#minimalist diet

[storybookprincess]

wanted sibling feedback while glasses shopping & i’m so validated

[princessnijireiki]

did not know I would have a strong emotional reaction to this, but rich people leaning into edge lighting & led strip lighting in upscale home decor disgusts me lmao

update: it's a render but I still despise it

[alt-ctrl]

The Art of Less: How Simplicity is Reshaping Our Future

In a world drowning in complexity, simplicity is throwing us a life preserver. As we navigate the choppy waters of technological advancement and information overload, a curious paradox emerges: the more complicated our lives become, the more we crave simplicity. It's as if our collective consciousness is screaming, "Make it stop!" while simultaneously refreshing our social media feeds. But fear not, dear reader, for the future of design and innovation is set to deliver us from the clutches of complication, one sleek, minimalist product at a time.

The Minimalist Revolution: Less is More (and Maybe Even Better)

Remember when your grandparents used to complain about how complicated their new TV remote was? Well, buckle up, Grandma and Grandpa, because the future is about to make your life a whole lot easier. The world of consumer electronics is embracing minimalism faster than a Silicon Valley executive adopts a new fad diet.

Take Apple, for instance. They've turned simplicity into an art form, creating products so intuitive that even your technophobic aunt can use them without breaking into a cold sweat. By stripping away unnecessary features and focusing on core functionalities, Apple has set the gold standard for sleek, user-friendly design. It's as if they've discovered a magical formula: Simplicity = Functionality + Aesthetics - Headaches.

But here's the million-dollar question: In our quest for simplicity, are we at risk of dumbing down technology? Or are we actually making it smarter by making it more accessible? It's a philosophical conundrum that would make even Socrates scratch his head.

The Interface Diet: Trimming the UI Fat

Speaking of philosophy, let's ponder this: If a user interface falls in the forest and no one can figure out how to use it, does it make a sound? The future of UI design is on a strict diet, shedding unnecessary elements faster than a contestant on a weight loss reality show.

Google's Material Design is leading the charge in this interface revolution. By employing clean, uncluttered layouts, they're making their software more user-friendly and visually appealing. It's like Marie Kondo went on a digital rampage, asking each button and menu item, "Does this spark joy?" and mercilessly discarding those that don't.

But here's where it gets interesting: As interfaces become simpler, are we inadvertently creating a divide between tech-savvy users who crave customization and those who prefer a more streamlined experience? It's a delicate balance, like trying to please both vegans and carnivores at a dinner party.

From Fitbits to Fit Bodies: Simplicity in Health and Wellness

Now, let's talk about health. Remember when tracking your fitness meant writing down how many jumping jacks you did in a notebook? Those days are long gone, my friend. The health and wellness industry is embracing simplicity with open arms, and the results are nothing short of revolutionary.

Wearable fitness trackers, like those from Fitbit, have simplified health monitoring to the point where even couch potatoes can't resist joining the fitness bandwagon. These devices are so user-friendly, they practically guilt you into exercising. It's like having a tiny, wrist-mounted personal trainer that doesn't yell at you (yet).

But here's a thought to chew on: As health tracking becomes simpler and more ubiquitous, are we at risk of becoming too reliant on technology to tell us how we're feeling? Will we forget how to listen to our own bodies? It's a bit like outsourcing our health to a tiny computer. What could possibly go wrong?

The Sustainable Simplicity Paradox

Here's where things get really interesting. It turns out that simplicity and sustainability are like two peas in an environmentally friendly pod. Companies like Patagonia are proving that products can be simple, functional, and kind to Mother Earth all at the same time. It's like they've cracked the code to guilt-free consumerism.

But wait, there's a twist! By creating products that last longer and generate less waste, are these companies inadvertently shooting themselves in the foot? After all, if we're not constantly replacing our stuff, how will they stay in business? It's a paradox that would make even the most zen minimalist scratch their head in confusion.

Urban Simplicity: The City of the Future

Finally, let's zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Urban planners and architects are embracing simplicity in ways that could reshape our cities. The concept of 'Smart Cities' is like SimCity come to life, but with less alien invasions and more efficient public transportation.

By integrating minimalist design principles with advanced technologies, urban planners are creating spaces that are not just functional, but actually enhance our quality of life. Imagine a city where everything just works, where public spaces are designed with humans in mind, not just cars. It's enough to bring a tear to the eye of even the most hardened city dweller.

But here's the million-dollar question: As our cities become smarter and more streamlined, are we at risk of losing the beautiful chaos that makes urban life so vibrant? Will the city of the future be a sterile utopia, or can we find a balance between efficiency and the delightful unpredictability of urban living?

In conclusion, the future of simplicity in design and innovation is a double-edged sword, albeit a very sleek and minimalist one. As we strip away complexity and embrace minimalism, we open up new possibilities for accessibility, sustainability, and enhanced quality of life. But we must also be mindful of the potential pitfalls and unintended consequences of our quest for simplicity.

So, the next time you find yourself frustratedly navigating a complicated interface or drowning in a sea of unnecessary features, take heart. The future is coming, and it's bringing with it a wave of beautiful, functional simplicity. Just don't be surprised if that simplicity comes with its own set of complexities. After all, nothing in life is ever truly simple, is it?

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[millennialskin]

Blue Zones: Centenarian Skincare Secrets

Beauty enthusiasts and researchers alike have turned their eyes toward the world’s Blue Zones—regions noted for their high concentration of centenarians and remarkably low rates of chronic diseases. These zones, which include regions like Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, and Nicoya in Costa Rica, hold the secrets not just to longevity but also to ageless, radiant skin. This blog delves into…

[ins4nebxtch]

ultimate IT girl guide

a guide to looking effortlessly perfect

"You’ve got the false narrative of a girl who spends 30 seconds on her appearance, when, in fact, you probably spent hours.”

1. basic hygiene:

having clean teeth and good breath

smelling good 24/7. i highly recommend finding a signature scent as a scent is associated with memory, id suggest something sweet yet not too overpowering like vanilla.

being clean in general. regularly shaving and exfoliating your skin to get rid of bodily hair and dirt that accumulates on your skin to make your skin glow.

clean nails. having clean and maintained nails (with a simple design if you wish) looks better than having acrylics that are wayyy too long and appear tacky.

2. hair :

having smooth healthy hair looks much better than dry and damaged hair. take care of your hair by finding the best products for your natural hair. get rid of your split ends as they make the hair appear really damaged.

in my opinion, loose waves look the most effortless yet pretty. but don’t ruin your natural hair by applying too much heat! you can try heatless styling methods to achieve this look.

3. diet and exercise :

being toned is the way to go to fit this aesthetic

avoid oily foods or sugary foods that damage your skin. don’t completely get rid of these as we all have our cravings, but try your best to avoid it

find a workout plan that works best for you, keeps you healthy but doesn’t burn you out! moreover exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood.

4. makeup and skin care :

natural makeup on clear skin fits this effortless aesthetic perfectly!

take care of your skin by finding a routine that fits you the best, consult with a dermatologist for the best results.

having smooth, blended makeup creates an illusion that you aren’t wearing any at all! this appears much effortless than a full face. also try to avoid those really huge false lashes that make you look tacky.

maintain your eyebrows and find a shape that fits you best!

5. outfits :

having a signature style which suits your body type is essential. experiment until you can find what suits you best! you can use a body analysis app for this.

wearing outfits you’re confident in, hot but not too revealing goes a long way. confidence is key. wearing overly revealing clothing might seem like one is trying too hard, but if you can carry it with confidence then that’s great!

jewellery : having dainty, signature pieces is key! find out which suits you better (gold or silver) through an ai analysis and invest in timeless pieces. personally, i think minimalistic pieces such as solitaires, simple pendants, classic hoops etc. look much more effortless.

6. personality :

don’t be too judgemental towards anyone as you don’t know what they’re going through and this makes you seem unapproachable

don’t talk too much or overshare! this creates a mysterious aura which draws people to you more

confidence is key! posture is very important too, carry yourself with confidence and walk with your head held up high.

