#merry xmas from goat

[goatskickin]

On the twenty-second day of GOATmas, my true love sent to me...

...50 recolors of a cool wall tapestry!

@princessbliss-sim made this very cool hanging wall tapestry! I needed to have many recolors of it!

There are 50 recolors...

...so you should at least find a few useful ones.

There are 6 meshes slaved to the master mesh, so there's quite a few options.

AND! With @crispsandkerosene's Extended StandardMaterial Shader, there are two ✨shiny✨ options!

I don't really know what use you would have for a shiny wall tapestry like this, but it was something new for me to try!

Download - Wall Tapestry - 50 RC's

[cuteandhughesy]

You Are In Love | Matthew Knies (instagram edit)

summary: you and matthew are finally out to the public, and your both so excited to share your love through your instagram posts

warnings: none <3

face claim: tessa brooks

a/n: hey yall! it’s my birthday so as a gift from me to you is this insta edit! i’m so obsessed with matthew knies it’s not even funny - so here’s this lil gift 🥳

link to you are in love

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liked by alynntavares, matthewknies and others

yourusername the past few weeks <3

tagged torontomapleleafs & matthewknies

comments

user1 you’re so cute

user2 hi pretty!!! 🤩

torontomapleleafs bow down to the queen

user3 thriving 😍

matthewknies make it saucy

yourusername sauce forever ♾️

imjustkojokin actually obssesed with you

yourusername hi i miss you

user4 you’re so cute

user5 dream job

user6 🍝🍝🍝🍝

alynntavares amazing honey bunny 🤍

liked by matthewknies, nursey16 and others

yourusername date night 😏

tagged matthewknies

comments

user1 holy moly 😍

user2 that DRESS!

user3 never misses

alynntavares holy crap girl 🤩

yourusername your shoes made the fit honestly ❤️

user4 gorgeous

user5 kniesy is so lucky 😭

stephmarner need you to wear that dress all the time

yourusername anything for you 🙇‍♀️

matthewknies never get tired of you

yourusername 😉

liked by alynntavares, stephmarner and others

yourusername happy birthday baby 💙🤍 looking forward to another year of loving you (hopefully the wind doesn’t blow out your candles this time 😉)

tagged matthewknies

comments

austonmatthews happy bday big boy

user1 this is so cute

matthewknies my mouth is still salivating thinking about that cake 🤤 I love you 😘

yourusername the cake was tooo good ❤️

johntavaresfdn happy birthday matthew !

user2 he’s so handsome

user3 the perfect couple

user4 happy bday kniesy

josephwoll birthday boy

user5 my parents 😎✨

alynntavares you two are so cute! happy birthday matty ❤️

marner_93 the GOAT

user6 love you both

liked by josephwoll, mapleafs and others

yourusername the grind never stops 😏

tagged matthewknies, mapleafs & tiktok

comments

user1 this is giving 😍

user2 you’re so beautiful

user3 🔥🔥🔥

stephmarner okay business savvy ✨

yourusername the blazer is the only thing business savvy about me 😉

user4 something about matthew rolling both suitcases is so UGH 😩

matthewknies the grind never stops 😏

yourusername perv

user5 😍😍😍

user6 work slay

tiktok the admin queen 🙇‍♀️

liked by brodeniem, stephmarner and others

yourusername had to show my niece how cool her aunts job really is (uncle matty has nothing on me)

tagged alynntavares, brodeniem & matthewknies

comments

user1 two cuties

brodeniem okayyyy jacket 😍

gabemccabe_ I wanna put u in my pocket

user2 nothing like a leafs win

user3 I was at this game 😎

user4 even from the back you’re slaying

matthewknies that’s not what she told me…🥶

yourusername she’s trying to soften the blow

user5 you’re that girl 🔥

user6 where are jace and axton

yourusername they wanted to ride with matthew 😭

liked by bobbymcmann, austonmatthews and others

matthewknies smiling at the admin girl behind the camera (she’s cat calling me)

tagged yourusername & mapleleafs

comments

user1 my goat

user2 you’re my favourite leaf

user3 😍😍😍

bobbymcmann I was also behind the camera so

yourusername bitter ? 🤭

user4 💙💙

yourusername you’re so hot I can’t do this anymore 😩🤩

user5 i’m obsessed with this relationship

user6 y/n so lucky bro

torontomapleleafs king

user7 the best 💪

liked by reavo7five, nursey16 and others

yourusername my absolute favourite time of year. ft; my beautiful gingerbread house setup, reading my nieces and nephews xmas stories, my sexy man, and my beautiful sis in law and brother 💌🎄

tagged alynntavres & matthewknies

comments

user1 happy holidays guys 🎄

user2 ❤️❤️❤️

alynntavares my littles 🥰

user3 merry christmas!

matthewknies it’s giving baddie

josephwoll it’s giving xmas

yourusername who taught you guys to talk like that ?

user4 the little baby pjs 😭

user5 mother 🔥

user6 so obsessed with this family

johntavaresfdn merry christmas to the fam

user7 you’re an angel

liked by simon_benoit11, stephmarner and others

yourusername nathan phillips square weekend🤍

tagged matthewknies

comments

tessavirtue17 lovely 🥰

user1 this is everything

user2 your shoes are eating

torontomapleleafs was looking forward to this post

user3 a walking angel ✨

stephmarner those SHOES 😍

imjustjokin missing you

user5 just blessed my feed 🤩

matthewknies i’m such a natural beauty

yourusername …

user6 they are both so hot life’s unfair

liked by alynntavares, amberdeb and others

yourusername spring turning into summer 🌷 although the hockey season ended earlier than expected, we are still enjoying and loving this time of year. I love summer ☀️

tagged matthewknies & alynntavares

comments

user1 you’re glowing

alynntavares we love you 😘

amberdeb yasssss !

user2 bathing suit details ASAP

user3 ☀️☀️☀️

user4 summer content is superior

matthewknies the golf is subpar

yourusername ☕️

user5 so obsessed with you honestly 😩🔥

imjustjokin need this everyday with you 😎

yourusername i’m gunna miss u 😢 😘

user6 this is your look !

user7 HOT STUNNING AMAZING

liked by knies67, marner_93 and others

matthewknies summer with my favourite people🌊☀️🤍

tagged yourusername

comments

knies67 love it 😎

simon_benoit11 looking fly

yourusername back off

user1 king of the north

user2 goat behaviour

user3 i already know y/n is going to hate that sleeping pic 🤣

josephwoll golf stance goes crazy

matthewknies jelly ?

user4 😍😍😍

bobbymcmann omg I’m a favourite 🥳

user5 can ur girl fight? 😍

user6 to be in love with y/n ….

yourusername the sleeping picture - you’re praying on my downfall

matthewknies you look cute

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a/n: not spell checked currently.

I do not own any of these photos - full credits to original owners.

[goatilocks13]

Merry Xmas from Charlie & Goat, '23.

