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lemonsandstrawberries · 5 years ago

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The Pitted Olive, part 8

fandom: Stony (Steve x Tony)

universe: Drag Queen!AU (Tony Stark as a drag queen)

summary: After Tony brings Steve home, it is time for mutual confessions and wound healing.

length: 4 196 words

disclaimer: this fic is written strictly for entertainment. I am not a specialist on drag and my whole knowledge comes from mainstream media. if there is something you will find incorrect or offensive in any way, there is always an option to contact me and politely voice your thoughts instead of flaming. thanks!

a/n: this definitely is going to be a sad chapter, so if you don’t like sad or drama be warned (I can just promise that it will get better and happier again!). I think it was a bit risky to write this, but I tried to do it justice and respected the topic. hope you will like this chapter, if you do, remember to leave feedback, reblog and like!

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The Pitted Olive, part 8

(part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9)

Tony kept it short. He had left Steve at the bathroom and ordered him to take a long and hot shower to warm himself up and go straight to bed after and wait for him. In the meantime, Tony headed to the kitchen and used the freshly restocked supplies to make a warming up drink for Steve. Orange slices, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, a bit of honey for sweetness and a lot of boiling water to let it all steep. His hands were shaking a bit and it wasn't from his short trip outside or from holding Steve's cold hands in his. Tony tried to scold himself and stop coming up with more and more terrifying scenarios, and wait for Steve's story, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

Really, increasingly difficult. He couldn't distance himself from the topic that ran so close to his heart and affected directly one of the people he cared about the most. Steve was good and kind and didn't deserve bad things happen to him for being himself.

No one deserved bad things to happen for being themselves.

It wasn't a long distance between the kitchen and the bedroom, but with every step, Tony's mind was bringing out numerous stories he heard in the past, ones that didn't have a happy ending until many years later or even at all. Just would Steve have enough of will power to wait until that point?

Tony never had his coming out story, never finding the right time for such talk and then being robbed of that opportunity by a car accident that took both of his parents away. Sometimes he thought about how his coming out story would look like. In the worst-case scenario, his mom had burst into tears, wondering what did she do wrong, his dad exploding with rage and yelling that his only son can't be gay and it all ended with disowning and forcing him to leave his family house. The best-case scenario wasn't any better, as there his mom still ended disappointed and heartbroken, but calm enough to keep her raging husband away from him, and managing to find a safe place for Tony, somewhere where he could keep low until his father calmed down.

Like that one time...

As a teenager, Tony was very careful. He always knew he was a bit different, equally drawn to sports cars and women fashion magazines, his eyes lingering on both women and men. Just one time he let his guard down. That evening in late Autumn, where his parents had been getting ready for the gala, and Tony watched his dad in an expensive, perfectly fitted tux, tying a Windsor knot and schooling Tony what neckties were appropriate for which occasions and Tony listened, nodding his head. Just when his mom joined them… In a flawless satin dress, one that draped over her shoulders and covered ankles in a silver cascade of material, showing silver high heels with a strap. Tony was in love. He was more drawn to the way his mom moved and the way the material twirled around her, the sound of it rustling and the shine of the lipstick, then his father's lecture. And when they had left for the gala, Tony couldn't control the long-suppressed urges. He sneaked into his parents' bedroom and sat in front of his mom's vanity mirror, carefully brushing his hands over numerous makeup supplies, looking at the brushes and feeling different consistencies of powders and creams and sticky lipsticks. Looking wasn't enough. The first coat of ruby red lipstick on his lips was crooked and uneven, yet Tony felt gorgeous and confident. Black eyeliner made his eyes pop, mascara accentuated the long eyelashes and shimmering powder on his cheeks gave his face a whole new dimension. He got lost in the world of makeup, losing track of time and not noticing when the car drove back home, Maria Stark coming back home earlier than her husband, having to attend a morning meeting the next day. When she reached her bedroom, she saw Tony in full, sloppy makeup and wearing her pointy-toe pumps in black and the brightest smile on her son's face. And then Tony saw her, and he couldn't read anything from his mom's face and the smile was immediately gone, replaced by overwhelming fear. There was no yelling, there was no crying, it was barely any emotions at all. Maria had closed the door quietly, pointed Tony to the adjoined bathroom and told him to clean his face and then come back for a talk. Tony listened, locking himself in the bathroom, the makeup disappearing quicker when mixed with tears, while Maria waited for her son to come back, still and silent. Tony didn't know what was going on in his mom's head, and the whole evening became a blur with time, but he remembered sinking to his knees in front of his mother, putting his head in her lap and crying and apologizing, and his mom stroking his hair delicately, forcing Tony to make a promise that this won't repeat ever again, and with a broken heart, Tony swore and he had been breaking that promise for almost two decades. They got back to their usual lives, everyday routines, never speaking of what happened.

Tony rarely shared this story, feeling guilty and ashamed until many years later, already after his parent's death, he opened to his drag mom. 'You were lucky' she said, and Tony only nodded, tears gathering in his eyes. He had avoided a severe beating back then or maybe even something worse. 'You think this is how it would end?' she asked, her voice rising in disbelief. 'She was scared. Not of you and who you are, but what will happen to you,' she continued and it was the first time Tony ever saw it like that. More details came back to him - his mother's shaking hand, the glossy look of her eyes when they made eye contact, the tremble of her seemingly calm voice. He grew up in different times, times when drag was just resurfacing from the underground world and caused controversy, dividing people and families. The revelation was as painful as running into a brick wall, but this time, he didn't break his bones against the bricks, but burst through the wall, tearing it down, reunited with everything he locked on the other side. His mom always had his back. His mom never stopped loving him because of that one evening. And maybe, maybe his dad wouldn't stop loving him either and maybe if they were not taken away from him, they would continue to love him and support him. And Tony had cried once more, just like years back in his mother's lap, just this time the material under his cheeks wasn't cool, silver satin, but a scratchy, blue sequin fabric of his drag mom's dress.

Times have changed. Drag queen bars were becoming more popular and drag became a form of art. The line between what was female and what was male was getting blurry and both genders were overlapping and taking from each other. And Tony really hoped that all this was taken into consideration and Steve's story would have a happy ending. Because if it didn't… It was all Tony's fault.

Coming out was never easy and everyone felt ready in different stages of their lives. Tony knew young people, sure of themselves and who they were even before puberty had started, he knew people in their late seventies, allowing themselves to be who they were just now, after years spent on lying to themselves. And maybe Steve wasn't ready yet. Kissing in public wasn't the same as telling your loved ones the deeply hidden truth. And Tony felt so guilty, scolding himself for ever allowing Sarah to get close to him, beating himself up for the day, when he had heard someone calling his name on the street and saw Steve's mom. He could have pretended he didn't hear her. He could have turned away and mingled in the crowd on the busy street, disappearing from her sight. Instead, he had smiled and walked to Sarah, starting a conversation, that lead to phone numbers exchange and semi-regular contact. But most importantly, he could have told Steve. Steve, who had became paralyzed this one time his mom saw them together, Steve, who had got his tongue twisted out of fear of his mom connecting the dots. Steve, who he loved so much and never wanted to hurt him. Yet, here he was, standing in front of his bedroom, holding a jug and a mug, afraid to take the final step and see the mess he had made out of Steve's life.

He was hiding half of his life. No more hiding.