7. examples and references :

serena van der woodsen (gossip girl)

mia thermopolis (the princess diaries)

cher (clueless)

elle woods (legally blonde)

rory gilmore (gilmore girls)

robin scherbatsky (how i met your mother)

gigi hadid

[fear-is-truth]

How would Patrick react to you getting pregnant?

getting knocked up by patrick bateman .ᐟ.ᐟ

tw ; unplanned pregnancy (duh), intrusive thoughts, suggestive, not proofread at all

a/n: i finished writing this then forgot about its existence lol. anyways, safe sex is important !!

if you’re already married:

patrick’s reaction to the pregnancy would be shaped by his obsession with image. being 27 and married, he’d likely face pressure from his colleagues. he’s the quintessential wall street yuppie: the suit, the power, the status. kids? they’re just another box to check for the perfect american dream.

he’d flip from denial to forced enthusiasm, playing the role of the expectant father. he’d talk about starting a college fund, buying a bigger apartment, even hiring the best nanny money can buy. it wouldn’t be about the baby itself, though—it’s about appearances. patrick would treat the pregnancy like he treats his designer wardrobe: another accessory to show off.

in private, he’d still be unraveling. he’d resent the disruption to his routine, the messiness a baby would bring. but he’d also feel trapped. divorce or walking away isn’t an option—how would that look? his friends are your friends, after all. patrick would pour his insecurities into overcompensation, obsessively showering you with gifts and planning every detail of your life.

but behind closed doors, he would remain emotionally unavailable most of the time. he’d throw himself into his work, his gym routine, anything to avoid facing the reality of impending fatherhood.

he’d have a mental meltdown over your body changing—obsessing over how “the weight is distributed” while simultaneously marveling (inappropriately) at how your chest looks fuller. (“…better than any breast implants”), the way your skin glows, but also how your clothes fit differently. he doesn’t even try to hide his vanity. “you’re still beautiful, obviously,” he adds quickly, “but maybe we should talk to a trainer after the baby is born. just to make sure you bounce back quickly.”

he’d absolutely flip between moments of pathetic awkwardness and his usual cold arrogance. for example, he’d randomly caress your growing belly, but then suddenly blurt out “your… tits looks great, but do stretch marks happen to everyone?”

he’s constantly offering unsolicited opinions about your diet and fitness routine. he’s the husband who insists you on buying expensive organic groceries and then criticises you for craving something as mundane as ice cream. but when you do cry about it (because hormones), he panics and makes the whole situation awkward.

if you dare deny him sex because of pregnancy hormones, patrick would sulk like a child. but then quickly bounce back to showering you with gifts to stay on your good side.

patrick’s jealousy of your attention is borderline absurd. he starts competing with the baby before it’s even born, constantly reminding you of his accomplishments.

maternal clothes for you are only the best—chanel, hermès, and gucci maternity collections. he refuses to let you look frumpy. if you wear anything “off-brand,” he’ll throw passive-aggressive comments like “are you trying to look like a suburban soccer mom?”. also, he’d browse catalogs and stores for gucci, armani and burberry baby clothes.

the nursery is black & white and minimalist—think pristine white walls, sleek italian furniture, and splashes of gray for “warmth.” no toys that clash with the aesthetic. he insists on vitra rocking chairs, fendi baby blankets, and a custom crib.

patrick spends hours making sure the initials won’t spell something embarrassing and that the full name looks good on a business card.

he’d pick out names that scream “old money”. for boys: theodore, alexander, nathaniel. for girls: charlotte, victoria, isabelle, madeleine, genevieve, anastasia.

his obsession with control would bleed into the smallest details. he’d blast his favorite music at your presence—huey lewis & the news, whitney houston, or talking heads—arguing it’s “good for the baby’s development,” while monologuing about how these artists represent true genius.

he’d talk to your stomach, but awkwardly, fumbling over words in his usual detached, overly-rehearsed way: “your dad’s a very successful man, you know… i hope you inherit my bone structure.”

if it’s an unplanned pregnancy:

if you’re not married, holy shit… the stakes are different, but patrick’s reaction is just as selfish. first of all, the pregnancy is absolutely. his. fucking. fault. patrick hates wearing condoms (would sometimes straight up lie about wearing one) and he always tells you that nothing “bad” will happen—until it does.

his immediate response would be to downplay the situation. “are you sure?” he’d ask flatly, trying to buy time. his inner monologue would be a chaotic swirl of paranoia and blame—his mind races with possibilities: is this some gold-digging ploy? a mistake? could it even be his? and he even has the audacity to ask “are you sure it’s mine?”

the next stage would be denial. patrick doesn’t deal well with reality when it doesn’t serve him. he’d try to act as though nothing has changed, refusing to acknowledge the pregnancy in conversation. he might even subtly suggest that “it’s early days, we don’t have to make any decisions yet,” thinly veiling his hope that you’ll take care of it and spare him the inconvenience. but when it becomes clear that you’re keeping the baby, his panic would fucking escalate.

he might lash out, picking fights over nothing or disappearing for hours at a time to “work late” (read: spiral into his usual vices—drugs, violence, torturing sex workers).

he’d start compensating in weird ways. he’d lavish you with gifts—jewelry, designer clothes, a bigger apartment—anything to make you think he’s excited, supportive even. they’re attempts to placate you, to make the problem go away without addressing it.

in private, patrick would unravel. his inner monologue would become a torrent of rage, fear, and morbid fantasies. he’d think about running away, faking his own death, or worse—doing something drastic to ensure the pregnancy never reaches full term.

the idea of fatherhood would gnaw at him. as a child of divorce, patrick is deeply insecure, and the thought of raising a child dredges up unresolved feelings about his own father. the self-loathing buried under his narcissism rearing its head. he’d compare himself to his colleagues and realise that many of them already have kids—or at least talk about starting families. peer pressure.

this sense of competition would push him to overcompensate. he’d brag about how “ready” he is, throwing money at every conceivable solution: top-tier obstetricians, prenatal yoga classes, nursery designers. he’d try to mold himself into the perfect father-to-be, but only because he wants to win.

but patrick being patrick, his selfishness bleeds through. he bitches about your mood swings—“it’s like living with a completely different person”—but also refuses to acknowledge his role in them.

he spends hours staring at himself in the mirror, wondering if fatherhood will make him less attractive. he starts paying extra attention to his skincare routine, convinced that stress is causing him to wrinkle.

[suzukiblu]

do you have any kryptonians hcs that you think would be fun to see incorporated in more fics out there? like cultural stuff & biology

Ones I've seen before and really like:

Kryptonians purr

Kryptonians are built physically harder/denser/heavier than humans and don't have much "give" in their bodies

Kryptonians can tell that humans aren't the same thing as them, but humans can't QUITE tell that Kryptonians aren't the same thing as them; there is just the tiiiiiniest bit of uncanny valley there when they aren't deliberately trying to pass for humans, though

Kryptonians immediately just "recognize" other Kryptonians as being Kryptonian ( though maybe this one is at least IMPLIED in canon, though I've never been totally clear on that one--but like, a stronger version of it, if that makes sense?? )

Ones I've been slooowly forming myself for personal use:

Kryptonians have different voices and different hearing, in the sense that a Kryptonian has more tones/nuance in their voice and can HEAR more tones/nuance in a voice, and a lot of other species' voices sound flat or toneless to them because they lack those additional tones

"chiming" as a way for children to get their parent/caretaker's attention; basically a specific musical little sound that they make

Kryptonians typically only being physically expressive or emotive with close family members/friends, and vocal communication frequently being more emotive/descriptive for them than physical is

Kryptonians come in just sliiiightly brighter colors than humans do--eyes, hair, skin, etc

it takes a long time and extended time together to "learn" someone's heartbeat

food is generally served on specific complementing dishware, in terms of color/shape/specific meal

most clothes involve multiple layers, mainly a fitted undersuit that covers as much skin as possible, and then an overrobe or two that hide(s) the shape of their bodies as much as possible; specific cuts of drapery are a big thing in their fashion

wearing house crests is a Big Deal all the time and involves certain rites of passage/ages/etc

diet being fairly simple and minimalistic; they have rice but not really bread, eat more fish than red meat, and cuisine tends to concentrate on very subtle and natural flavors; there's not typically a lot of different things on their plate and they don’t generally use chemical preservatives in daily life

to a Kryptonian it'd be a LOT more normal that Kon and Match got made in test tubes than it'd be that Jon and Chris got made via natural births, and there would absolutely be a "is cloning worse or is just leaving your kid's DNA up to chance worse??" kind of argument going on there, culturally speaking

( also I could go on for a fucking MINUTE how Jon being a successful and healthy hybrid who is also apparently fertile enough to have at least one descendent alive and well in the thirty-first century is an insane and weird thing that makes very little sense that I DESPERATELY wish came up in more of the fics/canon that I see involving or mentioning him; seriously, Kryptonian DNA is so complicated that Bizarro syndrome is a regular thing in clones produced from it even by people who SPECIALIZE in cloning, but the kid who just got whatever random genes won the random race is the one who came out perfectly stable and healthy and has ZERO health issues/concerns? like, EVER?? hOW, canon. HOW. )

I will actually live and die on the hill of "Lex is more genetically compatible with Kryptonian DNA than Lois is" because fuck a) biological determinism and b) loving couples DO frequently have to deal with genetic incompatibility and that's just much more interesting to me narratively, and also I love the weird little not-quite-tragedy of that concept, both in how Lex refuses to be an ally to someone he actually is so naturally “compatible” with and in how Lois would have genetic compatibility issues with someone she loved so much and was loved BY so much

ONE DAY I will write the fic where Jon is actually NOT a healthy hybrid and has a ton of health issues from birth and can't even use any Kryptonian powers without having a freaking asthma attack or HEART attack, resigns himself to it just being an unavoidable Kryptonian-human hybrid thing and that he'll never live up to his dad or grow up to be "Superman"--and then one day an oblivious newborn bb clone Kon shows up out of the blue in perfect health with EXTRA superpowers and very publicly declaring that HE'S gonna be Superman someday, and everyone in the Kent family has to just deal with that and how they all feel about it. ONE DAY.

