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sugarcandydoll · 5 months

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hi dolly I'm trying to enter my girly era and you clearly know a lot about it based on your aesthetic and stuff! I was wondering if you could give me some advice or tips on being more girly and hyper feminine?🩷

aww aww angel im so flattered omgg ♡🎀 but don't think im the perfect example of a girly girl cause im so messy n emotional n disorganized :(♡ but i do love pinky n glam fashion n aesthetics hehe so i can totally share some tips on that ♡👛 also pls pls remember there is no right way to be a girly girl ♡💞 those are just tips n advice from my own experience abt what makes me feel girly n happy hehe ♡👼🏼

🎀 Fashion

browse outfits on pinterest n make moodboards to find ur style hehe ♡ shein is also amazing for finding cute girly pieces for cheap!! i usually shop my pinky n barbiecore outfits from shein!! ♡ if u want inspo here is a link to my pinterest fashion board ♡ i love wearing crop tops, matching sets, cute dresses n skirts, white tights w heart patterns ♡ for my comfy n lazy day i go along with pink graphic sweatshirt w cute print on it like bambi or disney princess hehehe ♡ also get cute lingerie n pjs it's gonna make u feel like a lil princess ♡

🎀 Makeup

if ur into makeup, play with different look n choose whatever makes u feel the prettiest! ♡ my personal fav makeup look is a full face of makeup with frosty pink eyeshadow ♡ lots of white highlight on inner corners of eyes n nose tip ♡ black winged eyeliner ♡ white eyeliner on waterline ♡ cat eye faux lashes ♡ lots of blush, n too faced lip plumping gloss along with pinky lipstick hehe ♡ i also sometimes wear brown circle lenses to give that dolly look to my eyes ♡

🎀 Hair

pls pls take care of ur hair (it's smth i need to get better at cause i fried my hair w bleach) my fav hair care tip is too deep oil it w coconut oil ♡ choose a shampoo & conditioner that smells good n works for u ♡ if ur into dyeing ur hair play w colors hehe ♡ i personally loved a reddish brown and then later a light blonde on me ♡👸🏼💕 but now wanna switch things up cause blonde maintainance is getting too expensive n i feel bad wasting soo much of my dad's money on my hair :( so i might get back to like a caramel brown hehe ♡ i also love curling my hair n putting hair extensions n cute girly accessories like bows n pink barretes n huge pink scrunchies ♡

🎀 Nails

get ur nails n toes done often hehe ♡💅🏼 i love the whole salon experience of mani/pedi but since i don't work anymore n live w my parents i wanna be more frugal :(♡ so press ons are my bffs hehehe n i love putting press ons on my toes too hehe ♡ u can find a lot of cute press on nails on amazon n etsy ♡ i usually go for pink medium length nails either plain or w a cute pattern n rhinestones ♡ i sometimes love going with colors like red, baby blue, purple, n a leopard pattern too hehe ♡ my fav nail shape is coffin or stiletto ♡ but go along with whatever makes ur hands look pretty ♡🫶🏼💗

🎀 Accessories

get cute jewelery n accessories hehehe ♡🧁 i usually buy my cutesy pink jewelry from shein ♡ n i love carrying pink bags n purses ♡ my fav for school is definitely my victoria's secret's carry all pink tote hehehe ♡ i also love wearing rings n toe rings n anklets w little bells on it to jingle when i walk hehe ♡ also also i love getting a necklace w my fav fictional character's initial on it oops ♡ i also love wearing cute pink hair accessories like bows n barrettes n huge pink scrunchie ♡ or if i want my hair up i use a huge pink claw clip ♡

🎀 Smelling Good

perfumes n bodymists are the best hehehe ♡ explore different scents at shops n figure out what u like best!! ♡ my current favs are strawberry snowflakes by bbw & pure seduction shimmer mist by victoria's secret, & tease sugar fleur by victoria's secret ♡ usually go w super super sweet or fruity scents but u don't have to angel ♡🍰 florals n fresh scents are sooo cute too just go along w whatever feels the most you n the best in ur opinion hehe ♡

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learnhowtosway · 3 months

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Ask meme for people in their 30s

What was the first piece of furniture you bought? Likely our sectional.

What proportion of your meals do you cook? A third of the time on a good week.

Foaming hand soap or normal hand soap? Normal.

Favorite chore? Vacuuming. Crumbs and hair on the floor? Not on my watch.

Least favorite chore? Cleaning the bathroom.

Most precious thing one of your pets has destroyed. Sadly, I'm not currently a pet owner.

Any groceries you've been getting into lately? Umm.. gold kiwi is so much better than green.

What cleaning product do you swear by? We have a massive tub of Pink Solution.

What's your emotional support craft? Wish I could say I have one at the moment, but I do want to diy clay magnets and charm necklaces.

Youtube, cable TV, or streaming? Streaming and youtube because it's imperative for me to imagine what life could look like in another city.

What's something you saved up for and then regretted buying?Nothing comes to mind.

How many cups can you see from where you're sitting? Three.

Which filter are you most likely to go "eh, it's probably fine" when you find out you need to change it? Dryer vent filter.

How often do you take baths?Now that it's summer, way more often because I sweat quite a bit. Hate it.

Do you go down each aisle when you grocery shop, or only the ones you know you need stuff from? The ones I need stuff from, but if it's a smaller, gourmet grocery store then I can do a full walk around.

Where do you go when you need to get out of the house but it's raining? Staying in when it's raining is elite, but likely the library across the street or a cafe.

What's a movie you saw recently that you liked? My last five star on Letterboxd was Perfect Days.

Pro or anti tchotchkes? Pro.

What's your go-to tape? Scotch tape brand.

What's in your freezer right now? Just emptied our freeze, so an ice cube tray and ice packs.

Last concert you attended?Noah Kahan.

Favorite grocery store? Farm Boy and Summerhill Market.

Paper bags, plastic bags, or reusable bags? Reusable bags. I have multiple Baggu bags and recently discovered Shupatto bags.

Do you get your government mandated 8 hours every night? Hahahahahah, No.

Favorite old person activity? Browsing real estate listings and developments and their floor plans. NYT games.

Would you rather sit on the porch drinking sweet tea or sit by the lake drinking beers? I've never had sweet tea; as in, american sweet tea because apparently it's not what non-americans think it is. So as a Great Lakes resident, I'll say by the lake drinking beers.

Do you prefer Board game Night, Build-Your-Own-Pizza Night, or Movie Night with your friends? Board game night. Have you guys played Top of Mind? I think it's so fun.

Be honest, do you like all of the pictures of their babies that your friends send you? Yes, if they're my close friends.

Go-to holiday card format. Physical cards from a local artist or small business on Etsy whenever possible.

How many pairs of scissors do you own? One kitchen, one from a toolbox. I would like to own herb scissors as well.

Do you still own your first car?I'm a virgin who doesn't drive/own a car.

How do you take your morning coffee/tea? Numi brand genmaicha. Whatever beans Don has on rotation for pour over, with a bit of milk and brown sugar.

What's something you collect? Physical media: books, cds, dvds, magazines, vinyl, etc. If I could afford it, I would love to own vintage pieces of things that interest me.

What's your commute like?However fast the TTC or GO Transit decides to move.

Aisle at the grocery store you never bother walking down? The pet/household section.

Do you keep a daily journal or agenda? Tumblr is my journal; although, I fall off of it sometimes and have to catch up. I haven't used an agenda for the past two years, but I always use my google calendar.

Do you still listen to the same music you listened to in high school? To this day! TO THIS DAY!

What's the last filter you changed? Condo maintenance changed our furnace filter recently.

What little treat do you always get when you run errands? Some sort of beverage: matcha, coffee, boba.

Grocery list or no grocery list?Grocery list.

What's the oldest thing you own? A gold ring from my childhood.

What's an unjustifiably expensive appliance that you really want? Zojirushi rice cooker, La Marzocco linea micra/mini or Anza espresso machine.

Favorite book you've read recently? Nothing recently, but I intend to read Prophet Song by Paul Lynch next, which seems right up my alley.

Honest feelings on Settlers of Catan? Never played it.

What's something you wish you had more time for? Time with my friends. Nothing prepares you for the distances that occur from getting older.

What kind of stuff do you keep on the door of your refrigerator? Hamilton tickets, Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss and La Grande Odalisque postcards from the Louvre, a couple of polaroids, Alo menu, a calavera magnet from my bff's bachelorette trip in Mexico, Buvette business card from our last NYC visit, and a few city magnets.

Lamps or overhead lighting?Lamps. There's this affordable and super cute one from Ikea.

If you could build your home from scratch, what outrageous feature would you want to build into it? A library, dining nook, heated bathroom floor and towel rack, an infrared sauna, solar panels/energy efficiency, multiple fireplaces, skylights. I could go on.

Do you bring a bag with you everywhere you go? Certified bag lady.

Pro or anti throw pillows? Pro.

How many blankets do you keep in your living room? Two.

Did your relationship with your parents get better when you stopped living with them? Yes and no, and that's way too much to unpack here.

What's worse, the DMV or the Social Security Office? I'm Canadian, so I'm not familiar with the horrors of these places.

Do you decorate your house for holidays? Which ones?Christmas, but I also like seasonal decor, especially in the fall.

Favorite high-effort meal that you make? I avoid high-effort meals, so most are at similar levels. Maybe tomato soup and grilled cheese simply for having to keep an eye on the sandwiches.

Favorite low-effort meal that you make? Indomie instant noodles.

Do you tend to bring an appetizer, entree, dessert, or drinks to a potluck? Dessert.

What kind of bag do you use for your bag full of bags? A tote bag.

If you died and your ghost was stuck in the outfit you're wearing right now for the rest of time, would you be happy with it? Snoopy pjs? Sure!

Do you have an opinion on your local weather reporter? Haven't had cable tv in several years. Pretty sure he's retired now, but I remember he also did gardening segments, so he was cool.

Do you have a favorite brunch spot? Most frequently visited are Mary Be Kitchen for the weekender breakfast and Gold Standard for the best breakfast sandwich.

Where are you on the minimalism-maximalism kinsey scale? Technically 0, but acceptably 3.

Opinion on Bath and Body Works? It's a rite of passage.

