparent when heated. As soon as I started drinking my coffee black, I understood this very well. And the main thing to remember is to always use filtered water when making coffee.

Using Old, Stale Coffee Beans

Another factor may be the characters themselves. The worst coffee drinkers know that coffee beans don't stay fresh forever, but did you know that old beans can add a lot of flavor to your coffee? There are a few different points at which the character begins to "break down". Once you get used to the taste of fresh coffee, you will feel the smell of "out" or "stale" they have, even before you do it. And you can find the best coffee beans to order online and also make black coffee unpalatable.

Too Much Stirring And Agitation

If you are using a manual brewing method, try not to damage your coffee too much during the extraction process. Once all the soil is wet, you don't need to stir again. You can even reduce the amount of mixing depending on how you installed the water first. I will fill the ground by pouring water around and deliberately cover all the ground. Avoid over-roasting your coffee during extraction.

Also Read: Best Coffee in Portland Oregon

Low Quality Coffee Or Over Roasted Coffee

If you have a problem with bitter coffee, the first thing you can try is to turn off the coffee itself. You usually get what you pay for, but sometimes all you get is a bargain. To avoid this, look for a recent meat date in the bag and don't choose meat that is too dark. Medium and dark browns are the perfect balance of coffee characteristics and meat flavors, and can be more flavorful than dark meats.

Conclusion

I hope you find these tips helpful in identifying and fixing the source of your bitter coffee. Many people put up with bad coffee because they think all coffee tastes good. You have the right to like that, you know? This process can be fun if you are willing to use the best coffee beans to order online and involve yourself a bit more.

Also Read: The Easiest Way to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3sfH5Vu

[pateldevs]

Hi! I hope I'm not bothering you, but I love your mood board edits and was wondering if you could explain how you go about making/colouring them? I see lots of places to find gifs but turning them into a set is so hard. Thank you in advance!

hi! first of all thank you so much and second of all it’s not a bother at all! i am happy to give some of my own tips even if my explanation probably isn’t super helpful. i won’t give like a ps tutorial but below the cut (since i included example gifs, it’s VERY long) is my process for my latest jily aesthetic:

i keep track of all my ideas/sets in a spreadsheet (which i won’t show bc there’s a lot of info i’d have to blur/black out) but i always have a list of what scenes i need to gif/what gifs i’m editing and where i’m getting them from. i also include a couple extra ideas in case the gifs i have planned end up being too hard to color or don’t fit in the set. i’ve found it’s best/easiest to start w the list bc there is literally nothing worse than spending hours on a set and then not being able to complete it.

as for actually finding the material, i have a pretty healthy number of scene packs saved in my giffing folder, esp. for things i know i will gif frequently. most of the time i will peruse youtube, vimeo, and instagram for any aesthetic scenes. i also have a lot of gif packs saved specifically for the purpose of making mbs (usually i mix my own gifs w gif packs), if you msg me i’m happy to direct you to some gif packs i use regularly or you can check my #resources tag. a couple tips for finding material: 

always opt for download when possible, i used to screen record and the difference when i switched to downloading was astronomical. (it’s easy to lose quality and esp if you’re on mac, quicktime duplicates frames so either you have to manually delete those extras or you get sort of choppy gifs when you load them into ps.)

always use 1080p or better, 720p will work in a pinch for 268px or 177px gifs since you can make up some of that resolution loss with sharpening, but don’t go any lower than that, just love yourself. 

for pale sets, look for the right colors. i tend to look for scenes w high color contrast especially if it features poc so it’s easier to color without whitewashing, ie if the subject is a person then i look for light colored or blue/green/violet/white backgrounds. it’ll make your life wayyyyy easier. this also means if you’re making a set try to find scenes with already similar lighting bc you won’t have to work so hard to make it look cohesive.

here’s a quick rundown of what i do before coloring:

import all frames and save all the files in a folder together!!

play around with frame delay so all the gifs are moving at about the same speed, usually keep it between 0.03-0.05s

crop and resize gifs (i use 268x145 most of the time)

convert to timeline

when it comes to coloring it can be really hit or miss, i’ve recently gotten back into my groove but i was having sooo much trouble earlier this year. in general, don’t stress yourself out!! sometimes it’s easier to just find a new scene/gif (hence my list of extras!) than to try too hard to fit a gif into your set. i color all my gifs by scratch (ie no psds) but i tend to follow the same pattern, i’ll explain using these gifs/psd as an example since then i can also explain how to fix white-washing:

first off when you’re coloring gifs with poc always always always make a layer mask so you can compare the edited and unedited skin tones directly! i use the marquee tool to make a selection in the middle of the character’s face, select the folder of my adjustment layers, and hit ‘add vector mask’ (the third button from the left on the layers panel, it’s a white rectangle with a circle in it). 