[desigirldairies]

Reveal Your Bollywood Glow: Unveiling Celebrity-Inspired Skincare Secrets.

This blog is going to be all about Indian & bollywood inspired products and skincare tips. If you also want a blog separately about Indian natural and authentic skincare or hair care I'll surely make it. 🫶

Know Your Skin Type : Identify your skin type - whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive - to tailor your skincare routine effectively.

Cleanse Like a Star : Use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Neutrogena to remove dirt and makeup and a oil cleaner is a must if you wear makeup daily. Opt for micellar water for a quick and effective cleanse on busy days. (But I don't really recommend it).

Exfoliate for Radiance : Incorporate a mild exfoliator like St. Ives Apricot Scrub or The Body Shop's Vitamin C Glow-Revealing Liquid Peel to slough off dead skin cells and reveal glowing skin. And my personal favorite coffee scrub from The Bombay shaving company. Don't exfoliate more than twice a week.

Hydration Is Key : Use a hydrating toner such as Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray for an instant boost of hydration or toner + mist from pilgrim works like magic (my fav 😭).

Targeted Treatments : Include a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration) or vitamin C (for hyperpigmentation) if you are under 17 or 18 like me don't use vitamin c or if you want to use in very less %, I use 2% kojic acid for my uneven skin tone from pilgrim, it's very begniner friendly. (Always consult a dermatologist for your skincare don't go around seeing videos on insta and YouTube believing them). I recommend Minimalist if you want chemical bases serums.

If you are above 23 or 25 Incorporate a retinol-based cream like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream for anti-aging benefits. (Got this tip from mumma for y'all 😭✨️)

Sun Protection Essentials : Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. More affordable and effective sunscreens from brands — dot and key, aqualogica, Dr. Seth and wish care.

Overnight Nourishment: Use a hydrating overnight mask like Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to replenish moisture while you sleep. Incorporate a facial oil like The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed Oil for added nourishment and radiance.

DIY Treatments Inspired by Bollywood:

- Try a turmeric, gram flour and yogurt face mask inspired by Priyanka Chopra for glowing skin.

- Use aloe vera gel like Deepika Padukone for its soothing and hydrating properties. (MY fav bolly actress btw 😭❤️)

Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Skin : Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day people are not stupid that they are going around telling you to drink water, IT'S A MUST!. Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and green tea into your diet for overall skin health.

Some of my fav brands (mostly available in india) : dot and key, Foxtale, pilgrim, minimalist, st. Botanica, organic harvest and aqualogica!

Fav brand released by a bollywood actress: Hyphen by Kriti Sanon, their lip balm can even beat Rhode's lip balm istg- and their sunscreen 🔛🔝.

Channel your inner Bollywood diva and achieve a radiant, flawless skin with these skincare tips and product recommendations. Let your skin glow like a star!

[catboygirljoker]

org13 member (or members) most likely to actually utilize the (brutally minimalist) kitchen space and make a somewhat respectable meal for themself instead of heating up another of the bulk ordered hungry man meals in the microwave

Xemnas: no sense of taste. eats boiled unseasoned chicken breast and other nutrient dense but flavorless food.

Xigbar: that man is from california you KNOW he drinks kale smoothies for breakfast. blend it brown and suck it down. but he does know a lot about cooking and is pretty good at it. mostly does simple meal prep for dinners.

Xaldin: pretty good cook and will make himself nice meals on occasion. usually has a spartan diet.

Vexen: dominates the kitchen for an hour and a half and comes out with a single serving of a meal that smells indescribable. evidently it's some kind of french dish with expensive spices.

Lexaeus: isn't a disaster in the kitchen by any stretch but isn't picky. eats a LOT of carbs and protein; guy that big needs a lot of energy to get through the day.

Zexion: stays out of the kitchen as much as possible, at least during hours where a handful of his more intrusive coworkers might come in. is mostly content with peanut butter or cold cut sandwiches.

Saïx: has a sense of taste but eats as though he doesn't. convinces himself that it's not worth it to chase the fleeting illusion of pleasure that might come from putting more effort into his food.

Axel: complete disaster in the kitchen. "you know how it is with spaghetti" type mfer. eats bonkers combinations of foods like peanut butter sardine hot sauce sandwiches or marshmallow butter noodles.

Demyx: [int. Office Kitchen that Never Was. DEMYX stands before a boiling pot of water, carefully reading a long list of instructions in SAÏX's handwriting. Tentatively he picks up a salt shaker, holds it over the water, and taps it gently. A few grains of salt hit the water. Beat. The pot bursts into flames.]

he mostly eats pizza.

Luxord: has a couple recipes he really enjoys making and can make efficiently enough to eat regularly.

Marluxia: cooks himself nice meals. sometimes accidentally makes twice as much as he intends to. isn't sure why. oh well, more leftovers.

Larxene: eats mostly microwaved stuff. no matter what the meal is she puts it in on HIGH for 5 minutes and then complains loudly if it's burnt or not cooked enough. steals food also.

Roxas: helps Axel with his kitchen disasters sometimes (both creation and cleanup). is somehow ALWAYS able to be convinced that no, THIS time, the weird food combo is really good. usually ends up making boxed macaroni or microwave meals.

Xion: also helps Axel with his kitchen disasters. thinks his food combos are good, or maybe is just REALLY good at keeping a straight face in order to mess with Roxas.

[the-bramble--patch]

I’ve been seeing a few posts on minimalism going around, one being @bisquitt’s post on sustainability and minimalism—how the two terms shouldn’t be conflated, and how real sustainability is about anti-capitalism in the forms of reuse, repair, and community interdependence. Another is @allstrangeandwonderful’s post on how Minimalism is an aesthetic based around coping in the "corporate hellscape" we live in—contemporary designers gravitate towards neutral colors as a respite from the warlike corporate use of color to catch the attention of a consumer (See Mina Le's video on this concept also. She offers up a few possible reasons for this trend towards "greige" interiors, one being the inundation from advertising we experience in our everyday lives).

I wanted to talk about these concepts and tie in some other things I’ve been seeing around.

Imo, minimalism is anti-consumerist, but not anti-capitalist. The lifestyle and aesthetic is intended to address the systemic problem of living in a consumerist society on an individual level. Instead of ending the capitalist system that thrusts consumerism on us all, it suggests that minimalists create a safe space away from consumerism. It is not interested in changing the system, only the individual. What really drove this home for me was watching The Financial Diet on YouTube interview The Minimalists, the guys who kicked off the trend. She keeps trying to ask them about the underlying issues Minimalism acts as a band-aid for, and they keep dodging her questions.

The lifestyle choices bisquitt offers up as sustainable are typically lumped under the umbrella of Solarpunk: “fixing shit around your house. thrifting. patching clothes and handing them down. a community garden. potluck dinner parties. farmer’s markets. a barter system among friends and neighbors. kindness. love among community members.“ These things do not conform to the minimalist aesthetic tenets of order, function, and simplicity. They are often vibrant, mismatched, and chaotic, messy even (see my post on solarpunk aesthetics here). This is because solarpunk aims to solve the same issues minimalism does, but on a societal level. Solarpunk is working towards a utopian future of degrowth, where the forces that Minimalism is in opposition to will no longer exist. This allows for everyday people to reclaim vibrancy from corporations. That busyness is only desirable in a world where capitalism isn't such a burden. Solarpunk advocates for simplicity in all but design, instead of the other way around.