Last time you visited a farmer's market? Last month.

Anything you're procrastinating on right now? Renewing my passport.

Do you get your taxes in as soon as possible, at the last minute, or late? As soon as possible.

Do you keep any stuffed animals on your bed? A Pochacco stuffed toy. A couple of Palm Pals on the headboard ledge: a moon for me and a BLT sandwich for Don.

Are your garbage bags scented or unscented? Whichever is on sale when we run out.

What are you looking forward to next week? I put myself on a waitlist for a free yoga class at a local studio. Us thirty year olds love free shit.

#about me

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venusinsilk · 2 years

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birthday wishlist? 🙂

Hi I never answered this my bday was back in July and I had a huge party with cake and friends and music and I took lsd and had lots of fun in my house I share with my boyfriend :) that's what I wanted and i got it! Thanks for asking. Anyway I'm just going to post things I want now

Diana Ho Designs on Etsy is one of my fav pages to stare at and just feel yearning I want everything she makes!!! Her designs are so delicate and beautiful and sexy. I love everything in her store but the body chains in particular are sooooo gorgeous and I'm planning to reward myself with one of the body chains i want when I reach a savings goal next year :) I love that she uses high quality gold filled chains... her jewelry is water safe and won't turn my skin green ;) I really want to start supporting local artists and jewelers who are independent, and she happens to be from LA too. I can't wait to buy one of her pieces!!!!!!! Money spent locally on artists who live in your area is always better than at a huge company like Walmart or Target or whatever. Your $$$ stays in your local economy longer and supports your community when you spend with individual people and small businesses!

I'm learning about jewelry and color theory in regards to skin tone right now and I've come to the conclusion that silver, white gold, pearls and opals would suit me well. But I love gold and copper too much to stop trying to wear those colors, and I want to try experimenting with mixing metals when I wear jewelry. I want to build out a thoughtful and cohesive collection with pieces purchased from independent designers and give away most of my older things I never wear. I've been spending my free time in the wee hours of the morning after I get home from work browsing jewelers on Etsy. I love the look of hammered metals in particular, and I've been drawn to coins and oval coins that reflect light like drops of water 💧

I want piercings!! I was so poor throughout my 20s I never got any more piercings beyond my septum. It just wasn't a priority for me. And my earlobs closed up!! Lmao i cant even wear earrings. I'm planning to get my earlobes pierced again in January. This time I want 3 piercings along my lobes so i can stack different earrings and studs, along with a double helix :) I'm also considering getting a Daith piercing later in the year after my ears heal. I found a piercing shop in my city that makes jewelry in house and stocks unique pieces from independent designers and I'm very much looking forward to supporting them!

I also want to get thin rings to stack on my days off. Hand jewelry is tricky for me because I'm a baker, I can't wear jewelry during my work week and I rarely paint my nails. That being said, putting on rings feels very special to me because it never happens! Taking an hour out of my weekend to paint my nails and make my hands look pretty is something i wouldn't mind doing more often. It's more about setting aside time to be alone and make myself feel beautiful, making my self esteem a priority. I'm interested in collecting thin, understated rings that are gold or silver filled, again so they don't turn my skin green. There are so many gorgeous designs on Etsy, that's where I do most of my browsing now, and they're affordable.

#ask #jewelry

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jaderimehardt · 8 months

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Opened my Etsy Shop!

Hello! o/ I mentioned in last night's blog post that THIS post was coming today, so here we are!

It took a while to gain the courage for me to do this, but I finally opened my Etsy shop!

With my Etsy shop open, the path is open for me to place Resin pieces in it whenever I desire to. All my products will be in one place. And like before when my shop was on RedBubble, all items in my Etsy are still using my own self-created art/graphics with no use of AI.

I use a completely outdated freebie version of Photoshop CS2 for my art. I show some of my layer work here on my Tumblr if anyone is ever curious enough to browse through my posts or follow. I might make it a habit to show more of that in the future because the world is becoming more accustomed to using AI and society is becoming split on the matter.

But enough on this controversial topic, I just wanted to make it clear that I do NOT use AI and I'm not a fan of it in the art world.

I knew I wanted a Print-to-Order on-Demand "Partner" and that was something I was looking heavily into for the longest time. Actually I think this was causing me the most anxiety, because this is important! This is where quality of products comes in. I do my homework guys. I research thoroughly.

I found one I'm very pleased with, and it's Printful. Look forward to future blog posts similar to my "RedBubble Product Review Posts", because I've ordered items from Printful with my graphics and I'll be doing reviews on their items. I'll try to do them more often too 👍🏻 (assuming life doesn't get in the way and I have funds to do so, lol)

So far I've added 38 listings to my shop. I don't want to overcrowd it. I feel for the amount of designs I have and the amount of products Printful has available for me to utilize, this is balanced. From here I'll work on new designs.

If there is something OLD that you may have liked (in my RB shop) and is no longer available (in my Etsy shop), I apologize, but I have to put the past behind me and move forward.

There is a fear of "Will this work for me, or not?" on Etsy, because I need to pull in traffic and their rating requirement system is harsh- basically need 5-stars otherwise you drop out of their search engines entirely. But "nothing risked, nothing gained".

I'm putting this at the bottom of the post because it's more on the ranting side, but RedBubble upped their tier fees again which also inspired much of this change.

I mentioned this in a Tumblr post a couple days ago, but to break it down and put it in perspective:

An Artist in "Redbubble Standard" tier who earned a 25$ paycheck in a month used to get charged an 11$ fee. That's 43%. Couldn't change their tier. It progressively scales worse, and all us RB sellers thought that was bad.

Now with their new system, that they tried to play off as "This will include a fee increase of less than $1 for most artists.", is significantly worse. (That's literally how they phrased it in the e-mail)

If you make 25$ a month in "Redbubble Standard" tier, you get charged a 17$ fee. That's 67%. And it continues to rise at an insane rate- in the 70%+ range.

They have a form you can attempt to submit, trying to "get a real person to reevaluate your shop to be placed in a different tier"- but that doesn't work. I tried it. Pretty sure that inspires false hope and it's bogus. I didn't even get an automated basic reply back. Not a "you submitted a form!" or "you've been denied." or "your evaluation is in progress.", nothing.

RedBubble products were okay quality. At times the quality wasn't that great in my opinion but people liked the items I felt that way about and economics is all about supply & demand 🤷🏻‍♀️. I was fine selling their items because the pricing was on par with the quality. The saying "You get what you pay for." comes to mind. But would I go out of the way to buy their items? No.

And I'm going to apologize again if any or all of this sounds negative or sarcastic or moody... I'm just saying things like I see it 😅🫠

Thank you everyone who has been supporting me all this time! 💖 And to anyone new! 💖

(I know the point of posting on this website is to tag all the things, but I feel bad and weird about tagging all the things 😖)

#jade.blog #etsyseller #etsyshop #accessories #clothing #octopus #ffxiv job stones #konpeito #space #ginkgo #mugs #journals #totebag #bomberjacket #stickers #galaxy #night sky #milky way

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lebkels · 11 months

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I Fasted from Social Media for 24 Hours

I was tasked to take a full 24 hours off social media. This meant no Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), Snapchat, or YouTube. I'm always online. It's constant. I knew this would be a challenge, and it certainly was. Here's a breakdown of my day.

10 AM- I woke up around this time and said to myself, "This is the day we do it!" and then instantly opened Instagram out of habit. I was feeling off this day so I decided to skip one of my classes. I went to my morning class as per usual. It was weird to not check my DMs the second I had a free moment.

11 AM- I had lunch in the dining hall. I had brought a book but my friends joined me. I was so distracted that I didn't even think of going online. However, the second I was out of the dining hall, I opened Instagram out of habit.

12 PM- I was back in my dorm resting instead of going to class. My partner woke up around this time. When they're awake, I'm on my phone more often since we're long-distance. I'll usually scroll social media while I wait for a text back. It was an odd change up to my day. The hardest part of the whole day happened here. I had learned about a new topic and couldn't scour the internet to learn more about it.

1 PM- I spent roughly an hour browsing Etsy and book giveaways on Goodreads. I got bored after a while and decided to draw some patches for my partner. I found a podcast about the previously mentioned topic and zoned out for a good while.

2 PM- I moved on from the patch designs to working on my senior art project. I wanted to use what would have been class time to keep working. I forgot about social media during this time. It was delightful.

3 PM- In my notes I wrote when doing this, there are two words under this time slot. "Radium Girls." All caps. I had stopped working around this time because I couldn't stop thinking about the Radium Girls of the 1920s. I spent a solid hour researching them.

4 PM- I bent the rules a little bit. I do social media for work. Unfortunately, no one else could post our weekly Wednesday meme, so I popped onto Instagram, uploaded it, and closed it again. Simple as that. Part of me is disappointed looking back, but I see it as something different since it's for work.

5 PM- Took a nap.

8 PM- Woke up and instantly went on Instagram out of habit. Can you guess what I do when I wake up?

9 PM- I got food with some friends and played a video game for a long while. It was a lot of fun.

10 PM- I always get a little burst of energy at night so I worked on some homework. Not much else.

11 PM- I was still working on homework but bounced between that and chatting with my roommate. I got kind of restless around this point, wanting to go scroll online. I eventually gave up on that and watched Friends with my roommate.

12 AM- I've never watched so much Friends. My roommate went to sleep and I was left alone. I wanted to go scroll Instagram so badly. It's been my nighttime regulation activity since I was about 15. It felt weird to just sit around in the dark.

1 AM- Yet again I have only written "Radium Girls." Did more research around this time.

2 AM- I got ready for bed and played games on my phone until I fell asleep. It was a weird day without social media. My 24 hours wasn't done yet, but I was.

10 AM- I woke up again and went on Instagram. I was back online again as if nothing ever happened.

Final Thoughts- Not my favorite thing I've ever done. It certainly proved a point and showed just how addicted I am to social media though. I learned that scrolling is a pacifier to me. It's the stimulation and regulation my brain craves all the time. Being distracted and having something else (e.g., drawing, crochet, TV) to stimulate me is a good alternative. It was an interesting experience, but I can't see myself doing this outside of anything for a class though.