The bedroom was quiet, the lights were dimmed, and he saw his boyfriend curled under the covers, blankets pulled all the way up to his nose. He wasn't sleeping, but his eyes were not fully opened either, just were slowly closing in as if he fought with his own tiredness until Tony could join him.

"I made you something to warm you up," Tony said gently, putting the mug down and pouring some of the hot liquid inside, the scent of ginger and spices and oranges filling the room. "Drink it slowly, it is very hot," Tony waited for Steve to sit up before handing him the mug.

"Thanks," Steve took it in both hands and slowly sipped. It was working and soon he felt warmth spreading over his limbs and helping him think. He looked at Tony, who was actively avoiding his gaze and sat on the edge of the bed, near him, waiting.

It was when Steve finished his drink and put the empty mug away with a quiet sound on the nightstand table when Tony spoke.

"Do you want more?"

Steve shook his head.

"Okay," Tony said quietly, before taking a trembling breath in and finally looking at Steve. "I am ready when you're ready," he said.

Steve grimaced. Tony was looking more tormented than he Steve felt and he didn't want that. He was in shock, sure, after all, he did something he feared of for so many years and maybe the overwhelming feeling got the worst out of him, and in the end -

"God, I am so sorry," Steve said, and much to Tony's surprise pulled him over and held close. "For worrying you," he pressed his lips to brunet’s temple, lingering them there for a second.

Tony didn't understand. He remained still, waiting for Steve to talk more.

"I was just so confused, I don't know when I even found myself outside your building. I think I just got overwhelmed with it all."

Tony really didn't understand. No yelling, no screaming, no crying. Unless… Tony looked at Steve, guilt, and confusion written all over his face.

Steve smiled in apology. "It wasn't easy, but I never expected it to be so. And ma - she was shocked, for sure, but she said that it doesn't change who I am and she just wants me happy and - Tony?"

Tony just broke. He hid his face into Steve's neck and started sobbing in relief. Steve wouldn't become one of the coming out stories that ended without a happy ending. It was all he wished for.

"Oh, babe," Steve said warmly, wrapping hands around his boyfriend and holding him close. He didn't know much about Tony's past and the life he had before he became Red Velvet, but something had to go wrong seeing how much he was emotionally involved. And Steve couldn't be happier - he had a loving and caring boyfriend and an understanding and supportive mother. He feared so much he couldn't have both and yet, it was happening.

"I am so glad everything is fine," Tony sobbed out, drawing away and Steve cupped Tony's face with both hands, brushing his tears away.

"It is thanks to you," Steve said, smiling gently, "you gave me the courage to do it."

Tony's mouth twisted again into a crying scowl. "I am sorry, I should have told you earlier," Tony dropped his head, feeling crushed. He knew that Steve could figure out what he had meant.

"You could have," Steve nodded. Finding out that Tony and his mom met a couple of times was a shock, but his mom seemed to blossom thanks to that friendship and in the end, Steve wanted the best for her. "Why you didn't?" Steve asked.

Tony sniffled, taking a moment to answer. He was taught to live in secret and hide who he was. Maybe he had his own unresolved coming out issues. And as much as he loved being with Steve and enjoyed his conversations with Sarah, bringing them together would lead to topics Tony was trying to avoid. He didn't want to mess up Steve's life, but he slowly realized that he was afraid of what Sarah would think of him. He already once disappointed one parental figure, he couldn't do it for the second time. He was a coward.

"I didn't want to lose you," Tony admitted, sobs breaking his voice, "you were so secretive around your mom and then when I met with her, she was so kind and - and I guess I didn't want to lose her either."

Steve listened, convinced in his belief that something along Tony's life did go very wrong, seeing how deeply he was wounded and how well he had masked his scars. They would work on that and maybe one day, Tony won't have to hide behind a mask of lipstick and foundation any longer.

"Steve… did you tell her that-?"

And the terrified look was back in Tony's eyes. Steve shook his head.

"It is not my story to tell," he said and Tony dropped his head down. There would come a time for Sarah to find out about Red Velvet. If he and Steve were supposed to be long term couple, there was no way to hide it. "But I have a different story," Steve continued, his voice sounding more enthusiastic, as he held Tony closer and reached for his hand. "I want to introduce you to my ma. Properly this time. With titles and everything," Steve joked.

So far, there were two moments in Tony's life when he completely broke. One when he was fourteen, second when he was twenty-one years old. The third moment came in his life when he was in his forties, cuddled in his boyfriend's lap, feeling loved and accepted on every imaginable level. Steve was honored to share this moment and let his boyfriend cry and whispered soothing things, feeling that they both needed to run into a brick wall and that running together was easier than doing it alone.

***

There was something really, really comforting in wakening up in the arms of your beloved person. That was why Tony was so surprised when the good morning kiss he wanted to place on Steve's cheek was met with a palm pressing to his face and keeping him away.

"Are you holding tweezers?" Steve murmured out in his half-awake state, not bothering to open his eyes. He was not falling for the same trick again.

Tony shook his head, strong enough to let Steve feel the movement.

"Good," Steve yawned and retracted his hand. Before Tony could scoff out his protest at such brutal treatment, Steve hooked his hand around brunet's nape and pulled him in for a closer hug. "Good morning," he said and blinked his eyes open.

Tony would stay mad if it wasn't for the soft and adoring way Steve was looking at him. Unfair. "Morning."

And he finally got his kiss. Nice.

"Any wishes for breakfast?" Steve asked, putting one hand behind his head and making himself more comfortable. Just a slow morning while he was holding a person he could proudly and loudly call his boyfriend. It was a good morning.

"Hmmm. I thought we could eat outside. I want to take you somewhere today," Tony said, his voice sounding a little timid.

"Where?"

"Um. It would be better if I just showed you. I want you to meet them."

"Mmm, okay," Steve agreed, kissing his boyfriend again and rolling on his side, placing Tony beside him as he felt he needed to use the bathroom. "What's the dress code for today?" he joked, a light jab at Tony's vast wardrobe.

Tony smiled. "Wear a jacket."

"You wear a jacket," Steve smiled back, walking into the bathroom. It didn't make sense and was all playful and Steve felt light as air.

Reality hit him hard hours later, while he stood at the gate leading to a cemetery. After a sweet morning and pancakes for breakfast at Tony's favorite diner, he didn't expect their route to lead them here. Tony trotted back to him, holding a bouquet of sweet smelling white gardenias and a plastic bag with two grave candles. Steve took the bag and they entered the cemetery grounds, Tony leading the way.

It was quiet around them and Steve saw people in the distance, attending the graves and visiting people buried in them, not paying attention to each other. In all its eery setting, the cemetery grounds were quite beautiful, with all the paths and wide, old trees.

"Hi mom, hi dad."

Steve stopped when Tony did and faced a white marble headstone with two names engraved on the shiny surface. 'Howard Anthony Walter Stark’. 'Maria Collins Carbonell Stark’. The same death date. Tony's parents.

Tony moved quietly, tiding around and brushing off the leaves from the headstone. He picked up a withered bouquet of brownish flowers from the center and put fresh ones in their place. What surprised Steve, was when Tony quickly looked around, left and right, and took a cigar from the inside of his coat and put underneath the flowers. Gifts for his parents.

"Light the candles, okay?" he turned to Steve and Steve nodded, while Tony walked away to discard the withered flowers in the nearest trash can. Steve took out the two candles from the plastic bag and cautiously lit them, putting them down on the sides and under the names. When Tony came back, he smiled at Steve and hooked their arms together and they stood like that for a while, together and in silence in front of his parents grave.