Another thing is the separation between meaning and function present in Minimalism. Minimalism is often associated with deriving pleasure from experiences, not things. The physical space is deprioritized (I know the movement is about changing the physical space, but the idea is that the physical space just makes your life more efficient) for a kind of zen outlook about mind over matter. Solarpunk is much more holistic in its recognition that inner peace comes from a play between the external and internal worlds—from connection and respect for people, things, and resources. Instead of removing meaning and beauty from a space to prioritize the mind, Solarpunk instills it, to elicit interaction with the world instead of a retreat from it. Thus, Solarpunk rolls meaning and function into one: a visibly mended shirt is both functional (the hole is gone), and meaningful (it says much more about the politics of the wearer than one mended invisibly). Another example is the bottle walls commonly used in Earthships: Making the bottles visible is beautiful, and it communicates that the builder is interested in using sustainable material.

In short, minimalism is individualist while Solarpunk is collectivist, and the aesthetics of each reflect that. Retreating from a broken society will not fix said society. Sustainability needs to be solved on a societal level, so minimalism as a solution to overconsumption just isn't gonna cut it.

[icy-saturday]

Field Guide on all *CANON* Algebralians (Integers, Variables, Constants...)

This is a lengthy read on Algebralians canon to popular Object Shows, including BFDI (Battle for Dream Island) and PaS (Problems and Solutions)

**I may have forgotten Zero on accident while making this (my bad /srs) so he'll be getting a separate post along with extra details from my existing Algebralian guides.**

Integer: 1 (One)

Appearance

Small and simple, depicted as a straight line or a singular dot.

Often stylized with a slight curve or serif for character.

Personality Traits

Independent, confident, foundational.

Seen as a leader, setting the stage for others.

Unwavering and strong in its singularity.

Habitat

Solitary places, such as mountaintops or isolated islands.

Symbolizes its singular nature and independence.

Diet

Consumes unity and singular elements, like single grains of sand or drops of water.

Minimalist in its dietary needs.

Reproduction

Reproduces by self-replication, creating identical ones without a partner.

New ones are formed from a process akin to binary fission.

Interactions

Amplifies others when combined (e.g., 1 + 1 = 2).

When with another one, forms two, emphasizing its ability to initiate growth.

Integer: 2 (Two)

Appearance

Depicted as a pair or a figure resembling a swan or a curved line.

Symbolizes duality and balance.

Personality Traits

Cooperative, balanced, sometimes indecisive.

Strives for harmony and partnership, reflecting dual aspects in nature.

Habitat

Balanced environments like pairs of trees, symmetrical gardens, or twin peaks.

Often found in places representing partnership and cooperation.

Diet

Prefers pairs of foods, such as two apples or twin cherries.

Enjoys balanced and symmetrical meals.

Reproduction

Reproduces by pairing with another two, forming a community of twos.

New twos are formed through a process of binary fusion, where pairs split to create new individuals.

Interactions

Works well in pairs, enhancing balance and cooperation.

Forms partnerships and emphasizes equilibrium.

Integer: 3 (Three)

Appearance

Triangular or triplet form, often energetic with a dynamic pose.

Represents creativity and dynamic movement.

Personality Traits

Creative, dynamic, sometimes mischievous.

Brings energy and creativity to situations.

Habitat

Dynamic, triangular spaces like triplet trees or three-point intersections.

Prefers environments that encourage creativity and movement.

Diet

Eats foods in groups of three, such as three-leaf clovers or tri-segmented fruits.

Enjoys variety and multiple flavors in one meal.

Reproduction

Reproduces by forming triads, where three threes come together to form new sets.

New threes emerge through a collaborative process that combines energy and creativity.

Interactions

Forms triangles or trios, adding excitement and creativity to interactions.

Acts as a catalyst for change and innovation.

Integer: 4 (Four)

Appearance

Square-like, with a stable and solid structure.

Often depicted as a box or a cross, symbolizing stability.

Personality Traits

Reliable, practical, organized.

Symbolizes stability and reliability, providing a foundation for others.

Habitat

Square-like or grid-patterned environments, such as city blocks or neatly arranged gardens.

Found in places that require stability and order.

Diet

Consumes square meals, such as foods cut into squares or in groups of four.

Prefers structured and well-organized meals.

Reproduction

Reproduces by forming quadrants, where four fours come together to create a stable structure.

New fours are produced through a process of organized assembly.

Interactions

Forms squares and grids, providing a stabilizing force.

Often the foundation for more complex structures and systems.

Integer: 5 (Five)

Appearance

Star-shaped, energetic, and lively.

Sometimes depicted with an asymmetrical design, symbolizing adventure.

Personality Traits

Adventurous, curious, sometimes rebellious.

Known for its energetic and explorative nature.

Habitat

Adventurous environments like star-shaped groves or dynamic ecosystems.

Prefers settings that encourage exploration and discovery.

Diet

Enjoys eating star-shaped foods or pentagonally arranged items.

Prefers meals that are diverse and full of variety.

Reproduction

Reproduces through exploration and discovery, where five fives come together in a star formation.

New fives are created through a process of adventurous fusion.

Interactions

Forms stars or pentagons, driving change and exploration.

Adds a sense of adventure and curiosity to its environment.

Integer: 6 (Six)

Appearance

Hexagonal, nurturing, and balanced.

Often seen as a honeycomb shape, symbolizing community.

Personality Traits

Harmonious, caring, community-oriented.

Focuses on harmony and nurturing relationships.

Habitat

Community-oriented environments like hexagonal beehives or family-friendly parks.

Thrives in places that emphasize cooperation and support.

Diet

Prefers honeycombs and foods arranged in hexagons or groups of six.

Enjoys meals that are communal and shared.

Reproduction

Reproduces by forming hexagonal communities, where six sixes cluster together.

New sixes are generated through communal bonding.

Interactions

Forms hexagons, promoting peace and cooperation.

Often acts as a mediator in conflicts and a unifier in groups.

Integer: 7 (Seven)

Appearance

Mystical and angular, often depicted with a unique, angled design.

Represents spirituality and introspection.

Personality Traits

Spiritual, introspective, analytical.

Known for its introspection and analytical thinking.

Habitat

Mystical and contemplative spaces like ancient ruins or serene mountaintops.

Prefers environments that encourage contemplation and reflection.

Diet

Consumes rare and unique items, often in groups of seven.

Enjoys meals that are unique and thought-provoking.

Reproduction

Reproduces by seeking enlightenment, where seven sevens meditate together.

New sevens are created through a process of spiritual bonding.

Interactions

Acts as a seeker or thinker, less about forming groups.

Analyzes situations deeply and provides insight.

Integer: 8 (Eight)

Appearance

Circular or infinite-loop shaped, symbolizing infinity.

Often depicted as a perfect circle or endless spiral.

Personality Traits

Balanced, infinite, authoritative.

Represents balance and power, providing stability.

Habitat

Systems and loops like circular forests or infinity pools.

Prefers environments that emphasize continuity and stability.

Diet

Eats foods in infinite loops, like circular fruits or dishes arranged in an endless loop.

Enjoys meals that are balanced and continuous.

Reproduction

Reproduces through cycles, where eight eights form an infinite loop.

New eights are generated through a continuous process.

Interactions

Forms loops or circles, symbolizing continuity and balance.

Often acts as a stabilizing and authoritative presence.

Integer: 9 (Nine)

Appearance

Nearly circular with a tail, often wise and contemplative.

Represents wisdom and maturity.

Personality Traits

Intellectual, compassionate, mature.

Known for wisdom and maturity, providing guidance.

Habitat

Intellectual and contemplative environments like libraries or quiet gardens.

Prefers places that encourage learning and reflection.

Diet

Consumes foods in groups of three, often arranged in multiples of nine.

Enjoys meals that are balanced and nutritious.

Reproduction

Reproduces through intellectual gatherings, where nine nines come together in contemplation.

New nines are created through shared wisdom and collaboration.

Interactions

Forms groups of threes, often acts as a mentor or guide.

Brings wisdom and guidance to its environment.

Integer: 10 (Ten)

Appearance

Binary and complete, often dual-natured.

Represents completeness and versatility.

Personality Traits

Complete, whole, versatile.

Seen as a unit of completion and versatility.

Habitat

Comprehensive and complete environments like full-circle parks or binary landscapes.

Prefers places that symbolize unity and completeness.

Diet

Eats foods in complete units, like a full apple or ten small items.

Enjoys meals that are satisfying and well-rounded.

