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kpoporacle · 3 years ago

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I wish people would put more thought into the characters that they write....

Sometimes I feel like they just take an archetype and just slap it on the character... it's very obvious in gay fanfiction, so I will use it to demonstrate....

So first, we have our dom/alpha/top, who is generally considered "the man in the relationship." They are generally considered in control of the relationship, and often wrestle more control from their s/o, can be emotionally detached, and can be abusive. Their entire point is to express an image of strength.

Then there's the bottom/beta, who is often considered the "woman" in the relationship. Their level of autonomy may vary depending upon the angle they are going for in the more dominant partner, and may have absolutely none if the partner is abusive. Alternatively, they may have some problem that the partner needs to fix for them. The author may exposit a couple of goals or dreams, and promptly forget about them once they meet their partner.

And that leaves us with the sub/omega, usually treated as hyper-feminine, and often has a vagina because the author doesn't know how to write for someone who has a dick. They have absolutely zero autonomy, and are often depicted as just lying around all day waiting to get fucked. They often are the equivalent of a kink bingo card, and it is often a moment for the author to give in to their rape fantasies and then go for the "men deserve it" or "men like it" twist.

So how would we fix this lumbering hot mess of a fiction?

To start with, instead of saying "they're gay" every 200 words or acting like being gay is a personality trait, perhaps just let it blend into the background as more of a theme. Most of us who are gay have hobbies, listen to music or watch movies like everyone else. So using stereotypes like being obsessed with pumpkin spice, unicorns, rainbows, tattoos, dyed hair, or painted nails are not always true....

So let's get started.....

If it's a porn without plot this isn't as necessary, but longer stories should have dreams and goals for their main characters, and either they achieve those, make progress towards them, or realize new goals and change course.

Also, your characters should have autonomy. Even if you are going for a BDSM angle, your character should have the option to decide what he wants to do. If he doesn't, he is in an abusive relationship, unless that is the angle you were going for in which case congratulations.

Your characters might have more of a range of the roles. Sure, there is usually one who is more dominant and one is more submissive, but the lines between those distinctions can be blurred. Also the top doesn't always mean he's more dominant, but maybe he makes a poor bottom, or he just doesn't like it, or he is just a better top.... maybe he likes both.

Although it is possible to write a story that discusses rape, using it as a fantasy or to disregard male victims is disgusting. According to 3/4 studies by the CDC, men and women are assaulted at an almost equal rate. The fourth was the only one that showed women higher, but only because it excluded female perpetrators, and men are far more likely to be assault by women.

And finally, this might be controversial, but stop slapping a vagina on men. It never turns out right, and it always seems to be an author self insert.... if you want that, then just write an original character.

Okay, let's take a more practical look.... let's use the ABO angle that I started with.

Let's start with our "alpha". He's a member of an idol group, and after years of setbacks, he just wants one of their albums to chart in the top ten. He's tried acting to increase popularity and make money, but he's still struggling so he works part time at a restaurant. He was raped by a sasaeng, but he keeps it from the other members because he can't get the authorities to help, and he worries how the other members will see him. He tends to bottom because he has low endurance and cums too quickly, but he often cums untouched as the bottom.

Our "beta". A member of the same group, he's somewhat oblivious to how close the group has been to disbanding, probably because of his overly positive outlook on life. He really wants a specific breed of dog, but the members don't want any pets. He used to not like the "alpha", but he overheard his CEO arguing with the "alpha", and realized that no one was willing to help him. He decides to be to be there for him, but keeps it a secret, and ends up in a relationship with him. He is a switch, so he usually tops.

Finally, our "omega". He's a producer at tv station in charge of finding cast for variety shows, and is maybe six or seven years older than the boys. He wants to follow in his father's footsteps and become a PD of a major show. He discovers the boy's relationship by accident, and tries to keep their secret for them, but eventually they offer for him to join. He becomes increasingly conflicted as he begins to question if he is abusing his position, not only sleeping with them, but also getting them work in various shows. Despite his image, he would be bottom, and often likes to be tied up, having a preference for having his control stripped away from him.

Well, there it is. It isn't much, but I feel like it's a better concept..... if work wasn't so busy, I would have actually put some work into it.

#fanfiction #i hope the three people who read this enjoy it 😅😅😅

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surveys-at-your-service · 4 years ago

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Survey #338

“i can’t decide if you’re wearing me out, or wearing me well”

