#summer semi annual sale

[allthingsscented]

Semi Annual Sale Haul!

Here are my first impressions/reviews:

Fresh Amalfi Lemon 🍋

I love this, it's a sweet lemon and I love the herbal notes the spearmint brings.

Fruity Sherbet Scoop 🍧

I had this in the body wash last year and loved it so much I had to get the whole line. It's fruity (obviously) but the sweet treat vibe of it is nostalgic to me somehow!

Wild Madagascar Vanilla 🍨

This one is somewhat of a scooby doo mystery (a la Queen of the Girl Geeks, thank you Bonnie for the perfect phrasing) to me. My mom had this in the fine fragrance mist years ago and I hated it! But the cream is amazing!? I love how creamy it smells and the floral and pear round it out well.

Main Street Bakery 🍌

Ok, I walked in to SAS saying I would buy 1 candle. I am running out of storage space in my current apartment and wanted to hold off until moving on acquiring any more. But when I picked this one up I knew I was breaking my own rule! It smells like an amazing banana pudding confectionary bakery blend. SO GOOD!

Apple 🍏

See prior reviews, I decided I needed back up FFM and a shower gel.

Vacation Vibe ⛵️

One of the few I bought that weren't on sale: I love this! It's a wonderful pistachio and amber coming through for me. Perfect for summer!

Love Always Wins: Vibrant Citrus & Sage 🌈

I think this is the best pride scent yet. It's deep and woodsy yet brightened by the citrus!

Water Lily Springs 🪷

This scent is an aquatic fresh floral. I loved it so much in the shower gel I wanted to pick up a FFM.

Very Berry Crisp 🫐

I put this straight out to use once I bought it. Smells just like berry cobbler!

Springtime in Paris 🍑

I love this scent. The light floral and peach makes it perfect for spring. What really sold me was the birds on the jar. They remind me of something my grandma would've loved 🦜

Wallflowers

I don't have many reviews yet for these but I can say the Almond Croissant is 1) AMAZING 2) STRONG!! and 3) true to its name!

[indigostudies]

2024.05.25 // week 5/10

it's been two weeks since i post a study update oops.......in my defence, i've been really busy! (cons of taking twenty credit hours haha.) i've managed to attend almost all of my classes in the past two weeks, which i'm very proud of! even though my linguistics class is, frankly, a drag </3 in nicer things though: the campus is blossoming, the weather is no longer cold, and the asian studies department did its annual book sale, where i picked up a whole stack of books for less than it would cost me to buy a single one usually. i'm also getting back to taking notes on my personal language studies—pictured above: mango for iraqi arabic, and busuu for korean. i'm getting to a point with korean where i'm semi-confident in knowing some things, and i'm considering doing a summer study programme next year for korean, since my uni has a lot of partner programmes. i also finished my chinese midterms, and i have my turkish midterm next week. i'm about 65% done with my classical poetry final project, and i'm going to get a start on my (dreaded) linguistics final project and presentation.

[serenelystrange]

Explicit

Alternate Universe - Retail

Getting Together

Fluff and Humor

Bath & Body Works

Implied/Referenced Homophobia

Buck and his slutty little waist

Summary:

In which Buck works at Bath & Body Works, and Eddie accidentally stumbles into the love of his life.

Notes:

Marisol is here, but she doesnt last. Buddie all the way. This is silly, but hopefully also fun!

Work Text:

Eddie hates the mall. A fact that he somehow forgets in between every few-and-far-between visit, but is violently reminded of the moment he walks in. Taking a deep breath, he steels himself and heads for his destination, grateful at least for the blessed relief of air conditioning from the summer heat.

The entire window storefront of Bath & Body Works is decorated in sunny yellows and bright blues, with an overwhelming array of signs and cardboard ducks advertising the semi-annual sale that’s going on.

Well, Eddie thinks, at least his wallet won’t suffer as much as his throbbing head.

“Welcome!” a cheery voice calls out as Eddie enters the store. A tiny readhead with a plastered smile on her face greets him and all but shoves a cloth basket into his hands. “Let me know if you have any questions!” she says, before vanishing back into the crowd of shoppers.

Eddie will absolutely not be doing that.

He’s browsing a candle display of New Summer Scents when he senses more than hears a new person sidling up beside him. Eddie does his best to ignore them, keeping his eyes trained on the display, trying and mostly failing to not feel overwhelmed by the crowded room and heavy mix of too many fragrances.

“Overwhelmed?”

Eddie freezes at that, not expecting the soft and very male voice that asks the question. He puts a bottle of lotion back down and turns slightly to look at the employee, eyes widening as he realizes he has to look up a few inches to meet his gaze. A boyishly handsome face greets him with a kind smile that doesn’t look anywhere near as forced as the one on the readhead from earlier.

“Yeah,” he admits quietly, looking away with no small amount of embarrassment. He could survive his plane being shot down and everything that came after, but a few too many people and scents in his space is making his heart palpitate at a scary rate.

“I get it,” the guy says, before looping one big hand gently around Eddie’s elbow and tugging him along.

Stunned, Eddie lets him.

“Here,” the guy says, tucking Eddie back into an alcove by the Men’s display where only a few shoppers straggle. “Better?”

Eddie, who hasn’t stopped staring at the man’s obscenely muscled biceps in his tight shirt, takes a moment to catch up to the question.

“Huh?” he asks, dragging his eyes back up to the man’s face, noting the pretty blue eyes that are looking him with concern.

“Is this better?” the man repeats, stepping back a little as if to give Eddie more space to breathe.

“It is,” Eddie says, finally, before dropping his gaze down to where the man still has his hand wrapped around Eddie’s elbow.

“Oh, sorry!” the guy says, tugging his hand away and tucking it sheepishly into the pocket of his blue and white checkered apron.

“It’s fine,” Eddie says. “Thank you,” he adds after a moment.

“Don’t worry about it,” the guy says, giving him an easy grin. “It happens all the time. This place can be a lot.”

Eddie stares at where the man’s hand is tucked into his apron, just his thumb visible where it’s tucked over the edge. The apron is tied securely around his waist, offering Eddie the appealing visual of it in contrast to the man’s wide shoulder. Eddie gulps, remembering what he’d come for, not what he’d like to.

“I was looking for a gift,” he says, looking back up at the man, just now noticing a name tag that says BUCK in black sharpie under a crossed out Evan printed on the tag.

“I thought you might be,” Buck says, laughing kindly at him. “You do kind of strike me as a 3-in-1 product kind of guy. No offense.”

It startles a laugh out of Eddie, and he can’t help but match Buck’s grin. “I’m a simple guy, I guess.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Buck says, agreeably. “So who is the gift for? Do you know what kind of scents they like?”

“My uh,” Eddie finds himself stumbling over the words for a reason he is absolutely not going to examine, “my girlfriend.”

“Ok, great!” Buck says, unphased by Eddie’s awkwardness. “Let’s start small. Is she a bodywash person, or more of a lotion fan?”

Eddie frowns, realizing he doesn’t know.

“She always smells nice?” he offers. “Kind of like rasberries.”

“Progress!” Buck says. “And does her shower have raspberry smelling products in it?”

Eddie thinks back to the few times he’d been in Marisol’s shower, remembering a lot of white bottles with mild scents.

“No,” he shakes his head. “but I think she has some bottles on her dresser, maybe perfume?”

“Perfect,” Buck says, “good job!” Eddie fights the blush that wants to spread over his face at Buck’s innocuous compliment.

“I think I have a solution,” Buck says, “stay here!”

Eddie, tucked comfortably away from the other shoppers and the sunshiney madness, stays.

Buck re-appears a few minutes later with a clear pink bag in his hands, that he transfers over to Eddie with a surprising amount of grace for someone so tall.

Eddie peers through the bag’s thick plastic, seeing an array of body sprays and other miniature products.