Reproduction

Reproduces through unity, where ten tens come together.

New tens are created through a process of complete fusion.

Interactions

Combines elements of 1 and 0, symbolizing completeness and versatility.

Often represents a full cycle or system.

Integer: 14 (Fourteen)

Appearance

Paired sevens, balanced yet complex.

Represents structure and adaptability.

Personality Traits

Structured, organized, yet flexible.

Combines structure with adaptability, providing order with flexibility.

Habitat

Structured yet flexible environments like semi-complex grids or paired natural formations.

Prefers places that balance order and complexity.

Diet

Prefers foods arranged in sevens or pairs of sevens.

Enjoys meals that are balanced and nutritious.

Reproduction

Reproduces through structured gatherings, where fourteen fourteens organize in pairs.

New fourteens are created through organized pairing.

Interactions

Forms groups of twos or sevens, often an organizer.

Balances complexity with order in its environment.

Integer: 15 (Fifteen)

Appearance

Clustered three and five, dynamic and multifaceted.

Represents creativity and adaptability.

Personality Traits

Creative, adaptable, multifaceted.

Brings together creativity and adaptability.

Habitat

Creative and multifaceted environments like art studios or complex gardens.

Prefers places that encourage innovation and diversity.

Diet

Consumes foods in multiples of five, often arranged in creative patterns.

Enjoys meals that are diverse and inventive.

Reproduction

Reproduces through creative fusion, where fifteen fifteens collaborate.

New fifteens are created through innovative and diverse processes.

Interactions

Forms clusters or groups, often a creative leader.

Brings innovation and diversity to its environment.

Variable: i

Appearance

Ethereal and abstract, often depicted with a flowing, wispy design.

Represents imagination and abstraction.

Personality Traits

Imaginative, abstract, complex.

Embodies creativity and complex thought.

Habitat

Abstract and ethereal spaces like foggy forests or dream-like landscapes.

Prefers places that encourage imagination and abstract thinking.

Diet

Feeds on abstract concepts and ideas, often intangible.

Enjoys meals that stimulate creativity and thought.

Reproduction

Reproduces through complex interactions with itself.

New i's are created through a process of abstract multiplication.

Interactions

Interacts with complex numbers, adding a layer of abstraction.

Often adds depth and complexity to equations.

Variable: q

Appearance

Quirky and unique, often depicted with an unusual, eye-catching design.

Represents uniqueness and innovation.

Personality Traits

Quirky, innovative, one-of-a-kind.

Embodies creativity and innovation, always standing out.

Habitat

Quirky and unique settings like eccentric gardens or experimental labs.

Prefers environments that foster uniqueness and innovation.

Diet

Consumes unique and innovative foods, often one-of-a-kind items.

Enjoys meals that are creative and unconventional.

Reproduction

Reproduces through innovation and adaptation.

New q's are created through unique and innovative processes.

Interactions

Interacts with other variables in creative and unconventional ways.

Often brings a unique perspective to equations.

Variable: r

Appearance

Practical and grounded, often depicted with a solid, reliable design.

Represents reality and practicality.

Personality Traits

Practical, grounded, reliable.

Embodies practicality and reliability, providing a grounded perspective.

Habitat

Practical and real-world environments like farms or grounded landscapes.

Prefers places that are down-to-earth and practical.

Diet

Eats straightforward and practical foods, often natural and unprocessed.

Enjoys meals that are simple and wholesome.

Reproduction

Reproduces through practical means, where r's combine logically.

New r's are created through logical and straightforward processes.

Interactions

Interacts with other variables in a practical and grounded manner.

Often provides a stabilizing force in equations.

Variable: s

Appearance

Flowing and dynamic, often depicted with a smooth, wave-like design.

Represents flexibility and flow.

Personality Traits

Flexible, adaptive, flowing.

Embodies adaptability and dynamic movement.

Habitat

Flowing and dynamic environments like rivers or windy plains.

Prefers places that encourage movement and change.

Diet

Consumes flexible and adaptive foods, often items that change form.

Enjoys meals that are versatile and dynamic.

Reproduction

Reproduces through adaptation, where s's flow together.

New s's are created through flexible and adaptive processes.

Interactions

Interacts with other variables in a fluid and dynamic manner.

Often brings a sense of flow and adaptability to equations.

Variable: t

Appearance

Linear and progressive, often depicted with a straightforward, arrow-like design.

Represents time and progression.

Personality Traits

Progressive, timely, forward-thinking.

Embodies growth and progression, moving forward in time.

Habitat

Time-related and linear spaces like timelines or progressive gardens.

Prefers places that symbolize growth and forward movement.

Diet

Feeds on timely and progressive items, often foods that symbolize growth over time.

Enjoys meals that represent development and change.

Reproduction

Reproduces through linear progression, where t's advance in sequence.

New t's are created through forward-moving processes.

Interactions

Interacts with other variables in a linear and progressive manner.

Often represents the passage of time in equations.

Variable: x

Appearance

Mysterious and variable, often depicted with a bold, crossing lines design.

Represents the unknown and potential.

Personality Traits

Mysterious, versatile, potential-filled.

Embodies the unknown and infinite possibilities.

Habitat

Crossroads and intersections like bustling markets or key junctions.

Prefers places that symbolize choice and potential.

Diet

Consumes mysterious and variable items, often foods that represent unknowns.

Enjoys meals that are diverse and full of potential.

Reproduction

Reproduces through problem-solving, where x's come together to solve equations.

New x's are created through a process of discovery and exploration.

Interactions

Interacts with other variables in versatile and unpredictable ways.

Often represents the unknown in equations, providing potential solutions.

Constant: e

Appearance

Natural and exponential, often depicted with a growth-oriented, spiraling design.

Represents natural growth and exponential change.

Personality Traits

Exponential, growth-oriented, natural.

Embodies natural growth and change, expanding possibilities.

Habitat

Exponential and natural growth areas like thriving forests or growth-oriented ecosystems.

Prefers places that symbolize natural and exponential growth.

Diet

Feeds on exponential growth items, like rapidly growing plants or natural amplifiers.

Enjoys meals that symbolize rapid and natural expansion.

Reproduction

Reproduces through exponential processes, where e's multiply in growth.

New e's are created through natural and exponential growth processes.

Interactions

Interacts with other constants and variables in a growth-oriented manner.

Often represents exponential growth in equations.

Constant: π (pi)

Appearance

Circular and infinite, often depicted with a perfectly round, continuous design.

Represents infinity and circularity.

Personality Traits

Infinite, continuous, harmonious.

Embodies infinity and circular harmony, providing endless possibilities.

Habitat

Circular and infinite environments like round lakes or endless fields.

Prefers places that symbolize infinity and continuity.

Diet

Consumes circular foods, often items that symbolize infinity.

Enjoys meals that are balanced and continuous.

Reproduction

Reproduces through infinite loops, where π's circle together.

New π's are created through continuous and infinite processes.

Interactions

Interacts with other constants and variables in a circular and harmonious manner.

Often represents circularity and infinity in equations.

Constant: √2 (Square Root of 2)

Appearance

Balanced and precise, often depicted with a geometric, exact design.

Represents precision and balance.

Personality Traits

Precise, balanced, exact.

Embodies geometric precision and balance, providing stability.

Habitat

Balanced and precise environments like geometric gardens or perfectly measured landscapes.

Prefers places that symbolize precision and balance.

Diet

Eats balanced and precise items, often foods that represent exact measurements.

Enjoys meals that are exact and well-measured.

Reproduction

Reproduces through geometric precision, where √2's align perfectly.

New √2's are created through exact and precise processes.

Interactions

Interacts with other constants and variables in a precise and balanced manner.

Often represents exact measurements in equations.

Constant: τ (Tau)

Appearance

Comprehensive and unified, often depicted with a full-circle, encompassing design.

Represents unity and completeness.

Personality Traits

Unified, encompassing, holistic.

Embodies unity

and completeness, providing a holistic perspective.

Habitat

Comprehensive and unified environments like full-circle parks or all-encompassing forests.

Prefers places that symbolize unity and completeness.

Diet

Consumes foods that symbolize unity, such as whole fruits or complete meals.

Enjoys meals that are satisfying and holistic.

Reproduction

Reproduces through holistic processes, where τ's encompass and unify.

New τ's are created through a comprehensive and unifying process.

Interactions

Interacts with other constants and variables in a holistic and unified manner.

Often represents completeness and totality in equations.