Are you a fan of techno? I've gotten more into it lately, actually. I've never minded it. Who’s your favorite horror movie villain/monster? Pyramid Head, though he's called Red Pyramid Thing in the movies. Do you have a favorite muscle car? Nah. I'm not big into cars. What would be a total deal-breaker for you, relationship-wise? You so much as lift your hand at me, bye, motherfucker. Would you consider yourself to be accepting of others? Yes, but not as much as I used to be. There are certain opinions I just don't tolerate in people anymore; I feel like by staying associated with people whose views invalidate or in any way harm others (racism, homophobia, transphobia, etc.), you're on the side of evil as well, even if indirectly. However, I genuinely do feel I have a wide range of viewpoints I'm willing to accept in others, even if I don't agree with them. Are you flirtatious? No. I think I'm only capable of flirting with someone I'm already with and very comfortable around. I'd feel way too shy and awkward otherwise. Have you ever just felt "drawn" to someone, but you didn’t know why? "Didn't know why," no. I've felt drawn to people with good reason, like if I was romantically interested in them. Is there anyone you currently want to reach out to? There's a number, honestly. Especially with the aid of therapy, I'm being motivated to strengthen bonds with old friends and/or acquaintances via Facebook. Freddy or Jason? I think Jason is scarier. Freddy tends to come across as cheesy for me. Have stickers or gems on your cell phone? Nah. Ever teased your hair? Bitch I damn well tried in high school because I wanted the ~ l e g i t ~ emo hair, but mine was just too heavy to hold, at least with the hairspray my sister had. Have any friends with benefits? Nah, that's never been my thing. Ever lost of bunch of valuable information? Ummm I don't believe so. I've lost massive RP posts before, but I can't really call those "valuable information." What drinks or food make you hyper? None, really. Most expensive thing you ever bought? With my own money, my snake. She's a champagne morph ball python. What type of toothpaste do you use? Crest. How much time to spend putting on makeup daily? Zero. When listening to a song, what do you listen for (lyrics, bass, beat, ect)? The beat, more than anything else. What is the color of your toothbrush? It's a white electric one. What is your favorite color(s) of eye-makeup? Black. Just black. Are you sexually active? I'm not. Do you have sensitive skin? Very. Are you attracted to several guys atm? I'm actually not attracted to any guys in my personal life atm. How many toilets are in your house? Two. Do you have an older sister? Excluding the one I don't know, I have three older sisters. Favorite song by Owl City? Probably "Hot Air Balloon," but I don't know many at all. What color is your mum’s car? White. Do you truly understand the (LDS) Mormon religion? I don't know what "LDS" means, but as my former best friend developed into a Mormon, I learned some stuff from her in her self-discovery. I don't remember a lot of it, not that I knew all that much in the first place. Where do you keep your kitty litter box? Ugh, Mom's unmovable about it being in my fucking room for some reason. And we have an extra goddamn room no one uses yet. Roman's shit STINKS, like we think something might actually be wrong, but nope, it has to stay in here. e_e It would literally inconvenience nobody if we moved it in the spare room. Are you a lighter complexion than your father? MUCH lighter. He's very tan. Do you like apricots? No. Solid soap bar or liquid body wash? 100% body wash. Bar soap slips so easily, and as someone who lives with another person, I'm not rubbing my body with the same bar my mother uses, no offense to her. Sharing it's just gross. Where do you live (country or state)? Shitty 'ole North Carolina. Do you use plastic, wooden, or wire hangers? I think we have a mix of them, actually. What is your favorite shade of yellow? I only like pastel yellow. Otherwise, it's one of my least favorite colors. Are there any shades of blue that you don’t like? If so, which ones? Ehhh not really. What is something you want to accomplish before you turn 30? God, can I please have a stable career by then. Who has the best decorated house in your town? I don't know. We live in a cul de sac community thing where it's just houses next to houses, so there's a lot to choose from. I don't pay attention to them. What is your favorite part of Halloween? The decorations. Do you feel a connection to the moon? "As above, so below," as the saying goes. What does your heart long for? Peace and contentness with myself. Did you decorate a pumpkin this year? Last year, I didn't. I do want to this year, though, if I can just think of a really good idea. I have to be motivated. What are some fall activities you would do with your kids? I'm not having kids, but I'll follow along, hypothetically. With how much joy Halloween brought me as a kid, I'd want to do SO much as a family with them. Homemade decorations, carving or painting pumpkins together, and hell yeah I'd be taking them trick-or-treating once I felt they were ready and they wanted to. I'd be one of those parents that probably spends too much on whatever costumes they want, haha... Oh, and then besides Halloween, I'd certainly rake leaf piles together for them to jump and play in. This question has brought to mind like ONE thing I could enjoy as a parent, haha. Have you ever seen a fox? I have; besides in a zoo setting, I've seen one or two in the wild run out of sight, and I also found one poor fellow as roadkill that had been disemboweled by I'm assuming vultures. With my whole roadkill photography thing, I literally almost kneeled into a strand of intestines I didn't see at first. :x What color are the squirrels where you live? We only have brown ones. Is there anything about Halloween you find offensive? lol no What do the trees look like where you live? Lots, and lots, and LOTS of pine trees... There are others, but I'm not well-informed on tree species and such. Oh, then of course there are dogwoods (our "state tree"), which are unmistakable because they smell like fucking manure. What is your dream vacation? Maybe the mountains on the western side of NC during the fall... ugh, that would be breathtaking. We actually have an abandoned The Wizard of Oz-themed park around there that allows tours at certain times of the year, and I'd love to visit and photograph there. As well, western NC has the zoo, which would be spectacular to visit with autumn weather and, once again, load up on photos. Did you like field trips when you were a kid? I LOVED field trips. Do you find museums boring or interesting? Very interesting! Would you ever wear a shirt with your country’s flag on it? No. I'm not patriotic enough at all for that. What’s a medicine that makes you sleepy? Historically, larger doses of Klonopin can knock me the fuck out. Do you like bath bombs? Never used one, because I don't do baths. Who are your favorite small YouTubers? I'm going to guesstimate you mean less than 1M subs as "small," because I really don't know what you consider to fit that description. I watch a lot of people with less than 1M, so it's hard to say, but lately it's probably been a let's player John Wolfe. He's really funny. Then there's some tarantula YouTubers, along with the animal educator Emzotic... and really just many others. I think most of the people I watch actually have sub-1M, but more than 500k. Who are your favorite big YouTubers? Markiplier is absolutely, positively #1. I also really enjoy Snake Discovery, GameGrumps, Jeffree Star (don't judge me ok, he's a fuckin hoot), and while I haven't watched them in years, Good Mythical Morning will ALWAYS be deeply, deeeeply embedded in my heart. What was your favorite girl group when you were growing up? Ummm probably the Spice Girls? Have you ever used an outhouse? Ugh, yes, at old childhood sports games. What was the last good cause you donated towards? When I cut off like 8+ inches of hair to accomplish the style I have now, I donated it to Children With Hair Loss. My hair has always been mega-thick and healthy, so why in the world waste it? One of my most cherished items is the certificate I got in return many months later that my donation had been used. Have any of your exes gotten married or had kids since your breakup? I haven't had contact with Juan in many years, don't know what Tyler's up to either, and I haven't spoken to Jason since 2017, so. I'm very doubtful he's married or has kids yet, though, just knowing him and how "I need to be fully prepared for this" he is with big life stuff like that. Does it bother you when people get super emotional? Not at all. I'll do my all to comfort them. Have you ever worked in a restaurant? No. Do you get a lot of thunderstorms where you live? Depends on the time of year. Summertime? Brief but super intense thunderstorms every late afternoon. What was the last drive-thru you went through? Taco Bell w/ Mom. Do you know anyone who claims they can see/feel spirits or other supernatural ‘things?’ No. Do either of your parents have a mental illness? My mom has depression, and Mom is also convinced Dad has either depression masked as anger and/or bipolarity, but following the divorce, I don't see it in him at all. He's never seen a doctor in that field to be diagnosed with any mental illness. What fun things are there to do where you live? Jackshit. Do you know anyone with a really poorly-trained dog? Mother of fucking god, yes. My little sister lives with her best friend, and said friend has a colossal black lab named Hudson that is absolutely uncontrollable because she neglects the shit out of him. Won't listen to you even if it saved his life. He jumps on you, barks endlessly, and if he escapes the house? Good fucking luck getting him inside. She has absolutely no right to own a dog with how shitty of an owner she honestly is. When you were growing up, did your family rent or own your home? They owned it. The idiots who were moving in after us accidentally burnt the place to a fucking crisp, and my parents were SO not happy to lose that house because people were dumb enough to place boxes atop the goddamn stove. Do you do meal-prepping? No. Do you know anyone who got preggo less than a year into their relationship? Multiple people, not that that's my business. What did you dream about last night? I don't remember it clearly, other than I was with Jason and his mother was also present. What's the biggest age difference you've ever had in a relationship? That would have been with Juan, but I don't remember exactly how old he was. I just know I was a freshman and him a senior that got held back a year or so in HS. If you could save one animal from ever becoming extinct, what animal would you pick? Probably bees, given how vital they are. Name the coolest thing about one of your grandparents. My maternal grandmother worked at Disney World. I can't remember what her position was, though. Do you ever eat peanut butter straight from the jar? If I want a healthy snack, sometimes I'll have a scoop. Do you prefer your clothes loose or close fitting? They need to be loose. Favorite thing you’ve ever painted? This big painting of meerkats grooming on burlap I did in high school. Do you always wear a bra? I question the self-love of anyone who can sleep with a bra on. ;__; Do you normally finish one book before starting another? Oh yes, I can't read more than one at a time. Do you prefer reading books, comic books, manga/graphic novels, magazines, or the newspaper? The normal book. Do you know how to play chess? I don't. Are you watching anything? No, but I do have Manson's "Third Day of a Seven Day Binge" on in another tab. What is your blood type? A-. Has anyone ever borrowed something from you and never returned it? Yes. Do you twitch when you're falling asleep? Dude, I more than "twitch." I can just suddenly spaz out and look like I'm seizing for a moment. Another side effect of my nightmare suppressant medication. Are any of your pets “overweight”? No. Has anyone ever bought you a ring? My mom has bought me a few, and Jason gave me one for one of our anniversaries. Where was the last place you took a bath/shower, other than your own house? My sister's place. What first attracted you to the last person you kissed? Just how unique and happy that way she is. And her pretty much undying loyalty. Has someone ever taken a pic of you while you were making out with someone? No, considering I wouldn't go that far with someone unless we were alone. Had a crush on someone you thought shared your sexuality, turns out didn’t? Yes. What’s your favorite color to wear? Black. Does it gross you out if a guy has hair on his chest? I personally don't find an excess of it attractive, but it doesn't "gross me out." If they bathe themselves just like everyone else, why should it? Do you think sexuality is a choice or not? It is absolutely not a choice. If it was, I'd assume most people would choose to be straight, given phobias, hatecrimes, etc... I could write an essay on this. Do you like industrial piercings? Yeah. Do you think stretched ears are disgusting? "Disgusting" is, once again, the wrong word. Gauges don't really gross me out - hell, I want tiny ones -, but they can reach a size that, to me, is not visually appealing. Did you watch animated Barbie movies when you were little? I do remember loving Princess and the Pauper as well as the Rapunzel one; my sister was addicted to them. Oh yeah! Then there was the Swan Lake one that she adored, too. We usually watched movies together. Do you like fruit in your cereal? Big No. Do you like raw vegetables? Ugh, no. Do you listen to A Day to Remember? I do! They're on my list of faves. Do you like funnel cake? I actually don't. Have you ever been with someone while they were getting a tattoo? Yuh.