“This way she gets a little bit of everything,” Buck explains. “And it’s a new summer version of our winter raspberry scent, so she’ll know you were paying attention!”

“I really wasn’t,” Eddie says, scoffing mildly at himself.

Buck’s cheery face stalls at that, and he frowns thoughtfully at Eddie for a moment.

“Bigger relationship issues than a gift set can fix?” he asks, voice caring in a way like Eddie has been his friend for years and not just a customer he met ten minutes ago.

Eddie thinks about the bathroom mirror pep talks he’s had before his nights with Marisol, about the times he’s blamed the long days at work for his bedroom performance issues, and about the fact that he’s wondering what the skin of Buck’s throat would taste like if he buried his face there and bit down.

“You could say that,” he responds a moment too late for it not to be awkward. But Buck just cringes in sympathy, giving him an understanding look.

“Relationships are hard,” he says, dropping his voice a little quieter as he continues. “My last ex and I had nothing in common besides the sex, you know? She used to do this thing with her.. you know, this isn’t really work appropriate,” Buck trails off, red faced.

Eddie laughs, charmed despite himself. “I wish that was my problem,” he says.

Buck gives him an assessing look before continuing. “Before her, my ex and I had a lot in common, and we were great together physically, but it still didn’t work out.”

Eddie hums in agreement, nodding. Buck cocks his head slightly, looking over at Eddie again in a way that makes him squirm. It’s almost like Buck is assessing him for a threat level before combat.

“I guess he just wanted different things than I did,” Buck says after a moment, shrugging. “He says he wasn’t worried about being my first guy, but I don’t think he ever really got over it. I think he half expected me to leave him for a woman.”

“Ugh,” Eddie says. “Sounds like he had trust issues that have nothing to do with you. Fuck him.”

Buck smiles at that, delighted. “I mean, I did,” he whispers conspiratorially. “Kind of a lot.”

“Jesus,” Eddie says, torn between laughing and blushing beet red down to his toes at the image. “This is not the conversation I was expecting when I walked in here.” At Buck’s alarmed expression, he waves a hand.

“Not that it’s bad. I’m not some homophobic asshole. It just wasn’t what I was expecting.”

Buck lets out a deep breath, relief apparent on his face.

“Good,” Buck says, “I really didn’t want to have to get fired for punching someone again.”

“Again?” Eddie asks, more amused than concerned. He finds it hard to believe this six foot two puppy-dog would ever hit someone who didn’t deserve it.

“A story for another time,” Buck says as his walkie talkie squawks to life, a panicked sounding cashier requesting backup at the register. “Let’s get you checked out and back into the fresh air, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Eddie agrees, following Buck to the register like one of the ducks in the window.

He’s already thinking about next time.

“That’s so sweet, baby, thank you,” Marisol says, accepting the gift set and pulling Eddie in for a lingering kiss. She quirks an eyebrow as she pulls away and gives him a crooked grin. “Did you do something that requires an apology gift. Did you try to make one of your abuela’s recipes again?”

Eddie does his best to laugh at her joke, giving her what he hopes is an amused looking eyeroll as he huffs.

“Yeah yeah,” he says, changing the subject quickly, “how was work?”

Marisol lights up at the question, and as she delves into the newest drama, Eddie hates himself a little bit more for looking at her beautiful face and feeling nothing at all.

Despite the thrill of meeting Buck, it takes Eddie a solid month to work up the courage to go back to the store. It’s only when he and Chris are walking into the thankfully uncrowded store that he realizes Buck might not even be working that day.

“Welcome in,” a young guy calls out from one of the displays. He has beautiful brown skin and a flop of black hair artfully splayed across his forehead, and Eddie wonders when he started noticing things like that on men at all. Eddie waves back vaguely and ushers Chris towards the back of the store where the men’s section is.

“Do I have to get this stuff?” Chris asks, wrinkling his nose at the scent of whatever liquid leather is supposed to smell like.

“You can get any scent you want,” Eddie says, teasingly. “As long as you use it on those stinky preteen armpits of yours.”

“Daaad,” Chris protests, smacking Eddie’s leg lightly with one of his crutches.

Eddie just laughs and lets Chris make his way around the store at his own pace, stopping to smell different body washes and soaps here and there. He pulls away dramatically at one of the floral scents, wrinkling his nose as he fake-gags. Eddie leans back against one of the side countertops and watches in amusement.

“Hey.”

Eddie smiles before he even turns his head, feeling Buck move to lean against the counter beside him.

“Hey,” he replies, internally proud of himself for sounding way more casual than he feels.

“How’d the gift go over?” Buck asks, joining Eddie in watching Chris sniff to his heart’s content.

“She liked it,” Eddie says. “Then asked me if I ruined dinner and needed an apology gift.”

Buck snorts a laugh at that. “Not a good cook, then?”

Eddie shakes his head. “I get by,” he says. “Thankfully Chris loves pancakes and chicken nuggets.”

Buck laughs and looks at Eddie before turning away again to watch Chris.

“Your son?” he asks, nose wrinkling in a laugh as Chris make a dirty face at of the candles he sniffs.

“Yeah,” Eddie confirms, watching Chris fondly. “He’s eleven and is struggling with the concept of body odor.”

“No 3-in-1 for him?” Buck drawls, and Eddie almost reaches a hand out to smack him playfully, before remembering they are near strangers.

“Nah,” Eddie says. “Figured he’d be more likely to actually use it if I let him pick out something fancier than what I get at Target.”

“Smart.”

Eddie preens just a little at that. It’s been a rough few years since Shannon died, and hearing that someone thinks he’s doing ok with this whole parent thing is always nice.

“Dad!” Chris calls out from an orange and yellow display. “Is Citrus Cravings a boy smell?”

Beside him, Buck tenses just slightly, and man, one of these days Eddie wants to meet whoever made him so jumpy and give them a talk. With a shovel.

“Any smell you want can be a boy smell,” Eddie calls back at a much lower volume. “Since you’re a boy, and want to be a good smelling one.”

“That one is really nice,” Buck adds in. “I use it sometimes.”

Chris looks over at the new voice, head craning up as he takes in Buck’s height and bulk.

“You like to smell like oranges?” Chris asks, hesitating as if trying not to offend the large man.

Buck just grins and nods.

“Sometimes!” he says. “One of the perks of working here, I get to smell like so many nice things.”

“Can I get this one, dad?” Chris asks. “Ooh, and the chocolate one?”

Eddie nods his agreement and Buck leans over to speak in a whisper as Chris walks towards the register. “Get the moisturizing washes instead. They’re bigger and on sale right now. But don’t tell my manager I said that.”

“Thanks,” Eddie says, risking looking up into Buck’s stupid handsome face for a moment, before booking it to the register after Chris, grabbing the new body washes along the way.

At the register, the tiny redhead from the previous month is back, giving him and Chris a sharklike grin as they approach.

“Picked out some good scents?” she asks them both, before giving Eddie a shrewd look and glancing over to where Buck is helping someone else. “Or do you prefer the views?”

Chris doesn’t notice, too busy looking through the sample size products on the counter, but Eddie returns her glare with a sharp grin of his own.

“Just these, thanks,” he says flatly, unwilling to engage in whatever weird game she’s playing with him.

She huffs and outright rolls her eyes at him, before ringing him up with a robotic smile and a wooden goodbye, before disappearing into the back room before Eddie can even turn around.

Buck is still helping a customer as Eddie and Chris leave, but he gives them a surreptitious wave as they pass, and Eddie sighs internally. He is so fucked, and not in the fun way.

“I think maybe I’m bisexual,” Eddie tells Marisol late one night as they’re getting ready for bed.

She looks up from where she’s rubbing the lotion Eddie bought her onto her elbows and gives him a confused look.