i almost always begin by using hue/saturation layers to highlight and delete certain colors. here i highlighted red and raised the lightness on yellow by a lot since it’s a very yellow scene. then i use a combination of brightness/contrast, levels, and curves layers to brighten the scene. here’s what i have now:

i add a gradient map set to black/white, change the blending to exclusion, and lower the opacity to between 5-10% (depending on the scene) to lighten the contrast further:

then i add back a little depth with selective color in neutrals and blacks:

now i have two main goals: 1. add contrast between the background and the subject, and 2. brighten the scene into a pale gif. to do this, i use color balance to tweak the color of the background, taking out the yellows. this step works best if there’s at least some shade difference between your subject and background, otherwise isolating the two will be impossible. here’s what i have after adding color balance:

i use hue/saturation to selectively highlight the background color. in this case i chose to adjust magenta and used the color picker (the first eyedropper on the left) to identify the exact shade i wanted to lighten. now i have a fairly neutral background and a colorful subject, which gives a sort of pale effect:

and now i use a curves layer and a selective color (white) layer to brighten further:

before i go further, i start fixing white-washing. keep in mind that some variance is normal since you are naturally changing the lighting of the scene; this gif shows it rlly clearly bc of how yellow and dim the lighting is, so some lightening is to be expected. however, both because the vector mask shows a lot of whitening and because i’ve giffed dev patel before and have a general idea of what he looks like in this type of lighting, i know what needs to be fixed, so i go back in under the psd/adjustment layers with a combination of selective color (red and neutral) and hue/saturation layers to darken his skin again:

now that some more contrast has been added in, i can go back to working on the psd and use curves and selective color to play around with the background again:

i use another hue/saturation layer and a black/white gradient to tone down oversaturation:

usually i leave those layers on top, so if i want to make any adjustments (like lightening the background more), i go in under those two. in this case i tweaked the whites and reduced the contrast a little to get this:

again, you can see his skin tone has changed from the original, but variation is to be expected given how much brighter the room is, the fact that i took out a lot of yellow lighting, and the brightening effect of the computer screen in front of him. some other things to keep in mind when coloring:

when you add layers to correct white-washing, you’re likely to end up with overly red/orange skin tones (red-washing). this can be fixed by upping cyans in the reds, desaturating/darkening the reds, or adding b/w or desaturation later on.

when in doubt, it’s better to be darker than lighter (the issue with white-washing is that it promotes colorism, and there is nothing inherently wrong with a darker skin tone) but really. just put in the effort to color poc correctly.

when changing the lighting a lot it helps to look at pictures of the subject in natural/bright lighting, since you get a better idea of what their normal skin tone is. 

don’t try to squeeze all your selective color layers into one. you’ll get less grainy gifs if you separate them out and work one by one. 

TURN OFF NIGHT SHIFT/NIGHT MODE! yes i KNOW it’s bad for your eyes (especially if you’re like me and gif at night, when the lighting outside isn’t changing every 20 seconds) but your gifs will look VERY different under f.lux or night mode compared to daytime screens. especially if you’re giffing at different times of day, blue light filters can really change the way your coloring appears. best to keep it consistent.

my sharpening settings vary depending on what i’m giffing but in general i do two layers of smart sharpen (500% with radius between 0.2-0.4, 10% with radius at 10px) and then gaussian blur at 2.5px and adjust the opacity so it’s somewhere between 15-20%. i try to strike a balance between smoothing out the graininess from selective color, and sharpening details like clothes and hair. here’s what i ended up with for the gif above:

then i rinse and repeat for the rest of the gifs in the set! i tend to start with the gifs that i know will be hardest to color, which is usually the darker ones (coloring is limited by how much i can brighten the scene) and those that include poc (again, limited by how much i can brighten and adjust the scene’s lighting without white-washing). then i check set cohesion as i go, using those first few gifs as benchmarks. once i have all 8 (or 9 or 10) gifs, i play around with composition and try to balance and vary the subject, colors, and composition of gifs next to each other. i go back and make a couple of adjustments here and there according to what i observe and what i think might improve the overall appearance.

and that’s pretty much it! i hope this was helpful, if you have other questions feel free to message me and i’d be happy to help/troubleshoot. happy giffing!