[wispycecilia]

my beautiful irene,

merry christmas from all of us here in liyue harbour! and happy birthday as well! i hope you are enjoying yourself? and that you are spending all your time doing the things you enjoy and love? i miss you terribly. i wish i could be there to spend your special day with you, but duty never stops. and even then…everything seems so dull without you. going about my day—talking with the merchants, filing papers, investing reports of suspicious occurrences—feels so strange without hearing your lovely voice.

i am truly sorry we are not able to spend this day together but my free time now is precious little. i would have given up my duties if i was able to but lady ningguang has been very stressed lately and i am doing my best to take off some of her workload. she gives you her best wishes, as does lady keqing. until we meet again, i will dream of holding you in my arms once again. i wish you were here…

lots of love, my darling, my dearest, my irene.

yours, now and forever,

ganyu ☆

haaaaaappyyyy late bday + xmas!! i missed u lots irene bby <3 i hope u liked it?? enjoy the lovely cocogoat i will be pulling for her and this is my way of manifesting hopefully i win my 50/50 🙏🙏 again i love u loaaaaads mwahhhhh <3 love sunny <3

GHRHRUDHAKJbJheAAAAHHHGHHHH

you know i just woke up riGGHHTTTT THIS HAS TO BE ILLEGAL IM. SQUEALING LIKE A LITTLE KID 💀💀 THE EFFECT U HAVE ON ME OMG

i can imagine ganyu saying this too TwT crying, screaming & punching the FLOORRRR RN

OFC I LIKED IT?!? screenshooting this so i can look at it when i get sad yknow 😭 love u to death sunny & i give u all my luck for the coco goat <333

[tipsycad147]

50+ Fun Family-Oriented Pagan Activities for Winter

Winter is a time of inner reflection, but it’s also a time of family, feasting, and fun. Here are my favourite fun, family-oriented pagan activities for winter. Time to get out the mittens, mugs, and mistletoe! Whether you celebrate Yule, the Winter Solstice, or Christmas, these pagan activities may become traditions for your family. Keep in mind, you’ll see Christmas mentioned in this article, because many of us grew up celebrating Christmas and have blended the Winter holidays to meet our family’s needs and traditions. Just because the term Christmas is used, doesn’t make a tradition any less pagan. In fact, most of the Christmas traditions originate from older pagan traditions! Feel free to adapt each tradition and name to fit your beliefs and preferences.

DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism.

50+ Fun, Family Pagan Activities for Winter!

1. Candles in the Window

An Irish custom for centuries, placing candles in the windows guides your loved ones home in the winter months. It also invites the sun’s return. My grandmother did this every Christmas and it was a tradition I always loved.

2. Cloves in Oranges

Who doesn’t love the clove and cinnamon scents of the winter holidays? There’s a winter tradition of sticking cloves into oranges which is called pomanders. Pomanders date back to Medieval times and were used to ward off infection and bad odours. Hang cloved oranges around the house to scent your home and also draw in abundance. Cloves represent success and the oranges summon the sun’s return.

3. Bake Cookies

Whether you call them Yule or Christmas cookies is up to you, but baking cookies is a tradition for any family who loves sweets during the winter holidays. Let your kids decorate gingerbread and sugar cookies. Use cookie cutters in the shapes of stars, Santa, and his reindeer to represent the night sky, Odin, and his steed.

4. Advent Calendar

Advent Calendars are a fun way to countdown to Yule and/or Christmas. Instead of using candies for each day’s gift, replace with natural items like crystals. Advent means “coming” in Latin. Christians think of it as the coming of Jesus, while Pagans think of it as the coming of the sun.

5. Christmas Lights

The winter nights are long and dark, hence the tradition of Christmas lights. They light the way plus work sympathetic magic in inviting the sun’s return. Hang them up on the house and around the interior of your house. And don’t forget to go on a car ride around the neighbourhood to see all the beautiful light displays!

6. Cider or Mulled Wine

A cold night can always be warmed up with a hot cup of cider or mulled wine. Give the kids the hot apple cider with a stick of cinnamon and an orange slice, and let the adults partake in mulled wine with cloves, star anise, cinnamon and oranges. The Norse peoples used to refer to Yule as “Drinking Yule”, so why not let it live up to its name?

7. Women’s Christmas

The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th) is also called Women’s Christmas in Ireland. Its tradition in County Kerry and County Cork to allow the women to have a day out on the town, while the men do the housework and cooking! Honour the women in your life, as you do the Goddess, and give them a day off for Women’s Christmas this winter. It’s also tradition on this day to take down Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree.

8. Gingerbread House

Gingerbread originated in Germany in the fifteen hundreds. If you have German ancestry, honour their memory by making a gingerbread house with your family.

9. Reindeer Food

Odin was known to ride his steed, Sleipnir, through the skies on winter nights. Sleipnir is thought to be the original “Santa’s reindeer”. Reindeer were sacred animals to Siberian shamans. Make reindeer food with the kids and leave it out for the reindeer on Christmas or Sleipnir on Yule.

10. Cookies for Odin & Santa

Whether you celebrate Yule or Christmas (or both), leave out a cookie offering for Odin on Yule and/or for Santa on Christmas Eve. The tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa clearly originated in leaving sweet offerings to appease the winter gods in the old days.

11. Caroling

Caroling has ancient roots that go back further than we know. “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” Going from door to door, singing blessings to the people inside in exchange for a cup of hot cocoa or a round of applause? Sounds like you’re bestowing good luck and abundance in exchange for offerings to me! Caroling is the newer version of traditions called mumming and wassailing.

12. Offerings to the Winter Fairies

They say there are a different set of fairies for each season. In the winter season, wouldn’t it be nice to set out offerings for the winter fairies? Frosted cookies and hot beverages would be greatly appreciated by the wee folk. This makes for a fun tradition with the whole family. Set the offerings outside on a tree trunk or somewhere in the garden. This is one of those purely pagan activities

13. Holly & Ivy

Decorate your house and hearth with holly and ivy. Holly and ivy as Christmas decorations predates Christianity. Our pagan ancestors used evergreens to decorate hearth and home for a couple reasons: to keep the “warmth” of the earth alive in their home and hearts, to ward off evil spirits in the winter, and to bring abundance in the new year. In new pagan traditions, the Holly King and Oak King battle it out on the Winter Solstice and the Oak King wins! He represents the return of the sun/earth/summer.

14. Gaze at the Winter Sky

Sometimes the sky looks so clear on a winter’s night. Spend a minute or two gazing up into the sky – notice the brilliance of the stars and the darkness of the black space between. If the moon is out – praise her for her light and glory. Wish upon the north star.

15. Wassailing

A similar/same tradition as caroling, yet wassailing in apple orchards is believed to provide a good harvest in the coming year. Wassailing is basically singing to the trees, honouring the spirits in the trees, and ensuring a plentiful bounty of apples in the coming year.