“I’m sorry, what?” she says, too dumbfounded to even make it sound like a question.

“I, uh,” Eddie says nervously. “I think I’m bisexual.” It doesn’t feel right, not exactly, but it’s the closest he’s allowed himself to even consider, and he’s absolutely terrified.

Marisol stops rubbing her skin and sits down crossed legged on his bed, frowning up at him where he leans against the closed door.

“Edmundo,” she says, voice laden with disappointment. “You know that isn’t a real thing.”

This time it’s Eddie who looks at her with confusion.

“What do you mean?” he says. “Of course that’s a thing. Your cousin Lili is bi, you talk to her all the time.”

Marisol scoffs.

“Liliana is just confused. Eventually she will heal, and with grace from God, find a nice boy to marry and settle down with. God will fix her.”

Eddie, suffice to say, is horrified.

“There’s nothing to fix,” he says, “since when do you have beliefs like this?”

“You know I am a good Catholic woman, Eddie,” Marisol says, looking up at him with wide eyes, as if he’s the one being unreasonable.

“We’ve had an awful lot of premarital sex for someone so devout,” Eddie shoots back, feeling the anger slowly replacing the shock in his bones.

Marisol gives him a pleased little grin.

“We are like married in the eyes of God, no? Why wouldn’t we lay together as He intends?”

“Jesus Christ,” Eddie whispers harshly, blinking away the tear that sting his eyes, looking at Marisol as if it’s the first time he’s really seeing her.

“I could never marry you,” he says, feeling a sharp pang of satisfaction at her offended expression.

“Don’t be silly,” Marisol says. “Somebody needs to raise Christopher, of course we’ll get married.”

It’s hearing his son’s name that shakes him out of his stupor and makes him stand to his full height and step away from the door.

“You need to leave,” he says, resolutely. “You can come by tomorrow for your things when Chris is at school.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Marisol says, looking angry now. “You can’t just kick me out in the middle of the night, we need to talk about this!”

“No,” Eddie says, shaking his head. “we’re done. Get dressed and I’ll call you an Uber.”

“Eddie,” Marisol tries again, as she is pulling on real clothes and throwing her things into a duffel bag Eddie hands her, but he just shakes his head.

“I can’t,” he says. “We can talk when I’m not so angry, but I don’t want to hurt you, Marisol.”

Marisol glares at him with shiny eyes.

“You are hurting me!” she says, before storming past him and throwing the door open as she rushes out.

Eddie catches it just in time to avoid it slamming into the wall, and breathes a sigh of relief.

At least Chris won’t get woken up on top of an already shitty night. It’s a small comfort, but he takes it.

Eddie avoids the mall and the temptation within in for a few more weeks, until Chris complains that his favorite body wash is almost gone and Eddie promises to get him more while he’s away at Abuela’s for the weekend.

This time, he spots Buck as soon as he walks into the remarkably empty store, not even a tiny angry ginger in sight.

“Hey!” Buck says, bounding out from behind the counter to greet him.

For a brief moment, Eddie thinks Buck might hug him, but he stops just short of Eddie, giving him an easy smile. Eddie looks at the arms stretching out that poor tshirt, and tries not to feel disappointed.

“Hey,” he says. “Chris used up all his chocolate body wash and demands I get more.”

Buck laughs and gestures towards the display. “Well, we can’t say no to a kid who’s willingly showering, right?”

“Exactly,” Eddie agrees.

He lingers at the counter as Buck rings him up and hands him the bag of body washes. Their fingers brush slightly as he hands it over and Eddie very nearly gasps.

Maybe those Jane Austen girls were onto something after all, he thinks.

“I..” he starts, trailing off with an embarrassed cringe.

“Hey,” Buck says, leaning forward until his hips are flush with the counter between them. “What’s your name, anyway? Only one of us has a name tag on here.”

Eddie startles into laughter, realizing he never did introduce himself.

“I’m Eddie,” he says, holding out a hand that Buck takes immediately to shake.

Eddie’s never been a small man, but Buck’s hand envelops his just perfectly enough that he thinks maybe he wouldn’t mind feeling that way once in a while.

“Buck,” he says, shaking Eddie’s hand before letting it go. “But I guess you, uh, you can probably read that.”

“Not without my contacts or glasses,” Eddie admits. “You’d just be a blue of blue and white.”

“Glasses?” Buck asks, flushing slightly. Eddie wonders if the poor guy runs hot under all the bright lights.

“Only when I’m too lazy for the contacts,” he says.

Buck gulps and nods in agreement.

“Lazy days are good,” he says, sounding strained.

“You ok?” Eddie asks with concern. “Do you need a drink or something? It is a little warm in here.”

“Yeah,” Buck waves off his concern, “I am..thirsty. But I’m fine.”

“If you’re sure,” Eddie says, wanting to push it until his phone goes off in his pocket.

He pulls the phone out and groans. “This is work,” he explains, “I’m sorry, I have to take it.”

“No worries,” Buck says, waving goodbye as Eddie makes a hasty retreat, phone pressed to his ear.

Eddie only makes it another week before he goes back to the mall, Chris at a birthday party at a nearby friend’s house.

He’s walking up to the store and nearly collides with Buck as he makes his way out, eyes on his own phone.

“Oh shit,” Buck says, stopping short, “sorry, I didn’t see… oh it’s you!”

“Hey,” Eddie says, moving out of the way of the stream of people that walk by, Buck scurrying to stand beside him against the wall.

“Hey,” Buck says, giving him a crinkled-eyed grin. “Chris run out of body wash already?”

Eddie shakes his head.

“No?” Buck asks, curiously. “Then why in the world would you come here on a Saturday when you don’t need to?”

Eddie is quiet for a moment, contemplating how to answer without sounding creepy, before ultimately deciding to just be honest.

“Wanted to see you,” he says, looking everywhere but into Buck’s surprised eyes.

When he dares to look up at Buck, he finds the other man beaming in delight.

“How do you feel about soft pretzels with too much salt?” Buck asks.

“Um,” Eddie says, “positively I guess?”

“Good,” Buck says, looping an arm through Eddie’s and tugging him towards the escalators. “I’ll buy you one.”

Eddie lets himself be led away.

“What do you do?” Buck asks him the third time they’re eating soft pretzels and cheap cheese sauce in the mall food court.

This time, he’s wearing an oversized green hoodie that covers even his long fingers, and he has to push the sleeves up so that he can eat his food. Eddie isn’t sure why he finds that even hotter than the tight t-shirts, but damn it, he does.

“I’m a firefighter,” Eddie says, feeling oddly shy about it suddenly.

Buck, however, just lights up with interest.

“Oh man, that’s so cool!” he says. “I wanted to be a firefighter when I was like 21.”

“Oh?” Eddie asks, eyeing Buck’s buff form. “What stopped you?”

Buck ducks his head before looking back up at Eddie with sad eyes.

“Got in a pretty nasty car accident a few years back, mangled my leg. The doc was surprised they didn’t need to amputate.”

“Shit,” Eddie says.

“Yeah,” Buck agrees. “There is SO much metal in my leg. I guess I’m technically a cyborg now, though, so that’s pretty cool.”

Eddie laughs and nods, besotted. “That is pretty cool,” he agrees. “Did you ever watch Teen Titans? Chris and I used to watch it on weekends when he was little and still wanted to hang out with me.”

“I loved that show!” Buck says, excitedly, before going on a rant about some plot line that Eddie barely remembers.

He just nods along, letting Buck ramble as he watches with a dopey grin.

The fourth time they have pretzels at the mall, Buck follows Eddie out to the parking lot until they’re at Eddie’s truck, and pushes him against it gently as he presses their lips together in a kiss.