"You remember that shop where I bought the flowers and candles?" Tony said suddenly and Steve looked at him. Tony's eyes were fixed on the grave and hidden behind the sunglasses, but Steve could still see some sadness in the brown eyes.

"Yeah."

"They also sell alcohol."

"What?" Steve asked, not understanding.

"My parents died in the same year when I became of age and was able to legally drink. Not that it didn't happen before but - back then, this is how my visits here looked. I bought flowers, candles, and the cheapest bottle of bourbon. I stayed here for hours, even after dark, not knowing what to do with myself because they were gone and I was all alone. One time, I went too far. Someone found me in the morning, barely conscious and delirious, clenching an empty bottle in my hand. I was admitted into the hospital and had my stomach pumped, was on a drip and stayed there for two weeks because I also got pneumonia from staying all night out on the cold ground. And when I was let out, I felt I had to change something. That I can't live like that anymore."

Steve didn't say a word, feeling something clenching his chest. He pulled Tony closer to himself.

Tony smiled weakly, grateful for the gesture. "I enrolled in A.A., went to therapy and slowly fixed my life. Bit by bit. But it wasn't until I stepped into a drag queen bar where I felt… Safe. And accepted. And then one evening - I had the last glass of alcohol in my life, on the night of my first performance as Red Velvet. I wanted to celebrate her," when Tony looked at Steve, tears were shining in his eyes and he noticed Steve frowning at him and he knew the reason why. "It was alcohol-free," he laughed, meaning the bottle of sparkling wine he kept drinking yesterday, brought by Bucky. "Tootsie knows I have a problem."

Steve leaned in and placed a lingering kiss on Tony's forehead. The story he just heard was filled with sadness and grief and although Steve couldn't relate, he would do his best to understand. Words couldn't describe how happy he was with being allowed into Tony's past and it was a warm, wonderful feeling.

Tony sniffled for the last time and lifted the sunglasses a bit to wipe his eyes. "Let's go back. I have an evening show to get ready for."

"Yeah," Steve said, and they turned around and walked away, holding hands, the bond between them growing stronger and stronger.

***

"You told your mom you are gay?!"

If two days ago, Sam had screamed it out in his face in the middle of the Olive, Steve would slip under the table in sheer embarrassment. Instead, he remained in his seat, leaning casually to the back and sipping his Long Island Ice tea. Virgin. It wasn't expected of him, but he wanted to support Tony in every way possible.

"Yup," Steve smiled, pushing the straw out of his mouth. He really felt proud of himself.

"Wow," Sam said, genuinely surprised. "And how did she react?"

"It was fine," Steve stirred the drink with his straw. Tea, non-alcoholic ginger beer and lots of lemon. It wasn't that bad. "She was a little shocked but she accepted it quickly. She invited me for another lunch next week. Maybe I will take Tony with me this time."

Sam nodded, thinking that Sarah Rogers was someone truly special. "Gotta tell you, buddy, I thought you will take this one with you to the grave," Sam said, reaching for his beer.

Steve grinned cheekily. Of course, Sam could think that, seeing how many difficulties Steve had with coming out to his best friend. He started time after time, always backing up the last second, until one evening, after a lot of self-loathing and guilt, he sent a text message to Sam's phone. ‘I am gay,' three hardest words ever. The answer had came seconds later and Steve was terrified to look at it, afraid of losing his best friend. None of that happened and Sam kept it short and precise. 'Hi gay, I am Sam.' Steve took a screenshot of it and kept saved on his phone, knowing that the friendship between him and Sam would last forever. Until another evening when instead of their regular bar, Steve had proposed the Pitted Olive and all doubts came back again. And Sam once again has proven himself as his best friend, giving the drag queen bar a chance. Steve was forever grateful for his friend being so open-minded.

"But are you okay?" Sam asked, sending a calculating look towards Steve. "Like, truly okay?"

Steve's smile dimmed a little. Last days were buzzing with information and he felt closer to Tony and more in love with him, but it was all slowly taking its toll on him and draining his energy. He needed some more time to process and regenerate.

"I am fine," Steve said, not wanting to worry his friend. "Just tired after last events."

Sam nodded in understanding. "Maybe you should ask Tony to lend you one of his facial masks," he added in a playful tone.

Steve laughed. "Maybe." Truth to be told, he wouldn't mind another home spa evening with his boyfriend. They both could use some pampering and some calm moments only to themselves.

"Ladies and gentleman!" a voice echoed in the bar, one that Steve had assigned to Loki - seemed that he wasn't only a bodyguard but also an announcer. "Please give a warm welcome to our first performer of the evening, Miss Red Velvet!"

There was applause and Steve smiled and clapped with everyone as Red Velvet walked onto the stage, waving to the audience and stopping her eyes on Steve for a second, her smile a bit wider and more beautiful just for him before it dimmed down into something subtler and charming. Steve sat in the audience, listening to a song that seemed less melancholic in comparison to the ones he already knew, and took in every moment, not letting Red Velvet out of his sight. She was radiant and confident and Steve felt his heart growing just from looking at her, knowing her back story and how she came to life. And Steve knew that once the makeup and dress would be off, he would continue to feel the same while looking at Tony, at his Tony who had his share of suffering and created something beautiful and Steve felt privileged to be a part of his story. And how amazing was that?

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<– previous part ….. next part —>

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@destiel-is-classic, @prithvik , @azurixx , @mangakats, @mystey-writes,@w1nters-stark, gloriousmarvellokiturtle, @the-pop-culture-geek

#stony #SUPERHUSBANDS #Steve Rogers #tony stark #drag queen #drag queen AU #au #the pitted olive #the pitted olive fic #fanfic #fanfiction #no tickling

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emospritelet · 6 years ago

Note

KOL: Gold tucks a sick Belle in bed

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10] [Part 11]

AO3 link

Gold woke with a start, momentarily confused over where he was and the warm presence beside him. Belle was still sleeping, and he hastily moved back from where he had been curled around her. At least he hadn’t been prodding her with a raging erection this time, so that was something. He rolled onto his back, lifting his head to look around the room. He felt better, but still weak, and he suspected he would need to take it easy for the rest of the day. The fire had burned low, and he slipped out from beneath the covers, going to stack some more wood on it. Belle shifted at the sound of it, watching him with heavy eyes over the top of the blankets.

“How long was I asleep?” she asked, and he glanced at the clock.

“A few hours,” he said. “It’s just after two. How are you feeling?”

“Thirsty.”

He poured her some water, and she pushed up on an elbow, taking the glass and drinking it down. Gold placed his palm over her forehead, and she moaned at the feel of it, leaning into his touch. She was still burning up, and he frowned, shaking his head.

“I’ll be okay,” she whispered.

“In a few days, perhaps,” he said.

At that moment the lights flicked back on, and they both looked around before sharing a smile.

“Power’s back,” he said. “I’ll just check the kitchen.”

“Do you have a phone charger?” she asked. “I should really call my dad, he’ll wonder where the hell I am.”

“I’ll find your phone,” he said, heading for the kitchen.

The heating system was ticking into life, and he spotted Belle’s phone on the table, plugging it in to charge. The battery was completely dead, so it would be a little while before she could make a call. He filled the kettle with water, figuring that he could make them both a hot toddy with the ingredients Jefferson had brought. He sliced lemons and placed them in cups with spoonfuls of honey, a cinnamon stick broken in half and a few cloves. He then poured a generous shot of whisky over and finished with the hot water before stirring everything up.