[ducktracy]

okay, i finally dedicated time to break down this scene, so here goes nothing: 

porky, despite his polite good nature, is like a lit fuse. some directors tap into his anger more than others, but he is a much more violent and angry character than we give him credit for. looks can be deceiving! just as quick as daffy was to change his mind about sitting on the egg, porky, who was just batting his eyelashes and being all smiles with daffy, is now yanking him by the neck and demanding he sit on the egg. this is a battle of determination. daffy has the bolder personality when looking in generalities, but porky can be just as stubborn and determined when he puts his mind to it. here, he does, and their physical struggle is a mental one, too.

“cut it out, i say! you heard what i said!" here's yet another instance of daffy assuming his open-book nature is universally understood. he thinks because he said something, the other party instantly understands his wishes/understands his frame of mind, when that's not true. he told porky to stop, so why isn't he!? he heard him! it's not like he didn't say anything! hmph, he's being so unreasonable! daffy assumes everyone is on the same plane of existence as he is--he has a difficult time placing himself into the shoes of others and hypothesizing otherwise. 

porky is equally as petty as daffy is. though porky's objective is for daffy to sit on the egg, when he attempts to push daffy down, he resorts to grabbing daffy's hand and trying to place it on the egg. the palm of the hand isn't nearly enough to provide adequate heating needed to hatch the egg. it's absolutely futile. but this isn't about the egg anymore--it's about proving daffy wrong. he's going to get daffy to touch that damn egg, even if it's just the brush of a finger. they're both exhibiting equal amounts of force and resistance because they're both so set in their pre-determined, stubborn objectives.

meanwhile, daffy is grabbing onto porky's face, gripping his clothing, physically swinging the lower half of his body around to avoid making any contact with the egg at all costs. it's not a matter of being bored and having to sit still to hatch a measly egg, but a matter of maintaining his title and proving porky wrong. he's gone this far along now, and he'll be damned if he quits. GOD, i love that detail of porky's tail straightening out from the force of which he's putting on daffy. he's exerting every ounce of his strength, all the way to the tip of his tail.

once more, daffy's energy proves to be contagious. you gotta fight fire with fire. he brings out the magnitude in porky's emotions, and that's why their shorts are best paired together--porky is at his emotional zenith in them when pinned against daffy, and daffy has a force who won't enable his reckless behavior. porky provides the challenge that daffy needs--he's not like your typical elmer fudd who breaks down sobbing when he kills an animal. porky is just as determined as daffy to "win". they coincide with each other. when porky throws daffy onto the ground, he retaliates by pushing porky over the egg in hopes that it'll break. he's gonna push me? well, i'll just hafta push him back! here comes more of that contrarian petty burst of energy that daffy gets when he's challenged. doesn't like being bossed around, he doesn't like his flow to be interrupted, he snaps, and he becomes purposefully contrarian in an act of resistance. he purposefully endangers the future of the egg's lifespan (or lack thereof) just to prove himself right.

porky does the impossible and catches himself with his tongue, he's that determined to prove himself right. two bold personalities feeding off of each other. thus, daffy is forced to up the ante. he throws himself on top of porky and jumps on him, HOOHOO!ing all the way, purposefully trying to make porky fall and crush the egg. daffy is outright sadistic, but he doesn't care--this is all to prove himself right. he's just that stubborn. porky, refusing to lose, contorts himself into a piggy pretzel as he flips his leg over himself to maintain his balance, securing his footing just slightly. thus, daffy must up the ante even more: by smacking porky with a giant wooden board. 

the egg is completely disregarded now. this is purely a game of ego. cat and mouse. look at daffy's face as he runs away--he's getting an absolute kick out of this. he's proud that he elicited such a strong reaction out of porky, he thrives on that attention. it's like a child doing something they shouldn't be--they know it's bad, but that's also all part of the fun. however, porky isn't a force to be stopped. in fact, in the shorts that pin the two against each other, porky typically comes out as the winner a good 70% of the time. daffy brings out that energy in him, just as he does with everyone else, even the audience--his charisma is that contagious. porky resorts to grabbing a hold of daffy's leg, sliding across the floor to make sure daffy can't escape. so, since daffy can't escape and take physical measures, he resorts to retaliating psychologically: mocking porky's stutter. 

this scene confused me for SO long, and i only just recognized what it meant a few months ago. at first i thought it was a mistake, and then i just assumed daffy sounded eerily like porky for that sequence. but no, it's purposeful. he wants to still get that upper hand, and resorts to doing so by making fun of porky's speech in hopes that it stings. if sticks and stones can't break his bones, then maybe words can.

daffy is definitely crueler here than other instances, but to him, it's a game. it doesn't register that he's been a royal pest and sadist. he knows what he's doing is bad, because it's eliciting such a strong reaction out of porky, but a part of him also views it like one giant game. take note of the backgrounds: they're unusually sparse. though seemingly lazy and cheap at first glance (and this DID help to prevent bob clampett from going over budget... again), this also has purpose behind it: the backgrounds are reduced to mere color cards so you have no choice but to focus on the action. the animation is the top priority. 