Eddie’s brain shuts off in a pleasant way and he sags against the truck, looping his arms around Buck’s waist as he kisses back. Buck sighs against his lips, tickling Eddie’s skin, and he squirms just enough to feel Buck against him, hard and hot and pressing closer every moment.  He knows he should be concerned about being in public, or freaking out about kissing a man for the first time, but he’s throbbing in his jeans and he finds it difficult to think about anything else.

“Fuck,” he says, head titlting back as Buck pulls away to bite down his throat, his hands linked together behind Eddie’s neck.

“Mmhm,” Buck agrees, rubbing against him with intent now, building up a rhythm that Eddie is helpless to deny.

“This is crazy,” Eddies says, when Buck shifts them bodily so that they’re better aligned, “I’m gonna come in my jeans, you lunatic.”

“That’s the idea,” Buck says, before silencing Eddie again with more kissing.

Eddie can feel Buck’s heartbeat thudding rapidly where it’s pressed against his chest, and for some reason he can’t fathom that’s the thing that sets him off. He comes messily into his underwear, feeling gross but blissed out, not even minding the metal digging into most of his body.

Buck whines as he watches Eddie go lax, torn between needing to come and not wanting to rub Eddie raw.

“It’s ok,” Eddie says, using his hands still wrapped around Buck to tug him back, hitching up his leg and hooking his foot around Buck’s knees. “Keep going, I like it. I want you to come, too.”

“Fuck, Eddie,” Buck whimpers. He drops his head down onto Eddie’s shoulder as he ruts against him wildly, rhythm long gone.

“Better hurry,” Eddie teases him quietly, running his nails of one hand up and down Buck’s back. “You don’t want anyone to catch us, do you?”

Buck comes with a groan, and it goes on so long that Eddie is mildly concerned. He looks down at the soaked spot of Buck’s light blue jeans he can’t resist the urge to run his thumb against it, pressing down just enough to make Buck shiver.

“You always come this much?” he asks, bringing his thumb up to his mouth and licking off the taste of salty denim.

Buck shakes his head, still catching his breath and unable to speak.

“Just for me, then?” he asks, smirking as Buck whines again.

Buck grips his hair extra tight in retaliation as they kiss again, and Eddie loses track of the conversation with not even a hint of complaint.

Buck comes over after his shift one night and makes Eddie and Chris the best damn grilled cheeses they’ve ever eaten, then proceeds to get his ass whooped by Chris at Mario Kart, groaning good naturedly as he loses every time.

Chris goes to bed eventually, and Eddie has barely heard his door click shut before he’s on top of Buck, pushing him willingly down onto the couch and crawling on top of him with a grin.

“Clothes stay on,” Buck says, looking towards the hallway nervously.

Eddie rolls his eyes. “Obviously,” he says. “I don’t want to scar my kid. But we can do plenty with our clothes on.”

“I do remember the parking lot, yeah,” Buck says giddily, stealing kisses in between Eddie leaving little love bites all over his exposed throat.

“Can I try something?” Eddie asks, pulling away from Buck’s throat to give him a nervous look.

“Of course you can,” Buck says, not caring what it is as long as Eddie gets on with it.

“Good,” Eddie says, before sliding his hand beneath Buck’s sweatpants and underwear and wrapping his fingers around his dick.

“Fuck!” Buck shouts, before freezing and looking around in alarm. “Was that too loud?”

Eddie listens for a long moment, rubbing his thumb along the head of Buck’s cock all the while, before shaking his head.

“We’re good,” he says, “but try to keep it down.”

Buck’s laugh borders on maniacal. “Nothing is staying down while you’re touching me, you asshole.”

Eddie rolls his eyes but continues his tentative exploration anyway, looking down to watch his hand flex underneath Buck’s pants.

“God, you’re as wet as I thought you’d be,” he says reverently. “Does it feel good?”

“Are you fucking kidding me right now?” Buck says, gasping back onto the cushion as Eddie jerks him off with wet firm strokes.

“Little bit,” Eddie admits, leaning down to kiss Buck gently even as he speeds up his wrist.

“I can’t wait to suck you off,” Buck says, dreamily, eyes closed and back arching as Eddie tugs him off. He comes a moment later, soaking Eddie’s fingers and the inside of his pants.

Eddie’s eyes are wild as he pulls his hand from Buck’s pants, gleaming and practically dripping with his come. Before Buck can even move to assist, Eddie shoves his come soaked hand into his own sweatpants and barely has time to jerk himself off before he’s coming, his mess joining Buck’s on his hand. Buck watches wide eyed as Eddie catches his breath just enough to pull his hand free and lick a stripe up his own fingers, tasting the combination of them before sticking his fingers fully in his mouth and sucking them clean.

“Am I dead?” Buck asks in a raw voice. “I must have died. From the hotness. Do you think they have gay sex in heaven? They must, if I’m there, I guess.”

“Buck,” Eddie says, laughing as he drops back down to rest along Buck’s body, resting his head on Buck’s shoulder. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Yessir,” Buck slurs, yawning wide around even that.

“You get twenty minutes to nap,” Eddie says, “and then we’re gonna shower.”

Buck mumbles his assent, and Eddie knows they won’t be moving for at least an hour, but he finds he really can’t be too worried about it.

A year later finds Eddie back at the mall with Buck, but this time as not so inconspicuous chaperones to Chris and his first date.

“When did he grow up?” Eddie whines into Buck’s shoulder as they sit at the food court half a room away from the kids.

“I know, babe, I know,” Buck soothes. “You set him up too well with the body washes. The little ladies couldn’t resist his chocolatey scent.”

Eddie snorts.

“Not helpful, asshole.”

Buck just grins before smacking a kiss loudly onto Eddie’s cheek.

“Love you, too.”

Eddie melts at that, still filled with happy nerves every time Buck says it. He turns his head for a real kiss, the kind that makes everything in his head go quiet and the motion of the world around them go still.

“I love you,” he says quietly, but no less sincerely than Buck.

Buck gives him another short kiss before pulling away so they can continue watching Chris and his date.

“You know,” Eddie says suddenly, “I just remembered when I told Marisol I was bisexual, she was the worst about it, you know?”

“Mmhm,” Buck says, having heard the story before and strongly disliking a woman he’s been lucky enough to never meet.

“I wish I could see her face when I figured out that I was actually so very gay,” Eddie says, cackling at the vision of it all. “She might have had a stroke.”

Buck wraps an arm around his giggling boyfriend and laughs along with him.

They watch their kid stumble through his first date adorably, and for once in his life, Eddie finds himself feeling hopeful about the future.

The End.

[glitterynostalgia]

Below is a short story I wrote. I originally wrote it as a play Junior year and thought it would be fun to rewrite as a story:

“At Your Own Risk”

It’s a sunny June day in Vegas. We are here for my cousin’s boyfriend’s 21st birthday. She invited me and my sister, Chelsea. My cousin, Tara, and her boyfriend, Mason decided to go watch a movie while my sister and I shopped around. It’s semi annual sale season which is very important.

“First day in Vegas has been pretty relaxing actually. I didn’t know their outlet mall was so lively.” I comment.

I feel as I’ve seen everything already. Yet something catches my eyes. There’s a dark, mysterious looking building. In big red letters it reads “Lucy’s Luxaries”.

“Maybe, we should check this store out!” My sister Chelsea acknowledges.

“That feels like a dumb opening of a horror movie move.”

“I thought you wanted this summer to be about adventure, Yasmin.”

Chelsea gives me a look and walks in anyways. I try to grab her but she yanks her hand. I miss when she was 5 and I could easily pick her up and run. I decide to follow her. I mean if ghostface or Pennywise is in here, i can probably take them out.

As we walk in, I feel chills through my spine. There’s mysterious red handprints on the wall and ominous piano music.

A woman in a long black dress then walks over to us. I want to think maybe this is just like a Spencer’s or Hot Topic.