Belle was propped up against the pillows when he went back through, and he sat down beside her and handed her one of the cups, setting his own on the table.

“The place should be warming up soon,” he said. “I plugged in your phone. You should give it ten minutes or so.”

“Thanks.” She breathed in the scent from the toddy. “Wow, that’s strong!”

He grinned.

“Should do you good,” he said. “Or at least it’ll taste good. My aunts used to make it when I was young. Swore by it in the winter. I mean there’s some science behind it due to the medicinal properties of the ingredients, but honestly I think they just liked the whisky.”

Belle giggled.

“Are your aunts over here?” she asked, and he shook his head.

“Passed away a few years ago,” he said. “They were in their forties when they took me in, and raised me from around age seven. Good women.”

“I don’t really have any wider family,” she said. “Never knew my grandparents, and Dad’s an only child. Mum didn’t speak to the rest of her family - apparently she married beneath herself, or something ridiculous - so I never knew them.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah.” She patted the blankets beside her. “Come on, get back underneath. The house isn’t warm yet.”

He slid beneath the blankets, picking up his drink and taking a sip. It was soothing, the heat of the whisky and spices, the sharpness of lemon juice and the rich, sweet honey. He let his head roll back against the pillows with a sigh, and Belle eyed him over the top of her mug.

“How come you ended up in the U.S.?” she asked, and he pulled a face.

“Got a scholarship to med school,” he said. “Seemed too good to pass up.”

“Do you miss home?”

“A little,” he admitted. “But I’ve been here a long time, and I like that the north-eastern U.S. has rain and snow and is cold enough to freeze your arse off at times. If I’d ended up in Arizona or something, I may have fled back home far sooner.”

“Well, at least you have good neighbours here to clear the snow for you,” she observed. “I guess now the power’s back on I should be heading home.”

“You’ll do no such thing,” he said sternly. “You still have the flu, and I’m not about to toss you out into the snow. The furthest you’ll be travelling is upstairs to the spare bedroom. Doctor’s orders.”

Belle grinned at that.

“What about you?” she asked. “Are you going back to work?”

“Tomorrow, I expect,” he said. “No doubt they could use my help, but I’m sure they’ve kept on top of things. Jefferson and Whale are very competent, and Nurse South runs a tight ship.”

Belle chewed her lip, looking uncomfortable.

“Look, I - I didn’t want to say anything,” she began. “I was kind of hoping it would have blown over by the time you got back, but just in case it hasn’t, I - I think you should know that Zelena’s been spreading stories about us.”

He made a noise at the back of his throat, a low grunt of irritation.

“Jefferson told me,” he said shortly. “Don’t concern yourself, I’ll deal with it. I don’t have the patience for gossip, and if Miss Mills is so short of work she’s spreading ridiculous rumours, I’ll just have to find something for her to do.”

“Okay,” she said.

“I’m sorry if it’s distressing you,” he added. “But if it’s any consolation, I very much doubt that anyone at the hospital believes her.”

“Oh, that doesn’t upset me,” she said. “I just thought - I thought maybe it might upset you, that’s all.”

He suspected she might have been offended by the suggestion that the two of them were an item, but was too polite to admit it.

“Well, we both know it would never happen, so I’m trying not to let it bother me,” he said.

Belle blinked at him, and he wanted to sigh. Yes. The idea had upset her, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings by saying so. It was bad enough that she had been snowed in with an invalid and ended up catching the flu herself. Now she had the hospital rumour-mill to contend with. Bloody Miss Mills!

“I’ll deal with it,” he repeated. “You just concentrate on your recovery. The sooner you’re feeling better, the sooner we can get you out of here.”

“Right,” she said quietly, and sipped at her drink.

Belle felt awful, the illness taking all of her strength, and once she had finished the toddy she snuggled down in the bed, drifting in an out of sleep as Gold got up and went upstairs. He left her alone, only coming back around five to check on her and make her drink some water. She needed the bathroom, and made her way on shaking limbs, breathless with the effort by the time she got back under the covers. He offered to heat up the chicken soup that Jefferson had brought, and although she wasn’t hungry, she agreed. Her phone was charged, and so she called Ruby, who squealed down the phone as soon as she heard her voice.

“I almost called the cops!” she said. “Why didn’t you come over? Your dad said he didn’t know where the hell you were and he seemed like he couldn’t care less, so I was kind of thinking maybe he’d killed you and buried you in the woods or something! I’ve been worried sick!”

“I have the flu!” protested Belle. “My phone ran out of juice, the power was out… Stirling and I had huddle in the lounge to keep warm.”

“Who the frilly heck is Stirling?”

“Oh.” Belle blushed. “Dr Gold. I - I came over to look after him, because he was sick, and - and I kind of got sick too.”

Ruby whistled, and Belle’s blush deepened.

“Shut up,” she muttered.

“No, this is awesome!” said Ruby enthusiastically. “You like him, right? As in like him like him? As in you’d have sex with him?”

“Ruby…”

“I’m just saying, this is looking a lot more promising than that blind date I set up.”

“Look, I gotta go,” said Belle wearily.

“Wait! Are you okay? Do you want me to bring you anything?”

“Not right now, I just need to sleep.”

“You know you’re always welcome to stay here if you want,” added Ruby. “No sexy older guys, but I can make you hot cocoa!”

“I don’t want to give this to you,” said Belle. “I’ll be okay, I just need to rest and let it take its course.”

“Okay. Call me tomorrow, okay?”

“Thanks, Rubes.”

She rang off and called her father, trying their home when there was no answer at the shop. He was grumpy when she answered, and didn’t seem at all concerned that she hadn’t been home in days.

“I told you you’d get the flu,” he said, when she explained her situation. “Didn’t listen, did you?”

“Thanks for the sympathy,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Just thought I’d let you know I won’t be home for a day or two at least.”

“So what am I supposed to do for food?”

“What did you do before I came to Storybrooke?” she snapped. “Microwave something!”

She hung up before he could snap back, and tossed the phone aside, irritated. The sooner she could get a place of her own, the better. She heard the tap of Gold’s cane, and glanced over to where he was coming into the lounge with a tray perched on his free arm. A steaming bowl was set on it, and she took it from him, along with a plate of bread and butter that she didn’t really want.

“Was your father worried?” he asked, and she snorted.

“That’ll be the day,” she said dryly, taking up a spoon and stirring the soup. “God, I really need to start saving up for my own place! Are there any major landlords in town?”

“Not that I know of,” he said. “You could try putting up a notice in the break room at the hospital, though. Someone may have a place to rent.”

“That’s an idea.” She blew on a spoonful of soup to cool it. “I don’t need anything big, just a one-bed. There has to be something around.”

“So your plan is to stay in Storybrooke, then?” he said, taking a seat. “What about that librarian position you talked about?”

“Not much chance of that at the moment,” she said gloomily. “One step at a time, I guess.”

“Jefferson said the patients will be pleased to get their librarian back, anyway,” he said.

She sent him a grateful look. It was good of him to remember what was important to her. She suspected that was what made him a good doctor, the ability to remember what people told him, however unimportant it might seem to others.

“Eat your soup,” he added. “We’re going to attempt to get you upstairs to a comfortable bed, and it could take all our combined strength, pathetic as we are.”

She returned his grin, and picked up her spoon again. It would be nice to lie down properly and get some decent sleep, but sharing the couch with him hadn’t been so bad.