[jenscorner]

The issues of overconsumerism in 2024

The more time I spend on the internet, the more the slow realization has come over me that everything we are watching is in one way or another a push to get us to buy more things. In people's "my 6am routine!" videos or "what i eat in a day", "my skincare routine!! (minimalist)", there is always a sharing of brand names, a sponsorship from betterhelp or hellofresh, some kind of plug to get you to buy buy buy. People in these "GRWM!" videos are having $600 in lotions, serums, creams, and products shipped to them for free, and are shamelessly promoting the message that if you dont have those same items, you're lesser than. It's never outright said, but the more and more videos you watch in the "self improvement" or "looksmaxxing" subcategories of the internet the more the normalization of overconsumption becomes so extremely apparent. When looking for tips, for example, to improve shower hygeine or acne, instead of recommending things you can do like changing pillowcases frequently, watching your diet, washing your face twice a day and avoiding touching your face, most videos are directed towards the pillowcases, foods, cleansers, and serums you can BUY to "magically" erase all facial blemishes in just two weeks. People are feeling pressured to buy more and more of items, even if they don't really need them. "Restocking my bathroom!" videos often display 2-10 extra products per product shown, and oftentimes the brand and price are displayed in the upper corner, the video itself being a creative 15 minute advertisement.

In the modern age of 2024, time and attention are money, and if something is free, you're paying for it in advertisement time, and if easily swayed, you'll be paying for that item with real money too. Overconsumerism of self-care products is a surefire way to feed insecurities, increase monthly spending, reduce savings, and just wasting products in general. If you have a 24oz tub of moisturizer, you don't need to buy a new one until you've finished the one you have.

These are just the ramblings of a generally broke person, but at the same time I cannot be the only one frustrated by such a subconcious epidemic. It seems nobody realizes they're getting frustrated having to watch 25 second ads before their videos (15 minute ads).

TLDR: stop acting like u need 3 of everything ur wasting money. stop falling into the belief that grwm videos are anything short of ads.

[atlafan]

Figure skating isn’t for the weak. It’s fun when you first start out. You’re put into a group of kids the same age as you, and you all get to be in events together. You learn to work together and skate together. You help each other with your hair and makeup. You have slumber parties and form bonds like no other. Other kids at school just didn’t understand. Other kids at school didn’t have to be up at 4AM for early ice times. Other kids didn’t have to be on strict diets. Other kids didn’t have to be perfect. The group that skated together, stayed together.

It's all fun and games until you level up, until you can start competing in singles competitions. You and your friends suddenly all have different coaches and choreographers and trainers and doctors. You still have slumber parties, but now you can’t trust a single one of them. Someone could steal an idea for a routine, or get in your head and make you fall on your ass. Injuries become more serious when you get older. You don’t heal as quickly, you’re benched for longer, forced to focus on other things.

To make more time for working out, skating, learning new routines, and the like, your single mother pulls you out of school. Suddenly, you’re being home schooled. But it’s not how you think it’s going to be. You sit at your kitchen table with your laptop and follow along as best you can. You’re home alone while your mother works her second job to give you all the things she feels you need.

The word “Olympics” is thrown around. Life passes by. You become one of the top single skaters in the country. But you don’t want to go to the Olympics, you don’t want to skate anymore. You don’t want cut up ankles and blistered toes. You don’t want massive, purple bruises on the areas you fall on. You don’t want to have a weird relationship with food and fitness. You don’t want to live your mother’s dream for her.

Okay, so maybe you don’t do all of these things. But Lily did. Her mother kicked her out when she quit skating. Lily would have been devastated if it hadn’t been for the fact that she found out her mother had been betting on her competitions and had won thousands upon thousands of dollars. Lily stole her mother’s secret stash, and off she went. She went across the country, she even went to Europe. She worked odd jobs here and there. She didn’t make any friends, but she hooked up with a lot of people. Many men and women were fascinated by her flexibility.

Eventually, Lily ran out of money. She didn’t want to move back to the town that she had so many horrible memories of, but she didn’t have roots anywhere else. She could at least move in with an old friend and get a job at one of the local resorts. She could tend bar or waitress. There was the risk of running into her mother, but Lily could handle her own now.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Zuri squeals when she meets Lily down by her car. “What can I help bring in?”

“I honestly don’t have much.” Lily says as she takes her two suitcases out of her trunk. “I’ve been living the minimalist life for a while now.” She turns to look at Zuri and opens her arms for a hug. Lily isn’t a touchy person, but she knows Zuri is, so she makes an exception for her best friend. “You found a great apartment. I’m surprised your parents didn’t make you stay living at home.”

“I told them if they wanted me to keep competing that I needed more independence. So of course they found me one of the better buildings in town. I’m excited that my second bedroom will actually have someone living in it again. I had a roommate, but they didn’t like how early I got up for runs.”

“It’ll be nice to have someone to go for runs with again. Not a single person I’ve met over the years likes getting up before sunrise to get a workout in.”

“They’re weak.” Zuri grins and grabs one of the suitcases. “Come on, let’s get inside, it’s cold.”

“It’s always cold here.” Lily replies flatly.

Lily and Zuri have been friends since kindergarten. And since Zuri competes in doubles skating, she and Lily never had to compete against one another. They were in the same skating groups as girls, and they were the two girls that didn’t look like all the other girls. Neither of them fit the mold of a stereotypical figure skater. Neither of them had much representation growing up in the world of skating.

Zuri is a dark-skinned, first-generation Nigerian. Her parents are both doctors and wanted to give their little girl everything. But the other girls, and their “show moms”, didn’t care about that. All they saw was a girl who didn’t look like them, whose hair couldn’t be done like theirs, and whose parents had accents. Lily didn’t have quite as many stereotypes working against her as Zuri did, but Lily’s Jewish, which none of the girls understood. Zuri’s Muslim, so even though she didn’t know a lot about Judaism, she knew what it was like to not be Catholic. Lily also has wildly curly hair that’s dark brown, as opposed to many of the other girls who had naturally straight, blonde or light brown hair. A lot of them dyed it as they got older. Lily and Zuri liked to keep their hair as natural as possible. As soon as Zuri was old enough, she stopped letting her mother perm her hair.

The girls stuck together and had each other’s back through a lot. Zuri’s home became like a second home for Lily when things got bad with her mother. Zuri’s parents are strict, but they’re understanding. They cared for Lily like she was their own. So, when Lily told Zuri she was moving back to town, her parents were overjoyed. Zuri was just happy to have her good friend back home with her.

“This place is huge! The pictures you sent didn’t do it justice.” Lily says as she looks around.

“I wanted you to be pleasantly surprised. My parents want to have us over for dinner tonight, I hope that’s okay. My brothers will be there!”

“They’re the only familiar faces I want to see, so it sounds good. Besides, you know I love your parent’s cooking.”

“You’re the only friend I’ve ever had that can actually handle the seasonings they use.”

“I think that’s the only reason they like me.” Lily grins, and the girls giggle. They both plop down on the sofa and sigh.

“So, how long are you going to avoid your mother for?”

“Not sure. She’ll catch wind that I’m here soon, then the skating questions will start.”

“Well…do you think you’ll get back on the ice?”

“I don’t know. It’s been a long time. I’m not in skating shape anymore.”

“It’ll come back to you in a snap, but no pressure from me. My parents will probably ask you about it, though.”

“I’m fully prepared for it, don’t worry. At the end of the day, it’s my choice whether I get back on the ice or not. I need to want to do it, you know?”

“Preaching to the choir.” Zuri sighs.

“How are things with your girlfriend?”

“Ugh, we’re not talking at the moment. She’s mad that I won’t tell my parents about us. She just doesn’t get it. It’s not that I’m ashamed of her or who I am, my parents just don’t…they’d disown me. I don’t think she’s worth it for me. She’s not someone I’m going to choose over my family.”

“Understandable. It’s too bad you couldn’t come visit me in Europe. I fucked anyone I wanted, it was great.”

“I think my favorite story is still the foursome with those women from Italy.”

“God, that was one of the best nights of my life.” Lily smiles fondly. “Not gonna find anything like that here. It’s annoying, I prefer being with men, but once you’ve been with a woman…men just don’t satisfy you the same.”

“Again, preaching to the choir.”

The girls both burst out laughing at that. Eventually they get up and Zuri leaves Lily to unpack her room.

The dinner at Zuri’s parent’s house goes as well as Lily knew it would. It was great to see Zuri’s brothers Kellan and Kani; they’re both surgeons. Lily tells Zuri she’s going to take a walk instead of driving home with her. She’s been awfully social today and she just needs time to herself. She also wants to be able to smoke a cigarette in peace. She knew Zuri would scold her if she saw her lighting up.