#blogpost #blogging #social media #social media fast

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thedisneychef · 1 year

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What Stores Sell Recipe Cards? Tips and Options

I love trying new recipes, but sometimes it's hard to remember all the details. That's why I always keep a stash of recipe cards on hand so that I can easily access my favorite dishes whenever I need them. But where do you get these recipe cards? It turns out there are actually quite a few stores that carry them! In this article, I'll go over some of the places that sell recipe cards and give you an idea of what kind of selection they offer. So if you're looking for your next delicious meal inspiration, read on! Online Retailers I love planning meals out, especially when I have a full week ahead of me. To do this efficiently and effectively, I often turn to recipe cards for ideas and inspiration. With shopping trends ever changing, it can be difficult to know where to find quality recipe cards these days. Thankfully there are plenty of online retailers that carry them in stock! eBay is one great option - their prices are usually quite reasonable too. Amazon also carries an extensive range of recipes cards from different brands. Depending on the type you’re looking for - vintage, classic or contemporary - you're sure to find something that would suit your needs perfectly with either retailer. If you want more unique options then websites like Etsy might be worth checking out too; they offer lots of handmade pieces at competitive rates. All three sites allow customers to compare item reviews before making a purchase so take advantage of this feature if you feel unsure about any particular product! Ultimately though, no matter which platform you choose for buying recipe cards, just make sure it's from a reputable seller who provides reliable customer service and offers secure payment methods. Bookstores When it comes to finding recipe cards, bookstores can be a great place to start. Not only do these stores offer a wide selection of recipes for all kinds of dishes, but they also provide helpful cooking techniques and tips that are perfect for novice cooks. Shopping at the bookstore is an easy way to find exactly what you’re looking for without spending hours searching online. The vast majority of bookstores have sections dedicated solely to cookbooks and other resources related to food preparation. You can browse through selections from celebrity chefs or pick up classic cookbooks with tried-and-true recipes. On top of that, many bookstores carry specialty items such as recipe cards, which feature unique combinations of ingredients and flavors tailored specifically to your tastes. With hundreds of options available, it’s easy to find something that suits your needs. No matter whether you’re a professional chef or just starting out in the kitchen, visiting the bookstore is sure to leave you feeling inspired with plenty of ideas for delicious meals ahead! So if you want access to some great recipes and helpful advice on selecting them, head over to your local bookstore today –you won’t regret it! Grocery Stores I love exploring different grocery stores for the best selection of ingredients. But I'm always looking for the best prices, too. I recently discovered that some grocery stores sell recipe cards, which is really helpful for meal planning. I'm really excited to check out different stores to compare selection and prices and see which one I like the best. Grocery Store Selection I love meal planning and shopping for groceries, but it can be a hassle if you don't have the right recipes. One great way to make grocery shopping easier is to buy recipe cards from your local grocery store. Many stores will stock either pre-printed or homemade recipe cards that are perfect for adding variety to your meals. Not only do they provide delicious recipes with easy-to-follow instructions, many of them also contain ingredient lists so you can easily create your shopping list ahead of time. Recipe cards can help simplify the process of meal planning and save you time in the long run – no more searching through shelves of cookbooks! Grocery Store Prices Another important factor to consider when grocery shopping is the cost of food. Everyone has a different budget for groceries, and prices can vary from store to store. Even if you have found recipes that fit your tastes, it’s always wise to compare prices between stores before committing to one. Many times, I find that certain items are much cheaper at other places than where I usually shop! This helps me save money in the long run without sacrificing on quality ingredients or taste. It also allows me to stick within my cooking costs and stay within my food budget. Plus, with all the extra savings, I can afford some treats every now and then! Craft Stores I love going to craft stores for all of the creative ideas and supplies. DIY recipes can be found there, too! In particular, recipe cards come in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and colors. I always end up picking out dozens of different ones at once because they are so cute and inspiring. In addition to shelf-stable cards with suggested recipes on them, many craft stores also sell blank recipe card sets that you can customize yourself. This is great if you want to make your own unique set of recipes or just get more creative with how you organize your recipes. You'll find everything from wood block holders to decorated boxes that hold a full stack of recipe cards. No matter what type of recipe card I'm looking for, I know I can always find something special at my local craft store. It's definitely one of my favorite places to browse when it comes time to stock up on new DIY recipes and creative ideas! Specialty Shops Moving on from craft stores, specialty shops are another great place to find recipe cards. These shops offer a variety of items tailored to specific dietary needs and special dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking for vegan-friendly recipes or need gluten-free options, these specialty stores have it all! You can also find plenty of organic products here too – perfect if you’re trying to eat healthier. And don’t worry about breaking the bank either, many of these stores sell their items at an affordable price. So whatever your cooking preference may be, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye in one of these unique specialty shops. All in all, specialty shops are a great option for those seeking out recipe cards with specialized ingredients or diets in mind. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Make Sure I'm Getting The Most Up-To-Date Recipe Cards? When it comes to making sure you're getting the most up-to-date recipe cards, meal planning can be a great time saver. By taking a few minutes each week to plan out your meals and write down the ingredients needed for each one, you can make sure that you always have the right recipe cards on hand when you need them. You can also look online or at stores like Target and Walmart to see if they carry any new recipes that may fit into your meal plan. Are There Any Recipe Cards That Are Vegan Or Vegetarian-Friendly? Are you looking for vegan or vegetarian-friendly recipe cards? Great news--there are plenty of plant-based alternatives out there! Not only can these recipes offer great health benefits, but they're also delicious and easy to follow. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced chef, finding vegan and vegetarian recipe cards is easier than ever before. Look online for some amazing options that will help you create healthy and flavorful dishes with ease! Are There Any Recipe Cards That Are Tailored To Special Dietary Needs? Yes, there are recipe cards tailored to special dietary needs! Whether you're looking for cooking substitutes due to allergies or just want to be more aware of what ingredients can work in a dish, these recipe cards give you the details and tips needed. Some even come with conversion charts so that it's easier for home cooks to improvise based on their unique dietary requirements. So if you need help adapting recipes for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free diets and more check out some of the available recipe cards! Are There Any Recipe Cards That Are Specifically Tailored To My Region? Yes, there are definitely recipe cards that are tailored to your region. These can be great for utilizing localized ingredients and seasonal flavors in your dishes. Whether you're looking for a classic regional dish or something new with a local twist, these recipe cards have it all! Plus, they'll introduce you to different cuisines from within your area so you won't miss out on anything! Are There Any Recipe Cards That Come With Extra Tips Or Tricks? Yes, there are plenty of recipe cards that come with extra cooking tips and seasonal variations. For example, you could look for recipe cards from specialty stores that include advice on ingredients to use in certain seasons or the best techniques to follow while making a dish. Additionally, many online retailers offer cards with step-by-step instructions as well as helpful hints to ensure your food comes out perfectly every time! Conclusion When it comes to finding the perfect recipe cards for your needs, it's important to do some research. Checking out what stores sell recipe cards is a great way to make sure you're getting the most up-to-date items available and that they suit your dietary requirements or regional tastes. Additionally, look out for special tips and tricks included with certain recipes which can help take your cooking skills to the next level. With all these options in mind, you'll be able to find just the right recipe cards for any occasion! Read the full article

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princecharmingwinks · 4 years

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Sterek Fic Rec - February 2021. Ah the month of love! And what better way to spend the second month of the year than to read about our two adorable dorks. Enjoy another list of fanfiction recommendations!

It's A Love Story, Baby, Just Say Yes by fairytalesandfolklore (1/1 | 1,825 | Teen)

For a while, there's a whole lot of nothing, just the sound of water splashing against tile, the scent of Stiles's Old Spice body wash wafting in the summer air, and— Wait. Is that…is Stiles singing Taylor Swift? Derek tilts his head to the side, catching sight of what is unmistakably Stiles's silhouette framed in the open window, towel wrapped around his waist, using a hairbrush as a makeshift microphone and belting out what Derek is 99% sure is the song Love Story by Taylor Swift.

Derek Hale Is Not Romantic by ash_mcj (1/1 | 3,507 | Teen)

Derek Hale is not romantic. He’s not. Sure, he cares about Stiles...he guesses he has changed a little as a side effect of dating the guy. But he has not become, and will never become, one of those stupid romantic boyfriends.

[or: Derek (and his pack) realize that he has totally become a hopelessly romantic boyfriend]

(For~ Sterek Valentine Week 2021; Day 1: Hopeless Romantic)

I Know You by sparkandwolf (thatnerdemilyj) (1/1 | 1,733 | General)

“I thought I’d find you here,” Derek said, placing a gentle kiss on Stiles’ temple. He could barely feel Derek’s lips through the thick hair he had let grow during his senior year. He was never expecting to rid himself of his signature buzz cut, but it wasn’t exactly a priority when battling the danger they so often faced.

“Am I that obvious?” Stiles asked.

“To me,” Derek said simply, squeezing Stiles’ shoulder.

Shirt Thief by allourheroes (1/1 | 4,113 | General)

Derek's wardrobe has changed...which wouldn't be such a big deal if he wasn't wearing Stiles's shirt. What the hell?

In which Derek is a thief, witches are basically unimportant background characters, and Malia is the only one who understands what's up.

i got you on my mind by nicotinedaydream (1/1 | 1,263 | Teen)

"Are you Stiles?"

Stiles groans. He admits it is fairly immature, but fuck it. He hates his life right now. He wishes everyone would just go away.

"No. I'm not. I'm 'Leave Me Alone'," he gripes, pulling at his hair aggressively. He hears the person snort. He looks up, nostrils flaring. "Seriously, dude. Leave me the fuck alo—"

His brain just—stops. Warranted, it never does that. But this stranger is beyond-this-universe level of hot.

Dark black hair, light yet murky grey-green-brown-blue (what the fuck???) eyes, jawline that could give him a paper cut if he touched it, and bulging arm muscles under the tight-knitted maroon sweater the guy is wearing.

He coughs, swallows, tries to not make a fool of himself. "Actually, yes. I am Stiles. How may I service you—fuck! I mean, how may I be of service?" He face-palms. Epic. Fail.