16.  Yule Herbal Sachets

Make herbal sachets full of Yule and Christmas spices to hang around the house. Cinnamon, clove, star anise, and apple serve to sweeten the air, plus bring abundance in the coming year to your home. Choose herbal sachet bags of red, green, silver, and gold.

17. Sun Bread

The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. But the following day brings hope with the sun’s glorious return. Bake bread in the shape of the sun to celebrate the sun’s return to the earth. Recipes and instructions can be found online. Eat and partake in the sun’s warmth and abundance for the year to come.

18. Pinecones

The pinecones have dropped. Hopefully you collected some last Fall! Now you and the family can decorate them with silver and gold spray paint and glitter OR decorate them like Christmas trees and hang them on the tree!

19. Winter Solstice Spiral

The spiral symbol represents the never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth and did so for our ancient Celtic ancestors. On a snowy day, go outside and create a spiral made of evergreens and stones to honour our ancestors and the great cycle of life. It also makes for gorgeous photos and a lovely offering to the winter spirits.

20. Resurrection Flower

The Resurrection flower is also known as the Rose of Jericho. It is a tumbleweed and desert plant that seems dead, until soaked in a bit of water then springs back to life! It’s used in hoodoo tradition to bring abundance if 5 coins are placed in the water along with the resurrection flower then the water is used to wash one’s front door. Keep the resurrection flower all year, then add water in the winter to represent the return of the sun and renewal of the earth.

21. Yule Altar

Clean, consecrate, and re-decorate your altar to honor the Winter sabbats, gods, and spirits. Choose evergreen garland, red and green candles, and silver candle holders to name a few.

22. Yule Log

The Yule log is steeped in ancient tradition. Choose a log and decorate it with greenery. You can even carve out holes to use as candle holders until it’s time to burn the yule log. Traditionally, it was burnt slowly over the course of the 12 days of Christmas then a piece was saved to light the next year’s yule log. That piece of the yule log was thought to ward off misfortune in the coming year.

23. Yule / Christmas Tree

The true origins of the Christmas or Yule tree are heavily debated, but I think its clear bringing an evergreen tree into one’s home is an ancient pagan thing to do. Whether to preserve the tree’s spirit through the winter or to bring life into the home, the Yule tree is a popular tradition during the winter holidays for many people, religious or not.

24. Books on Xmas Eve

In Iceland it’s called Jolabokaflod or “Christmas Book Flood.” This tradition is about giving each other books as presents on Christmas Eve and then staying up late that night to read them. Give your family books this year and read them together as the Icelanders do!

25. Yule Bock

A Northern European tradition that dates back centuries is the Yule Bock (Yule Goat). Scholars believe it is tied to ancient Germanic paganism, the Harvest, and/or the Norse god Thor. Make your own yule bock out of hay and red ribbon. If it’s small – hang it on your tree. If it’s large – place in random places around the home.

26. Christmas Wreaths

Make your own Christmas wreath out of evergreens like holly or spruce. Hang on the front door for good luck and Christmas cheer. The Christmas wreath is thought to date back to ancient times as a symbol of eternity or divinity (circular shape and evergreen).

27. Hot Cocoa

Drinking hot cocoa is a sweet tradition that all kids love…and many adults. This sweet treat has surprising pagan origins. Sources say the ancient Mayans or Aztecs invented hot cocoa as a drink for royalty.

The ancient Mayans invented hot cocoa…make and drink it as one of the sweetest pagan activities in the winter!

28. Gifts

Without falling into the cycle of mindless consumerism, giving gifts to loved ones during the winter is a time-honoured tradition. During a season of cold, bleak days, gifts can cheer us up and bring us closer together. Choose to give gifts with meaning. Special framed photographs, experiences, etc. instead of useless objects that will end up at a thrift store or at the dump.

29. Fruit & Cinnamon Garland

Another fun seasonal craft is making your own garland out of fruits and herbs. String together dried orange or apple slices along with star anise and cinnamon as a beautiful, rustic piece to hang on the mantle or around your home. This is a simple craft the whole family can do!

30. Simmering Potpourri

Want to make your house smell like Yule? Try making a simmering pot of potpourri on the stove this year. Its as simple as adding cinnamon sticks, orange slices, star anise, and cloves to a simmering pot of water.

31. Sun Decor

Bring back the sun by decorating your altar and home with sun decor. Find sun plaques online, or make your own from felt and hot glue.

32. Oranges in Stockings

My grandmother used to add oranges to our stockings at Christmas. This tradition is said by some to be a Christian representation of the gold thrown down the chimney by St. Nicholas; however, pagans know it as a nod to the end of winter and the sun’s return (think citrus – sun).

33. New Winter Holidays

Add a different winter holiday to your winter repertoire. Depending on your culture, there may be a holiday you’ve never celebrated with pagan roots.

34. Bonfires

Not only does a bonfire keep us warm on winter nights, it also reminds us of the same element our ancestors used to survive the winter months. Without fire, we might not be here. Roast marshmallows and sing Christmas songs together this winter.

35. St. Stephen’s Day

One of those “other” winter holidays we discussed previously, St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated the day after Christmas Day. In Canada, it’s called Boxing Day. Whatever you want to call it, make your own tradition of celebrating this winter holiday in your own pagan way.

36. St. Lucia’s Day

St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated in Scandinavia and is thought to be a more modern Christian celebration of St. Lucia who was once a pagan goddess. Perhaps she had another name, perhaps not. The Grimm Brothers say St. Lucia as another representation of the ancient goddess Berchta. It was originally celebrated on the Winter Solstice, giving it a clear pagan foundation.

37. Dough Ornaments

Another craft tradition centred around the Yule tree – try making dough ornaments with your kids and family members. Stars and suns add a perfect pagan touch to the tree.

38. Ghost Stories

Traditionally, winter was thought to be the season following Samhain (Summer’s end) where spirits roamed the earth…particularly dangerous spirits. Ghost stories were once told around the fire. Bring back the ghost story tradition this winter!

39. Oak King and Holly King

If you have a family of thespians, assign roles to your family members, print out a script, and put on a play of the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King. You could even make special costumes for the event! The winter solstice is when the Oak King takes over rule of the earth, winning against the Holly King in battle.

40. Feast on Yule

What’s one thing we love to do as human beings? Eat, of course! Feasting during the winter holidays has been going on for thousands of years. Long before the church’s rise, our pagan ancestors feasted during the winter as a way to “lighten the mood”, bring the tribe together, and thank the gods for a bountiful harvest. So feast on Yule!

41. Feast on Christmas

See above. Already had a feast on Yule? Throw another feast on Christmas!

42. 12 Days of Christmas

Once upon a time, Christmas was celebrated over a span of twelve whole days! Where do you think the song comes from? Also called Christmastide, the celebration of a holiday lasting more than a few days is said to originate before the rise of the church but was adapted by the church to make conversion easier. Who doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas longer? Do something simple for each of the 12 days of Christmas starting Christmas Day and lasting until January 5th.