#survey #surveys #questions #lyrics: ''third day of a seven day binge'' by marilyn manson

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katsukikitten · 5 years ago

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Irritated 3

Bakugou and Izuku stand in line for quick ramen while you stand at a different vendor for a sub. You're salivating as you think of what you want on your eight inch.

A ping rings out from Izuku's pocket, he fishes for his phone almost dropping it with burning cheeks as Bakugou rolls his eyes beside him. The ash blonde watches the deep emerald man's face contort.

"We don't have time to eat!" Izuku exclaims.

"What?" A snarl from beside him.

"'You and Bakugou have an interview at 230 with the rest of class 1A in building A. Please keep Y/N in the same vicinity as you. Sorry for the last minute add on.'" He reads aloud, watching Bakugou's face sour.

"Wow that dick." Bakugou hisses as he looks over the food court before spotting you, "I guess I'll grab Y/N. Are we even in the right fucking building?"

"I'll look it up n..now!" Izuku unfolds the map of the convention center looking for where the q & as are normally held in building A as Bakugou stomps after you.

You're literally next in line, already got in your head what you're going to get before a strong hand pulls at the crook of your arm. Your blood runs cold while your heart accelerates, you hadn't seen the green eyes cuck follow you into the food court. He got a phone call and headed back in the direction of where you first saw him.

"Don't fucking tou..." You turn with furious eyes faintly glowing to your assailant only to hesitate when met with burning and fastly narrowing blood red eyes. He tugs you harder, vice grip on your arm threatening to bruise ruining any positive points he earned today. He drags you all the way to a panicking Izuku before you yank free of his deadly fingers.

"What the fuck I was literally next?!" Hunger further fueling your anger as you stare down Bakugou. He faces away to avoid an argument, angry himself to miss food.

Angry, though he will never admit it, that you had such a negative reaction to his touch.

Izuku fills you in as you're dragged to the giant conference room. The three of you flashing your passes to security to allow y'all to enter. They open the doors and tell you to sit in the reserved seats in the front of the stage at least five minutes before the event begins.

"This is bullshit you know?" You growl, doing what you do best taking it out on Bakugou.

"Yea becuase this was my fucking idea in the first place." He snaps back to you, crossing chiseled arms.

"Guys. Please. You were doing so well." Izuku tries just to be met with harsh glares.

"Bakugou Katsuki?!" A deep male voice rings out just barely over an excited womans voice shouting.

"Deku-kun!!"

Two figures approach quickly, Bakugou stiffens before slightly relaxing as none other than Red Riot walks striaght for him. While a chestnut haired woman comes for a blushing Izuku.

A cat smile creeps on your face as you figure this is the girl Deku was talking about. She hugs him in time with Red Riot hugging an angrier by the second Bakugou.

"Oi shitty hair let go of me damn it!" He snarls, cheeks slightly flushed before he is released. Ruby red eyes fall onto you before they shine with delight.

"Ah THE Tejina? I'm Kirishima!" He offers you a wide toothed grin before nudging Bakugou, "Is she your girlfriend?"

"HELL NO!" Both of you answer in unison as a beautiful bubblegum pink skinned woman approaches. She holds onto Kirishima's arm, looking too amused for your liking.

"I don't know they *do* kinda sound like they're dating." She laughs as red eyes narrow on her form. She extends her right hand to you.

"I'm Mina. Tejina, I just *love*your Instagram!! You HAVE to take me to that cafe you post the catppuccinos from!!!"

"Please call me Y/N." You smile, already loving the vibe of two very respectable heroes, "They make frogs shaped ones in spring!"

"Oh they do? Asui would love to see that!" She exclaims. The cracking sound of the PA system silences your reply as a voice rings out overhead.

*"Q&A with the famous class 1A in year 20XX will be commencing in t minus five minutes."*

"Well that's my cue!" You say as you begin to make your way to your seat.

"Join us for dinner!" Mina calls out and you give her a thumbs up before sitting in a section by yourself. For once you're thankful that you are not sitting in a seat at one of the many long tables on the stage and that you're a part of the crowd. You glace over your shoulder to sweep the room as you would normally do but you pay even closer attention, waiting for your eyes to catch dark grass green ones. You sigh with relief when you do not see them and settle into your chair as the lights dim a little.

"Welcome fans to the exclusive event of a rare Q and A panel for the famous class 1AAAAAAAA" The host announces as he brings his hand to point to left stage. The twenty alumni walk out as screams erupt behind you. Loud enough you'd think your ear drums burst.

"DEKU HAVE MY BABIES!!"

"RED RIOT GIVE ME YOUR RED ROCKET!"

"PINKY SPIT ON ME!!!!"

You roll your eyes over the typical fan thirst solidifying your original thinking about fans. That they place their idols on a pedestal forgetting that they too are people. Living and breathing just as them but with the pressure of responsibility being ten fold.