Happy Birthday To Me by clottedcreamfudge (1/1 | 10,819 | Mature)

"Hi there, and welcome to Full Moon Jewellery. Thanks for browsing! I’m a designer based in California whose only dream in life is to get through art school without having to sell off my organs - which, by the way, is still on the table. You need a kidney? Let me know in your personalisation request, and I’m sure we can work something out. Guy’s gotta have that dollar to buy curly fries."

It's Laura's 30th birthday and Derek sucks at buying gifts. Then he stumbles across 'Full Moon Jewellery', an Etsy store run by an art student who has strange ideas about nutrition, and whose enthusiasm for his new commission is actually kind of adorable.

In which the whole pack wants Derek to get a life, and Derek just wants some peace.

(But not really)

If The World Was Ending by spaceprincessem (1/1 | 2,315 | General)

Derek swallowed the lump in his throat. “If the world was ending,” he started, eyes fluttering open to meet Stiles’ doe brown ones, “I would find you and tell you-”

He broke off, biting down on his tongue hard. He felt Stiles’ fingers trace over cheeks, thumb brushing softly against his bottom lip.

“And if the world wasn’t ending?” Stiles asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Give you that thing you can't even imagine by LunaCanisLupus_22 (1/1 | 10,999 | Explicit)

The omegas came out onto the stage next, and Derek did his best to smile and shake hands with enough polite distance as possible, to avoid giving the impressionable ones ideas.

Or the one where mateless Derek thinks no omega can affect him like they do other alphas and he's about to find out he's very, very wrong.

the other shoe by stilinskisparkles (1/1 | 4,633 | Teen)

They’re lounging on Derek’s bed one afternoon, Stiles halfheartedly trying to make headway on an essay, and Derek’s supposedly helping. Instead, Derek’s spent the last eight minutes mouthing lazily at Stiles’ shoulder, and Stiles is five seconds from giving up completely.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Stiles? by LadyMerlin (1/1 | 1,955 | Teen)

The problem with Stiles is that he absolutely totally 100% thinks he's hilarious.

It's not so much a problem as it is... No, it's a problem.

Because he really isn't, except maybe when he snorts milk out of his nose, or when he mimics Coach Finstock perfectly, or when he goes to Deaton's to play in the puppy pens and ends up with the same grumpy Pomeranian chewing his hair each time. But that's entirely besides the point.

Nothing about the way Stiles is fellating that Popsicle is funny. Nothing.

princecharmingwinks special mentions (this fic has badass Stiles with magical glowing tattoos and is sooo well written. the feels!!!)

Beltane by DevilDoll (1/1 | 8,254 | Explicit)

"Watching Stiles heal someone has always been a little uncomfortable for Derek, like he's seeing something intimate and private that shouldn't have an audience. That's nothing compared to how it feels." This is an AU in which Stiles has magical healing powers.

It appears I was mostly in the fluffy mood this month (not a lot of smut - oh dear! I’ll have to include some more E rated next time hehe). Hope you enjoy this fics. Remember to leave kudos and comments. <3

#sterek #fanfiction #fic rec #teen wolf #stiles stilinski #derek hale #princecharminglists

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ezrastokes · 4 years

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[ CODY CHRISTIAN, HE/HIM, CISMALE ] — [ EZRA STOKES ] is a child of [ HEPHAESTUS ] with the power of [ TECHNOKINESIS ] . they were born in [ 1995 ] and have been in nemean lion since [ 2010 ] . with the change, they [ HAVE GRADUATED FROM ] the [ TECHNOLOGY ] role which makes sense since they’re usually [ FIRING POTTERY IN THE KILN AND BREWING A THIRD CUP OF COFFEE ] . if you’d like to meet them try the [ MOON ] building . — kati / she & her / est / 18+

links: stats / pinterest .

background

most of ezra’s early years were spent not fitting in and for most of that time, he didn’t know why. he didn’t understand why his father seemed to hate him so much, why his younger brother, caleb, seemed to get all of the attention. ezra chalked it up to just not being quite good enough, maybe because he wasn’t into sports the way caleb was, coming home with paint on his shirt instead of grass stains.

for a while, ezra tried to fit in, went out for baseball to try and garner his father’s approval, but it was never really him. over time, he began to isolate himself instead, because it was easier to be on his own than face rejection and disapproval.

his mom was loving, but only behind closed doors. it always seemed like she was scared to show her affection for ezra in front of his father, like she felt GUILTY about loving him, about caring about him. she’d sneak into his room at night and read him stories or they’d spend all day together when his father was out of town. “ why does dad hate me so much ? ” he’d ask, and his mother would smile sadly and say, “ i’ll explain more when you’re older. ”

ezra started developing his powers when he was about twelve years old. his mother had hoped it would never happen. it started small, realizing he could do things like make the toaster pop up without touching it or turn on the television with what seemed to be sheer willpower. his parents started noticing this too. he overheard them talking about it one night, fighting. ezra didn’t know what it meant, but over time, he’d listen at the top of the stairwell as the arguments got more and more heated, resulting in broken glass. caleb would sit with him sometimes. “ what are they always fighting about lately ? ” ezra would ask. “ you, ” the dreaded answer, but he’d already known. he just needed to hear someone say it. “ it’s because you’re a freak. ”

anxious during a test at school, ezra set the printer going so hard that it started smoking and set the fire alarm off. to most people, it was nice to get out of the test, but ezra went home demanding answers. “ just tell me what i am, please ! ” rising frustration, appliances in the house whirring to life. ezra was getting more powerful, it was not just a PHASE that he could outgrow. his parents had to tell him the truth.

his mother sit down and told him about an AFFAIR she had once, with the god hephaestus. he had been able to forgive her for it, but his father had never been able to get over the living manifestation of her disloyalty, the obvious misfit in the family that stuck out and didn’t belong. every day, ezra seemed less and less like he could be his father’s son. everything seemed to click into place for ezra, but it didn’t make him feel any better to be the product of circumstances he couldn’t control ; things would have been easier if he’d been born normal like caleb.

his mother expressed concern for the way his powers were growing and that modern society might not be the place for him. she’d been told if such powers ever developed, that there was a place that he could go. so, at age fifteen he packed this things and began training at nemean lion.

ezra naturally assimilated into the technology track with his powers, it seemed to make the most sense for him. in terms of helping heroes, he is most comfortable beneath the hood of a car, developing advanced transportation technology and essentially providing heroes with the best possible support. he also built his own motorcycle and car from scratch, they’re named thelma and louise respectively, his pride and joys. ezra is a quiet person but get him talking about his hobbies / geeking out and you’ve hit the sweet spot.

recently graduated and working, though he feels like he’s in no position to mentor the newbies…he’ll try. he would’ve been happy to be a student forever, but due to nl’s new status, he felt the need to rush his graduation and work a little harder so that they’d have the tech help they need for the heroes on the field fighting monsters and such.

personality

PERSISTENT. essentially, when ezra sets his mind on something, he will accomplish it. in some ways, he can be pretty one-track minded when it comes to things, like he’ll start a task in the garage or at the kiln and he won’t speak to anyone for days until it’s done. balance ? he doesn’t know her. but achieving his goals ? yes, king. sometimes i think ezra believes that people are to be measured on accomplishments and his value only exists in terms of what he can do for others. however, you can definitely count on him to get a job done.

PRACTICAL. ezra is a pretty realistic person, not the type to get caught up in a daydream or set an unrealistic expectation for himself. granted, he knows he can accomplish a lot, but he would never expect more of himself than what is tangible. he’s definitely not a naive person and is more inclined to believe actions over words every time.

INDEPENDENT. ezra is the sort of person who has always felt like he’s had to fend for himself and is pretty mature. he’s good at taking care of himself and has never felt like he NEEDS other – not that anyone’s really need him. he’s very self-sufficient as a person basically and doesn’t rely on others to get things done. you’ll literally never feel like ezra’s a mooch, but he would let others mooch off him tbh.

PESSMISTIC. as a result of that practicality, he can come off as rather negative in conversation or in ideals. essentially, ezra can be a real downer to be around sometimes because he will always anticipate the worst case scenario ! he’ll tell you he’s just being prepared though.

SENSITIVE. although he comes off as tough or even unapproachable sometimes, this is actually because he’s EASILY hurt. he puts on a front like a badass but seriously he is a sensitive baby and if you say something that rubs him the wrong way he will legit never forget it. can literally hold a grudge for 8092390482 years like if you cross him slightly he will bring it up until you die.

headcanons

if he’s not working with vehicles, he’s making pottery. he has a wheel in his room and is really passionate about art and ceramics. so, when he’s not working, he’s probably firing something.

yes, he has an etsy store <3

has a little black cat named soot that is genuinely his best friend

has a natural affinity toward all things fire and smoke, developing the nasty habit of smoking cigarettes – american spirits, too, because he has no class. however, since he started dating his current girlfriend, he’s pretty much quit smoking to make her happy – and like, to be more kissable.

genuinely, his girlfriend cecilia baum ( y’all know her ? ) has been a super positive influence in his life because he used to drink, smoke, and isolate himself a lot more before getting to know her but honestly the act of developing a crush and trying to impress her all the time got him into better habits and her caring about him has made him care a bit about himself more too.

granted, it’s not JUST cece. making better friends and meeting people that care about him has been a positive influence on him overall

don’t ask me too much about cece, strud and i are mid-plotting but they are dating.

you’d probably think like mechanic, artist, he must be super messy? however, ezra is really meticulous and organized, i would say he’s always been really mature and independent. he has his shit together, but he’s also fueled by a ridiculous amount of coffee in order to do so.

though he does often smell like gasoline from working in the garage so much, though he personally loves that.

really likes thrifting? like browsing thrift stores for hours and finding weird shit or interesting art pieces. he’ll treat thrift stores like museums, could spend hours walking around, but he’ll also spend hours walking around museums.

wanted connections

best friends, bros, etc !! i’m looking for the people he really vibes with in a number of ways, his squad, his fam, the wholesome shit. the scott to his stiles, the schmidt to his nick, all of these things.

but i would especially love to have like his DAY ONE, i will simply go crazy go stupid for a best friend connection and i feel like that person who supported him from the start and made him feel less alone on his first days at NL prob means the fucking world to him.