43. Charity

Nevermind religion, giving of your time or goods to those in need feels good during the holidays and teaches kids a wonderful morality lesson of compassion and kindness. The holidays are about community and giving.

44. Story of the Baker’s Dozen

There’s an old tale about where the baker’s dozen comes from. It involves Saint Nicholas, an old witch, and a baker in New Amsterdam (NYC). Read it to your kids by the fireside.

45. Story of La Befana

Continuing on the lesser known Christmas stories, children in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world might have never heard the story of the Christmas witch – La Befana. If you live in Italy, you will know the story. La Befana is a witch who gives presents to children on Christmas Eve. Read the story and add the tradition to your home!

46. Story of the Perchten

Does your family like scary stories? Read and tell the story of the Perchten, a horde of scary monsters that parade through the streets of Germany, Hungary, and other countries during the winter holidays, scaring off evil winter spirits. The Perchten are named after the germanic goddess Berchta – read their story here.

47. Christmas Movies

One of the best things about the Winter season is all the family-oriented Christmas movies on TV. Watch a different winter movie each weekend together. Our pagan ancestors put a huge emphasis on family. Elf, Rudolph, and The Santa Clause are just a few of my family’s favourites.

48. Cuddle

More emphasis on family, but also to keep warm, make time to cuddle up with your favorite person this winter.

49. Letters

Have the kids write letters to Santa or Odin and send them “up the chimney” (aka leave it on the fireplace/mantle) or send in the “mailbox”.

50. Mistletoe

Mistletoe is steeped in pagan history. The Druids found mistletoe to be a sacred plant because it grew on their holy tree – the oak. Mistletoe was banned from the church because of its pagan associations for many years. Hang mistletoe in the house and when two people are caught under it together – they’re supposed to kiss so goes the old custom.

51. Goddess Ritual

With Santa, the elves, and Odin getting all the attention during the winter holidays, don’t forget to include the Goddess in your holiday fun. Write and perform a ritual dedicated solely to the Mother Goddess. Perform on the Winter Solstice or on the Full Cold Moon.

52. Snow Fun

If you live in a region that gets snow in the winter, why not get outside in warm clothes and enjoy the winter landscape? Go sledding, build a snowman, have a snowball fight, and make snow angels! Bundle up and enjoy Mother Earth in her glistening, snowy glory!

https://otherworldlyoracle.com/50-fun-family-oriented-pagan-activities-for-winter/

[hela-avenger]

Bottled Emotions

Author: hela-avenger

Word Count: 1067

Summary: Lady Y/N never meant for it to go this far but that was the thing with love potions, they were very unpredictable. 

A/N: MERRY XMAS TO THOSE WHO CELEBRATE IT! Slow start but I promise it gets better! 

Y/N wasn’t the greatest castor in the whole nine realms, nor was she the greatest castor in Asgard. She wasn’t even the greatest castor in the small village that she was born in. Yet somehow, for some reason, Queen Frigga had found her worth the time to teach and harness the small power within her.

Alongside her son, Prince Loki, she started to formulate some sort of structure and discipline in her magic. She found herself a natural at healing magic and potion making. Two subjects of magic that the prince found worthless and he reminded her of this daily.

She didn’t pay him much mind seeing as Queen Frigga’s praise for her work severely outweighed the prince’s insults.  

“He’s just jealous,” Queen Frigga told her as they strolled through the royal gardens.

They were there to pick up some herbs, but the queen thought it was the perfect time to start a conversation with her involving the younger prince who, by luck, had been called away in the duty of combat.

“Jealous of what?” she asked confused.

“I’m not sure yet,” Queen Frigga confessed to her. “Loki does not enjoy sharing his feelings and is a very adept liar. Makes it hard for me to read him at times.”

“Well his insults don’t offend me,” she assures the queen. “I know I’m mediocre at the craft, but I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn from you.”

Queen Frigga smiles at this and stops in front of the bushes filled with an array of roses.

“You’re one of the most enlightening students I have ever had the pleasure to teach,” Queen Frigga tells her. “And because of that, I’m going to indulge you in an inside secret.”

She watches Queen Frigga pluck a red rose from the bush and hands it over to her. She brings it up to her nose and takes in the sweet scent that the petals have to offer.

“In the first few days of bloom, such as that rose in your hand, the rose offers a very potent component that could bring any man to their knees… with the right ingredients, of course.”

“What can it do?” she asks curiously.

“Roses signify love,” Frigga explains to her.

It takes her only a few seconds to realize what the queen is implying and understand the severity of what such a potion could do to the man who consumes it.

“A love potion?” she asks. “Such a thing exists?”

“It is rarely used,” Frigga tells her. “One could never know what kind of effects the love potion could have on the consumer. Some cases have caused the man to become obsessed with the person who provided the potion. Others lead to having a destructive passion or intense desire for the castor. In simple cases, it led for the man to grow compassionate. Like I said, different effects for different users.”

“Could it give a heartless man a heart?” she asks her.

Queen Frigga couldn’t help but laugh at this, “Are you referring to my son?”

“Perhaps,” she jests. “He certainly needs a lesson in humility. I’ll like to think I’m a very patient person, but if your son praises himself once more on a spell cast well done I will implode.”

“I’ll make sure to keep Loki in check,” Queen Frigga assures her as they continued to walk through the gardens.

“What else is needed for the love potion?”

“Is there some unknown suitor I know not of?” Queen Frigga asked with curiosity.

“No,” she answers embarrassedly. “I’m just curious that’s all. There must be some reason the potion has different effects on people.”

“You believe you may have a solution to the downsides of this potion?” Queen Frigga asked her.

“Perhaps,” she responds. “Like you said, I have a knack for potion making. Maybe I’ll unlock this mystery.”

“Very well then,” Queen Frigga states knowing that if there was anyone who could break this tangent in the potion it would be her. “You are going to need goat’s milk, honey, pomegranate seeds, and a freshly bloomed rose. The potion must be cast over a fire and performed at early dawn.”

Y/N took note of all this and knew that this would most likely take up the rest of her day and likely the next.

Dawn was approaching and Y/N started concocting the potion with the freshest ingredients she could find. The smell of the potion after adding all of the ingredients was sweet and pure just like she had imagined a love potion to smell like. She was very tempted to taste it herself but prevented herself from doing so not knowing what would happen if she did.

She was ready to reveal her creation to Frigga when she heard the trumpets sound at the gates near the castles.

The princes were back, but celebrations weren’t heard from the streets, but screams.

Horses were sprinting down the pebbled stones and heading towards the castle. Y/N knew that she would soon be called in to help as it seemed that there were multiple injuries in the recent altercation.

She had just finished placing her hair in a braid when she heard the soft knock on the door. A servant relayed the message of the queen needing her immediate presence in the infirmary and Y/N didn’t waste time to head directly there.