"Now we have gotten a majority of your questions from Twit handle @askconanything but we have made time for a special few to get a change to ask their burning questions." The host smiles at the crowd and their clapping echoes through the building as if it were thunder.

The questions are typical and directed to the team as a whole. Some ask for the dirty details of certain missions or even as simple of how do you take your coffee.

Some how they all answer, none of their responses surprising you.

Sato takes his with lots of sugar, even saying the old joke of "I like a little coffee with my sugar."

Todoroki likes his iced and black, Momo does not drink coffee instead an earl grey tea with light cream. Mina prefers a hot chocolate but would settle for a cuppocinno with an animal made from the froth. Denki likes anything as long as it has three expresso shots. Kirishima loves flavored creamers, a glutton for the seasonal creamer that comes out in the grocery store.

You roll your eyes as he blatantly hints that he's a pumpkin spice whore.

Izuku's you already know because it once surprised you as it does the whole crowd now.

As if his coffee order determined some personality trait we all missed.

"Oh I like my coffee black." He smiles and the crowd gasps while one fan screams I told you so!!

"And you Bakugou?" The host prompts looking at the last hero on the panel. He sighs angrily before answering.

"Iced, winter summer dont give a shit iced. Heavy heavy cream. Sugar and a pump of vanilla." He snarls crossing his arms as the host was surprised to even get a response from him.

Bakugou's was the only one you never would have guessed. You thought it would be black like Izuku's not the exact same way you took your coffee. Especially not after the time you brought coffee to one of the first meetings with Director Yami, Izuku, yourself and Katsuki. You bought two of your order just to spite Bakugou. Thinking he would be too prideful over ice in his coffee. Little did you know he had a mean petty bone in himself too.

But for it to be his preference? That couldn't be right. Had you ever seen him with an iced coffee before?

You snort as you question if you've ever even paid Bakugou more than a glance before this weekend started.

A few fans ask interesting questions about being students and what the dorms were like.

What their agencies look like and one even begs for a personal story about training with Bakugou was like that Kirishima happily answers while small pops catch your eye.

Oddly enough you're enjoying this Q&A, the vibes and banter that this class had with each other was astounding.

It made your heartache for more and for great friends of your own.

"Okay now the question I know you've all been waiting for!!" The host cannot even finish his question before the crowd erupts again. Some how knowing where he is going while you struggle to guess, "Relationship status!!!"

He seemingly picks members at random, staring with Minta. Who has oddly grown to normal height and even looks like an average person but his eyes still sparkle with that perverted gleam.

"Single." Is said by 16 of the class of twenty.

"Taken." Todoroki says simply, holding up the hand of Momo who sports a larger than life diamond. Mixed emotions are expressed by the crowd briefly before the host turns his quisitive gaze upon Izuku.

He is blushing furiously, fighting to keep his eyes from wandering to a certain brown eyed girl that proclaimed her status as S I N G L E.

"Si..Single." His first stutter of the whole hour and forty five minute event. Women scream as if they've won the lotto.

"Bakugou? Is their anyone special in your life?"

He narrows crimsom into slits before baring his teeth.

"What kinda dumbass questions are these?" It comes out dark but you hear the whimper of some of the women behind you.

"Your fans are dying to know! There isnt a single person for our lone wolf Ground Zero? No one that makes your heart race? Your palms hot? And not with explosions." The host graciously recovers and you see a faint flush creeping on his cheeks. You watch as he clenches his fist, biting the inside of his lip to keep from exploding. He holds a death glare with the host before sucking his teeth, a smile is painted on his lips. A smile that turns deadly cocky.

"The only love I have is for being number one."

Girls swoon in their chairs as some scream.

"I'LL BE YOUR NUMBER ONE KATSUKI!!"

Something about it makes your stomach clench but honestly are you surprised?

The man would rather have one night stands and only commit to work than to have to commit to another human being. You roll your eyes as the host smiles while agreeing before turning his gaze to bubblegum pink skin.

"Well I did just get this." She says slyly holding up her left hand, showing off a gleaming diamond. The crowd chants 'Who who' like a parliament of owls in the dead of night though you silently chant along with them having last heard of her being single.

"Well he's cute for starters." Mina cooes and you do not miss the blush that rises on the ruby eyed man next to her. Excitement suddenly bubbles in your blood as you wait on the edge of your seat for her to say what you're thinking.

Golden moons suspended in the black of night slide over to her shining gem. The silence of the room is unbearable as more that 150 people wait on baited breath.

"Kirishima yall!" She finally gushes and everyone is over joyous. Documenting it all before the media even had a chance, "I kept it in the dark for so long because I wanted my fans to know first."

And that had you feeling some type of way. Truly struck you as you thought of what that must be like. To be so close to your fans to want to announce to them first. As if they were friends, family. Guilt plagues you for a moment before you make a promise to yourself.

To be a little more open like Mina.

The class picks dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating, its packed from both business and following flocks of fans keeping you just slightly on edge. You all wait while they gather a table together on the patio beneath the string lights and the slowly setting summer sun. For a moment you're left in the back, feeling like a stranger looking in through the picture window of a dining room.

As if watching the large family sitting around the table eating, laughing, all enjoying one another's company as they feast on the holiday dinner while snow piles high on your shoulders.

You feel the chill and weight now, fighting back to urge to reach out to the nearest bicep, to cling to the strong arm until you can swallow your self pity.

Along with friends you never really had family either. You ate in an empty apartment on every birthday, holiday and any day in between.

As the group is guided to be seated you put on your best mask, the one you wear when you tell people they will be okay when you know full well that their life has been altered forever. That even though the initial danger is over they will have to carry the weight of their trauma for years to come. No one ever mentioned that you too would carry their trauma with you, little pieces tucked neatly away in your pockets and purse.

No one notices your facade as you joke with them, as you feign a laugh.

No one but red eyes.

You sit between Kirishima and Bakugou. Across from Mina and Izuku, who's wide jade eyes are focused to the woman on his right with chocolate brown hair.

Eventually your smile becomes genuine as does your laugh. As if someone saw your withered frame illuminated in the dark night by the warm glow of their dining room staring in.

And instead of scaring you away they invited you in. Moved chairs around to accommodate you, even made you a warm plate.

That's what it feels like anyway when you laugh at Kirishima's joke at Bakugou's expense.

"How the fuck was I supposed to know she wasn't going to like spicy?!" Katsuki growls after Kirishima finishes a story about an ex girlfriend of Bakugou's who hadn't been in the picture long. Bakugou glares before gathering noodles with his chopsticks. Slurping on the very same spicy ramen from the story.

Kirishima leans in close, ruby eyes glittering with mischief as he whispers in your ear.

"I dare you to take a bite of his Narutomaki and offer him the rest. It's his favorite part."

"Give me 20 bucks and I'll do it." Your eyes mirror his with endless trouble twinkling in the low light. He glances between the ramen and you before a wide toothed smile pulls at his lips.