like, someone he’s protective of? maybe a little sister type connection, essentially someone that’s probably softer and more naive and he feels like he has to look out for them and keep them safe and such.

someone to test out his vehicles and inventions. ezra is always tinkering away in the garage and he comes up with cool stuff for the heroes to use out when they’re saving the world, it would be nice if he had someone who was always down to literally come through in the middle of the night and be the elastigirl to his edna mode and all.

someone that he really clashes with. give me enemies for god’s sake, or anything, i feel like especially when he first arrived at NL he was a bit rough around the edges, hard to get to know. ezra definitely comes off as grumpy and standoffish around people he’s not super comfortable with and he’s pretty introverted, so they might have gotten a bad impression of him.

or honestly if you play a char that’s kind of ? stuck up ? full of themselves ? that would really rub him the wrong way. tho he’s probably just jealous bc he lacks that confidence like damn.

an almost? like a case of bad timing where they were hitting it off or maybe there could have been something between them but he started dating cece instead. maybe your character read into it more than it was and felt really hurt by it. OR he told them he didn’t want a relationship/do relationships and then started dating cece right quick like that’s gotta hurt.

someone who is good w money. help him manage the finances of his etsy store and how to run a business because he doesn’t even know how to properly price his own goods, probably undersells himself. gimme the business mind to his art mind.

drinking buddies! sitting around w a good glass of scotch talking about life after a hard day. ezra doesn’t drink so much but honestly their work is hard and ppl die so like, a lil something to take the edge off.

roommates? is that a thing here? he is in moon building.

naturally also down to vibe and plot anything, exes, family members, enemies, besties, all the things, this is just off the top of my head !!!

#nlintro #* ☕⠀ / ⠀ 𝙁𝙄𝙇𝙀𝘿 𝙐𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙍 ⠀ ﹕ ⠀ ❪ ⠀ intro. ⠀ ❫#one down .. !

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resinatingbeauty · 3 years

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A 'Witch Shop' Owner's Plea Before Casting That Love Spell

I don't personally offer many spell kits, mojo bags, etc. In my shop and avoid selling my 'Craft', as in, I don't advertise or list spell casting among my offerings, though I have had a couple of customers specifically ask if I could perform a spell I offered as a kit on their behalf for whatever reason. This is because I personally believe that the journey is just as important as the destination in witchcraft and many of the spell kits / spells I do offer are designed in such a way to soothe, relax, release, and heal throughout the process. Honestly, in addition, I really don't want the responsibility associated with performing magick on someone else's behalf for many reasons. The strength of my intent is not going to be as strong as yours, for example. Even if I effectively channel your energy, creating that personal connection between the beneficiary and the intent or purpose of the spell work is incredibly difficult at a distance. I'm always wary of other shops advertising this type of service- the sad truth of the matter is our little niche has been permeated by scammers, con artists, and frauds looking to take advantage of anyone looking for a solution to whatever it is that has them at this low point in life. I will tell you, more often than not it's love spells that the customer is after, and they are apt to find many options on Etsy, the platform I primarily do business on, and beyond.

I distinctly think of one potential customer who had contacted me one night obviously very upset. My heart went out to her immediately - I could just tell by what she was saying and how quickly she responded to me that she was in a state of panic and extreme emotional distress. She isn't the only one, but she stands out from the others as her desire to win back her ex lover was so strong it was evident that she would do anything and (potentially) pay anything for a chance to get things back to the way they were in her love life.

I am a human being. I have been given this amazing opportunity to pursue my passion to share my creations and spiritual / metaphysical knowledge with the world through my work. I understood a long time ago that this also meant I had a responsibility to do my best to help those in need and never knowingly harm, much like a doctor commuting to the Hippocratic oath. This may make me a flat out horrible business woman, but I would rather not sell someone on something I don't believe is going to help their situation. In fact, love spells usually make things worse. I'll get to that momentarily.

"Is there a spell to make her see what she has done wrong and to make her love and want me again?"

I allowed this customer to explain to me the situation and took the time to hear her out after telling her that I'm sure that she could find something like that elsewhere and someone else willing to sell her a spell kit or cast that spell, but I urged her to take a deep breath and talk to me before she did something that she would regret.

Thankfully, she spent the next hour or so explaining her situation and elaborating on everything that has happened in her relationship. It was one of those on again / off again things that so many of us get trapped in. Understandable, considering once you establish that strong bond of love, whether one sided or not, it's incredibly hard to cut that cord and move on especially if you're so emotionally invested (and maybe even financially invested) in this other individual who has had your heart for so long you can't imagine giving it to anyone else.

This PSA goes out to the broken hearted of all walks, as this is a universal experience for anyone who has been in love. There may not be someone to stop you from pursuing what you think will fix everything as I did for her, but I'm hoping if you read this, you'll think twice about acquiring and performing love spells or any magick in hopes that it will provide a quick fix to any situation.

•Beware the Opportunistic Con / Scam

Our field is flooded with scammers, con artists, and frauds that exclusively cater to those in this sweet girl's position and anyone who is vulnerable due to emotional distress or panic. Whether you need a love spell like she did to win back her ex or a quick fix to get more money in the bank or what have you, beware those that have used spiritual advisory and witchcraft as a means to peddle you their high priced garbaged. This is a tough one, as you may have a hard time deciphering what is 'legit' and what isn't, but there are some signs and facts you can look for when browsing these shops / websites.

-They promise / guarantee results within a specific or unrealistic time frame

Magick takes time to manifest and the true story is that nobody has a 100% satisfaction guaranteed spell book. More often than not, when spells come to fruition, it often isn't quite the way you would expect it to, either. Anyone promising a quick fix to anything is most likely just trying to take advantage of you when you are vulnerable and you better believe there will be no money back guarantee if said garbage doesn't work for you. OR, they like to do one of these:

-"Oh, your situation is worse than I thought. You're going to need this and this, with a huge $$$$ price tag."

This starts a never ending cycle of you pouring money into this scammer who will make you believe that it is necessary to do so. That maybe if you did throw them an extra $500 for their thingamajig that you will get what you want. This is only the beginning, as when THAT doesn't do it for you the way you would like, they will claim some other interference, maybe you're cursed or under psychic attack, and need something else even more expensive and elaborate to take care of that before you can even get to what you went to them for in the first place. Anytime someone proposes this type of thing, stop while you're ahead and don't provide them with a guaranteed cash flow that you aren't benefitting from at all. Also, be wary of ANY seller who makes outrageous claims- overnight changes, curing cancer, etc. Are unrealistic expectations.

•Understand What You Truly Need

Maybe it's time to consider an alternative path. The customer I spoke about DID ultimately purchase a tarot spread, which I was much more inclined to do for her than some love spell to win back this girl who has repeatedly broken her heart over the past few years and obviously got a kick out of it, the way she told it, as it was ALWAYS her doing the breaking up and blocking, starting all the drama. I told her I would much rather give her a spell to find her twin flame / soul mate than to win this person back who has perpetually been hurting her and taking advantage of her kindness.

Sometimes it's time to cut the cord before more damage is done. I understand it isn't easy to move on from someone you have loved and cultivated a relationship with over a long period of time, regardless of the negative energy that has invaded the relationship, we DO tend to focus on the positives, which leaves us a bit biased and blind to what we could have and deserve to have.

Take a moment if you are in a relationship situation like this, are beginning to question your current relationship, or are considering taking the next step in any relationship. Sit down with a pen and paper. On one side of the paper, write down all the things you love about that person. All the ways you think they have been the light in your life (be honest and give credit where credit is due!). Now on the other side, list the negatives or cons in your relationship. If one list is noticeably longer than the other, depending on which side it is, it may be time to consider breaking it off, giving things another shot, or taking things to the next level. Ask yourself;

-Do they support me in what I do, even if they don't understand or necessarily agree with it? (So long as it is something healthy -obviously if they're supportive of a bad habit or detrimental behavior, this is more like enabling and not a good thing)

-Do they have my best interests at heart more often than not?

-Do they show that they care? Even in the smallest of ways?

-Could I call them my "best friend?" Am I honest with them?

-Are they honest with me?

-Do they lift me up more than they put me down?

-Do you want the same things in life / have similar priorities?

-Is our relationship valuable to them the same way it is to me?

•LOVE SPELLS NEVER WORK THE WAY YOU WANT

This is the cold hard truth about love spells. Forget the warnings in movies and books, as it is hard to believe them or even take them as a legitimate warning when you haven't had the displeasure of experiencing what a love spell can do for yourself. I have, so you don't have to. This is MY story:

Of course love spells are very appealing when you're a young and naive teenager. I had a strong crush on this guy I had low key been stalking since middle school. I don't know why I liked him so much. Part of it I'm sure was the way he looked (hey, I'm being totally honest!) And how he came across to me. We had absolutely no interaction with each other outside of passing each other in the hallway. He had no idea who I was.

I had just borrowed a copy of Silver Ravenwolf's 'Teen Witch' (which is honestly a fantastic book for teens and young adults just starting to delve into Wiccan practices, which she follows exclusively) from a friend of mine and thought I would try the super simple love spell in the book figuring I had nothing to lose. All it consisted of was focusing on the subject, your intentions, writing their name on a piece of paper, folding it up and placing it under your pillow. I would sleep on that paper for months. I was in middle school just about to go into my freshman year of high school when I performed the spell and would forget about it up until the day it worked, a few months into my freshman year of highschool, when my crush was in the graduating class of that year- literally my last chance to make an impression.

I had gone to a local band's concert that was performing at the school's auditorium one day after classes and was just about to leave when my crush randomly approached me and started talking to me. It was like the whole world just stopped right there. I couldn't believe it. The thought of that spell crossed my mind briefly as we exchanged phone numbers.

Over time and getting to know him, he admittedly wasn't exactly my type. He was still someone whose friendship I valued, but not someone I could really put any effort into dating. About the time I realized this, his personality took a complete 180° turn for the worst. He was stalking me. Blowing up my cell phone (which was a prepaid piece of junk at that time I really couldn't talk on for more than a minute without paying a fortune), so much so one evening when I was at Jukido Jujitsu practice that I came home to something like 32 missed calls and 17 voicemails from him, each one showing gradual frustration and anger. This scared me. I knew I had to confront him about it and break this off before it got worse.