i really like that daffy mimics other parts of porky's speech pattern. though daffy repeating himself and sprinkling extra words such as "i say!" is him speaking, "cut it out now, will ya?" is definitely something that would come straight out of porky's mouth. he even goes so far as to add a little nervous chuckle in between--this isn't daffy chuckling nervously, but him mimicking porky's speech, since that's something porky does quite often. he knows porky and he knows just how to get under his skin. further proof of how they feed off of each other: it's not just porky absorbing daffy. daffy absorbs porky's mannerisms, too.

this is something i only just noticed now, but we have more of daffy's mannerisms and contagion rubbing off on porky. despite porky's oblivion, you'd think he'd be quick to recognize that well gee, maybe taking this fight onto a dangerous conveyer belt leading to my inevitable demise isn't the most solid idea out there. yet, instead, daffy's enraged and simultaneously enabled him enough that he carelessly pursues daffy anyway. he's caught up in the adrenaline, too. porky's oblivion is opposite from daffy's, in that he isn't quick to notice the little details and thinks in broader terms, whereas daffy fixates on details and is ignorant of the grand scheme of things. with that in mind, you'd assume porky would notice where the fight was heading, but he's caught up in daffy's energy. he's starting to think like him here, too, fixating on the details. that is, pursuing daffy. he gets so caught up in everything that he manages to neglect the big picture, too. that's just how contagious of a character daffy is.

back to them working as one, their objective is to escape. however, they both have different methods of exercising the same objective. even though they've quit their fighting, selfishness prevails as daffy is focused entirely on saving his skin. he climbs ON TOP of porky as he tries his damnest to run away, causing porky to face plant right into the conveyer belt. it's not that he did it on purpose, but he's just so bullheaded in his motive to escape that he'll do it by any means necessary. his personality is more electric here, more frantic, and so are his means of escape. 

nevertheless, they both end up faceplanting on the conveyer belt, their inevitable demise sped up much faster as a result. it speeds by in a flash, but you'll notice that, even flat on the conveyer belt, daffy attempts to claw his way forward as a means to escape, whereas porky just allows his fate to happen since he doesn't have enough time to react. daffy's reaction time is much quicker.

[wulfrann]

A wingman winged (Palmetto by the Sea part 1)

All for the game

Rating: Teen and Up

Relationship: Neil Josten/Andrew Minyard, Neil Josten & Allison Reynolds, Allison Reynolds/Renee Walker (side)

Additional Tags: AU - Modern Setting, AU - No Exy, First Meeting, Eden’s Twilight, Neil ‘Best Wingman’ Josten

[Part 1 of the Palmetto by the Sea series - Chapter 1/1 - 3k words - Published 2020-12-10]

Summary :

It's a Saturday night at Eden's, and Allison needs Neil's help to approach the object of her long-suffering crush - that is to say, she needs him to distract the girl's intimidating friend long enough that she's able to approach in the first place.

(TW: alcohol, sexual harassment (short-lived), brief display of violence, smoking)

[Read on Ao3]

*

A wingman winged

The music thumps the ground in rhythm, low and deep like a pulse as it throbs through the club and reverberates into the bodies twisting as one on the dance floor. Eden’s Twilight isn’t really Neil’s scene, but the dark aesthetic and ever-shifting neon lighting make it easy to blend in. The shadows bend and stretch over his scars, reducing them to odd tattoos at first glance - and he makes sure he never gets a second. The clothes he’s wearing are nice enough and all black, but neither form-fitting nor revealing. Standing next to Allison’s brand of tastefully flashy clubwear, he’s no more than a foil. Seduction is her domain, and she thrives on it.

Which is what makes the fact that she’s asking him for help absolutely baffling.

“I’ve seen you wrap more than half this crowd around your little finger like it was nothing. Why can’t you just do the same with her?”

“You don’t understand,” Allison repeats for the third time that night. She has her chin in her hand and is leaning over her drink, swirling the expensive cocktail around with her straw. “I’ve tried everything, and the most I’ve gotten is for her to look at me. She hasn’t even tried to buy me a drink.”

“Have you tried talking to her?”

Allison scoffs. “I don’t set myself up for failure. She’s given me no sign that she’s interested. Besides, that little troll of a man she keeps around would probably bite me if I tried.”

Neil snorts at that. He’s seen the man in question glare people away, from both himself and his friend, all evening - on one occasion, he’s almost certain that the man even pulled out a knife. There’s no mistaking the way that the light glinted off of the blade, not even from across a crowded nightclub. Neil would recognise that brief flash anywhere.