“Welcome girls, Come on in. Everything is 50% off. But both of you should be aware of one small thing.” The woman smiles.

“What thing?” I ask concerned

“ Don’t dare go through the painted line at the back”

Chelsea rolls her eyes and smiles a bit.

“Why? Is there construction or something?” Chelsea asks

“Not necessarily but we just don’t want a repeat of the incident.”

“Um what incident?” I question

“Let’s just say it’s called Lucy’s luxuries for a reason.” the woman insists.

“Oh I get it. This is money laundering. Well we aren’t snitches. I actually would love more money as well” Chelsea insists.

The woman grins, very sinister.

“No but you don’t want to make mother Lucy upset.”

I now feel this is the cue to run. Chelsea, however, starts laughing.

“Ok. First of all, Lucy is the most unscary name on the planet. Second, I am not scared of whatever you are trying to pull!” Chelsea insists.

“‘Chels! Don’t say that. Who is Lucy? What is the incident?”

The woman gives Chels an evil look and explains. “She was one of the original founders of the store. A jealous employee and her fought in the back. Lucy began losing a lot of blood after the employee cut her. She survived but something possessed her. She lives in the back of the store and no one who has crossed that line has survived a confrontation. Now. I’ll let you girls choose if you want to leave now or you could stay.”

Chels puts her hand over my mouth, “Oh, we will stay.”

The woman eerily walks away. I have so many bad feelings about this.

“Do you think the Lucy thing is real?,” I whisper.

“Of course not. It’s obviously a promotion stunt. It’s literally called Lucy’s Luxaries.” Chels claims.

I feel maybe I should believe Chelsea. I mean, she is 2 years younger but she is a psychology major. I’m a fashion design major. We look at a clothing rack full of vintage clothing. I see an old school Frank Sinatra t shirt.

“Ooh I love this,” I insist.

“Since when do you listen to Sinatra?” Chels questions.

“Ok Miss Gatekeeper. I just thought it was cute.”

“I mean it is pretty cute. Damn, don't be sassy.”

I then find a My Chemical Romance t-shirt. It looks pretty cool, except i notice something about their faces. Their eyes are dark red with no pupilsnand the members look like they’re scared.

“What the?” I show Chels.

“It’s probably a special edition.”

“Ok and why do they look scared with red eyes?”

“I'm not sure but doesn't MCR have a lot of random photoshoots?.”

Suddenly my phone dings. It's from a random number.

It says: “The end is coming for you, Yasmin.” I quickly show Chelsea.

“It could be a freaky prank. Just block the number.” Chelsea comforts,

She’s not wrong but still? This person knows my name? I mean it can’t be this Lucy lady because how would she know name?

Chelsea stops for a minute to think.

“Wait, maybe we would know if the Lucy thing is real if we look it up.” Chelsea insists.

I grab my phone and look up “Lucy’s Luxaries Las Vegas''. There’s an article from 2000 about the incident.

"Apparently the employee that killed her was a rival and had a plan to kill her. Lucy heard the employee's plan so she was a step ahead and tried to stab the employee first. The employee then fought back with a pocket knife right on Lucy’s throat."

"That's so sad but then how did they know she survived?" Chelaea asks.

"Lucy’s body somehow vanished before the ambulance arrived and the employee died suspiciously in prison. There’s a whole thread of sightings on reddit.”

"So the story really is true. Ok, I am so sorry Yasmin. Let’s leave.” Chelsea agrees.

My inner final girl was telling her that a while ago but now my inner final girl has different ideas.

“Maybe we should stay.” I say.

"Are you kidding me Yas? You're the one who wanted to leave in the first place"

"Well now I'm saying we should stay. Imagine how cool we would sound with this story.”

“Hmm, I don’t know. I think Mason and Tara might be waiting for us so let’s go.” Chels hesitates.

“Oh so now you're being the wimp? I thought this was an adventure summer” I defend.

“Alright, fine.”

Suddenly I notice Chels’ feet over the green line. This can not be good. Clothing racks started to rise and fall all over the floor. The lights start to flicker on and off. A random laugh can be heard. At the back of the store, this thick green fog started to show.

"I WASN’T EVEN OVER THE LINE.” Chels yells as we begin to run. The doors then close and lock. We can’t get out!

The mysterious woman appears.

“You went on the line and I overheard you both talk about Mother Lucy!” The woman exclaims, “Lucy gets angry very easily when people talk about the incident.”

“Listen, I didn’t believe at first because I didn’t know there was more to the story.” Chels hesitates.

Suddenly the woman’s demeanor changes into a huge smile. She begins cracking her neck. There’s a huge red scar. Her eyes glow red and her hair grows longer.

“There’s only one way to leave.” The woman insists,

“Well what is it?” I wonder,

“One of you comes and tries to defeat me.”

“I volunteer Chels as tribute.”

“Yasmin?!”

“I mean, you did step on the line and hey, this can be your final girl era.”

“Fine. What do I need?” Chelsea asks Lucy.

“Just a strong heart if you have one.”

As Chelsea gets closer to Lucy, there’s a strong wind.

“Ok why are you doing this though?” I ask.

I actually have no idea why I would ask that.

“I am always here to defeat humans. Humans are terrible.” Lucy exclaims.

“Ok I agree but you don't see me haunting the back of a store.”

Chels gives me the hand signal to shut up and falls.

I notice a tube filled with a bright red liquid. It's the same color I saw on that MCR shirt earlier.

“Ok. That's it. I'm going in. I must become the opposite of who I thought I was.” I tell myself.

“No! Yasmin! it's ok just go without me.” Chels exclaims.

Suddenly Lucy starts to chant. I don't know what's happening but I can feel something overpowering my body. I don't know what it is.

Lucy laughs.

“Yasmin?” I can hear Chelsea say.

I try to respond but something is overpowering me.

“I'm your nightmare.” I can hear the voice say.

“Yasmin! Snap out of it. Don't let her posses you!”

I can't speak. I try to overcome it.

“Look into my eyes and become one of us.” The deep voice says.

“No! Let go of my big sister.” Chelsea cries.

I try to scream “red” to guide her to the bottle. I don’t know if it was some sister telepathy because she is running towards the tube.

“Where are you going?” Lucy screeches.

“Oh no where.” Chelsea says as she grabs the red bottle.

“What's that?”

Suddenly I go blank. I can't see or feel anything but for some reason can still hear.

“Yasmin! Speak to me. I was wrong ok. I'm so sorry for putting you through this. Just speak to me. Please.” Chelsea exclaims.

“She’s gone.” Lucy laughs.

Suddenly I feel some of my senses come back.

“Chelsea. I'm gonna be okay. If I don't survive, you can do this without me. Be the final girl” I feel some last strength to say.

“No. I don't know how I'd live with myself. I love you.”

Chelsea starts to cry but then grabs the bottle from his pocket.

Chelsea throws the liquid at Lucy.

“Haha. You failed. You need to say the chant too.”

Chelsea tries to recite the chant Lucy tried earlier. Suddenly I'm feeling my body come back to normal.

“Chelsea?” I exclaim.

“Yasmin!” Chelsea cries and runs. We give each other a big hug.

“Now let's defeat this demon bitch.”

“I'm with you.”

I look at the bottle and see there's a saying on it.

“Hey maybe we need to say this?”

Chelsea agrees.

We say what's on the bottle. Suddenly the air becomes lighter and lighter.

“No! No! I do not lose.” Lucy screeches.

“Well there’s a first for everything.” I smile.

The light turns back on and everything is almost the same as when we came in.

“Now let's go. I just don't know how we'd explain this to Mason and Tara.” I wonder.

“I mean we can try to explain even though they’ll think it’s a prank.” Chels realizes.

Chelsea grabs her phone and calls Tara to pick us up. Chelsea and I walk towards the front to meet with Tara and Mason. We quickly go into the car.