I caught him in a populated area of the school the next day before homeroom- more like he came up to me out of nowhere like he knew I would be passing through that part of the school that day- and I confronted him about the calls,attempting to gently explain to him that I wasn't interested in a relationship and I would like to continue being friends. He blew up at me and threw me against the brick wall of the school, trying to kiss and touch me in front of every single person that walked by. I wish I was making this up.

Thankfully a teacher came and pulled him off. Nothing much else was done. I did my best to avoid him and cut him out of my life entirely from that point on.

I don't know if it was the love spell or if this would have occurred anyways. All I knew was that what had been originally a very sweet, big hearted guy that was soft spoken with low self esteem became a monster in a matter of weeks. The take away from this and what I have personally seen with other's experiences with love spells is that they tend to bring out the worst characteristics of the person they are cast on and you have to be really careful what you are actually asking for when thinking about 'desire' and 'passion.' This intent can quickly lead to stalking, obsession, and not in a good way. Another customer of mine who originally came to me for my Forgiveness Spell Kit and had the desired results also, unbeknownst to me, had someone else perform a love and desire spell in addition to it. The guy that she was reverted into an obsessed jerk who decided to spread rumors about her on social media and beyond, blocked her on all platforms, and would get her friends involved in his quest to make her life miserable. Her story reflects and embodies so many I have heard over the years from others who have dabbled in such spells. When they work, it's just never quite what you had in mind.

So if you came to this blog post in search of a love spell for your personal situation or came across it when you have maybe considered one in the past or know someone who has, please take a deep breath, consider your options, and don't do anything that you may regret down the line. Remember that you are deserving of all the love, respect, support, and happiness one could give another. Do not settle on someone who offers you less and expects more, no matter how much you have invested in them, no matter how many years you have spent with them, as they do not appreciate you for the amazing person you are. I can promise you, however, given some time to heal, you WILL find someone who does.

-Samantha

(Owner /Chaos Witch/Designer)

Blursedbaubles.etsy.com

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fangirlxwritesx67 · 4 years

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Three Hearts

Jared x Jensen x OFC Elle 2700 words of Valentine’s Day fluff in the Everything-verse that belongs to @there-must-be-a-lock. Thanks for letting me play in your world again, friend! Enough Road Trip

Valentine’s Day.

Elle was torn. On one hand, it was a totally commercialized excuse for companies to sell chocolate, overpriced cards, and giant bears. At the same time, she liked flowers and sweet treats as much as the next person.

The nice thing about her boyfriends was that neither of them needed a day on the calendar to be romantic. The three of them celebrated together on special occasions -- birthdays, anniversaries -- but had just as much fun in the everydays, when there was nothing to celebrate but each other.

Since moving in with them a little over a year ago, she had enjoyed their thoughtfulness and generosity for every special occasion. The two of them gave good gifts, and frankly, she felt almost spoiled. But her favorite presents were the ones they all enjoyed together -- vacations, spa days, gourmet meals. She hardly wanted anything for Valentine’s Day because they had left her nothing to want.

Buying gifts for them -- now, that was the hard part. She didn’t have their deep pockets. While she didn’t mind letting them pay for their lifestyle, she felt like they shouldn’t buy their own gifts. On top of that, this year, so many of the things they all enjoyed -- trips, concerts, fine dining -- were out of the question.

Elle brought it up one weekend in late January, when they were enjoying a lazy Sunday brunch after a very enjoyable morning all together in Jensen’s bed. Each of them had their own private space, but more often than not, they ended up in one bedroom, especially on weekends. Jared had made each of them omelets to their liking while Jensen made espressos and Elle chopped fruit.

Between bites of the delicious food, she asked casually, “So have you two given any thought to Valentine’s Day this year?” Both of her boyfriends looked at her wide-eyed, so she hurried on. “Not that I’m expecting you to get me anything! I mean, you’re always very generous. I just -- wondered.”

Jared looked at Jensen as if he was asking for permission, and when Jensen nodded, he pulled out his phone.

“So you know how we love watches?”

“I’ve heard about it once or twice.” Elle nodded, her tone teasing. The two of them collected watches like some people collected cars.

“There’s this new Rolex - Jay and I have been on the waitlist for a year. We should be getting them just in time to be our gift to each other. Look, isn’t this a beauty?” He turned the phone to show her while he continued to list for her the features of this particular timepiece.

It looked to Elle very much like any other watch. What caught her eye was the price at the bottom: $30,000 and up. And they were buying a pair of them. The boys continued to chatter excitedly, voices overlapping, as she sat in stunned silence.

$60,000. That was more than she made in a year. What could she possibly give that would compare to a gift like that?

“You okay, sweetheart?” Jensen’s voice cut through the buzz in her brain.

“Oh, yeah.” She forced a laugh. “You know, you lose me with all this watch nerd talk.”

“Don’t worry, that’s why I keep him around.” Jensen pointed a thumb at Jared, who leaned over and playfully nuzzled into his neck. Jensen turned, and the two of them kissed, and Elle wondered for the millionth time how she ever got so lucky.

Jared stood up first, and kissed her, carrying her plate with his to the sink. Jensen followed, and brought her a kiss along with a top off for her coffee. When they left the room, she stayed at the table, savoring her coffee with a smile on her face.

Hot, romantic, and thoughtful. How did she get so lucky to end up with both of these wonderful men?

Then the thought crowded back into her brain: what could she get them for Valentine’s Day?

*** Elle loved shopping online, normally. She enjoyed hunting around for the best deals on things. Usually, Jared was her Amazon shopping partner. But not for this. She browsed what felt like every list on the internet looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Most things were either too cheap or too expensive -- or they already had them.

There was the additional problem that a lot of cute, romantic gifts were clearly aimed at a two-person couple -- not a lot out there for two boyfriends. She did find some cute cards on Etsy, but she was still at a loss for gifts.

Finally she gave up and flicked over to Instagram. She was scrolling through her usual content -- friends, artists, food blogs -- when an ad caught her eye: Dead Sled Leather Co. The photo showed a watch with a beautiful leather band, paired with an embossed wallet. She clicked.

Custom belts, wallets, key chains - all of the goods were beautifully crafted. She got more and more excited as she scrolled until finally she found it: the Gentleman’s Valet Tray. “Need a place to put your watch? This handsome leather valet tray…” That was all she needed to read. She could even get a custom design on the bottom! And it was in her price range.

Her heart sank when she clicked to the order form. “Orders shipping about four weeks out.” That was too late. Well, what did she have to lose? She called the number on the site.

The man who picked up the phone spoke in a slow Kentucky drawl, and she could just about picture chewing tobacco in his mouth. All of her words came out in a rush: how this was the perfect gift for her boyfriends, how she just needed a pair of them in time for Valentine’s Day, and could he help her?

Boyfriends. She definitely hadn’t meant to let that slip. She waited, breathlessly.

The line was silent for a moment and then he spoke. There would be a rush work fee, and she would have to pay for express shipping, but he could do it. Now what design did she want for her lucky fellas?

Elle decided to keep it simple -- three hearts entwined, stamped in the leather. She picked a deep red brown for Jared, and a honey tan for Jensen. The man didn’t question any of it, just promised to have them ready and shipped to her in time.

Her heart was light when she hung up. It wasn’t an expensive gift, but it was special. Thoughtful, perfect for them. And her Texas boys would appreciate the leather craftsmanship. Excited, she clicked onto one of her favorite clothing websites to pick out some lingerie.

*** It was the day before Valentine’s Day, and the gifts still hadn’t arrived. They had been completed -- the maker had sent photos -- and mailed as ordered, but there was some kind of delay with the post office.

All the other things she had ordered were already there -- some quality bourbon, cards, and of course, her lingerie. She had put so much hope into having the perfect gift, and as the afternoon wore on, she grew increasingly anxious.

The boys had gone out together to pick up orders at the grocery as well as the wine store. When they returned, they found Elle pacing the kitchen, nervously picking at a dish towel.

“Whoa,” Jared spoke first. “What’s wrong?”

She shook her head.

“C’mere.” Jensen pulled out a chair at the breakfast table for her. The boys sat down on either side of her. “Something’s going on. Why don’t you let us know what it is?”

“It’s stupid,” she protested, but they knew her too well to believe that. She looked from one to the other -- from Jensen’s candy apple green eyes to Jared’s kaleidoscope hazel gaze. Both of them were radiating so much trust, so much love. Finally she took a deep breath and let it all out.

“I’ve been so worried about what to get you two for Valentine’s Day. You have everything you could ever need, and you’re getting each other these beautiful watches, and I couldn’t afford one if I wanted to, and I just feel kinda useless and --”

Jensen held up one broad hand. “Sweetheart, we get the watches because we like them. And, okay, they’re kind of an investment piece. But we don’t expect you to get us anything like that?”

Jared chimed in. “The best things you’ve given us haven’t cost much at all. Like when you got me the sweets of the world subscription box? Or the coffee of the month for Jay? You give gifts that have a lot of thought, a lot of heart. The price tag isn’t what matters.”

“More than that,” Jensen picked up the thought seamlessly. “It isn’t even the gifts that matter. We’re both so fuckin’ lucky, every day, to just have you.” He looked at Jared, and they both nodded. “We love the things you give us, because we love you.”

“Even if you never gave us a damn thing, you’re the best gift we could ever have.” Jared’s face was so earnest, his brow furrowed and his eyes wide, Elle couldn’t help but smile.

“I feel so lucky to have you, both of you.” She looked back and forth between the two of them.

Jensen reached across the table to brush her cheek with outstretched fingers, and she leaned into his touch. Jared, always the more physically demonstrative one, sprang up and swooped her into a hug. He squeezed her tight, rocking her back and forth until they were both laughing. Jensen stood up and walked over with a fond smile on his face. Jared drew him in with one long arm so they were all together in one loving embrace.

Elle lifted her face to first one, then the other, for a kiss. This was where she belonged, with these two men who made her feel wanted and cherished and loved. Gifts and holidays faded from her mind in their arms. With them she felt safe, secure, forgetting about everything but being with them.

*** “Shh, don’t wake her up.”

Jared’s decidedly un-quiet whisper woke Elle the next morning.