After the soup was eaten, and the dishes cleared away and washed, Gold managed to get Belle upstairs to the spare bedroom, and tucked her in, drawing the blankets up to her chin. He laid a damp cloth over her forehead, and she moaned in pleasure, a low, groaning noise of pure bliss. He had some vivid and arousing dreams that night, and was almost certain that Belle’s noises of pleasure were the cause of them. Luckily he had slept in his own bed, with no one beside him when he woke, and no worry at the back of his mind that he would embarrass himself with involuntary erections. Waking up alone had seemed strange at first, and he told himself not to be so ridiculous. He had been waking up alone for decades, after all.

Gold felt considerably better the next morning, if a little light-headed, and decided he was well enough to return to the hospital, albeit for a shorter shift than he would usually work. Belle was worse, barely raising her head when he brought her tea and a jug of iced water. Her fever made him frown, so he gave her something to reduce it, and made her drink a full glass of water before he left.

“I’ll check in on you at lunchtime,” he promised. “No parties while I’m out, alright?”

She let out a soft giggle at that, and he nodded and eased the door closed, hoping she would start to feel better soon.

The hospital was busy, but Jefferson was right - things didn’t seem quiet as hectic as they had been. He got an update from Whale as he changed into his scrubs; the influx of flu patients had slowed to a trickle, but they were now getting patients with complications arising from having had the flu itself. Miss Ginger had ended up with pneumonia, and there were several instances of patients trying to do too much, too soon, and fainting in the middle of the street. The storm had also led to numerous broken bones as people slipped on the ice, but Whale said he had dealt with the majority.

“Which of the nurses are on duty?” asked Gold.

“Dorothy and Astrid are on the children’s and long-term wards, assisted by Miss Blanchard,” said Whale, buttoning his shirt. “I put Zelena in the emergency room. She was getting on my nerves, so I figured I’d keep her busy.”

Gold grunted at that. Good bloody riddance.

“Is Nurse South in?” he asked.

“Should be.”

“Thanks.”

Gold closed his locker with a clang and drew on his lab coat, nodding to Whale as he left the locker room. He made his way down the corridor to where Nurse Glinda South kept her office, and found her going through the shift rotas for the week. She sent him a warm smile as she looked up, blonde hair teased up into a neat bun.

“Dr Gold,” she said. “I’m so pleased to see you back. How are you feeling?”

“Better, thank you,” he said.

“I presume you’ve come for an update on the patients.”

“I’ve already been through that with Dr Whale,” he said. “Actually, this is something more delicate.”

“Ah.” She put down her pen, sitting back. “Would you like to take a seat?”

“Thank you, but I’m better standing.” He opened and closed his hands on the cane handle. “I’m not sure what you’ve heard, but it’s my understanding that Nurse Mills has been spreading false and salacious rumours about myself and Miss French, one of the assistants.”

“I did hear something being whispered around in the canteen,” she said, frowning. “Didn’t pay it any mind, but it sounds as though it’s gotten out of hand. You’re sure it was Zelena?”

“Quite sure,” he said. “She came to my house. Uninvited, I might add, and quite unwelcome. Upon seeing Miss French there, she apparently got the wrong idea about our relationship.”

Glinda’s mouth flattened.

“I see,” she said. “Well, thank you for bringing it to my attention. I’ll be having a stern talk with Nurse Mills.”

“Thank you,” he said. “I would have spoken to her myself, but honestly it seems as though any attention might be misinterpreted, and I’d rather not encourage her. Besides, I didn’t want to tread on your toes.”

“I appreciate that,” she said, and picked up her pen, tapping it against the schedule on her desk. “As luck would have it, I was about to redraw the staffing rotas. I’ll be sure to fix it so that Nurse Mills has as little interaction with you and Miss French as possible.”

Gold felt a smile spread across his face, and he inclined his head.

“Thank you, Nurse South,” he said. “I’m obliged to you.”

#thespinningmeanie #fic: kiss of life #rumbelle #rumbelle fic #dr gold x candy striper belle #my fic

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theloveliestpartsofasexuality · 6 years ago

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Destressor List: One Each for the Five Main Senses

So, it’s the holidays. School finals are coming up. Pretty much everyone who’ll end up reading this is probably a minority group in at least one way and has to deal with bullshit because of that.

I figure we’re all a bunch of stressed people. Therefore, here are some things you can do to relieve stress that may also even help with anxiety if you have it, like me. These are things that help me, so they won’t necessarily work for you, but it’s worth a shot.

Coloring apps:

Do you like art but don’t feel like you can create anything? Well, do you remember coloring books? There’s apps for that! For adults! There’s a plethora of pixel art apps that are basically color-by-number. I personally use Sandox because it includes a lot of pop culture stuff. The pictures can be simple or complex. Here’s some examples:

If you’re feeling more traditionally ~artsy~ there’s also apps that are pretty much coloring books. I find you can do a lot creatively on Recolor with the free tools. Here’s one picture from start to finish.

You can surprisingly add extra details with crayons. Everything you see added in the third picture was done with the crayons. They can be solid or more transparent and require a bit more patience to use since it’s more than just tapping to make color appear. It’s worth noting that the crayons are not very crayon-like. I feel that I should add that while I did used to draw kinda-sorta decently, I CANT DRAW FOR SHIT anymore because of my tremors, but I can still do stuff like that with the app (Don’t look at those flowers too closely. They look okay in the whole context of the picture but if you zoom in you can see they’re actually just squiggles, ha). The last picture looks that way not because I did anything extra to the picture but because there are filters. I finished the coloring in the third.

Hot Beverages:

During winter especially, it feels good to drink something hot. My main go to is tea. Like coffee, you may not like what you first drink, but it’s a matter of finding what flavor, strength, and level of sweetness you like. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, honey, milk/cream/coffee creamer can all be added to offset the initial bitter brew. You can find crazy amounts of detail about how to brew tea, but you don’t have to try that hard. Just don’t steep longer than ten minutes, though you can steep less. Put a microwave safe mug full of water in a microwave for two minutes. Put the tea bag or infuser in the water to steep. Bam, tea. There’s floral tea, fruity tea, earthy tea, herbal tea, whatever flavors you think might sound good as a hot beverage and more. You can find caffeine free tea easily, but even the strongest teas typically have less than half the caffeine found in a home brewed cup of coffee. Here’s a graph:

You can also go for hot chocolate(try homemade, it’s ridiculously good), hot apple cider(add cinnamon if you want), and decaf coffee. When it comes to coffee, if you want to relax, it has to be decaf.

Fuzzy Things:

When you’re feeling stressed, fuzzy things can be great, especially if they’re warm. Personally, I think the best option is a warm furry friend, but warm furry friends are not available to everyone. However, blankets are also great, and they do not have to necessarily be fuzzy if you’re not into that. You can sit and read on your phone (or scroll through Tumblr) or get a physically there book, watch Netflix/Hulu/cable/whatever you have. Pillows are a welcome addition. Heated blankets are awesome because w a r m t h, and if you’re a person who menstruates, it doubles as a way to ease cramps. On top of all that, you can also have a warm furry friend keep you company if you have one. Or any friend. Maybe even a human friend, why not, let’s gets crazy here.