His friend though, she looks friendly enough. White hair dyed rainbow at the tips, a silver cross, a few piercings. She’s wearing a black dress that wouldn’t look out of place in daylight and a soft smile that Neil is tempted to believe is fake just because of how earnest it looks. She’s also got the muscle structure of an athlete, a fact which Allison has reminded him of enough times that he’ll probably never be able to forget.

“Couldn’t you just accept your defeat and move on?” Neil tries, but he’s known Allison long enough that his heart isn’t in it. She’s never been one to give up.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Have you seen the arms on her? I’m getting her in my bed whether her little bodyguard likes it or not.”

“What if she’s straight?”

Allison shakes her head at him in that way that means he’s failed at some kind of social task and starts to count her points off her fingers. “Neil, the woman is ripped, has an undercut, rainbow hair, and armpit hair.”

“How do you know-”

“I have eyes. Besides, that blond troll she always comes here with is definitely gay, and everyone knows queer people travel in group.”

Neil throws a skeptical glance towards the unlikely duo, but doesn’t argue. None of what Allison listed strikes him as particularly telling, but he’s been told that his ‘gaydar’ is ‘absolutely abysmal’ on numerous occasions by about everyone he knows except Kevin, who's just as bad as him if Allison can be trusted.

Neil might as well accept his fate. “What do you want me to do?”

Allison grins at him. “I knew you’d see it my way.”

*

Locating the two of them isn’t as easy when he’s not sitting on the upper level but standing right here in the crowd, surrounded by people and blinded by the rapidly changing lights. Years of hyper-vigilance end up paying off once he’s gotten his bearings right, however, and he starts making his roundabout way towards the section of wall they’re leaning on. The man is sipping on some kind of drink and staring blankly into the distance while the woman does most of the talking, though she does glance in Allison’s general direction more than once in the amount of time it takes Neil to reach them. He doesn’t blame her - even he has to admit that Allison’s dancing is a thing of beauty.

Neil, on the other hand, only ever pretends to dance. He’s gone out with his friends often enough that he’s picked up a few generic moves and can blend in, but it just - doesn’t appeal to him. Still, what little grasp he has on it is enough to get to his target unnoticed.

One falsely awkward step later and he’s got a glassful of whiskey and coke soaking into the man’s black tank top and dripping down his pants.

The hand wrapped around his arm, steadying him, is an unexpected addition. Neil’s previous drink messed his balance at the last minute and he’s pretty sure he’d have fallen to the floor if he hadn’t been caught. The man’s grip is undeniable strong, but it’s the eyes that really hold Neil down to his spot. He can’t quite tell the color because of the many strobing lights and colored neons flashing around, but he thinks they might be brown.

“Oops,” Neil says, straightening himself up with exaggerated movements. The man’s eyes flicker down his drenched top before sliding back up to Neil’s eyes without so much as a frown. “Sorry for your muscle shirt,” Neil adds as an after-thought, digging the word out of an afternoon spent (unwillingly) shopping with Allison.

The man arcs a single eyebrow. “You’re drunk,” he says, with one of the flattest voices Neil has ever heard.

Neil smiles widely, swaying a little on his feet. He still has the man’s hand wrapped around his bicep. “No,” he retorts, slurring the words a bit, “I’m Neil.”

The eyebrow arcs up even higher. Neil’s smile widens. He’s about to say something else, whatever sentence he can think of that would maintain the man’s attention on him, when someone else’s voice cuts in.

“Andrew, you’re soaked!”

Neil turns towards the woman, spying Allison making her way over from behind her, and raises his now empty glass. “My fault. I wasn’t looking.”

She smiles. From close up, it looks even softer than Neil thought. “That’s okay, it happens,” she says, then glances down where the man’s hands - Andrew’s? - is still holding on to him. “Are you okay? Can you stand?”

“Yeah, I just tripped,” Neil reassures her, then looks over at Andrew, whose eyes haven’t left his face. He’s… staring, with an intensity that catches Neil off-guard. And then he’s not, because Allison is coming over and calling his name. The hand drops from his arm like it was burned.

“Neil! There you are.” She puts a hand on his shoulder, then turns, falsely confused, towards Andrew and his friend. “What happened?”

“Nothing,” the woman says, looking a little stunned.

“Your friend spilled his drink on me,” Andrew states, throwing a look at his own friend.

“I was just going to ask the barman for paper towels,” the object of Allison's scheming adds, already half-turning away.