The infirmary was a chaotic mess of nurses running around with bandages and gauzes to stop the bleeding wounds of the Warriors Three and Thor. Queen Frigga was seated beside Prince Thor who had a large gash across his chest. His eyes were closed and Y/N briefly thought he was dead if it wasn’t for the slow rise of his chest.

“You’re here,” Frigga answers tiredly and Y/N finally takes notice of the gold magic slipping through her fingers that were most likely stabilizing her son at the moment. “Loki, he’s in need of your help.”

She tries to hide the grimace from her face but Queen Frigga sees it.

“I know,” she tells her. “But he’s severely injured and he needs the best. I would go, but Thor is in a more severe state, and you are the next, most qualified castor to take care of him.”

She can’t help but let out a sigh. How could she deny a direct request from the queen?

Tags: @cosmetologynerd @unicorniorosacomefrutillas @mrs-baratheon @fangirl-127 @trashyemonerd @jmb959 @astudyoftimeywimeystuff @hellocookiecutter @teresaoliva20

A/N: Comment if you’ll like to be tagged!

[slipteeha]

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Hompage: Teejeep Cataloge

[thesouldiaspora]

21 Favorite Releases of 2017

Here is a list (with links) of my favorite music from this past year, in no particular order.

Smino - Blkswn : Beats by Monte Booker, guest spot by Ravyn Lenae, stand out songs: Glass Flows, Netflix & Dusse, Anita.

Kendrick Lamar - DAMN : GOAT, guest spot by Rihanna, stand out songs: Loyalty, Yah, Feel, really all of em...

Tyler, the Creator - Flower Boy : Tyler’s best work yet, guest spots by Steve Lacy, Kali Uchis, Lil Wayne, stand out songs:  See you again, 911, Droppin’ Seeds, November

Devin the Dude - Acoustic Levitation : My favorite Devin album, great production, songs about weed, stand out songs: Can I, We High Right Now

Action Bronson - Blue Chips 7000 : This guy, on fire, stand out songs: Durag vs. Headband, Let me breathe 

Wiki - No Mountains In Manhattan : From the group Ratking, loved this dude from the first video I saw him in, stand out songs: Pretty Bull, Leppy Coqui, Nutcrackers

Rapsody - Laila’s Wisdom : One of the best MCs right now, guest spots by Anderson .Paak, Black Thought, Kendrick Lamar..., stand out songs: Power, Nobody, OooWee.

EARTHGANG - Robots Ep : I’m all In, Robots is one of my favorite songs of the year, guest spot by SiR, stand out songs: Artificial, Robots, Underwater.

Sampa the Great - Birds and the BEE9 : Another new artist I’m all in on, whole album fire, stand out songs: Karma the Villain, Protect your Queen, Rhymes to the East

GQ - E 14th : Another artist on 9th Wonder’s Jamla Squad, from Oakland, saw him open for Rapsody in Oakland, got the album as soon as I got home, fire SZA sample on ‘Take Care’, stand out songs: Take Care, Change ya Life, Stay, Can’t Run

Steve Lacy - Demo Ep : Member of group The Internet, produced new Ravyn Lenae ‘Sticky’ song, made EP on his Iphone, stand out tracks: Ryd, Thangs. Some

SZA - Ctrl : All things SZA right now, guest spots by Kendrick Lamar & Isaiah Rashad, stand out songs: Supermodel, Pretty Little Birds, Love Galore

Toro Y Moi - boo boo : The super emo chill out album, first track is a jam though, stand out songs: Mirage, No Show, Girl Like You, You and I

Charlotte Dos Santos - Cleo : Another favorite new find of the year, her sound is Minnie Riperton x Badu, jazz & beats, all the good stuff and a Freddie Hubbard sample, stand out songs: Red Clay, Watching You, Move On.

Moses Sumney - Aromanticism : Loved this guy since seeing his residency in LA a few years back, did vocals for Solange’s album, out of this world voice, great lyrics, one man band, stand out songs: Plastic, Make Out in My Car, Doomed

Ledisi - Let Love Rule : Oakland native, real R&B diva, stand out songs: High, Add to Me, Hello

Aaron Abernathy - Dialogue : Band leader for Black Milk, a voice that sounds old school, message music done well, stand out songs: Now A Days, Forecast

J.Lamotta - the Conscious Tree : New find, from Jakarta Dubplate #12 releases, great voice and she make her own beats, instantly loved, stand out songs:Don’t take us to the bottom, Everybody needs the sunshine

Sly5thAve - The Invisible Man : Orchestral Tribute to Dr. Dre, from the man that brought you the super fire version of ‘Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe’, with guest spots by Quantic, Jimetta Rose, Mark de Clive-Lowe, stand out songs: I’d rather be with you, Let me ride (extended cut), The Edge

Dj Cam & The DJ Cam Quartet - The Essential : A bunch of jazzy covers of some of my favorite songs by one of my OG favorite downtempo producers, “the Dj shadow of France” (but better), stand out songs: You’ve got to have Freedom, It’s Yours

Jeremih & Chance - Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama : Just released mid December, Chance rolls through with the dope shit, and I hate xmas albums, but this is fire, and it’s free! stand out songs: Held It Down, One More Cry

[claracampsunderthestars]

I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Celebrated our second Christmas last weekend, and he makes me feel so special, endlessly! *lots of pics are missing due to the 10pics limit* Christmas Eve's eve 23rd - went to my fave animal and insect kingdom - took a sunset stroll at the beach - had haidilao for dindin spontaneously for the first time together hehe Christmas Eve 24th - brought Owens to Coney Island and had another little beach walk took a roll of film - bean's second Xmas at my aunts house for the evening annual family Xmas party! (Bean said he got the most presents this year *courtesy of my relatives hehe) Christmas Day 25th - brunch at baker and cook because they were the only cafe opened at holland - bought dinner ingredients of $150 at cold storage - took the shortest Uber ride back to his home from holland village. It lasted 3mins cuz we were lazy to carry groceries across holland car park to his house hehehe - cooked in the kitchen with his brother and mum. We were in charge of making beef Wellington (!!!), the mash and ribs! *Bean brought his old typewriter into camp to polish and ordered new ink ribbons for me this Xmas. But my favourite was reading his little card. So, so precious. Boxing Day 26th - bean made me close my eyes the whole ride and surprised me at the animal farm *i just realized there's so many animal/beach trips this weekend RLLY MY FAVE THINGS IN THE WORLD THO - we fed goats rabbits parrots tortoise catfishes guinea pigs hamsters rats and bullfrogs!!! - went to town and had a really lovely time being a normal singaporean couple. - bean brought me to CANVAS in the evening to watch KUMAR. I love him so much. I only briefly mentioned kumar / I never knew he knew how much I loved standup comedy(?!?!) / I didn't even know kumar was doing a show!!!! He got us tickets hehehe. *i thought we were going back to my place to play call of duty together till late* Love really outdid himself. I am such a huge comedy lover, I don't even really talk to bean about it, but Louis ck, Ricky gervais, whose line, George Carlin etc are my literal best friends. Comedy is the most underrated form of art. And Lloyd is the most underrated boy on planet earth. His smiles are the most precious in the whole wide world. I'm always endlessly finding new depths of which I'm falling in love with him. Nothing has ever felt so right. May we always have each other. thank you for making me feel like the center of your universe, and more. merry christmas ♥️ (though really everyday with you is like Christmas morning all over again) Haven't been logging the past month but I still keep notes. I can't wait to look back at how girly and squeally I must sound. Dizzy in love. :) Did I mention that Lloyd also went to wikihow to read how to paint nails just to TRIM, FILE, and PAINT my nails for Xmas bcuz haidilao couldn't do my nails that evening. He's really the sweetest sweetheart. Thank you for always making me feel like a 100% even when I'm feeling 5%. You remind me of an old favourite poem: The daffodils by William Wordsworth (also what are the odds of a poet having Wordsworth for a surname hahaha) I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the Milky Way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced, but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A Poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed—and gazed—but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils. Okay I'm really sleepy and partially disoriented cuz I took two sleeping pills, and I'm just a young girl who thinks she's found the love of her life and best friend so forgive the unfiltered chattering. I also have diagnosed ADHD so this bad logging rant and disorganization should all be forgiven hehe♥️ live and let live y'all Going to snuggle in bed with my new duck soft toy from Lloyd that he brought me from amazon (that I've only wanted since August but never thought twice since) today is the 27th. CHRISTMAS NEVER ENDS WITH LLOYD MY LLOVE. I am delirious with joy intermixed with disbelief of the fortune that I have been blessed with by love. I am beyond thankful for this little cheeky bean. I know every girlfriend says this about their beau but he truly makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