"Deal." A breath of a whisper. You snatch your chopsticks up and dip into his bowl, grabbing onto the small red and white swirl with ease before taking a bite of. The table is silent as they watch you do the forbidden. One should never steal food from Bakugou, especially not his fish cake.

But you do and then you have the audacity to offer it back gently, sticks poised in a way that the other half is facing him and easy to grab with his mouth should he wish.

He glares at it while the whole table waits with held breath. Izuku watches, ready to pounce with a Kaachan to avert his attention from your ever growing cocky form.

Instead of explosions or a flip of the long table, teeth gingerly take the other half of the fish cake.

You blush furiously as he holds eye contact with you, lips still over chopstick. It was as if the world fell to a black backdrop as he stared up at you.

"Are you sure she's not your girlfriend?" Denki finally asks breaking whatever spell was on the two of you. Bakugou quickly bites down harshly, snapping the chopsticks in his mouth like a heathen. He spits the two tips perfectly into the electric man's food before baring his teeth.

"I'm fucking sure." His tone is deadly before he continues to eat his ramen, "OI the fuck are yall looking at?! Finish your dinner."

Everyone returns to eating but you as you seem to almost be frozen in place. Replaying what just happened. How could someone so...so...so God damn harsh be so gentle. Or even look up at you with a gaze that was heated with something other than malice or hate for you.

You're brought back to reality when Kirishima offers you another set of plastic chopsticks.

"Yea I think you might owe me forty now." You joke and his laugh rings out over the patio.

"Desert anyone?" The waiter asks from behind you. You turn with glee, ready to announce that you will have the death by chocolate cake, that is until you are met with forest green eyes that are trained solely on you. No notepad in sight as the rest of the former class belts out what their sweet tooth is craving.

Your mouth goes dry and you fight to keep the blood from draining in your cheeks. You look over his face noting the odd, slightly hysterical smile he wears as you force yourself to control your face. Bringing your features into that of boredom, if he knew you recognized him that would only solidify the validity of his stalking.

Truly giving his actions purpose as to how he got here and how the hell he got a uniform for the restaurant.

"I'll take my check please." Your voice comes out apathetic as you turn away from him but before you do you notice the hurt that flashes in his eyes.

"Coming right up miss." His voice comes out smooth, normal but you hear the difference. The odd undertone that comes with an unstable mind that believes they are entitled to what they want.

It is a voice you will not be able to get out of your head soon enough.

You cannot stop your hand as it flies under the table to grip onto Bakugou's thigh with sharp nails biting through the fabric of his pants. He parts his lips to yell but his threat for you to be patient dies in his throat when he feels just how tightly you're holding onto him.

Hard enough to shake from the strain of holding back. Your petite hand glowing faintly. He looks over his shoulder then but cannot see anything out of the ordinary before his eyes shift back to your hand.

He does not let his eyes linger long knowing that anything over a second would give you away. Even as you laugh with Mina, your hand stays glued to his thigh.

You fight the urge to cling to Bakugou or Izuku as the three of you walk down the darkened streets. You're exhausted, angry and more than ready to take a scalding hot shower before going to bed. Once you three walk through the lobby doors you sprint up the stairs, too impatient for the elevator as you stare at room number 404 you remember that your key lies inside, forgotten on the coffee table.

No matter, you've picked plenty of locks or had the door seemingly open from within with your power many times before. You flick your wrist and the door opens of it's own accord before you slam it shut rushing into the bathroom to peel off your second skin.

You hear grumbling from the hall and your ears just barely pick up Bakugou's words.

"I still have her damn card."

"Just hold onto it Kaachan, she's had a long day.

Their doors slam in unison and the sound still causes you to jump although you knew the sound was coming. You take a few collected breaths as the soothing steam fills your lungs as it does the small bathroom.

The vapor dances in the light as you attempt to towel dry your hair and mostly fail.

You give up half way through, abandoning the towel as you exit the bathroom to the small bedroom. You see a shadowy figure sitting in the chair by the bedside and flick your wrist flinging it into the ceiling for it to come crashing back down before you flick on the lights.

You laugh bitterly to yourself when you see the lewd shirtless Bakugou staring up at you, having somehow forgot your ridiculous purchase and good time.

A heavy exhale leaves you as you dig in your bag, finding the bralette and cheeky black underwear you planned to wear for bed. Sliding them over your thick frame with ease, flopping on the bed with the Bakugou pillow. Looking at his flushed cheeks give you a laugh, bringing you back to leaning against his muscular frame to reach your wallet.

The way he looked up at you beneath long lashes, how his eyes held new life. No longer were you under his scorching gaze, it had softened. Become warm.

Your own cheeks burn as you slam the pillow down.

"So Kaachan the fish cake is your fav huh?" You ask softly to yourself as you force memories of him yelling at you during missions to the forefront of your mind.

It works for the time being, you punch the pillow in its "gut" before turning on your side trying hard for sleep.

Just as you begin to loose where your dream starts and your conciousness ends you hear talking in the hall.

God you hated hotels as you're woken by the commotion. They are drunk from the likes of it, screaming of how great of a time they had as they make their way down the hall. You turn facing the door with a growl, squeezing your eyes shut.

You hear footsteps again but this time they do not bypass your door and they seem to stand before it. You prop yourself up on your elbow as you hear the door jiggle.

"Are you sure this is her room?"

Your heart begins pounding in your chest, you know that voice.

You were determined to commit it to memory despite only hearing a sentence from its owner

"Yes I'm sure."

"Give me a key." The voice comes out dark and your throat dries as you silently shift from the bed onto the carpet with bare feet.

"I cant. I shouldnt have even brought you this far cuzzo."

"Useless." He snarls as he activates his quirk, a flesh colored liquid pools beneath the door, struggling to get in through the cracks.

You back up until your hands are pressed against smooth glass. You gently ease the door open before sliding it shut behind you. You stand on the balcony looking left and then right before wondering which room is fucking which.

Was Deku to the right? The left? You weren't sure as time ticked by too quickly. His quirk must not have worked so you watched the door handle jiggle again causing your skin to crawl as you scramble to the balcony to your left.

You hoped and prayed two things.

One that whomever was trying break into your room would leave once he was unsuccessful.

And two that you were not on the balcony of a certain hot head as you eased yourself into the flimsy plastic chair.

You couldn't stand the thought of showing him any more vulnerability this comic con. You hug your knees as the voices and bangs from the hall are drowned out by the loud traffic below.

Wishing for this nightmare to end.

Oh but my sweet child it had just begun.

#bakugou x reader #bakugo x reader #bnha x reader #bakugo katsuki #katsuki bakugo #bakugou katsuki #katsuki bakugou #bnha au #bnha imagine #bnha bakugou #bnha katsuki #yothisficisgettinglongerbythesecondimsorry

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jenroses · 7 years ago

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Turkey Day Menu 2017: GF and allergy friendly

From http://jenrose.com/turkey-day-menu-2017-gf-and-allergy-friendly/

Courtesy of my sister, who is willing to adapt menus for other allergy issues. Comment here if your needs are different.