Bake ALL of the Goods:

I already did taste with the hot beverages, and this is technically a heavy taste thing, but my favorite part of baking is probably the smell(especially bread. You wouldn’t believe how good homemade bread smells). Cookies are an easy one that most people enjoy the smell of and I could give you all SO MANY recipes. Like, you have no idea how many recipes I have. It’s ridiculous. You don’t need many tools for most cookie recipes, not even a hand mixer. In fact, sometimes you can’t use a hand mixture if the cookie dough is too thick. The catch is that you will have to give up on using a spoon near the end and dig your hands into it. No kneading techniques are necessary, but your hands are gonna go in the dough. If you cannot stand the way dough feels, then I’d recommend getting someone to finish mixing the dough for you or get already prepared dough. For a lot of people, however, dough is actually kinda fun to play with.

Here is my comparatively easy, completely unhealthy, absolutely amazing Super Secret Family Recipe for chocolate chip cookies. The base of this recipe can be found on the back of a Nestle chocolate chips bag, but if you compare the two, you’ll notice this one has been...modified.

Baking tools you absolutely need: two large bowls, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, something to mix wet(first six) ingredients. May use a large spoon, hand mixer, or stand mixer.

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

2/3 cup shortening (Crisco)

2/3 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks, softened)

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda (not powder!)

1 bag of Semi-sweet chocolate chips

1.) Preheat oven 375F or 190C

2.) In a large bowl, mix both sugars, shortening, butter, eggs, and vanilla together.

(Your butter needs to be soft. You may simply leave it out and let it come to room temperature or you may microwave it. Both ways work most efficiently if butter is cut into tabs. If you microwave, be careful! Don’t melt it. Microwave no more than 10 seconds at a time.)

3.) Sift flour, salt, and baking soda together in a separate large bowl.

(To sift, put all the ingredients in the bowl, then you may gently shake the bowl and/or whisk it. I shake the bowl, my grandma used a whisk. Both work fine.)

4.) Pour the dry (ingredients from number 3) ingredients into the wet and mix.

(It is easiest to do this by pouring the dry ingredients by roughly a third of the entire thing at a time. This is the point at which you should stop using a mixer, though you can keep using a large spoon until it becomes too difficult to do so. Mix the ingredients with your hands.)

5.) Fold in however many chocolate chips you want into the dough. I use about half a bag, but you can always use more or less based on your preference.

6.) Form balls of dough roughly one inch thick. You can use your hands, two spoons, or a cookie scooper(easiest). Place on baking sheet a couple inches apart. Bake for 9-12 minutes.

Yields: about 3-3 1/2 dozen cookies. Might give you four dozen if no one eats any cookie dough, I don’t know, never tried that.

Unfortunately, despite how many times I’ve made this, I don’t have a picture of cookies where I followed this recipe. I do, however, have one where I didn’t have shortening and substituted for another 2/3 cup of butter, totaling 3 sticks of butter. If you follow the recipe, the cookies will look similar, but less smooth than these:

If you have any questions or want a different recipe, ask away or DM me. If you’re uncertain about how your dough is turning out, send me a picture and I will be able to tell you how to fix the dough if it needs fixing. Don’t worry, I have corrected every mistake you could fathom with this specific recipe. You won’t be bothering me with questions. In fact, I would love to help out with it. Send me pictures of the resulting cookies, if you’d like!

Music:

So, I’m a musician. Like, I study music education at a college known for their fine arts program. My main method of trying to relax and relieve anxiety always involves music. I do a lot of playing music, but listening to music is the most relaxing thing. My advice here is to branch out and try new music. Even music you’ve never considered before. We have over a thousand years worth of music that you can still listen to today, with endless variations, from all over the world, and you’d never run out of new music.

Listen to songs in languages you don’t understand. And no, I don’t just mean K-pop, though obviously that counts. People make music in every language you can think of. Music is one of the only constants in human history. There’s music for every emotion you can think of and some music paints pictures in your head if the performer is skilled enough. You don’t even need words to do that, either. It can make you feel things just with sound, if it’s good enough. I would recommend songs, but I would need to make a master list, honestly. If you want a starting point, you can give me an emotion, a genre, a time period, a language, a favorite instrument/voice type, and/or any other criteria and I can find something for you.

#lgbtqia #lgbt #not an asexual problem #stress #anxiety #destress #little things #long post #baking #coloring #music #mental health #fun things #you can tell im not a very tactile person

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calorieworkouts · 5 years ago

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Top 10 High Energy Summer Snacks for Weight Loss

These snacks are a best match for those exercising a healthy way of life, fully raw or RawTill4, or if you just want something tasty in your tummy!

1. Watermelon Snow Cones

Cool down on hot day by enjoying this extra easy watermelon flavorful snow cone.

Ingredients:

Watermelon Ice Mint Leaves (Optional)

Instructions:

Fill Blender or food processor with 1 mug of ice and 1 mug of watermelon.

Blend then scoop into a bowl for a delicious recipe of happiness.

For added summer season fresh flavour, throw in a few mint leaves for fun.

2. Coconut Cream Pie Pudding

There is absolutely nothing quite like appreciating a coconut lotion pie during twilight hours. 'Wow' your loved ones by whipping up this wonderfully healthy and balanced, yet, devily scrumptious dessert.

Ingredients:

2-4 Frozen Bananas 0.5 Cup Raw Pineapple 3 cups of Raw Coconut Meat 1 tbsp Organic Coconut Sugar 1 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

Put all active ingredients right into a mixer.

Blend until smooth.

Enjoy as a dessert or drizzle over a tasty day and also nut pie crust (click right here for a basic recipe).

Sprinkle coconut shavings on the top after that place in fridge freezer for 1 hour to chill.

Slice, serve and smile.

3. Granny's Apple Pie Smoothie

( Motivated by Freelee the Banana Lady's Youtube Network)

Ingredients:

1-3 Organic Apples (your favorite kind functions best) 7-10 Medjool Dates (pre soak for 30mins) 1 tsp Organic Cinnamon 1 tsp Organic Nutmeg 2 cups of Coconut water 1-2 cups of Filtered Water

Instructions:

Blend all active ingredients together.

Pour into your favored alcohol consumption goblet after that take pleasure in each gulp.

Don' t neglect to honor your favorite older by elevating a glass in their general direction!

4. Tooty Fruity Kabobs

This recipe is so easy, as well as yet so fun to make. Youngsters especially like to make their own 'Fruity Kabobs'. Get a few multiple-use shish kebab sticks, cut up some fruit as well as slide on accordingly.

Fruit that functions finest for this meal might include chopped bananas, grapes, strawberries, pineapple pieces, orange wedges, mango dices, matched cherries, icy blackberries, apple slices.

5. Salt n' Vinegar Popcorn

Air stand out a lot of organic snacks and area in a big bowl.

Fill a food grade spray bottle with 0.5 cups of apple cider vinegar as well as 0.5 cup of filteringed system water.

As you spray the snacks with the vinegar brew, lightly sprinkle on celtic sea salt to taste.

For a little kick in the palate drink on some black pepper. Seasoning this snacks is always at your discretion.

6. 'You Dip, I Dip, We Dip' Salsa with Chips

Chips:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Finely piece 2-3 potatoes and position on baking tray.

Sprinkle with salt/pepper and also cook for 20 mins or up until you reach the preferred chip like crunch.

Salsa:

Add the complying with active ingredients right into a dish: 1 cup diced tomatoes 0.5 cups of finely chopped parsley 0.5 cups of cut sweet onion 1 chopped yellow bell pepper 1 mug of cooked organic lentils

Squeeze one fifty percent of a lemon on top of all other ingredients.