Allison doesn’t hesitate one second before following suit, offering her help. When the woman starts to protest, she takes hold of her arm and all but drags her to the bar. Neil watches the interaction without holding back his smile.

When he turns back towards Andrew, the man is staring at him with a frown.

“Sorry again for your shirt,” Neil offers, though he forgets to make himself sound like he means it. “You should probably take it off.”

The arched eyebrow comes back, and Neil realizes what he just said with a choked laugh. “I didn’t mean it like that. But it would dry faster,” he adds, feeling stupid. Andrew doesn’t look convinced, though, so he feels compelled to add, “I don’t swing.”

“I don’t watch baseball,” Andrew deadpans.

“I’m not talking about baseball,” Neil says, grimacing in disgust. “It’s not even a real sport.”

The look Andrew gives him is the blankest one yet. Neil looks down into his empty glass, then at Andrew’s tank top.

“You really should rinse it down, at least,” he ends up saying. “Otherwise it’s going to stick.”

Andrew stares at him a little longer, then downs his glass and starts to move in the direction of the bathroom. For some reason, Neil follows.

The bathroom is painted mostly black, like just about everything in Eden’s. Only the large sink is white. Neil leans back against it and watches as Andrew grabs a few paper towels from the dispenser and soaks them with water, then starts to wipe at his shirt. He thinks about helping, but remembers the way Andrew avoided touching anyone on his way to the bathroom and figures that there’s not much he could do, anyway.

“You’re not drunk,” Andrew states after a while.

Neil debates lying as Andrew throws the wet ball of paper away and walks to the dispenser to get more, but decides against it. “No, I’m not. I don’t like it.”

Andrew barely glances at him. “You play drunk well for someone who doesn’t like it.”

“S’not hard,” Neil says, shrugging, then figures he might as well come clean and adds: “Allison needed an excuse to talk to your friend.”

Andrew meets his eyes then, eyebrow arched up. “Did she try buying her a drink?”

“That’s what I said.” Neil smiles, then shrugs again. “Apparently she’s been trying to get your friend’s attention for weeks, but nothing’s worked.”

Andrew lets a sharp breath out of his nose, which Neil guesses is the equivalent of a laugh, if the lack of facial expression he's shown so far is anything to go by. “If that’s what she thinks, then your friend’s blind.”

Neil grins. “I’m glad. I thought I’d caught her staring a few times, but I wasn’t sure.”

“Renee likes to think she’s subtle.”

“Well, at least they’re talking now. I don’t think you’re getting those paper towels though,” Neil adds, watching Andrew wash his hands with a distracted kind of fascination. Somehow, the dark armbands encasing both of Andrew’s forearms make his hands stand out. Broad, and worn, with an odd elegance in the way they move. Neil would bet a lot of money on Andrew having some kind of manual career, at the very least a hobby. Something meticulous.

It’s only after Andrew’s wiped his hands and thrown away one last paper towel that Neil realizes he’s been staring, and he moves his eyes to Andrew’s face instead. He finds him with his head tipped slightly to the side, looking at him with the faintest hint of curiosity on his face.

Neil is about to say something - he's not sure what - when some guy he’d barely registered on his radar suddenly steps into his space.

"Hey there, pretty face,” the guy slurs, exhaling cheap booze right into Neil’s face. “Were you waiting for me?"

Neil looks up at the guy's face and begrudgingly resists the urge to bash an elbow into his nose. "Obviously not," he spits.

Hoping that it's enough for the guy to take his hint and leave, Neil starts to turn back towards Andrew. He is immediately jostled back towards the guy as a large hand grabs his chin and twists. "Hey, I was talking to you, Scarface."

"Wow, I've never heard that one before," Neil retorts, rolling his eyes. "You know, you should really make up your mind, asshole. Either I'm pretty or I'm not. Now get lost," Neil says, and is about to jam his knee into the guy's crotch when something tears the asshole away from him. Neil's balance is shaken by the movement, but he manages to stay upright by gripping the sink.

"You don't touch people without their permission. Hasn't anyone ever told you that?" Andrew says, pressing down upon the hold he has on the guy's arm, which he's twisted behind his back with one hand. He has a knife pressed to the guy's throat with the other. His voice is flat enough to cut. "If I see you again, I'll gut you. Understood?"

The guy nods and Andrew sends him sprawling onto the floor. He scrambles quickly to his feet and promptly runs out the door. Light glints off the small knife’s blade, clutched so tightly Andrew’s knuckles look white.

"Thanks," Neil says in the silence. "But I could have handled it."

"I don't care," Andrew snarls back.

Neil looks at the tension oozing out of Andrew's every cell and decides to keep silent. It's the right decision, judging by the way Andrew closes his eyes and starts packing up the tension, folding it back inside little by little. Neil knows the feeling.