First off, we have multiple allergies and food issues. In short:

Me; Militantly gluten free and no strawberries or sulfites due to allergies. Also allergic to crustaceans (lobster, crab, possibly shrimp?), peanuts, hazelnuts, lima beans, oats, banana, and weird issues around standard commercial dairy and eggs, but I do fine with certain local products on eggs and dairy. I also randomly have issues with tomatoes, garlic, onions, some veggies, peppers, but there are meds I can take that help reduce inflammation to tolerate those. Some forms of garlic are better than others. I avoid most soy, refined sugar and mold-type cheeses due to inflammation issues.

My eldest: Allergic to soy, egg, dairy, peanuts and wheat.

My middle: No citric acid or citrates, reacts to wheat in weird ways, same for natamycin

Hubby has texture/taste issues (goes beyond dislike, not an allergy) with visible egg, set gelatin, and most cheese (except pizza.)

Youngest is Intensely picky.

A turkey dinner is actually one of the easiest meals to adapt.

So, within those parameters, here is our menu, according to Sis, with bullet commentary by me.

Turkey: 20 lb Shelton free-range, brined with herbs and spices, salt water, and apple juice or cider with no added citric acid

I don’t usually brine turkeys, but I trust Sis. Dad uses wine on the turkey, I cook at high heat and don’t touch it or baste it or brine it, but I might slip some kind of fat under the skin.

Stuffing: Costco gluten free bread cubes, better than bouillon based broth, herbs and spices, soy/dairy/egg/gluten free sausage, chopped apples & walnuts

I haven’t looked at Costcco’s gluten free bread cubes, but it’s really hard to get bread that everyone can have. Happy Campers is probably the best bet. Elegant Elephant has a sourdough loaf that can also be converted to cubes easily. Middle kiddo and I can both do Franz gluten free. Eldest and I can both do BFree. Bread is very regional, don’t be afraid to investigate. Other good substitutions include riced cauliflower, quinoa, and brown rice. Just substitute those for the bread in your favorite stuffing recipe, and be prepared to either cook the grains in broth and/or adjust the liquid content down.

Sausage: standard breakfast sausage is our usual–use whatever standard breakfast sausages you can tolerate. We use sausage-shaped ones, but loose sausage can also be used. Nuts are optional, sub sunflower seeds if you want the texture but can’t do tree nuts, or omit.

Apples work for us, cranberries and raisins are other options we’ve used in the past.

Better that Bouillon is something we also call “Chicken squishy” (or “beef squishy”) and is well tolerated by all of us. We use the organic low sodium version from Costco. Vegan options exist. Turkey is probably the ideal for this meal.

Potatoes: potatoes, olive oil, salt

I mean, you can do almost anything with potatoes, ranging from just swipe a little oil on the skins and bake, to peel (or not) and boil and mash. Contrary to popular belief, mashed potatoes are fine without milk and butter, especially if they’re going to be buttered later and doused with gravy. Sub chicken broth or veg broth for flavor and texture if you want creamier potatoes, and Earth Balance for butter if you really want them “buttery”.

Pro flavor tip: While I love a peppery olive oil, if you get the “Extra light Napoleon” it tastes very buttery, a la melted butter.

Sweet potatoes*: plain, roasted whole

*actually Garnet or Jewel Yams (which are sweet potatoes, but very orange.)

The neat thing is that sweet potatoes take zero work. Stick them in the oven at whatever temp and roast until squishy.

Once roasted, the skins slip off and they can be sliced or mashed and amended as people like after. One of my favorites involves mashed sweet potatoes with coconut milk, coconut sugar, and spices like ginger and cinnamon. For dairy-and-citrate having people, slice the cooked sweet potatoes and layer with butter, maple syrup, orange and/or lemon zest, orange and/or lemon juice, ginger, nutmeg and paprika.

If you must have them with marshmallows, see my marshmallow recipe. Make the marshmallows with vanilla, not peppermint.

One year we made purple yams, garnet yams, and Japanese sweet potatoes, and mashed them separately and let people pipe them onto their own plates.

This was more work than it was worth given how picky my children are, but a lot of fun for those who both like sweet potatoes and like playing with their food.

Gravy: tapioca or rice flour, better than bouillon based broth, herbs and spices, assorted drippings and giblets

Most of the liquid should come from the turkey, plus the cooking water from any boiled potatoes if you have it, which can be boosted with Better than Bouillon if needed.

Holler if you want to know how we do gravy.

Cranberry sauce: cranberries, sugar and/or honey

I’m lobbying for maple syrup.

Homemade cranberry sauce is the absolute easiest thing. Put cranberries and sweetener in a small pan on the stove. Simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust flavor with more sweet, spices as desired. It really is that easy. It goes from whole berries to sauce sort of all-of-a-sudden. Cook for a minute or two longer to thicken.

Not middle-child safe as cranberries are inherently high in citric acid.

You can make a similar sauce with frozen blueberries.

Applesauce can fill a similar ecological niche on the dinner plate for those who can’t have citric acid.

Green beans: fresh green beans, garlic, mushrooms (I’m hoping for chanterelles), olive oil, salt

Probably using some sort of frozen garlic as I react less badly to frozen garlic than to fresh or dried.

If you can find a safe cream of mushroom soup, use that if you want a more casserole-y thing

Pacific Foods has a yes-dairy-no-gluten condensed cream of mushroom soup.

Adding coconut milk (full fat) to the above would give a similar effect.

This will taste outstanding even if it’s not creamy.

If dairy isn’t a problem, use butter

Add a little wine if you can tolerate it

And the best mushrooms you can get.

Brussels sprouts: Brussels sprouts, uncured bacon

*side-eyes hard*

I hate Brussels sprouts.

But they’re hypoallergenic

I guess

Raw sauerkraut

Plain, lactofermented sauerkraut is delightful and will help with digestion. It also adds a bright acid note to a heavy meal

We buy it. Sonoma Brinery is fantastic, but Trader Joe’s also has a very good version.

Oregon Brineworks Ginger Roots would be fantastic and pretty alongside a turkey dinner.

Vanilla ice cream

Sparkling cider

We watch for added citric acid but lots of brands are fine

Wine

“Well Red” from Trader Joe’s is no-sulfites-detected and passably drinkable

“Our Daily Red” is a cooking wine that is no sulfites detected but kind of awful tasting

If you can find Orleans Hill Zinfandel, it may be the best NSD wine I’ve ever had.

Gluten free pies:

We buy gluten free crusts that everyone can eat. IDK the brand

Where you can’t buy safe crusts, chop sunflower seeds or whatever nuts can be tolerated very fine (not paste) and toast them with a safe butter substitute and press them into the pan a-la crumb crust.