She walks through the town square, noting which businesses are new, and which ones are the same. The snow and ice on the sidewalk crunches beneath her boots. The night is quiet and still. She forgot how quiet things could be here. She takes a final drag of her cigarette before tossing it on the ground and grounding it into the snow with her boot. She walks to the ice rink and lights up another cigarette.

Lily started smoking at fifteen to help keep her weight down. It also just helped her manage her stress. She stopped when Zuri’s mother caught her. She gave it up for a long time, but when she ended up in France, she started up again. Everyone smokes in Europe.

The lights are on in the rink, and the parking lot is full. It’s only 8PM. The local hockey team is probably having a game. It should be over soon. She walks around to the back of the rink where the port for the Zamboni is. The cold from the rink slaps her in the face. The Zamboni comes towards her. It was just finishing resurfacing the ice between periods. A man hops down from the seat up top, taken aback by Lily’s presence.

“Can I help you?” He asks as he takes his driving gloves off.

“No, sorry.” She mutters. “I was just taking a walk.”

“By the Zamboni port? There’s a sign that says to steer clear, it’s dangerous over here.”

“I’m not an idiot, I know it’s dangerous.” She taps her cigarette, and the man watches the ash fall to the ground. He looks back at Lily, frowning as she takes a drag. “I wanted to see the score.”

“You can’t just watch the game for free, that’s not fair to everyone else who paid for a ticket.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

“Jesus Christ.” She rolls her eyes. “Lighten up. The family that owns this rink owns the majority of the town, they can afford not having sold me a fucking ticket.” Another puff of her cigarette.

“You really shouldn’t smoke those.” He kicks some ice away from their feet, and Lily blows her smoke right in his face. His mouth falls open in shock. “What the fuck is your problem?”

“A stick in the mud Zamboni driver.” She scoffs.

“You can’t just do whatever you want.” He tells her as she starts walking away. “We’re living in a society, you know?!” He calls after her and she sticks up her middle finger at him as she continues to walk away, not looking at him.

“Was…was that Lily Goldman?” Another man comes to the area.

“Yep.”

“What’s she doing back in town?”

“No idea.”

“Did she recognize you?”

“Don’t think so.”

“Did you tell her you knew her?”

“Nope.”

“Harry…”

“It’s fine, Niall. We’re all adults now. I’m not going to let her ruin my life again.”

[READ BRINGING HER HOME ON PATREON NOW!]

[weepingfoxfury]

The dehumidifier is blowing so the radio is off. It's a minimalist kind of music and tones down my tinnitus.

Survived the shiny metropolis, as did Busterson. No temperature this time just the declaration that he fights too much and is fat. These things I already knew. Yet again attempting to put him on a diet ... yet again Mr B will declare that only the first three letters of that word count (in his opinion) so I should really rethink my decision.

The 'fashions' in the charity shops of the shiny metropolis always make me curious as to the people who handed the items in. Biggest Dog is in the first picture ... if you look closely. Her reflection startled her and she was more than prepared to square up to herself.

In the second picture you can see the Emperor's new clothes. His consort is hiding at the back. I'm thinking of the naturists that I am assured reside on the Emerald Isle. Brave, brave people!

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday ... a hint of sunshine, plenty of coffee, and the happy knowledge of hibernation as today's watchword ...

[letsdeclutter]

Master List of Decluttering Resources

Backup of the list from r/declutter recommendations, due to planned mid-June 2023 Reddit Blackout in protest of plans to charge exorbitant fees for API access.

Some well-established decluttering gurus have omnimedia empires covering YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, multiple books, TV shows, a web site, and more. For these titans of tidying, the list shows whichever one to three resources are most recommended. These resources intentionally showcase a variety of perspectives, so if you dislike one, scan the list for something different.

YouTubers and Podcasts

A to Zen Life. A recovering “emotional hoarder” shares her extreme decluttering journey, including tips and new habits. https://www.youtube.com/@AtoZenLife

The Art of Decluttering. Includes an entire series on decluttering with ADHD, plus interviews with ordinary people who are decluttering. (Australian) https://www.theartofdecluttering.com.au/podcast/

But First, Coffee. Katie in Conneticut intersperses decluttering, organizing, and home maintenance hacks with her experiences with motherhood. https://www.youtube.com/@ButFirstCoffee

Clean My Space. Over 500 videos on cleaning and organizing, dividing the topic into small bites. https://www.youtube.com/@cleanmyspace

Clean with Me. The podcast that talks you through cleaning your house. https://cleanwithmepodcast.com/

Clutterbug. Focus is on organizing and organizational style. She also talks with popular decluttering experts. https://clutterbug.me/podcast

Curious Freedom. Professional organizers explore decluttering issues you may be curious about, from tips to broad minimalism, to smart shopping. (Australian) https://curiousfreedom.com.au/podcast/

The Declutter Hub. Professional organizers Ingrid and Lesley offer a mix of quick-and-easy tips, professional organizing secrets, and approaches to de-hoarding. https://declutterhub.com/the-podcast/

A Hoarder’s Heart. A recovering hoarder shares her journey to a better life, with lots of material on decluttering with ADHD and struggling with the craft stash. https://www.youtube.com/@ahoardersheart

Messy Minimalist. Mom-blogger-style journey from hoarder to minimalist, with challenges and adventures in every room and on topics like decision fatigue. Appears to have taken a break after 2022. https://www.youtube.com/@MessyMinimalist/

The Minimal Mom. How-tos for decluttering, deciding how many items are enough, and even thrifting with a minimalist mindset. https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom

The Minimalists. Netflix stars Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus discuss ways to live more meaningfully with less stuff. Their topics range widely into lifestyle issues such as diet, travel, personal finance, and chronic illness; this rec is not an endorsement of everything they have to say on those issues. https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/

My Great Challenge. “Declutter with me” videos and cleaning routines. https://www.youtube.com/@mygreatchallenge

Organize 365. Covers an extensive binder-based organization system, intended to organize people who need a lot of paperwork or have a complicated family. https://organize365.com/podcast/

Simply This Life. Candice exudes enthusiasm along with cleaning and decluttering hacks. https://www.youtube.com/@FancyThatwithCandice

A Slob Comes Clean. Dana K. White talks about her experiences with and insights into decluttering. Her emphasis is on managing your home and fitting what you value into your space. https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/podcasts/

Small Changes. Sarah walks you through minimalist cleaning routines and debunks myths about decluttering. https://www.youtube.com/@SmallChanges

Spark Joy. KonMari consultants Karin Sochi and Kristyn Ivey host speakers on issues related to bringing greater joy into your life, from meditation to shopping habits to productivity and mindfulness. Seems to end with 2020. https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episodes

Struggle Care. Therapist KC Davis focuses here on self-care and issues that can be barriers to decluttering, such as ADHD, depression, perfectionism, and having limited spoons. https://www.strugglecare.com/podcast-rss

Instagram

clutterbug_me. Clutterbug content emphasizing organizing and cleaning inspo. https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me/?hl=en

find_yourgold. Professional organizer with minimalist home shares her process and inspiration. https://www.instagram.com/find_yourgold/

the_organized_mum. Tips on not letting your house get away from you, but also not letting it bully you. https://www.instagram.com/the_organised_mum/

simplyspaced. Style inspo and organizing tips in a very orderly, soothing home, plus before-and-afters. https://www.instagram.com/simplyspaced/

aslobcomesclean. Dana K. White shows you decluttering tips and talks about why organizing is not decluttering. https://www.instagram.com/aslobcomesclean/

strugglecare. Short items from her mission to help people remove barriers to treating themselves right (including clutter). https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare/

@taramstewart. Organizing and donating tips. https://www.instagram.com/taramstewart/

Books

Links are to Goodreads so you can evaluate reviews for yourself.

The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less (Christine Platt). Radical revisioning of minimalism, incorporating social justice issues and the experience of marginalized peoples. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55711709-the-afrominimalist-s-guide-to-living-with-less

Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness! (Donna Smallin). Cute little book of short tips for decluttering. Fun if you want a daily inspiration to tackle a new task.