Add 1 tsp of sea salt, a dash of chili pepper and also garlic powder to taste.

Set aside to marinate.

When your chips are great enough to consume, begin to dip. Naturally, you don't have to share if you do not want to.

7. Spicy Ginger Dressing on Spiralized Salad Bed

You will certainly need a veggie spiralizer or julienne peeler for this recipe. Begin to spiralize cucumbers, carrots as well as zucchini for your salad. Quit when you can fill out the chosen salad dish. Embellish with very finely sliced red bell pepper.

Dressing Ingredients:

1-2 slices of ginger 1 cup of cooked sweet potato 1 garlic clove 0.5 cups of cashews Dash of paprika Dash of black pepper

Blend all components with each other and drizzle over the spiralized veggies. Leading with a few more cashew items, after that dig in!

8. Faux Ice-Cream Sandwiches

Faux Sandwich Squares

10-20 Soaked Honey Dates 0.5 cups of soaked almonds 0.2 cups of cashews 3 tbsp of carob powder

Faux Ice Cream Filling

3 Frozen Bananas 1 tbsp coconut Sugar Use a little bit of coconut water to help with the blending process.

Layer all-time low of a level cooking tray with the fake sandwich square filling and cut right into square pieces.

Then layer the artificial ice-cream on fifty percent of the squares and cover the cream loaded with the staying square tops.

Set these delicious sandwiches in the freezer for 20-30 minutes then appreciate solo or share a bite with a friend.

9. BBQ Butternut Squash Bites

BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

3 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil 1 tsp Sea Salt Juice of 1 lemon Dash of cajun powder Dash of black pepper

Slice as well as dice a butternut squash then roll items right into the aformentioned BBQ sauce brew.

Place items on cooking tray and also drizzle the staying BARBEQUE sauce on top.

Bake at 350 levels for 20-30 minutes or up until tender.

Sprinkle cut cilantro on the top and also enjoy.

10. 'Could It Be' Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

1-2 baked purple pleasant potatoes 3 tbsp cacao powder 2 tbsp cocoa nibs 3-5 soaked dates 1 scoop of Vega Chai flavored protein powder (optional) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp cinnamon

Bake one large or two little purple sweet potatoes in an oven or microwave up until tender. * When cooled down place all active ingredients right into a food cpu as well as mix till smooth.

Fill a pie tin with the delicious cream as well as cool for 30 mins in a freezer.

Slice, offer and trick them all.

The biggest part concerning these dishes is that they can be utilized as a healthy and balanced dish replacement when you are yearning fast food. All ingredients are taken into consideration whole foods that are full of minerals and vitamins and low or no food handling. No preservatives, no problem - just ensure to eat them up before they go bad!

#fitness #weight

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unapologetic-swamp-witch · 4 years ago

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Alright my friends and spiteful enemies. As promised,

Apple Tea Warming Spell

First, you gotta make the tea.

I personally bless the ingredients first, then assemble the tea, but if you prefer to keep the tea mundane until spell time, that’s totally fine too.

I do this in big batches, so this is the recipe I use:

2 cups loose green tea - just green tea, nothing else in it yet!

1 cup dried apple peel (tutorial on that later)

2 tablespoons whole cloves

2 tablespoons crystallized ginger

2 broken-up cinnamon sticks (3 inch/ 7-8 cm in length)

Mix together the cloves, ginger and cinnamon sticks, break them just slightly - you’ll start to really smell them as you break ‘em up. A mortar and pestle works well. Be sure to keep the chunks big enough to be contained in whatever tea diffuser you use. Personally I just put the loose tea right in my tea pot, so I keep the pieces pretty big for easy cleaning.

Once those are broken up nicely, mix them into the green tea and add the dried apple. I use the peels because while they can be bitter, they’re the leftovers from Autumn canning season. I try to leave a bit of the fruit flesh on the ones I dry just to make sure i get the full flavor.

*Pro tip: red apple peels will make your tea pinkish. yellow ones will make it more yellow-brown.

Once combined, I break up everything just a bit more with my mortar and pestle, then store in an airtight glass jar. This will keep for up to a year if your dried apples are done correctly. After about 5-6 months though, the flavors won’t be nearly as strong.

Since this is a spiced apple tea, and the autumn chill seems to seep into my bones, I tend to do a “preserve the warmth spell” with this tea.

If not already done, bless the tea/cleanse the tea. Don’t wanna drink up residual intentions.

When preparing the tea, use about 2 tablespoons per 12 oz. cup (~40 grams per .3 liters) I say twelve because I love a big cup of tea.

Bring water to about 165 degrees Fahrenheit ( 73 Celsius) so you don’t scald the green tea (very important, it will be very bitter and gross if you burn the tea! The other ingredients will take a while to steep at such a low temperature, but your patience will be rewarded!

I let this tea steep for about 12 minutes while still over the heat, whether that means a hot plate for the tea pot, or a steadily warmed pot on the stove, it helps to keep the tea from cooling too much while steeping.

While the tea steeps, warm some oatmilk in the microwave (recipe to come) to about the same temperature as the tea, this does not need to be exact.

Once the tea is done and poured into a cup/mug, I add 1 tablespoon of honey and about 4 oz. oatmilk to it. The tea becomes creamy and sweet, almost like an applecrisp sticky bun (yet another recipe to share!)

While stirring clockwise, focus on the warmth of the tea.

“Though the summer’s come and gone, and autumn’s leaves have changed, bring me warmth through winter’s cold and store it deep within my bones.”

Associations:

Apples - long lasting

cinnamon - strong, spicy - hits the heat receptors

clove - protection

ginger - a good immune boost to get you through the cold

green tea - brightness and peace of mind

oats (oatmilk) - hearty and filling

honey - long lasting, gold like the sunshine

Out shopping for ingredients, soon to come:

Apple Tea Warming Spell!!!!!!!

#tea spell #apple tea #kitchen witchcraft #warming spell #stay warm this winter

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jonasmaurer · 6 years ago

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Drink This, Sweat Off That

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Oh the joys of the holidays… There’s nothing like getting together with friends and family to celebrate and toast to a great year. Just be smart about what’s in your raised glass. Do you really know what’s in that cocktail?

Holiday weight gain is not just from cookies, treats, or eating too much! It’s also contributed to cocktails loaded up with extra sugars in the drink. If you’re mindful of what’s in the food and drinks you intake, you can prevent ingesting any extra – unneeded calories this season.

You can have your booze and drink it too but with healthier options. This season, try making ‘healthier’ holiday cocktails that will keep you happy (cheers!) and focused on your health for the new year.

This blog highlights 5 festive holiday drinks and provides 3 different circuit workouts to work off those extra calories to keep your body on track. Cheer & Enjoy!

HOLIDAY SIPPERS & BURNER WORKOUT

These holiday drinks are not only festive, but they are made with a low-cal option and taste great too! The beauty of concocting your own drink is that you can pick and choose the ingredients you want to use, scale it down or even add other spices.

Following each drink recipe, you will find a suggested circuit workout that will help burn off the extra calories with 3 powerful moves. It’s quick, efficient, and will keep your fitness in check while enjoying the festivities of the season.

NOTE: These cocktails contain alcohol in the ingredients but can always be omitted! Please drink responsibly and sweat it off regularly.

5 SEASONAL SIPPERS

Champagne & St. Germain

This classy mix may be a holiday cocktail favorite. It’s simple to make with only two ingredients. Add in some pomegranate seeds or cranberries for a red festive garnish.