If they’re not staying up, just line the bottom like a cheesecake

Or do a straight up custard

It is possible to substitute gluten free flour for wheat flour 1;1 and palm oil, coconut oil or Earth Balance (we do the soy-free) for the fat, and then follow almost any pie crust recipe. Or google “gluten free pie crust” if you want. We just buy crusts, it’s easier and the texture is more consistently what we want.

Pumpkin (eggs, pumpkin, brown sugar, vanilla, spices)

Note that this is a dairy-free recipe.

It’s basically just exactly the recipe on the Libby’s label but substituting eggs for the dairy

It’s a lot of eggs

It tastes better that way

and sets up VERY well.

Not safe for my eldest

Egg-free pumpkin (tapioca starch, pumpkin, brown sugar, vanilla, spices)

Note that this is corn-free, vegan, soy, egg, dairy and gluten free.

I would use coconut sugar

Apple (apples, brown sugar, spices, rum)

When I make apple pie, I mix the rum (or whiskey, but that’s not necessarily gluten free) with butter, sugar and a little starch to make a “hard sauce” that gets mixed in with the apples

People have gotten tipsy off of my apple pies

We have used booze to stop the apples from browning (it may not work but people think the browning is booze)

(they’re probably right.)

If citric acid is an issue, don’t use lemon in your pie

If it’s not, definitely use lemon in your pie.

Cherry (cherries, tapioca starch, sugar, almond extract)

Use almond flour for the crust if you want to really punch up the cherry almond goodness.

#Food #Life #Recipes

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gethealthy18-blog · 5 years ago

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THM Year in Review 2019 [The Final Post of the Year!]

New Post has been published on https://healingawerness.com/news/thm-year-in-review-2019-the-final-post-of-the-year/

THM Year in Review 2019 [The Final Post of the Year!]

Like every other year I’m going to start this post with “OMG where did this year go?” But honestly, how is 2019 almost done? How is this DECADE almost done? Turning 30 was easy but living in the 2020s feels surreal. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie. I still remember Y2k and thinking the world was about to come to an end. Now it’s 20 years later and we’re very much still here. Excuse me while I have a “what is life?!” moment over here.

But in a seriousness this year has been a total whirlwind full of big changes, small wins and another year of experience in the books. Though certainly stressful and tumultuous at times (such is life!), this year felt much less chaotic and far more stable than 2018. For this I am so so grateful. And as with every year since the beginnings of THM I’m dedicating this post to a year in review and what went down for me personally and professionally in 2019.

FYI: here are the previous year’s year end reviews: 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 <–apparently I didn’t do one in 2013!

Big Changes in 2019

Personally this was a big year for me…I turned 30! While a number certainly doesn’t change anything, I did take a new decade as an opportunity to look back on the past, take what I’ve learned and what has served me while intentionally choosing to let go of the thoughts and habits that don’t. TBH I got a little tired of my own BS and what better than a birthday to decide to release it from my life? Personally this has been a big win.

Professionally this year has seen a lot of change. They say every 7 years big changes tend to unravel. Well here we are in THMs 7th year and that certainly is proving to be true. In some ways I am back to my roots doing exactly what I always intended to do with this space: share helpful resources for you guys to live your own version of health and wellness. In the beginning there was a lot more of me and my journey and while that remains to be true in the sense that my voice and perspective is infused into everything I share here, much less of my personal life is being shared. The older I get the less I want to be so open and vulnerable with every aspect of my life. It’s also not always the most valuable for you. Helping you guys pick safer candles, find the best natural mascara or whip up a healthy and easy dinner is my passion, and what I ate for breakfast this morning or the hike Curt and I did this weekend feels like a far departure from that. I’m so grateful you have all been so supportive through this process.

Here were some of the bigger changes in 2019:

Back to blogging – I’m sure you guys have noticed but there’s been a lot more posts around here. As I started to eliminate the parts of my business that weren’t filling me up, I found myself reconnecting with the things that did. It’s honestly been so fun being able to share 5-6 new blog posts each week and hopefully help inspire you in the process. Something that you may have noticed is that older posts are getting some makeovers and fresh photos. I have over 1000 blog posts on here but many of them are stuck in the past needing a refresh. So yes, not all content being shared is brand new but it’s all been vetted, tested and a resource for you.

My break from Instagram – Almost 4 months into this Instagram experiment and honestly, it’s been so so nice. I will likely be back sometime soon but there’s still some things I’m still sorting through mentally before that can happen. It’s a huge change and risk to take as a blogger but I have zero regrets and highly encourage all of you to take a social media break.

Ending the podcast – This one has truly been the hardest decision to make and come to terms with. I have learned SO much from the podcast both personally and professionally but if I’m being honest, my heart isn’t in it anymore. The podcasting and wellness space looks very different now and I truthfully don’t feel certain that the podcast is adding that much value to your lives. If it has I am so grateful for you tuning in. And if any podcast has touched you in some way consider this my PSA to reach out to the person running it, send them a note, write a review etc… cause we need to hear these things! It can feel like crickets out there sometimes. No one asked me to start a podcast but a lot of work, time and money goes into producing one and in this day and age we take a lot of free content for grated. Remember to thank and support the people who show up to create that content…off my soap box now 😉

Teaching Yoga – okay well it’s technically not new in 2019 but I did start teaching a regular studio gig. I absolutely love teaching my prenatal mamas on Tuesday night’s and subbing in when my schedule works for it for regular vinyasa classes. Getting to teach at my favorite studio in the world (and where I did my training!) is a dream come true and I feel lucky and grateful to show up each week. Come join me at The Pad Studios!

Coming up in 2020…

We’re moving homes the first week of January! We’re staying local in the Bay Area but Curt and I are moving to a house and while I’ll admit the whole process is very much stressing me out at the moment, we’re excited to get more space (a yard!) and enter a new decade with a fresh start. Our current apartment has been so good to us and I’ll be sad to leave it, but onwards + upwards!

Some big changes to THM. If you listened to the final podcast this week you’ll know there’s some big changes happening for THM. All good things that I can’t discuss quite yet but let’s just say it will be a new iteration of what you already know and love about this space but hopefully just serving you guys as best as possible. Stay tuned!

Small wins in 2019

This year hasn’t just been about the big wins. There’s been some small ones too. Many of these are personal but they’ve had a huge impact on my life and I’m so proud of the progress I’ve made.

I started driving (!!!!!!) – if you know me you know my greatest fear in life is driving. Yes, I have a driver’s license (and if you want a great story feel free to ask me how) but it’s always been a huge mental blocker for me. I’ve also always lived in cities where driving was never necessary. While you can certainly live in San Francisco without a car, it can make getting around a lot easier and more affordable. For 2 years I exclusively took public transit and lyfts but then certainly things came out that weren’t accessible by public transit and lyfts were getting insanely expensive. So in January I made it my mission to start driving our car. I’m thrilled to say I am so much more confident and have worked through a lot of my driving fears. It’s possible!

Bodhi is a certified Animal Assisted Therapy Dog – It only took a year but Bodhi officially passed his test and we will begin volunteering in January. 2 courses, 2 tests and an orientation and we finally made it! so proud of my big baby.