“What are we supposed to do with breakfast in bed if we don’t wake her up?” She heard Jensen respond.

She sat up and opened her eyes just in time to see both men squeeze through her bedroom door. She should have been used to it by now, the way they insisted on sharing the same space, the way they moved in sync. It still made her smile.

Jensen was carrying coffee and a maple bacon donut. Jared was balancing a tray with eggs and bacon, mmm, so much bacon. She ran a hand through her hair delightedly, ruffling the short pink strands.

“Breakfast in bed? How does a girl get so lucky. Thank you!” She looked from one to the other eagerly. “I only see food for one. Aren’t you joining me?”

It took no convincing for them to go grab their own food and coffee.

The three of them were still on the bed, laughing and talking and trading breakfast-flavored kisses when the doorbell rang. At the same time, Elle’s phone chimed with a notification. She shoved her cup at Jensen and leaped out of bed, pausing only to grab a robe, before she hurried to the front door.

It was the mailman, delivering her gifts for the boys. She was so happy that she did a little dance in her pajamas, right there in the entryway. That’s where the boys found her, hugging a priority mail box.

She was so excited, it was all they could do to convince her to wait until after dinner, but they promised her it would be worth it.

“But it’s so long until dinner! What will I do between now and then?” she teased.

“Oh, I have some ideas to fill the time.” Jared looked at her, the wolfish look in his eyes at odds with his dimples, and she giggled.

Jensen snapped his fingers before starting up the stairs. “Bring her, man.”

Next thing Elle knew, she was scooped up in strong arms and being carried upstairs towards the bedrooms.

***

Jared and Jensen did know how to make time pass in a very enjoyable way, Elle thought, hours later, as she dressed on shaky legs. They had all showered together, but the boys were ready more quickly.

Jensen had picked out a slinky knit dress for her -- comfortable and sexy -- as well as a pair of heels. She took her cue from the outfit, adding jewelry and taking time for some sparkly eye makeup.

She made her way downstairs, carrying her wrapped gifts, and saw light in the formal dining room. She walked in slowly to find the room awash in candlelight.

The table was set with their finest dishes and laden with food. A vase of deep red roses sat in the center. Behind it, boxes and bags of her favorite chocolates -- hazelnut and caramel -- were stacked in a glittery pile.

The boys both stood up, one on either side of the table. She took both their hands and let them lead her to her seat between them.

The food was amazing, course after course delivered from their favorite restaurant: french onion soup and salads, crab cakes and shrimp cocktail, followed by perfectly cooked steaks with loaded potatoes and veggies sides. Neither of them let her lift a finger to so much as pour a drink.

They lingered over dinner, talking and laughing, sharing food and kisses. When they were finally done, the boys cleared away the plates. When they returned, Jared was carrying champagne and three flutes, while Jensen had a cheesecake topped with strawberries and chocolate.

Elle’s eyes widened. “That looks amazing, but I’m too full to eat another bite. Can we exchange gifts first?”

Jared and Jensen went first, handing one another identical boxes. They all knew what was inside, but that didn’t stop them from opening the watches with delight. Jensen got his on first, and then rounded the table to kiss Jared just as soon as he finished with the clasp.

Elle looked on, beaming. It was something they shared, and they deserved it. Now that they had talked it out, she didn’t feel inferior for not buying luxury gifts. Plus, she knew her presents would be a perfect compliment. She grinned as she handed them the parcels she had carefully wrapped. They tore into the paper eagerly.

Jensen looked up first, a question in his eyes.

“It’s a valet tray. It sits on your dresser so you have a place to put your watch.”

He threw back his head and laughed, that full laugh she loved so much. “Of course! It’s perfect, love, thank you.”

Jared was still tracing the three hearts on the bottom when he looked up and grinned. “Yes, thank you.” Then he turned his gaze towards Jensen. “Three hearts, Jay, did you see?”

Jensen nodded before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small silky drawstring bag. He shook it into his palm and then held it out.

Elle drew in a sharp breath as she reached for it. She saw that it was a puzzle ring.

“Three bands in one, just like us,” Jensen said softly.

“And you can fidget with it. We know how you love your fidget rings,” Jared added. “But look.” He took the ring back and turned it so she could see inside the band. Stamped inside -- three interlinked hearts.

Elle looked from one to the other. Jensen’s hand closed over Jared’s as they slipped the ring onto her index finger. It fit like it belonged there. She looked from one handsome face to the other, and her eyes welled up as she whispered, “How did I get so lucky?”

They kissed her one at a time, and then together, until she was breathless and laughing.

“How did we ever get so lucky?” Jensen echoed.

“You’re the best gift we’ve ever had, and all we could ever want,” Jared said.

“All? Even with that cheesecake sitting there?” she teased.

“Well, now that you mention it--”

Long after they had eaten their fill of cheesecake, they were still trading sticky sweet kisses, laughing and lingering around the table, three hearts in love.

***

AN: Dead Sled Leather is a real company founded by a local artist who does amazing work. I don’t know if he chews tobacco and I don’t know how he feels about polyamory, but he makes beautiful leather goods. Thanks to @mskathywriteswords for working with my feverish brain to get this into some kind of readable shape, as well as pointing out some of the really cute poly gifts there are on Etsy! You’re the best. Thanks again @there-must-be-a-lock for letting me have fun with these three, and taking a last-minute submission to your Three(k)some Challenge!

SPN First Last and Always: @boondoctorwho @dawnie1988 @deanwanddamons @defenderrosetyler @divadinag @emoryhemsworth @fookinghelljensensthighs @idreamofplaid @kalesrebellion @kickingitwithkirk @maddiepants @magssteenkamp @onethirstyunicorn @the-chocolate-moose @there-must-be-a-lock @tloveswriting

#lou's 3ksome challenge #everything #j2 x ofc #spn rpf #spn Valentine's

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c-is-for-circinate · 5 years

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Learning to Knit and Crochet Resources Online

The world’s a strange, scary place right now, y’all, and I can’t imagine what my past several days would’ve looked like if I didn’t have a mountain of yarn and needles to focus on. Sometimes, when everything is scary, there’s nothing more comforting than soft things in bright colors and the small satisfaction of creating a thing in the world.

But what if you, dear reader, don’t have a stash of yarn and needles? You’ve never needed to turn to fiber arts in a time of need before! (Or at least, not in years.) What if you can’t go outside?

Fear not, friends, this is the post for you!

Step 1: Get some supplies

To begin knitting, you’ll want at least one skein of yarn (I recommend worsted or bulky weight, which is a thicker yarn that’s easier to work with for beginners, in either wool or acrylic) and a set of needles (I recommend somewhere between size 7 and size 11). I’m less familiar with crochet, but you really can’t go wrong with a good worsted weight yarn, and the internet tells me the recommended hook size for that is I-9 through K-10.

The whole world might seem very far away outside your front door, but plenty of local and small businesses would love to bend over backwards right now getting their products to you to help in your time of need. And basically the entire yarn community is made up of small businesses, so there are LOTS of options.

Option 1: local yarn stores. Chances are, if you live anywhere near a major urban area in most countries where it gets cold in the winter (and quite possibly even if you don’t!), there’s an independent yarn and fiber shop near you. Go to google maps and search ‘yarn store’ to see what pops up. (Michaels, JoAnn Fabric, and large retailers like that will probably appear too, and they’re not a bad place to start for a beginner in normal times, but I have no idea what their hours or approach to delivery might be and supporting local businesses is so important right now.) If you find one reasonably near you, check out their website or give them a call. A lot of local yarn stores are taking online or phone orders right now even if they usually don’t. Many will deliver to your door; others, you may have to come into the shop to pick something up, but you’ll be able to make it a very short trip. Bonus here: If you call up a local yarn store on the phone, they’ll probably be delighted to help you decide exactly what to buy as a beginner. (They also probably know more about crochet than I do.) Knitters and crocheters are ridiculously helpful as a community.

Option 2: online yarn retailers. If you don’t have a local yarn store, or if they can’t deliver/you can’t go in, or if their options are too expensive, or for any other reason, there are also LOTS of places to buy yarn and materials online. I’ve had a lot of luck with Alpaca Direct, including that time they were out of the color I ordered and an incredibly nice lady called me on the phone that same afternoon to work out other options for my project. WEBS is also pretty well-known, generally reliable, and often has good deals. Both of these places, despite doing a lot of online business, are associated with individual brick-and-mortar stores which are closed down for shopping and classes right now, so you can feel good about supporting them too. Outside of the US I’m less familiar with the common retailers, but some work with Google should be able to find you someone who can ship to you relatively easily. You can also buy direct from manufacturer in many places! As a last resort, Etsy has some beautiful yarn available pretty much all over--since that tends to be all hand-dyed and often small lots, though, it can be more expensive and less what I’d recommend to a beginner.

Step 2: Learn the basics

Youtube has been a godsend to the whole community for learning fiber arts techniques. There is pretty much no technique you can’t watch demonstrated by half a dozen different people in different ways and languages. And pause and rewind at will.

Casting on, or getting the yarn onto the needle: video 1; video 2; video 3; written instructions with pictures (note that there are LOTS OF WAYS to do this, and the videos don’t all show the same method--searching on youtube offers tons of other options too)

Knit stitch, the most basic stitch: video 1; video 2; video 3; written instructions with pictures (note that these tutorials are all for English style knitting, which I find easier to teach to beginners. If you run into confusing videos later when the yarn is being held in the left hand, that’s Continental style--same result, slightly different technique!)

Purl, the other basic stitch: video 1; video 2; video 3; written instructions with pictures

Bonus: How to crochet: video 1; video 2; video 3

Step 3: Ravelry.com

Now that you’ve got some yarn and you know how to hold it, what do you do with it? Welcome, my friend, to the wonderful world of Ravelry.

Ravelry.com is basically the website for knitting and crochet. It’s the biggest repository of patterns anywhere online (possibly anywhere in the world? somebody fact-check me on that), and it’s very much a place where fiber artists congregate to share project photos and tips. It’s free to make an account, and they take very little personal information. Some things you can do there include:

Find something to make using their fabulous pattern search filters. For instance, you could find all free downloadable patterns written for one skein of worsted yarn at a beginner difficulty, in both knitting and crochet.