[goatskickin]

On the twenty-fourth day of GOATmas, my true love sent to me...

...20 recolors of the best elder female bow blouse!

You know it, you love it, it's CatOfEvilGenius's Elegant Blouse for Granny. And I've recolored it before.

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[monkeyandelf]

New Post has been published on Buzz News from Monkey & Elf |

New Post has been published on https://www.monkeyandelf.com/best-christmas-movies-10-best-xmas-films-to-stream-these-holidays/

Best Christmas movies: 10 best Xmas films to stream these holidays

Ho ho ho! It's that time of year again! You know, the time where families all around Australia get together to eat, drink, be merry, open presents and suffer through the sweltering summer heat while watching winter-set Christmas movies! 

Now, thanks to the magic of streaming, it's possible to watch a number of classic holiday movies on demand – right from the air-conditioned comfort of your living room. It's a Christmas miracle!

To make this the most holly jolly Xmas ever, we've taken the liberty of browsing Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video and Foxtel Now in order to curate the perfect list of seasonal films to watch these holidays. Without further ado, here are the best Christmas-themed movies currently streaming in Australia. 

Don't like Christmas movies? These are the best movies on Netflix Australia

Christmas gift ideas 2017: the best tech gifts in Australia for every budget

Every year around this time, people continue to ask the very easy to answer question: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? The answer, obviously, is yes. Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, a New York cop who travels over to Los Angeles to spend Christmas with the family he's separated from. While visiting his wife's Christmas party in the Nakatomi Plaza, a group of terrorists take the building under siege, and now, it's up to John to save everybody. A definitive action classic, Die Hard sits alongside Lethal Weapon as one of the best holiday-set action movies ever made. 

Die Hard is available on Foxtel Now

Will Ferrell is delightful as Buddy, a human raised by Elves who travels from the North Pole to New York in an effort to reunite with his biological father, played here by James Caan. It's also from director Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Jungle Book), so this isn't your usual throwaway Christmas comedy. Both silly and moving, Elf is the kind of Christmas movie that everyone in the family can enjoy. 

Elf is available on Netflix

Billy Bob Thornton isn't your ordinary Santa. In fact, the guy he plays here is a total scumbag in pretty much every sense of the word – which is what makes him so hilarious when dealing with impressionable children! Things start to change (slightly) when he meets a troubled kid who could do with a role model. Crass and not for the easily offended, Bad Santa is the perfect Christmas movie for people who hate Christmas movies.

Bad Santa is available on Netflix

The film that (briefly) made Macaulay Culkin a star, Home Alone is one of the most fun and inventive Christmas movies ever made. When the McCallister family accidentally leaves him at home for the Christmas holidays, Kevin (Culkin) thinks his wishes have come true. Though he initially loves that his annoying family isn't around, that joy is short-lived – a pair of burglars called the Wet Bandits have plans on robbing his home, and now Kevin must get creative and booby trap his entire home in order to keep them out. 

Home Alone is available on Foxtel Now

Starring the legendary entertainer Bing Crosby, you'd be forgiven for thinking that his classic song, White Christmas, was made for this film. In fact, that song was released 12 years earlier, showing just how much of a lasting impact the song has enjoyed since its release in 1942. A wonderful musical comedy for the whole family, White Christmas is the very definition of a classic Xmas movie.

White Christmas is available on Netflix

Considered one of the greatest films ever made, Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is perhaps the most beloved Christmas movie of all. James Stewart plays a depressed businessman who wishes he'd never been born at all. An angel hears his wish, and decides to show him what life would be like for his family and friends if he'd never existed at all. At once terribly sad and then tremendously heartwarming, It's a Wonderful Life is impossible to dislike.

It's a Wonderful Life is available on Amazon Prime Video

Loosely based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Scrooged sees Bill Murray do what he does best: play a hilarious jerk who eventually learns how to be a good person. While not immediately loved at the time of its release (a large part is due to its humour being quite silly), it has since developed a bit of a following, with people realising that Bill Murray is simply great at this kind of thing. Funny and touching.

Scrooged is available on Netflix

The Brits are great at Christmas-set romantic comedies (see The Holiday), but their best and most memorable is arguably Love Actually, which is from the makers of Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill. The film follows eight different couples living in London in the lead up to Christmas, each with their own love-based entanglements to deal with. A hilarious and sweet Christmas flick. Watch it with someone you love.

Love Actually is available on Stan

Not every Christmas movie is a jolly ol' time! On the contrary, some people want their holiday movies tinged with horror. For those unfamiliar with the folkloric figure known as Krampus, this half-goat, half-demon is like the opposite of Santa Claus, in that he punishes naughty children by eating them. Starring Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) and Toni Collette (Muriel's Wedding), Krampus does have a slight comedic tone at times, but don't be fooled – this is one scary flick with a killer ending. Maybe send the kids to bed before watching this one!

Krampus is available on Netflix

Not in Australia? Here are the best Christmas movies and TV shows on Netflix UK

The stories of Dr Seuss hold a special place in the hearts of many generations, and this adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a spot-on take on this classic material. As the titular Grinch, Jim Carrey gives one of his most memorable performances under an enormous amount of makeup and in a huge furry green costume. Though the Grinch spends his time trying to make the citizens of Whoville miserable, a young girl (Taylor Momsen) attempts to befriend this monster to melt his frozen heart. A fantastic and family-friendly Christmas movie. 