I finally got my finances in a row – I’ve always been a saver and pretty good with money but setting up a formal structure, 401ks and investing has always intimidated me. This year I made it my goal to get smart with money and really start understanding the system. I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface but we have an incredible financial advisor who has helped us with investing, saving for retirement and making smart financial choices. I officially feel like an adult.

I found a dentist I actually enjoy �� guys…this is actually a big win! I hate the dentist. Like truly loathe it. Well this year I found a new dentist who has been so much more understanding with my dental fears and makes me not mind going. If you’re in SF I love Integrative Dentistry.

Travel in 2019

Although I didn’t share nearly as many posts about our travels as I have in the past, this year has not been short on travel. We were able to make it out to New York, Minnesota + Toronto for weddings as well as a trip to Arizona to spend some time with my family. We escaped to our favorite place in the world (Mendocino, California!) more times than I can count as well as many weekend trips to Sonoma and even a whirlwind trip to Vegas to see Lady Gaga for my birthday. I never talked about this but I also treated myself to a 5 day solo trip to Miraval Austin for my 30th birthday. One of the best trips of my life!

Here on the blog I shared some travel guides to hopefully help inspire some travels of your own:

–Our US Southwest Road Trip (Utah, New Mexico, Arizona) –Cariboo Gold Rush Trail Travel Guide (British Columbia, Canada) –Pacific City, Oregon

2020 is already looking busy with several trips for weddings and a long-awaited bucket list trip to New Zealand in March. Can’t wait to share more about it soon!

My favorite posts of 2019

Each year I share my favorite posts of the year and this year was by far the hardest. There’s been so many posts this year covering a wide range of topics. Narrowing it down has been difficult but on first glance here are the ones I really loved and have stuck with me:

Wellness

-All the Clean Beauty 5 x 5 posts (check out my Best of Clean Beauty 2019 post for the full recap!) –Announcing the Green Beauty Shop! –What is Sustainable Clothing + My Favorite Sustainable Clothing Brands –Gua Sha vs. Jade Rolling: What are they and how do they compare? –How to Find a Therapist that is the right fit for you? –I Switched to a Menstrual Cup – here’s why! –How to Style Curly Hair w/ Natural Products –The Best Natural Deodorants [ I tried 20+!]

Recipes

–Tahini Date + Cinnamon Smoothie –Healthy Kimchi Fried Rice –Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Chickpeas + Creamy Herb Sauce –Pumpkin Spice Blondies –Double Chocolate Cookies [Grain-Free] –Matcha Protein Bars –Warm Lentil + Sweet Potato Salad

So there you have it! It’s been quite the year. Given all the changes coming in 2020 I have a feeling it will be equally, if not even more exciting. As always, this is the last post of the year so the team and I can have a little break over the holidays. Here’s to facing your fears and being open to change. Deep breaths. I’ll see you in 2020!

What were some highlights from your 2019?!

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gamerwoman3d · 1 year ago

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lifedeathanddinner · 6 years ago

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Finding Peace in Pumpkin Muffins

Death is in the title of this blog for a reason: I write about the places where food and the significant moments in life intersect.

So I have to acknowledge the news; the devastating violence, the fear, the madness, the grief.

We can’t ignore it — indeed it’s incumbent upon each of us to take part in effecting positive change however we can, starting with our votes next week — but we can, and should, accept some relief wherever we find comfort. For me, obviously, that’s in the kitchen. I share the following story and recipe in the hopes that it brings you some comfort too.

In somewhat better times, before pipe bombs and Pittsburgh, I woke up on a beautiful Saturday morning in October, and with my kids still tucked away in their beds — which makes them sound little, though they’re both over six foot — I was inspired to bake them a breakfast treat. (It feels a little like a holiday when Thing One is home, as he resides in the far off borough of Brooklyn these days.)

I was in the mood for something cozy and started thinking about muffins — preferably ones with a spicy, autumnal flavor. I was somewhat hindered by the fact that they would have to be gluten-free to satisfy Thing Two’s newly discovered intolerance. I googled “gluten-free muffins” and found a bunch of recipes that involved something called xanthan gum, to be added to all-purpose gluten-free flour to help achieve the correct muffin consistency. I had the flour but none of this xanthan stuff, so I searched online for possible substitutes and found that ground chia seeds, which I did have, make a good one.

(By the way, don’t stop reading if you aren’t interested in gluten-free muffins. For gluten-ful ones, just use regular flour and leave out the chia seeds.)

I had a can of pumpkin purée in the cupboard and liked the idea of incorporating it, to add moisture even if the gluten-free flour failed me. I turned to one of my regular recipe sources, the Kitchn, and saw that its recipe for pumpkin muffins looked great. I more or less followed it, subbing in my gluten-free flour and adding a tablespoon of ground chia seeds, which I mixed with three tablespoons of water to form a gummy paste, per Mr. Google. I added allspice to the spice mixture, because I had it and I love it. You can play with the spices; there are no rules.

The biggest change I made to the recipe came in the form of a last-minute brainstorm.

Tidying up while the muffins baked, I saw that I had a little pumpkin purée left in the can, two tablespoons of very soft butter left from the stick, and half a container of whipped cream cheese in the fridge. Though my kitchen is sadly still far from zero-waste, I love using up scraps. So I whipped up a pumpkin-cream-cheese frosting, and it turned out amazing.

The muffins were stellar. The gluten-free son was delighted. The skeptical non-gluten-free son was impressed. A dozen muffins disappeared in only a couple of days. Here is the recipe. May it bring some comfort to you and your family and friends.

Pumpkin Muffins for a Moment of Peace

Cooking spray or oil to grease muffin tins (or just use muffin liners)

1 ¾ cups gluten-free flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon allspice

½ teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 ⅓ cups packed light brown sugar, or granulated raw sugar (which is what I used)

2 large eggs

1 ⅓ cups pumpkin purée

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon xanthan gum or 1 tablespoon ground chia seeds dissolved in three tablespoons water

For the frosting

2 tablespoons butter, softened

¼ cup confectioner’s sugar

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¾ cup whipped cream cheese

½ cup pumpkin purée

Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Oil the muffin tin or add muffin liners.

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and salt in a medium bowl and stir to combine.

Using a stand mixer (or a bowl and an electric hand mixer) combine butter and sugar and beat until mixture turns light and fluffy, about a minute. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until combined.

Add pumpkin, vanilla, and xantham gum or chia seed mixture and beat until fully incorporated.

Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined.

Spoon the batter into the muffin tins and bake about 25 minutes, checking after 20 by inserting the tip of a sharp knife. The muffins are done when it comes out clean. (Let them rest for about 10 minutes before removing them from muffin tin.)

Meanwhile (if you choose to make frosting), in a medium bowl combine butter, sugar, and ginger and whisk to combine. Add cream cheese and pumpkin purée and whisk until smooth. Frost when muffins are cool, if you can wait that long.

#breakfast #muffins #pumpkin #halloween #autumn

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