The knife vanishes from his hand (and into one of the sheaths Neil suspects are sewn into the armbands), and Neil follows Andrew out of the bathroom. They stand by the door for a bit while Neil watches Andrew scanning the crowd with a clenched jaw. The tension is still there, even packed up, even pressed down tight under the surface of his skin. It needs more space than that to leave.

"Let's get out of here," Neil offers.

Andrew glances at him, then nods. Neil takes a hold of the hem of Andrew's shirt and leads the way out of the club.

*

The night's chill is a welcome change of pace after the density of the packed club's air. Neil inhales a gallon of it as soon as they've stepped outside, and hears Andrew do the same. It smells of cigarette butts and wet asphalt. He had no idea it'd rained.

A faint click on his right - Andrew lights a cigarette and offers him another one. Neil takes it and watches the smoke spill out of Andrew’s mouth like magic, grabbing hold of the lighter only as an afterthought. The metal is smooth under his touch and slightly warm over the imprint of Andrew’s hand. Neil brings the cigarette to his lips and takes a drag, closing his eyes to focus on the burning air flow rushing down his windpipe. He blows it out smiling, eyes trailing after the faint grey cloud. Andrew’s eyes are on him.

“Thanks,” he tells him, raising his cigarette in the air.

They smoke in silence. Neil lets the little circle of fire eat away at his cigarette without taking another drag, content just to breathe and to watch as the tension coiled so tight in Andrew’s chest unwinds, seeping out, one exhalation at a time, into the quiet night.

The quiet can’t last forever, however, especially not on a Saturday night at Eden’s doorsteps, and so the peace is brutally broken a few minutes later as a group of inebriated twenty-somethings spill out over the sidewalk laughing loudly and singing songs. Andrew adroitly sidesteps one of them as he staggers to the side before getting dragged back by his friend, brushing shoulders with Neil. They got their stuff back from the cloakroom when they stepped out and Andrew’s wearing a leather jacket over his muscle shirt, black as the rest of his clothes.

Andrew looks at the group staggering its way down the street until they’re far enough they can barely hear them. “Are you hungry?”

Neil shrugs. “Kinda. Why? Are you asking me to dinner?” Neil asks, smile tugging at his lips. “I doubt we’ll find anything open.”

Andrew smothers the butt of his cigarette on the wall and tosses it into the trashcan Eden’s staff left by the door, then gestures at Neil to follow. It goes against about every instinct Neil has cultivated along the years, but he does.

He doesn’t know why. Andrew’s back is broad and he walks at a steady pace, with an assurance that doesn’t look learned and yet still probably is. Neil remembers the way Andrew looked when he bent the asshole’s arm behind his back, like what he really wanted was to break it in half but knew that he had to hold back. His voice hadn’t faltered then, either. Neil wonders if it ever does.

They stop in front of a motor bike parked some way off of the club, street lights glinting off of the metal and black bodywork. Andrew gets a helmet from some kind of locked compartment and hands it over to Neil, who takes it by reflex.

“Where are we going?” he asks, turning the helmet around in his hands. He’s starting to wonder whether Andrew’s even aware that there are other colors outside of black.

Andrew grabs a pair of gloves out of the compartment and slips them on. “A kebab joint,” he says without looking at Neil. “It’s open until 3.”

 Neil considers the bike, then the helmet in his hands. “I’ve never ridden on a bike before.”

“Don’t get on before I tell you to. Don’t make me lose my balance. When the bike leans into turns, lean with it,” he drones out. “If you do that and hold on, you’ll be fine.”

Neil considers Andrew. The solid stance of him. Once he climbs on the bike, he’ll have no control until they stop.

“Okay.”

There’s a buzzing beneath his kin.

*

The kebab joint is a tiny square of neon light squeezed in-between two higher-end shops, and the only open place to sell food for miles around. There are no tables and no interior, just a counter with a window display that reminds Neil of ice-cream shops, filled with meat fillings, some kind of fried rolls, and a handful of sad-looking pastries. The items are listed above and to the sides - hamburgers, kebabs, paninis, all with various meats and side dishes and an array of sauces Neil’s never heard of before. He has no idea where to start, and so asks for the same thing Andrew ordered.

They pack the smell of cheap food and fat in plastic bags and leave the shop front to sit by the pier. The kebab is greasy and would have made Kevin scream, but the meat is tasty and the sauce is good, and it’s somehow the perfect thing to eat right now.

Through the cloud of their food wafts the sharp smell of iodine. They claimed a spot of the pier to sit, legs dangling through the railing, and the wood too smells of salt, is so ingrained with it that it sticks slightly to the skin and leaves imprints of tiny crystals on their clothes.