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas is available on Amazon Prime Video

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[yomifashlanso1]

Please, somebody is trying to cause false alarm and despondency by spreading a very dangerous rumors about me. Let us respect each other on this my wall and be well guided before you make conclusions about me please😐. I have it on good authority that someone is telling people that I have stopped accepting Christmas gifts. I therefore would like to categorically state that at no point did I ever attempt to stop accepting, contemplated the idea, let alone even dreamt about it. Those are lies fabricated by my enemies who want to tarnish my good reputation & prevent my friends like you from buying me gifts this festive season. After all said, I would like you to note the following so that you can be duly guided when choosing my gift. If you are giving me hamper: I don't want Bournvita because it makes me sleep a lot. I prefer Milo (Baba Sala) because I need lots of energy. Three Crowns milk nauseates me, I prefer Peak evaporated milk (Holland), its works well for my body. I don't want Milo Sardine o, Titus sardine (original brand) is OK. Granulated sugar purges me too, St. Louis cubed sugar is better. 2 bottle of brut champagne to wash it down is essential. Then don't buy value products Cornflakes, I prefer Kelloggs. Dont buy beta malt oo, please Malta Guinness is better because it's good for my skin. Others included but not limited to Mango & Pineapple juice, cranberry juice, farm fresh yoghurt. If you are giving me food items Please note: I love fresh fruits (Kiwi, Raspberry, Strawberry, Olive, Grape, mango, Pear, Plum) I don't want oranges. 5 crates of newly laid eggs from free range chicken. 5 live chicken (home breed please - adiye oko) 5 Guinea fowl (adiye awo). 1 big he - goat ( obuko). 5 Sunflower linseed oil. 5 10kg bag of basmatti rice. Please, don't bother yourself to make 'Ogi' for me, Hollandia custard(6 bags) is OK for me. Thank you so MUCH...... Wishing you MERRY XMAS & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR in Advance. ONE LOVE!!!

[sandinz]

I first discovered ‘Calendar Club‘ at the end of 2013 when searching for a calendar with five columns to record our various events and commitments.

One column for me. One for Barry. And one for each of our three businesses.

Eventually I found the perfect one.

I discovered another suitable calendar in the same place. A no frills one, specifically for Barry to keep on the boat.

For the following two years, wherever we were moored, I searched for the same outlet – and bought them again.

Little did I realise that in 2016 Barry and I would be working for this organisation, albeit self-employed contracted by fellow narrow boaters.

Having so much time to get familiar with their impressive range, in 2017 I even branched out and changed our calendar selection! In fact I chose to return to a paper diary, rather than the five-columned-calendar. It’s got enough space for all my current activities and businesses, AND is small enough to fit in my handbag to accompany me on frequent family trips.

I also diversified for Barry and the boat, selecting a ‘You & Me’ slim calendar. One column each.

Barry has a ‘make a plane a day’ desktop calendar (though he hasn’t managed to maintain a daily ritual, there’s quite a collection ready for grandsons and other youngsters to keep them amused whilst on board).

Our grandson has a ‘Guinea Pig’ calendar.

And mum has a ‘nudiknits’ one.

My daughters have a left handed diary and a family planner.

You may be able to spot each of these if you look carefully amongst the vast array of choices in the images below …

A novel way to top up our self-employed income

As floating traders, our festival season (mostly) comes to a close at the end of September. For the past few winters we’ve hoped our businesses would continue to support us.

Finally, last year, we decided to face the stark truth that sadly they weren’t, and we needed to seriously seek strategies to increase our income through the bleak UK winter months.

A couple of years ago we’d chatted to a young (ish!) couple living on a narrowboat, who told us they’d worked for Calendar Club in Sutton Coldfield, the town I grew up in and raised my two daughters. It was hard work but well worth it, they said, for the short period of time you had to commit to. But that if they did it again they’d employ some help so they could have a bit of down time.

Fortunately we bumped into Tony and Julie again early last year, and Barry asked if a/ they were doing it again, and b/ if they were looking for help. As luck would have it the answer to both those questions was affirmative. So a deal was struck and Barry knew he’d be working Wednesdays and weekends at Merry Hill from early October to early January.

I’d imagined I could return to midwifery without too much stress, and dip my toe in as a bank or agency midwife to earn some extra when we needed it. That wasn’t a terribly successful plan!  An unmitigated disaster actually. But hey ho. I tried.

Around the same time as I walked away from the course, another floating trader (Sandra Willis from The Doggie Boat) had made the move to join Calendar Club too, after meeting Tony and Julie at a festival in Tipton. I thought I’d see if she wanted a very part-time hand with the store.

She did.

Hurrah!

Three months of graft and giggles

Calendar Club was a gift of a resource for us, suiting our circumstances perfectly.

Selling is what we do, and it’s so simple when we sell things we believe in (like home brew kits and facepainting of course!). I was buying calendars from this company for three years before I worked for them!

Admittedly it was a mighty commitment, packed into a three-month period.

However, it was also fascinating and fun. I loved meeting the customers and chatting when it wasn’t too busy. At the beginning neither of us had half a clue about who most of the celebrities were – apart from the more well-known like Elvis and Cliff Richard (both of whom continue to be best sellers!). It was quite an education discovering some of the current stars and singers.

Someone came up to Barry and asked for a calendar of Anton Deck. Well that’s what he heard …

Ant and Dec never made it to New Zealand – Julie says she could hardly contain herself when Barry told her and it took a while before she could stop laughing and explain who they were after (they didn’t do one by the way!).

Calendar Club are a huge organisation, with their Head Office not far from my younger sister in Exeter. They have Territorial Managers (TAs) all over the country who help each ‘pop-up’ shop or Mall Unit to put their store together and take it down. They’re always at the end of the phone between times, and will also drop in unannounced generally to see how the store manager is getting on.

Stock is delivered frequently, generally depending on sales. During the early weeks especially, new ranges come out; or calendars of celebrities or football clubs who have been delayed for whatever reason getting theirs out.

There’s a recommended way of displaying all the calendars, and stores are guided and encouraged to make up gift packs which give 10% off. Some weekends (not publicised in advance), there will be a buy one get one half price deal. And of course after Xmas there’s a 40% off everything (except gift wrap and perpetual stock).