Browse the forums looking for help or chatting with other fiber artists

Keep track of your own yarn stash, your projects, and future projects you might want to knit

Look through pictures and projects made by other people to get ideas

Accidentally spend hours going through patterns and project photos self-soothing by looking at pretty things

...etc

I, and most people I know, mostly use Ravelry as a giant pattern library. Any time I decide hey, I want to knit a sweater, I can go over to Ravelry and try to find a pattern for a sweater I like. There are zillions of options, and trust me, as somebody who has written her own knitting patterns--don’t. (At least not until you’ve been at it for a year or two.) A good pattern helps you make sure all the stitches you’re trying to make go in the right place to make something cool. You absolutely don’t have to use one--but it often helps.

Step 4: Just make something!

Crafting is so good for mental health, especially in times like this. I knit while I’m watching shows, listening to podcasts, or just sitting on the couch. It gives me something to do with my hands, calms me down, and lets me feel really good about making something that’s my own.

And the knitter community is pretty awesome. I already know they’re going to fill reblogs of this post with more and better advice that I forgot, as they pass it along. Come on over and join us.

#knitting #crafting #crochet #survival tips for the apocalypse #this is apparently the 2020 mood #pass it along!

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porcupine-girl · 4 years

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You mentioned reusable menstrual pads a while back. Do you have suggestions of where to get them and what kind to buy? I have a few reusable ones but I bled through one once and I've been reluctant to give them another try. I bleed kind of a lot.

Haha, yay for asks that Tumblr doesn’t tell me are there and I have to discover a month later when Tumblr notifies me that a different ask has come in! *sigh*

I bought my most recent round of them from Etsy. Some shops have different thicknesses you can buy, with some having extra absorbancy for heavy flow. However, you probably will need to change your pad more often than you would a disposable one.

Disposable pads have been engineered to soak up the maximum blood as quickly as possible - which is great and all, but I’m like 90% sure those same chemicals are the ones that led me to bleed more heavily when I was using the disposables. But not having those does mean that, especially if you have heavy flow (which, even if it does lighten, won’t happen for a few months), you’ll need to change them out more often. It’s similar to the difference between cloth and disposable diapers - a kid in a disposable diaper might pee a couple times before his diaper gets weighed down and absolutely MUST be changed (it’s ideal not to let it get to that, of course, but if you must let it happen occasionally you can), while a cloth diaper you basically will always need to change as soon as they wet it.

I would browse Etsy and buy a handful that seem to have the qualities you’re looking for in terms of length, absorbancy, etc. Some have waterproof backing under the absorbent layer to limit bleeding through, for example, though if you let it go long enough it’ll just leak out the sides. Try them out on days when you’re not going to be out anywhere (that’s not hard nowadays...) and won’t be wearing nice clothes, see which ones you like best, then go back to that shop and order a bunch.

#menstruation #cloth pads #the-lincyclopedia

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bhushan333 · 4 years

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Articles

Ecommerce

Ecommerce has evolved in many ways since its start, and it’s changing the way we live, shop and do business. Let’s dive into the history and the future of ecommerce.

7 Retail Strategies to Overcome a Growth Plateau

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What is Ecommerce?

Ecommerce (or electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods (or services) on the internet. It encompasses a wide variety of data, systems, and tools for online buyers and sellers, including mobile shopping and online payment encryption.

Most businesses with an ecommerce presence use an ecommerce store and/or an ecommerce platform to conduct online marketing and sales activities and to oversee logistics and fulfillment.

I'm ready to start building or already have my own ecommerce store.

TRY BIGCOMMERCE

I have questions and would like guidance from an ecommerce expert.

TALK TO SALES

To fully understand ecommerce, let’s take a look at its history, growth and impact on the business world. We will also discuss some advantages and disadvantages to ecommerce, plus predictions for the future.

Types of Ecommerce

Generally, there are six main models of ecommerce that businesses can be categorized into:

B2C.

B2B.

C2C.

C2B.

B2A.

C2A.

Let’s review each type of electronic commerce in a bit more detail.

1. Business-to-Consumer (B2C).

B2C ecommerce encompasses transactions made between a business and a consumer. B2C is one of the most popular sales models in the ecommerce context. For example, when you buy shoes from an online shoe retailer, it’s a business-to-consumer transaction.

2. Business-to-Business (B2B).

Unlike B2C, B2B ecommerce encompasses sales made between businesses, such as a manufacturer and a wholesaler or retailer. B2B is not consumer-facing and happens only between businesses.

Business-to-business sales often focus on raw materials or products that are repackaged before being sold to customers.

3. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C).

C2C is one of the earliest forms of ecommerce. Customer-to-customer relates to the sale of products or services between customers. This includes C2C selling relationships, such as those seen on eBay or Amazon.

4. Consumer-to-Business (C2B).

C2B reverses the traditional ecommerce model, meaning individual consumers make their products or services available for business buyers.

For example, the iStockPhoto business model in which stock photos are available online for purchase directly from different photographers.

5. Business-to-Administration (B2A).

B2A covers the transactions made between online businesses and administrations. An example would be the products and services related to legal documents, social security, etc.

6. Consumer-to-Administration (C2A).

C2A is similar to B2A, but consumers sell online products or services to an administration. C2A might include online consulting for education, online tax preparation, etc.

B2A and C2A are focused on increased efficiency within the government via the support of information technology.

History of Ecommerce

Ecommerce was introduced about 40 years ago in its earliest form.

Since then, electronic commerce has helped countless businesses grow with the help of new technologies, improvements in internet connectivity, added security with payment gateways, and widespread consumer and business adoption.

Ecommerce Timeline

1969: CompuServe is founded.

Founded by electrical engineering students Dr. John R. Goltz and Jeffrey Wilkins, early CompuServe technology was built utilizing a dial-up connection.

In the 1980s, CompuServe introduced some of the earliest forms of email and internet connectivity to the public and dominated the ecommerce landscape through the mid-1990s.

1979: Michael Aldrich invents electronic shopping.

English inventor Michael Aldrich introduced electronic shopping by connecting a modified TV to a transaction-processing computer via telephone line.

This made it possible for closed information systems to be opened and shared by outside parties for secure data transmission — and the technology became the foundation for modern ecommerce.

1982: Boston Computer Exchange launches.

When Boston Computer Exchange launched, it was the world’s first ecommerce company.

Its primary function was to serve as an online market for people interested in selling their used computers.

1992: Book Stacks Unlimited launches as first online book marketplace.

Charles M. Stack introduced Book Stacks Unlimited as an online bookstore. Originally, the company used the dial-up bulletin board format. However, in 1994 the site switched to the internet and operated from the Books.com domain.

1994: Netscape Navigator launches as a web browser.

Marc Andreessen and Jim Clark co-created Netscape Navigator as a web browsing tool. During the 1990s, Netscape Navigator became the primary web browser on the Windows platform, before the rise of modern giants like Google.

1995: Amazon launch.

Jeff Bezos introduced Amazon primarily as an ecommerce platform for books.

1998: PayPal launches as an ecommerce payment system.

Originally introduced as Confinity by founders Max Levhin, Peter Thiel, Like Nosek and Ken Howery, PayPal made its appearance on the ecommerce stage as a money transfer tool.

By 2000, it would merge with Elon Musk’s online banking company and begin its rise to fame and popularity.

1999: Alibaba launches.

Alibaba Online launched as an online marketplace with more than $25 million in funding. By 2001, the company was profitable. It went on to turn into a major B2B, C2C, and B2C platform that’s widely used today.

2000: Google introduces Google AdWords as an online advertising tool.

Google Adwords was introduced as a way for ecommerce businesses to advertise to people using Google search.

With the help of short-text ad copy and display URLs, online retailers began using the tool in a pay-per-click (PPC) context. PPC advertising efforts are separate from search engine optimization (SEO).

2004: Shopify launches.

After trying to open an online snowboarding equipment shop, Tobias Lütke and Scott Lake launched Shopify. It’s an ecommerce platform for online stores and point-of-sale systems.

2005: Amazon introduces Amazon Prime membership.

Amazon launched Amazon Prime as a way for customers to get free two-day shipping for a flat annual fee.

The membership also came to include other perks like discounted one-day shipping and access to streaming services like Amazon Video and members-only events like “Prime Day.”

This strategic move helped boost customer loyalty and incentivize repeat purchases. Today, free shipping and speed of delivery are the most common requests from online consumers.

2005: Etsy launches.

Etsy launched, allowing crafters and smaller sellers to sell products (including digital products) through an online marketplace. This brought the makers community online — expanding their reach to a 24/7 buying audience.

2009: BigCommerce launches.

Eddie Machaalani and Mitchell Harper co-founded BigCommerce as a 100% bootstrapped ecommerce storefront platform.

Since 2009, more than $25 billion merchant sales have been processed through the platform, and the company now has headquarters in Austin, San Francisco and Sydney.

2011: Google Wallet introduced as a digital payment method.

Google Walletwas introduced as a peer-to-peer payment service that enabled individuals to send and receive money from a mobile device or desktop computer.

By linking the digital wallet to a debit card or bank account, users can pay for products or services via these devices.

Today, Google Wallet has joined with Android Pay for what is now known as Google Pay.

2011: Facebook rolls out sponsored stories as a form of early advertising.

Facebook’s early advertising opportunities were offered to Business Page owners via sponsored stories. With these paid campaigns, ecommerce businesses could reach specific audiences and get in the news feeds of different target audiences.

2011: Stripe launches.

Stripe is a payment processing company built originally for developers. It was founded by John and Patrick Collison.

2014: Apple Pay introduced as a mobile payment method.

As online shoppers began using their mobile devices more frequently, Apple introduced Apple Pay, which allowed users to pay for products or services with an Apple device.

2014: Jet.com launches.

Jet.com was founded by entrepreneur Marc Lore (who sold his previous company, Diapers.com, to Amazon.com) along with Mike Hanrahan and Nate Faust.

The company competes with Costco and Sam’s Club, catering to folks looking for the lowest possible pricing for longer shipping times and bulk ordering.

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thedisneychef · 1 year

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What Stores Sell Recipe Cards? Tips and Options

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