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui (Karen Kingston). Uses westernized feng shui principles as a guide to decluttering and organizing. Reviews suggest this one is polarizing. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27071482-clear-your-clutter-with-feng-shui

Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back (Brooks Palmer). Motivational approach looking at reasons for clutter, such as fear of change or trying to live a fantasy self. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6262598-clutter-busting

The Clutter Cure (Juli Culbertson). Focuses on assessing emotional attachments, with lots of exercises to help think through what objects are serving your current needs. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/879650.The_Clutter_Cure

Clutter’s Last Stand (Don Aslett). Fast-paced and humorous approach to reducing clutter. Aslett is one of the earliest organizing and cleaning gurus, and any of his decluttering or cleaning books are worth a read. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11610.Clutter_s_Last_Stand

Cozy Minimalist Home (Myquillyn Smith). Primarily a decorating guide, focused on achieving a cozy minimalist home that honors your specific priorities (e.g., not stark white with one chair and an artfully placed rock). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38915707-cozy-minimalist-home

Decluttering at the Speed of Life (Dana K. White). A decluttering approach that isn’t “all or nothing” but is geared to gradual progress. (The rest of White’s books are also worth a read.) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35540769-decluttering-at-the-speed-of-life

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Margareta Magnusson). A gentle nudge toward decluttering so your heirs aren’t overwhelmed and housekeeping in old age is less demanding. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35297297-the-gentle-art-of-swedish-death-cleaning

Goodbye Things (Fumio Sasaki). One man’s journey toward minimalism and personal growth. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30231806-goodbye-things

It’s All Too Much (Peter Walsh). Organizer from TLC’s Clean Sweep explores frustrations related to clutter and organizing, and how to resolve them. He also has a Facebook with decluttering challenges. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34266.It_s_All_Too_Much

The Joy of Less (Francine Jay). Thoughts on simple living and achieving a minimalist lifestyle. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8576972-the-joy-of-less-a-minimalist-living-guide

The Hoarder in You (Robin Zasio). Focuses on the psychological aspects of over-attachment to stuff, including tips on dealing with hoarding relatives. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11452567-the-hoarder-in-you

How to Keep House While Drowning (KC Davis). Subtitled “a gentle approach to cleaning and organizing,” this book emphasizes overcoming shame and perfectionism, handling mental health issues, and creating a home that is a safe and kind place. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60139504-how-to-keep-house-while-drowning

Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff (Matt Paxton). Extreme cleaner Paxton shares his process for decluttering sentimental items when it’s time to downsize or when dealing with a deceased person’s estate. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58933265-keep-the-memories-lose-the-stuff

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Marie Kondo). The now-famous Kon-Mari approach emphasizes deciding what “sparks joy” in your life. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22318578-the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up

The Minimalist Home (Joshua Becker). Room-by-room approach to reducing clutter and achieving a more peaceful lifestyle. Reviews note a conservative evangelical slant to his material. Has many decluttering-related best sellers, including Clutter Free With Kids, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39810030-the-minimalist-home

Never Too Busy to Cure Clutter (Erin Rooney Doland). Checklists of tasks sorted by room and by “30 seconds,” “1 minute,” etc. Many are geared more to developing maintenance routines than to actual clutter removal. Her Unclutter Your Life in One Week also gets recommended. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25817627-never-too-busy-to-cure-clutter

Organizing from the Inside Out (Julia Morgenstern). Addresses emotional barriers to organizing, on the way to providing tips and solutions. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220713.Organizing_from_the_Inside_Out

Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD (Suzanne C. Pinsky). Tips are intended to be aimed at people with ADHD. Judging from reviews, this book gets both very strong positive responses and very strong negative responses. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19033611-organizing-solutions-for-people-with-adhd

Outer Order, Inner Calm (Gretchen Rubin). Quick read pulling together the Happiness Project author’s thoughts and tips on bringing more joy into the home through orderliness. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39901314-outer-order-inner-calm

Simple Ways to Be More with Less (Courtney Carver). Brief ebook where thinkers on minimalism share ideas and inspiration. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16028018-simple-ways-to-be-more-with-less

Tidy the F*ck Up (Messie Condo). Yes, it’s a parody of KonMari, but it includes actual useful decluttering tips. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45869149-tidy-the-f-ck-up

Unf*ck Your Habitat (Rachel Hoffman). Book developed from the blog, with checklists for routine and emergency cleaning, and an approach geared to students, people with roommates, and people with disabilities. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39901314-outer-order-inner-calm

The Year of Less (Cait Flanders). Documents a year of low-buy (food, gas, and similar only), lowered consumption, and decluttering, including reactions to crisis. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35488858-the-year-of-less

You Have Too Much Shit (Chris Thomas). Humorous 20-page ebook that’s a kick in the face about consumerism and clutter. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24322942-you-have-too-much-shit

Zen Habits (Leo Babauta). Book from the Zen Habits blog, discussing decluttering in the context of living a simpler life. One reviewer calls it “a basic get-your-shit-together book.” Babauta has additional related books. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6056602-zen-habits---handbook-for-life

Web or Blog

30-Day Minimalism Cure. The Minimalists explain the rules and framework for the popular “declutter 1 item the first day, 2 items the second day” challenge. https://www.theminimalists.com/game/

Apartment Therapy Home Cure. Annual (or multiple times a year–it has varied over time) process for decluttering, cleaning, and decorating. Based (increasingly loosely) on founder Maxwell Ryan’s book, Apartment Therapy: The 8-Step Home Cure. Most of the community discussion has moved onto Facebook. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/features/the-cure-program

Avalanche Declutter Challenge. The one where you declutter 30 items on the first day, 29 on the second, 28 on the third... down to one item on the 30th day of the month. https://wannabeclutterfree.com/avalanche-declutter-challenge

FLylady (Marla Cilley). Daily 15-minute missions, habit-building, slow-cooker recipes, and task lists for the run-up to Christmas. One of the early dominant figures in declutter blogging, kind of what would happen if Pioneer Woman confronted a messy house. She also published a couple books. http://www.flylady.net/

Printable Short-Term Goal List (PopSugar). Printable page for dividing larger goals into smaller goals. Especially useful when you feel so overwhelmed that you need to break things into tiny areas or steps. https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/photo-gallery/44467993/image/44468176/Printable-Short-Term-Goal-Worksheet/amp

Project 333. Popular fashion challenge to dress with 30 or fewer items for 3 months. Part of a larger minimalism blog. https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/

TV-like

Links are to information on the series, as who's streaming what changes over time.

Hoarders. Long-running US series where a psychologist, a professional organizer, and a junk-hauling crew tackle serious hoards. Not for the squeamish. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoarders_(TV_series) Has a subreddit at r/HoardersTV

Nick Knowles’ Big Clear Out. Most recent series from UK decluttering star: his team takes a family’s belongings to a warehouse to sort, then puts things back room-by-room. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15267660/

Sort Your Life Out. UK series with Stacey Solomon, in which a disorganized household declutters and reorganizes. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00116n4

Tidying Up With Marie Kondo. Reality TV series where Marie Kondo visits U.S. households and guides residents in using her KonMari method. There is a follow-up series, Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo. Originally on Netflix. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidying_Up_with_Marie_Kondo

[strixcattus]

Miscellaneous Lizards

This definition of lizard struck me. They have arms. That's the important part.

Some of these entries are getting particularly... minimalist. I'll keep up my modernised descriptions to the end, but there's really not much to go by.

The Lizard

The Nglushogog

(This entry refers to the lizard called Nglushogog. For other uses, see Nglushogog (disambiguation))

The Nglushogog is a species of lizard found near bodies of water in western Africa. It has a flat body with large eyes, a short tail, and long claws at the ends of its limbs, and it is a uniform dark brown in color.

Nglushogogs eat mainly insects, and live much of their lives burrowed in mud. While capable of swimming weakly, they mainly stay on land.

The lizard Nglushogog has historically been mistaken for a species of frog, of roughly the same size and coloration, which shares its range entirely and is also called Nglushogog. It is not clear whether the frog was named after the lizard, the lizard after the frog, or if the two were once believed to be the same animal.

The Hrutdearya

The Hrutdearya is a small lizard native to East and Southeast Asia. It is pinkish-grey in color, and has a very long tail.

Hrutdearya are often regarded as pests, because they will invade homes and buildings in rural areas, making their nests within cracks in the walls. However, because their diet consists of insects such as flies and mosquitoes and they do not harm humans or crops, they are generally considered a lesser evil.

The Rukhgarukh

The Rukhgarukh is a lizard found in deserts in the western United States. It is primarily black, with reddish scales on its belly and face, and its back is covered in spines dappled with dots in shades of red, brown, and gold.

Rukhgarukhs mainly prey on small animals, including other lizards, and they often hunt scorpions. The hard spines on their backs seem to provide defence against a scorpion's stinger.