Sandra Willis and I on Xmas Jumper Day at the Calendar Club store in Ankerside Shopping Centre Tamworth

Surrounded by Calendars of all shapes and sizes

You can’t comprehend how diverse the range of calendars sold are. There’s:

~ Almost every dog breed imaginable

~ Fat cats, cute cats, cat naps, bad cats, angry cats, Simon’s cat, and kittens

~ Yoga cows, cats and dogs

~ There’s goats in trees, guinea pig games, nuns having fun

~ Desk calendars, wide, slim or easel

~ An assortment of cars, planes, trucks, bikes and trains

~ Ski-ing, surfing, skate or snowboarding, golf, BMX, fishing, racing, running, cycling, wrestling – male AND female

~ To tickle your fancy there’s derrieres, silhouettes, totally naked, inked ladies, front and back, The Sun girls – for the men. For the women there’s tattooed torsos, hottest guys, black, firefighters and dreamboys

~ A preponderance of football teams – some stocked all over, others were targeted to the area (Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Wolves particularly where we worked)

~ The most expensive calendar was someone we’d never heard of – Simon Wicks at £13.99! And he sold surprisingly well – more on that to come …

A few funny stories (mostly from the other Sandra) and heartwarming tales

A frequently heard and frustrating question was “How much are your calendars?“. Peruse the range above. Realistically, it doesn’t take a genius to calculate the prices will mostly differ depending on the particular one …

I got asked if we had a Vladimir Putin calendar. I asked if he was serious. He stated he was. “You’ve got Cliff, why wouldn’t you have Vladimir?” So like a good operator I did a search on the Calendar Club website for the famous Russian man, just in case. “Sorry no, we don’t” I informed him politely.  He walked away and I’ve no doubt he’d done it for a bet and laughed as he left.

As I said, most of the celebrity calendars we had no clue as to who they were.  These calendars generally cost £8.99 or £9.99. Apart from a guy called Pete Wicks whose calendar cost an astonishing £13.99!! We’d never heard of him, but were reliably informed he was off one of the reality tv shows.

Well one day Sandra Willis was at the till, and she heard shrieking and hysterical laughter coming from one of the bays – yep, you guessed correctly, the one with Pete Wicks in.

Not long after, two ‘older’ ladies wheeled round their shopping trolleys with a Pete Wicks calendar proudly displayed on top. That picture was hilarious enough, but when they came to pay they assured her he was worth every penny. They both trundled off with their purchases, and as the second one was leaving, she turned round and winked at Sandra stating “I’m even going to put a clean bra on for him tonight!”

There’s a wide section of organisers and family planner calendars. Sandra sent a gentlemen round to the ‘family planning’ section – she only did this once. As soon as the words were out of her mouth she realised with amusement and embarrassment what she’d said.

As well as knowing nothing about celebrities, Sandra was also rather vague about football. So when asked if she had a ‘blues’ calendar,  enquired were they a band – which had the customer in hysterics.

On another occasion, and not wanting to be outdone, someone asked her for a name she hadn’t heard of, to which she thought she’d look really intelligent and said “Oh! Is that a footballer?” Only to be told “No!” It was an artist!

Sandra also had a couple of rather special ‘pay it forward’ incidents.

Nearby she noticed a young man’s carrier bag full of shopping broke, so she gave him one of the Calendar Club’s  super sturdy ones. He appeared to be rather embarrassed by this, quietly said “Thank you“, then dashed swiftly off. About 20 mins later he re-appeared with a cup of hot chocolate for Sandra.

Another time she’d forgotten to bring a drink of water. It was a very busy morning with a queue of people waiting to buy their calendars, and the Greggs cafe opposite had a long line out of their door. Sandra ran to the back of the Greggs queue and asked a young lady there if she’d buy her a bottle of water, and gave her the money. She was serving when the young woman put the bottle by the till, but thanked her profusely without really looking. It was only as the queue died down and she went to get the water, that she noticed she’d returned her money along with a gift of a mince-pie in a little bag with ‘Merry Xmas’ written on it.

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that mean the most.

Calendar Club are recruiting!

There were 277 Calendar Club stores around the United Kingdom in the 2016/17 trading period. Each of these stores operate as a ‘franchise’, and the operator earns a percentage of the overall takings for the time they’re responsible. They can also recruit and employ their own ‘staff’ and are encouraged to do so.

The timing of the store openings is perfect for floating traders to take advantage of once the festival season is over, so long as they can find a suitable place near a canal, somewhere to moor, and transport to get to and from their store.

If you’re interested and want to know more, go to the recruiting page on the website and fill out an application!

Christmas Eve celebrations toasting a well-deserved day off tomorrow yay! Sandra, Julie, Tony and Barry

Take down day 8th January 2017 after jut over three months of complete commitment to Calendar Club

This year, if all goes to plan, we’ll have our own Calendar Club store or Mall Unit from October through to the New Year.

How exciting! Actually ‘working’ together, in the same place, doing the same thing. I think that’s a first for us …

Capturing the essence of our experiences with ‘Calendar Club’ I first discovered 'Calendar Club' at the end of 2013 when searching for a calendar with five columns to record our various events and commitments.

[goatskickin]

On the twenty-third day of GOATmas, my true love sent to me...

...tiny themed CC free lot! For the MONTY'S.

I love making CC free lots and I like making themed ones even more!

And I had it in my head to make a lot themed around premade. In this case, I wanted a lot for someone(s)* of the Monty clan that was not super massive. Why are all of the lots on the Monty side of Veronaville so huge...

tiny 1x2 lot!

sumptuous decor w/ expensive taste, antique furnishings

themes of romance, history, reverence - Monty's are old money

stucco, red tile, plants, roses, lots of MIRRORS

warm kitchen that encourages conversation

wine racks, cozy corners, inviting seating, and plants!

they also seem like the kind of weirdos that like birds, idk

no CC at all!** Needs all Expansions and Stuff packs however

floorplan: first floor, second floor

*my idea when creating the lot is that it's the apartment/small house of Romeo and Juliet, and their teenaged daughter who is a big theater nerd

**as with most of my CC free lots, this does have some extracted in-game accessories for deco. To me, that's cc-not-cc. It's stuff like the OFB bouquets, Crumplebottom's purse, bottle of nectar, pencils toothbrush, various bits of kitchenware, etc. None are required, all are deco, all can be left out and not downloaded with the lot if you use the CleanInstaller

Download - Tiny CC Free Lot - Monty

[goatskickin]

On the sixteenth day of GOATmas, my true love sent to me...

...14 colorful recolors of oven mitts!

"Sizzling Cuisine Mitts" is a great little deco object from the Seasons EP, but I never had enough recolors of them.

And if these oven mitts were in my house, they would be all mis-matchy. Because what kind of person has all matching oven mitts, you know? someone with their life together

In the DL I have included this object's UV map, a white base png and a (terrible and chaotic looking) PSD, in case you want to do some recolors yourself!

Download - SizzlingCuisineMitts - 14 RC's

[goatskickin]

On the eleventh day of GOATmas, my true love sent to me...

...45 recolors of a pet pillow!

Comfy Pet Pillow - petbasketvalue is a darn good pet pillow that deserved some nice RC's.

There's bound to be something in there that you will like!

I have included a white base PNG for recolorists as well as a PSD if you want to make some yourself.

I'd also recommend you get SimWardrobe's one-tile version - it's called "SW-OneTilePetBed-Pillow-1.1.zip" and it will use the same textures.

Download - Comfy Pet Pillow - 45RC's