“Hey guys how was your shopping trip?” Mason asks.

“Let's just say Chelsea battled a possible demon and I was possessed for like 20 minutes.” I respond.

Tara and Mason give us a look.

“Did they give you LSD when you entered the store? Did you see unicorns too?” Tara jokes.

“She's telling the truth. There's proof in my search history.” Chelsea defends.

“How about I just say I believe you and we all get ice cream so we can get out this freakish mall.” Mason insists.

“Ok let's do that.” Chelsea and I agree.

I don’t dare look back. This has been a pretty crazy day but what happens in Vegas, really does stay in Vegas.

[sintiva]

had a dream that i was getting deep stroked by mr. faiyaz himself.... at no other than bath anybody works during their summer semi-annual sale

[statusshirts-01]

Must-Have Shirts Every Modern Man Should Own

In the world of men's fashion, shirts are the cornerstone of a versatile wardrobe. Whether you're heading to a board meeting, a casual weekend brunch, or a formal event, having a well-rounded collection of shirts is essential. According to recent fashion studies, men are increasingly investing in their wardrobes, with 60% of men spending more on clothing annually compared to five years ago. With this trend, it's crucial to know which shirts are indispensable for a modern, stylish wardrobe. Here’s a guide to the must-have different types of shirts every man should own.

1. The Classic White Dress Shirt

No wardrobe is complete without the classic white dress shirt. This timeless piece is the epitome of elegance and versatility. According to a survey by the fashion website The Idle Man, 78% of men believe that a white dress shirt is a wardrobe staple. This shirt can be paired with almost anything, from suits and blazers to jeans and chinos.

Why It’s Essential:

Versatility: Perfect for both formal and semi-formal occasions.

Clean Look: Conveys professionalism and simplicity.

Easy to Maintain: Stays crisp and fresh with proper care.

2. The Crisp Blue Dress Shirt

Following closely behind the white shirt is the blue dress shirt. This shirt offers a refreshing alternative to the white shirt while maintaining a professional appearance. According to data from FashionBeans, 52% of men own a blue dress shirt, and for good reason.

Why It’s Essential:

Color Variety: Offers a slight pop of color while remaining understated.

Pairs Well: Complements gray, navy, and black suits.

Flattering: Enhances a range of skin tones.

3. The Casual Chambray Shirt

For more relaxed settings, the chambray shirt is a must-have. This lightweight, denim-like fabric is perfect for casual outings and can be dressed up or down. Research by Men's Health suggests that chambray shirts have seen a 25% increase in popularity over the past three years.

Why It’s Essential:

Casual Chic: Ideal for casual Fridays or weekend wear.

Comfort: Breathable and soft on the skin.

Versatility: Looks great with both shorts and jeans.

4. The Plaid Flannel Shirt

Plaid flannel shirts are a staple for cooler months. They add a rugged, casual vibe to your wardrobe and can be layered over t-shirts or under jackets. According to a report from GQ, flannel shirts are a favorite among 45% of men during fall and winter seasons.

Why It’s Essential:

Seasonal Wear: Keeps you warm and stylish in colder weather.

Texture: Adds depth and interest to casual outfits.

Easy Layering: Works well with sweaters and outerwear.

5. The Polo Shirt

The polo shirt is a versatile piece that straddles the line between casual and smart-casual. It’s perfect for summer outings or casual work environments. A survey by AskMen found that 70% of men own at least one polo shirt, highlighting its widespread popularity.

Why It’s Essential:

Comfort: Casual yet polished look.

Breathability: Ideal for warmer weather.

Variety: Available in countless colors and patterns.

6. The Linen Shirt

Linen shirts are a summer essential, known for their breathability and lightweight feel. With the rise of global temperatures, linen shirts have become increasingly popular, with a 30% increase in sales over the last year, according to WWD.

Why It’s Essential:

Summer-Friendly: Keeps you cool and comfortable.

Relaxed Fit: Offers a laid-back, airy feel.

Quick Drying: Ideal for travel and hot climates.

7. The Oxford Shirt

The Oxford shirt is a step up from casual and provides a refined, yet approachable look. It’s a versatile shirt that can be worn both with and without a tie. According to a study by The Fashionisto, 60% of men own an Oxford shirt due to its adaptability.

Why It’s Essential:

Smart-Casual Appeal: Suitable for a range of occasions.

Durability: Made from robust fabric that lasts.

Layerable: Can be worn under blazers or sweaters.

8. The Patterned Dress Shirt

Adding a patterned dress shirt to your collection injects personality into your formalwear. Patterns like stripes, checks, or subtle prints allow for self-expression without compromising professionalism. A survey by Stylecraze found that 40% of men prefer patterned dress shirts for special occasions.

Why It’s Essential:

Visual Interest: Breaks the monotony of solid colors.

Personal Style: Allows for individuality in formal settings.

Versatility: Pairs well with both plain and patterned accessories.

9. The Short-Sleeve Button-Up

For those hotter days, the short-sleeve button-up is a refreshing choice. It combines the professionalism of a button-up with the comfort of short sleeves. With summer heatwaves becoming more frequent, 20% of men are investing in short-sleeve button-ups, as noted by Fashion Trends.

Why It’s Essential:

Cool Comfort: Ideal for high temperatures.

Smart-Casual Balance: Suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.

Easy Maintenance: Requires less ironing and upkeep.

10. The Utility Shirt

The utility shirt, characterized by its functional pockets and durable fabric, is a nod to military-inspired fashion. It's practical for both outdoor activities and casual wear. According to a report by Men’s Journal, utility shirts have gained traction with a 15% increase in sales year-over-year.

Why It’s Essential:

Functionality: Offers practical features like multiple pockets.

Durability: Designed to withstand wear and tear.

Versatility: Great for both rugged and relaxed looks.

Conclusion

Building a wardrobe with these essential shirts will ensure you’re prepared for any occasion, from formal events to casual outings. According to recent fashion industry trends, investing in high-quality, versatile shirts can significantly enhance your style and confidence. Embrace these must-have shirts to stay sharp and adaptable in the ever-evolving world of men's fashion.

[adamgant]

7.19 Friday Faves

7.19 Friday Faves https://ift.tt/60SoYfX Hi friends! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? Today is my nana’s birthday! So we’re absolutely looking forward to a celebration with the birthday girl. Other than that, Liv and I have a volunteer event, and we’re just going to chill and swim around here. I’m going to catch a quick TSS workout today, too! (Missing our Spain feasts so I made some paella and croquetas last night. Next Spain recap will be up on Modnay!) I’d love to hear what you have going on! It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below. 7.19 Friday Faves Fashion + beauty + random: SO many amazing finds still in stock at the Nordstrom Anniversay Sale. Here are some of my top picks: The best pajamas Cute and comfy joggers. Like a more flattering version of a Nap Dress. Ordered these flare jeans. Obsessed with this athletic dress. These are my favorite black pants of all time. I wear them when I need to dress a little more business casual and they’re super flattering, and look cute with heels or flats. The perfect time to stock up on Bombas! Love this dress for everyday or travel. The best no-show socks! I’ve been looking for a new jean jacket… Classic straight-leg ankle jeans. I use this opportunity to replenish the underwear drawer. Liv and I both have and LOVE these Chelsea boots. Ordered these for Liv (but had to try them on) Love this snake chain bracelet. This three-pack of Apple Watch bands. Silk travel pajamas. This gorgeous suitcase. I neeeeeed it. This facial toning kit. This gorgeous tennis bracelet looks expensive but is only $45 with the sale. Personal microderm device! I’ve been wanting to try something like this and am definitely intrigued. My go-to daily cleanser. This is something I use on every pair of sneakers that comes into our house. It keeps shoes white and clean for so much longer… despite the kids’ best efforts to trash them lol. 😉 I also used it on Liv’s backpack this year and it made a huge difference. Read, watch, listen: Ok so I started this book and was really into it, and now it’s dragging. Do I stick with it or call it quits? Definitely check out this week’s podcast episode with Seed co-founder Ara Katz here! What’s something popular you just don’t get? Fitness, health, and good eats: Last call for the EquiLife semi-annual sale! SO many of my favorites are on sale right now, including the detox, universal binder, Omega 3s, magnesium, daily nutritional support, and their summer essentials bundle (which includes this amazing tote). If you want to purchase your fall detox, now is a great time! (Stack FITNESSISTA10 if it’s your first time ordering. If you place an order, email me your order number so you can get your extra giveaway entry) GIVEAWAY! Don’t forget to enter last week’s giveaway here! I’ll annouce the winners in next week’s Friday Faves post. If you haven’t made this tart already, doooooo it. Fitness terminology 101. Have a happy weekend and I’ll see ya soon! xoxo Gina The post 7.19 Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista. via The Fitnessista https://ift.tt/oF3ns1w July 19, 2024 at 03:10PM