They eat in silence; the wash and backwash of the sea beneath the pier is a rolling whisper, swishing quietly past the piles and back again, a dark rippling sky in movement. There is no agitation around them, yet still it seems as though the sea swallows all sounds, pillows the silence with its mass, shaping a quietude with depth. It’s a quality of peace Neil has never felt before.

He’s just about finished with his food when his phone buzzes.

[From: Allison] where r u??

Neil snorts. Andrew raises a quizzical eyebrow at him, but he just shakes his head.

[To: Allison] I left 30 minutes ago, but thank you for noticing.

[From: Allison] was busy :-*

[From: Allison] u haven’t been kidnapped right? did u go home?

[To: Allison] No and no. I’m at the pier with Andrew.

[From: Allison] ?????

[From: Allison] was that a joke???

Neil huffs out a laugh, enjoying the confusion, and puts his phone on silent as more texts keep coming in. Andrew’s phone buzzes once, but he doesn’t check it - just grabs a cigarette and his lighter, replacing the smell of their meal with another. The smoke drifts up and disperses, yielding to the handful of stars valiantly fighting against the electrical constellations of city lights. The moon is gibbous amongst them and fractal upon the sea; Neil distractedly notices that it’s waning, as the curve makes a d and Jean’s trick somehow never left his mind, despite his lack of interest in the conversation at the time.

It makes Andrew look even paler, this lighting. His hair is made of silver and the volumes of his face either stand out or cave, stark and almost unreal.

Andrew’s eyes flick to his.

“Staring.”

Neil smiles. He takes the cigarette from Andrew’s hand and takes a drag, blowing memories up, up, up until they’re gone.

“What do you do?” he asks when he hands the cigarette back. “For a living, I mean.”

Andrew doesn't answer. He just looks at Neil and pulls on his cigarette. A bit of wind blows the smoke sideways, across his cheek and back to land.

"If you won't tell me, I'll guess," Neil says when it's clear he's not getting an answer, and pretends to study Andrew's appearance for clues. "You could be an artist. You look like one." He grins at the unimpressed look on Andrew's face. "Bit of a cursed poet vibe, with the piercings and all that black. Strong aesthetic. I guess you could be a musician, too."

The corner of Andrew's mouth twitches. "Shallow."

Neil shrugs. Appearances tell a lot more than people think, but he's pretty sure he got it wrong. He doesn't actually know how artists are supposed to look like - that's not really the kind of things he learned to watch out for - but it's as good a guess as anything. "It's either that or undertaker."

Andrew blows smoke out through his nose. "Sorry to disappoint, but I just serve drinks."

Neil hums. "Full time?"

"No. I also cook."

"You're a chef, and you still eat food like this?" Neil asks, waving at the plastic bag sitting between them.

"Aide," Andrew corrects. "Anas' is the only decent place still open. I don't see you complaining."

"It was pretty good," Neil grants, then adds, because it's only fair: "I'm a student."

"Late calling?"

Neil smiles. "Something like it."

An eyebrow shaped like a question. Neil ignores it in favor of the sea, but the weight of Andrew's gaze stays fixed on him like an anchor. He wonders if Andrew's trying to guess what something like it may hide; wonders how far away from reality he's wandering, trying to find something reasonable; wonders, even, how he'd react if Neil told him the truth. Whether he'd balk at the scars that prove it or stare at them the same way he's staring at the ones across his face now, blank and unwavering, on the upside of bored.

*

Riding on Andrew's bike the second time is just as exhilarating as the first. The city flies by in a blur - the docks, the bars, the empty streets, they blend together and melt together until there's nothing really left but them, passing. Alone. A figment caught between two worlds.

When Andrew drops him off, the ground still moves beneath his feet. Neil shoves his hand into his pockets and grins, feeling absurdly carefree.

"Thank you. For the ride and for the food - it was amazing."

He means it. Andrew is looking at him like he's trying to figure out if he does. He holds out his hand, and Neil frowns.

He looks to the sky and sighs. "Your phone."

"Oh," Neil says. He puts his phone in Andrew's palm.

Andrew takes one glove off and puts his number in quickly. He tosses his phone back to Neil and brings two fingers up to his temple in salute.

The bike roars to life, the noise filling the street until it's gone. Neil looks down at the brand new contact in his phone, carefully prodding at the little bit of warmth beneath his sternum.

Matt, Dan, Wymack, Allison, Abby, Kevin, his therapist, his dentist and his doctor. Andrew's number brings the staggering total amount of contacts into his phone to a very satisfying 10.