[spaciousreasoning]

Oregon Calling

We are still a week away from hitting the road to Oregon, but many people we have talked with over the last few months are already planning to come visit us in our new home.

Friends Catherine and Steve stopped by last night with some lovely chocolate dessert and went over their plans for a trip this summer that involves visiting Eugene. Some recovery friends will be headed up to Oregon at some point in the next year and promise to check in with us. And several acquaintances have mentioned friends and family who reside in Oregon and told us to be sure and make contact with them once we settle in.

Oregon seems to be a popular spot with a lot of people. And there are a number of reasons for this popularity. For one thing, Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states in the country, marked by volcanoes, abundant bodies of water, dense evergreen and mixed forests, as well as high deserts and semi-arid regions.

Oregon's economy has historically been powered by various forms of agriculture, fishing, logging, and hydroelectric power. Oregon is the top lumber producer in the U.S., with the lumber industry dominating the state's economy during the 20th century.

Technology is another one of Oregon's major economic forces, beginning in the 1970s with the establishment of the "Silicon Forest" in the Portland area and the expansion of Tektronix and Intel. Sportswear company Nike, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, is the state's largest public corporation, with an annual revenue of $46.7 billion.

Oregon is one of only five states that have no sales tax. Voters remain opposed to a sales tax, voting proposals down each of the nine times they have been presented. The last vote, for 1993's Measure 1, was defeated by a 75–25% margin.

Oregon has been home to many indigenous nations for thousands of years. The first European traders, explorers, and settlers began exploring what is now Oregon's Pacific coast in the early to mid-16th century. In 1592, Juan de Fuca undertook detailed mapping and studies of ocean currents in the Pacific Northwest, including the Oregon coast as well as the strait now bearing his name.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition traversed Oregon in the early 1800s, and the first permanent European settlements in Oregon were established by fur trappers and traders. In 1843, an autonomous government was formed in the Oregon Country, and the Oregon Territory was created in 1848. Oregon became the 33rd state of the U.S. on February 14, 1859.

Nancy and I look forward to exploring our new home state. We have already seen a good amount of it during our 2016 circuit of the western states and our two recent summer visits with the family there. But there is much that bears closer examination. Our adventures will be relayed through our social media presence, probably further enticing our Arizona friends to travel our way.

[earaercircular]

'Europe demands it and customers want it: aluminium must become green'

Aluminum Duffel is one of the largest energy consumers in the country. Green energy and recycling should help to reduce the CO₂ footprint of aluminium. “It's greening or disappearing.”

Two hundred thousand tons of high-quality aluminium, on rolls or in sheets. This enormous amount of semi-finished product leaves every year the foundry and rolling mill of the company Aluminium Duffel[1] in the town of the same name on the Nete. The basic raw material, primary aluminium, is supplied in small blocks. In the foundry, which cannot be visited for safety reasons, they are melted and mixed with aluminum scrap and alloying elements to obtain the desired chemical composition. Giant, silver-coloured blocks are then cast from this, measuring 50 centimetres thick, five meters long and 1 to 2 meters wide. Heavy forklifts then place these so-called 'slabs' again in ovens, where they are preheated before hot rolling: the block is pressed several times between heavy metal rollers - you can compare them with two enormous rolling pins - and spread out into an aluminium sheet of hundreds of meters long, which is then rolled up. During a second, cold rolling, the aluminium is finally rolled more thin to the thickness desired by the customer.

It cannot be seen from the metallic glow, but the heat of the finished aluminium rolls reverberates in the large factory hall. Almost half is intended for the major European car manufacturers, the rest is for other industrial applications. This makes Aluminium Duffel one of the largest aluminium producers in Europe.

It goes without saying that this entire process requires an enormous amount of energy. The foundry's melting furnaces operate on electricity, making Duffel unique in Europe. The rolling mill is heated with gas. The company uses 250,000 megawatt hours of electricity and 23 million cubic meters of gas annually. For comparison: for electricity this is the consumption of 70,000 families (an average family without solar panels consumes an average of 3,500 kWh). CO₂ emissions from that production process should be reduced to zero by 2050. “A huge challenge,” says Eddy Caers, sustainability director at Aluminum Duffel since this summer. Before that, he worked for the company as a sales manager for thirty years. 'A completely new world, but very fascinating.'

Norwegian hydropower

The CO₂ footprint of 1 ton of aluminium in Duffel is 5.2 tons. “From the extraction of the ore to the moment our product leaves the factory,” says Caers. 'we want to reduce that to a maximum of 5 tons in 2025 and 3.5 tons in 2030.' However, Aluminum Duffel only has a limited share in that total footprint: 0.2 tons of CO₂ is emitted there, the majority of the emissions occur earlier in the production chain, during the mining of the ore, the refining into aluminium powder and especially in the large smelters where that powder is converted into metal.

One of the largest aluminum smelters in Europe and an important supplier of Aluminum Duffel is Aluminum Dunkerque. “The footprint of those smelters is very diverse,” says Caers. 'In China this exceeds 20 tons of CO₂ emissions per ton of aluminum, in Europe it is around 8 to 10 tons. In countries that can fully benefit from renewable energy, as is the case with hydropower in Norway or geothermal energy in Iceland, this even drops to below 4 tons.'

Too dirty for recycling

“Initially we want to work more energy efficiently in Duffel and make our electricity greener,” says Caers. 'We want to reduce our consumption by 5 percent per year by working more economically. We have also signed a long-term contract with the wind farms in the North Sea, for 10 percent of our electricity needs. In addition, we are conducting a feasibility study for solar panels on our roofs and vacant land and we are converting part of our grey electricity into green energy by purchasing guarantees of origin.'

Important gains can mainly be achieved through recycling. “The share of primary aluminium that comes in here must be reduced and the share of scrap must be increased,” says Caers. 'Now 20 percent of what we supply to the automotive sector returns as scrap: these are the surpluses when the plates are cut and pressed. That should be increased to 30 percent. After all, reusing aluminium only requires 5 percent of the energy required to produce the primary raw material.'

Source

Lieven Sioen, Kristof Vadino, ‘Europa eist het en de klanten willen het: aluminium moet groen worden’, in: De Standaard, 11-12-2023, https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20231210_96145935

[1] Aluminium Duffel is a European leader in the manufacture and sale of aluminium rolled products for diverse industries worldwide. It features state-of-the art technology, including the widest Automotive cold rolling mill in Europe and a CALP-line (Continuous Annealing Line with Pre-Treatment). https://aluminiumduffel.com/

[whatsonmedia]

Thursday Thrill: 3 Great Events in September 2023!

September is a great time to be in Europe, with a variety of festivals and sporting events taking place. Here are three of the best events happening in September 2023: Lollapalooza DE 9 – 10 Sept Returning for its seventh instalment after its huge successful first festival back in 2015. Lollapalooza Berlin is one of the largest European September festivals, which is known for is past success for pulling in a sizeable capacity festival music-loving crowds. In fact, 70,000 plus are expected to descend on Germany’s capital for one big festival weekend.  Hosting at the Olympic Stadium, the well-known Berlin festival is the celebration, for the best electric dance music. Boasting a stellar line-up of renowned international live artists and DJs, jetting in from every corner of the globe, this festival stands as a must-attend for enthusiasts of open-air revelry, avid travelers, and aficionados of unrivaled festival atmospheres. It's time to don your finest festival attire and embark on a multi-modal journey to one of Europe's premier party weekends. Featuring a smorgasbord of live bands and DJs including Mumford & Sons, David Guetta, Ava Max, The Blaze, Zara Larsson, Aurora, Mimi Webb, Imagine Dragons, Macklemore, Jason Derulpo SDP, Sam Fender, Lost Frequencies, Only The Poets and many moreTickets & More Info> lollapaloozade.com Shall Not Fade 9 Sept Following the success of its debut, Bristol's boutique 'Shall Not Fade festival' returns to Propyard. This intimate independent festival prioritizes community, spotlighting local and emerging talent in a one-day open-air event. The music spans heart-pounding dance genres, with after parties city-wide. With 20 artists across two stages, and Bristol's top eateries, it's a day-long musical marathon. For a friendly summer send-off, this festival is a must for discerning festival-goers. Featuring artists like Sully, Lauren Lo Sung, Killa P, 1-800 GIRLS, Breaka, Emerald, Samurai Breaks, Lily Huu, Adelphi Music Factory, and more. Tickets & More Info> shallnotfade.co.uk Rugby World Cup 2023 9 Sept In its historic tenth edition, the Men's Rugby World Cup brings together national teams in a quadrennial championship for rugby union. Over the next six weeks, international rugby clubs from around the world will compete in this annual sporting event. This year's prestigious tournaments are hosted across France in some of its largest stadiums. Paris is set to be the epicenter for two thrilling weekends of Semi-Final and Finals action. Tickets have been on sale since last year, but if you haven't gotten yours yet, there are still some available. Tickets & More Info> rugbyworldcup.com Read the full article

[josh-lanyon]

🦋🌷HUGE AUDIO SALE🌷🦋

Audible is running their semi-annual summer savings event and pretty much every title is deeply discounted some titles as much as 85% !

I've got a lot of books on Audible, so here's your chance to pick up some of those oddball and one off titles. 😉

[allthingsscented]

Last Semi Annual Sale Haul!!

Here are my first impressions/reviews:

Pink Lavender Espresso- this one smells soooo cozy! i’m really excited to get it burning and see how it smells then. i think it would be nice to burn on a cozy rainy day in or maybe in cold weather ☕️

Lavender Vetiver- i got this one going in my bathroom today. i like it so far, it’s more of a woodsy scent than the sweet floral that usually is lavender from bath and body but i really like it! 🌲

Amethyst Dreams- i’ve had this one before and i loved it! it’s kind of hard to put the scent into words but it smells very fresh and clean with some floral. 💜

Raspberries & Whipped Vanilla- this one is a favorite, so i got it in the wallflower and room spray. it is a super sweet scent and true to its name! i really like to use it around Valentine’s Day, but it’s great year round as well 🍨

Cinnamon Spiced Vanilla- this is a bath and body works staple. it smells like cinnamon sugar deserts and it’s perfect to use year round 🍮

Sapphire Quartz- amazing! it’s woodsy and also has a cologne like scent to it. it is STRONG though! i plugged it in in my bedroom today and it has filled my whole apartment with its scent! 💎

Pure Wonder- had to get a backup of this! i used this so much more than i expected last winter. it’s a sophisticated and magical scent with some floral and some amber to it! 💕

Bamboo & Surf- i’m so glad i ended up getting this one. it smells like a nautical bamboo! perfect for summer. 🎋

Golden Sunflower- a favorite of mine, but i only got the mini mist in the past. it’s true to its name and is perfect for the end of summer! 🌻

Hand Sanitizers- they all smell great. i’m not going to go through and give a first impression for all of them right now but will likely review them as i use them. on first impression this Pink Peach Blossom is really standing out to me so i’ll be using it first! 🍑

Flowerchild- i’ve had this is the wallflower and it is so good. it reminds me of the retired scent Carried Away and it’s just as whimsical a floral as i remember that being. 💐

Car Fragrances- excited to have Iced Dragonfruit Tea, i’ve had it in the wallflower before and it’s so refreshing and fruity. i’ve had Warm Ocean Breeze in the car fragrance before and really liked it. Indigo Paradise is completely new to me so i’ll likely review it when i use it! 🌊

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As we prepare for an epic summer, we've also found some seasonal must-haves to keep circulating. From a holiday-appropriate Zimmermann crochet dress to an equally festive Wales Bonner cardigan, Nordstrom's semi-annual sale is giving us a lot to look forward to this holiday season. . Memorial Day Weekend. Explore all of our favorite sale finds right below. Barbiecore was inevitable last summer, with hot pink Valentino everywhere on the Original Neurodiversity Celebrate The Spectrum Artwork T-shirt But I will love this red carpet. And now with Greta Gerwig's Barbie —starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling—coming to audiences in July, the trend is set to enjoy another resurgence in the coming months. In fact, it seems that even the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton can't resist this summer's sweet pink. The royal stepped out for the engagement at the Foundling Museum in London in a pale pink Alexander McQueen suit, which she teamed with a matching blouse underneath and a pair of white heels (a shoe option that has become realistic). became Kate's summer new item). End of interface? A striking white belt with a pearl buckle is reminiscent of the beautiful accessories our favorite Mattel dolls wear. This isn't the first all-pink outfit we've seen from Kate this week: the royal stitched a bubble-pink Me + Em dress to attend the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday. Her most recent look was another iteration of the outfit, in which the Duchess first debuted her pale pink suit for the Royal Early Years Center roundtable in September. 6 year 2022. . Original Neurodiversity Celebrate The Spectrum Artwork T-shirt, hoodie, tank top, sweater and long sleeve t-shirt Given that Kate has no shortage of pink items in her inventory - from the Original Neurodiversity Celebrate The Spectrum Artwork T-shirt But I will love this sparkly The Vampire's Wife gown she wore to her evening reception in Belize last March to the floral The Stella McCartney gown which she picked at Platinum Celebration - check out this space to see if the royals lean even more towards this summer's hottest trends in the coming weeks. Since being praised for her portrayal of the famous first lady Jackie in 2016, Natalie Portman has been somewhat in the spotlight, performing strongly in independent films like Vox Lux but largely avoiding the spotlight . . But that's all about to change: with May, December, Todd Haynes' gripping new drama follows an aspiring actor researching the controversial woman (Julianne Moore) she's about to play. , the 41-year-old Hollywood actor is sure to return with the conversation award.

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My new beauty article about upcoming Bath & Body Works fragrances.

PLEASE READ, LIKE, REBLOG, SUPPORT AND SHARE!.

[duhome-usa]

Duhome Furniture Summer Sale.

June 21-June 28

Product :Modern Chic Velvet Papasan Chair Accent Chair

Price: $109.99  $99.99

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Shopping the Talbots Semi-Annual Sale

Shopping the Talbots Semi-Annual Sale

Happy Monday, ladies!  As far as Summer sales are concerned, there seems to be none bigger than the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Yesterday,  Kelly and I shared with your our dressing room diaries from that sale.  But, not to be forgotten, we’re shopping the Talbots’ semi-annual sale too. Talbots is running a variety of deals right now: $19.99 super savings items Up to 40% off of…