Ingredients:

1/2-part St. Germain

1/2-part brut Champagne, dry sparkling wine, or brut Rose

Mix It: Pour ingredients into a chilled flute glass and stir lightly. Top with garnishes and enjoy.

Non-spiked alternative: muddle limes, mint, ginger and combined with club soda for a refreshing bubbly treat.

<h3>Mulled Wine-o</h3>

A short list of ingredients is what will keep the calorie count down. In 20 minutes, you will have a seasonally spiced drink to keep you warm and toasty.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine

1 orange sliced

1/4 cup Brandy

1/4 cup raw honey

8-10 cloves

4 cinnamon sticks

Mix It: Combine all ingredients into a non-aluminum saucepan and bring to a simmer over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Get the glasses ready… strain when pouring. Serve warm and enjoy this full spiced treat.

Work it off with the ‘3 Leg Blasters’ routine!

Rosemary Gin-a-fizz Tree

This holiday inspired cocktail is easy and light to whip up for a festive treat.

Ingredients:

3 sprigs rosemary

1 small squeezed lemon or pressed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon of raw honey

1 1/2 ounces of gin

3 ounces club soda

Mix It: In a shaker or small glass, muddle the fresh rosemary, lemon juice, and honey. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the gin. If you have a shaker or a closed container, shake it hard. Pour into a drinking glass and top it off with the soda.

Non-spiked alternative: leave out the gin.

Work it off with the ‘3 Core Moves’ routine.

Grinch-Tini

Splurge on this mean green cocktail treat. It will satisfy your sweet tooth and put you in the holiday spirits.

Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or coconut milk if you prefer) 1 cup creme de menthe 1/2 cup Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

Extra: Here’s an option to make a this an extra naughty, grinchy treat… Pour this drink over a scoop of coconut-based ice cream!

Mix It: In a shaker, mix all ingredients together over ice. Shake hard… serve chilled, ‘up’ in a martini glass and garnish it with something festive! (Makes 2 drinks.)

Non-spiked alternative: Omit the liquor. Use unsweetened chocolate peppermint almond milk instead of plain/ vanilla. (Trader Joes sells a great one!) Mix in the coffee for a little energy kick. Serve chilled or warm.

HoHo CoCo Love

Warm up with a boozy hot chocolate! This holiday sipper is big, bold, beautiful and overflows with festive goodness.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1/8 cup cacao powder

1-ounce Amaretto, Baily’s, Kahlua or whipped cream vodka. All are great options in hot chocolate. My fav is Amaretto!

Mix It: Heat the almond milk over light heat. While stirring, add in the cacao powder. Once heated, pour into a mug and adding the alcohol of choice. Sip with pleasure!

Extra: If you happen to be a coffee lover and have a Nespresso or a single coffee maker, add a coffee shot to this drink! It’s a delicious way to put an extra jump in your step.

Non-spiked alternative: Omit the liquor. Make it skinny by using a non-dairy base and water. Add in some mini marshmallows or a scoop of whipped cream for an added treat.

Sweat it off with the ‘3 Cardio Burners’ routine.

3 BURNER WORKOUTS

Directions: Choose a specific workout to burn off extra calories on your Total Gym.

Warm-up: Dynamically move for a few minutes to prepare your muscles.

Workout: Perform the workout in circuit form, one after the other without breaks.

REPS: 15-20

SETS: 1+ (repeat the circuit depending on your time)

Workout 1: 3 Cardio Burners

Accessory: squat stand

Star jacks

Bicycle jog crunch

Pendulum jumps

Workout 2: 3 Core Moves

Whittle off the middle and develop your upper body strength with these core movements. It’s a dynamic trio to simultaneously train your body.

Accessory: cables

Teaser roll up

Crunch & punch

Back extension sweeps

Workout 3: 3 Leg Blasters

Accessory: none

Reverse lunge +pulse

Lateral lunge +pulse

Inner thigh sliders +pulse

EXTRA BURN: Jump Lunges (then repeat circuit on other leg)

Be sure to check out how these exercises are performed to blast off those extra holiday calories on your Total Gym.

Let’s cheers to healthier, holiday drinks that raise your spirits, but not your jean size, so you can sip up a guilt-free festive treat!

Happy Holidays! Maria www.groovysweatstore.com @GROOVYSWEAT

The post Drink This, Sweat Off That appeared first on Total Gym Pulse.

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keijay-blog · 6 years ago

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How to Make Spiced Coffee

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Tasteofhome.com EditorsNovember 30, 2018

Want to change up your morning cup? The Taste of Home Test Kitchen shares two easy methods for making spiced coffee.

If you’ve been around at all in the past few years, you’ve probably tasted the mother of all spiced coffees: pumpkin spice. The annual arrival of the pumpkin spice latte generates as much fanfare as a hero returning from battle.

Thing is, it’s easy to make spiced coffee at home, any day of the year. (Much cheaper, too.) You can also think beyond the pie spice and use your favorite spices, alone in or in combination, for fantastic flavor. Spices like cinnamon and cardamom impart warm, cozy notes, while star anise or ginger impart a more powerful flavor twist.

Let’s get started. No fancy cardboard cups necessary. (Dare we suggest a slice of coffee cake on the side?)

Psst! Taste of Home has a brand-new coffee line! Get your free sample here.

How to Make Spiced Coffee: Two Methods

Method 1: Spice Up the Coffee Grounds

You’ll need:

1/3 cup ground coffee (not instant coffee granules)

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or other spice. Cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, allspice and star anise pair well with coffee.

Step 1: Sprinkle grounds with spice

Combine coffee with ground cinnamon or other spice in the filter basket of your coffee maker. We used a drip coffeemaker, but you can also spice up coffe made in a French press, Chemex, pour-over or other method.

Step 2: Brew

Prepare coffee as usual. You’ll get about four cups.

Step 3: Enjoy!

Enjoy as usual-black, or with cream and sugar. Want to go over the top? Combine spiced coffee with spiced milk.

Method 2: Spice Up the Milk

You’ll need:

Coffee, spiced or regular

1 cup 2% milk

2 to 3 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cinnamon sticks, optional

Whipped cream, optional

Step 1: Combine Ingredients and Warm

Combine the milk, sugar, cocoa and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until small bubbles appear on the sides of the pan. Stir occasionally to keep the heat even and prevent scorching on the bottom. Don’t let the milk boil!

Step 2: Add Coffee

Pour the hot milk mixture into four coffee cups and add coffee. The milk adds rich mocha flavor to regular coffee. Spiced coffee + spiced milk = extra delicious.

Step 3 (Optional): Gild the Lily.

Garnish your mugs with cinnamon sticks and whipped cream for a decadent dessert-like treat. Serving an after-dinner drink? Add 1-2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur to the mug. Want a summery version? Just chill the spiced coffee and milk until cool, then pour over ice.

Want to make more coffee shop drinks? Check out our favorite recipes.

Creamy Caramel Mocha

Indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink with this caramel mocha recipe. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Comforting Coffee Milk

This recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico

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Holiday Peppermint Mocha

Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

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Creamy Irish Coffee

My maternal grandma was never a drinker, beyond a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn’t resist Bailey’s Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois

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Mocha Morning Drink

When I’m sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel like I’m visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana

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Caramel-Chai Tea Latte

Inspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland

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Viennese Coffee

This isn’t your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Hazelnut Mocha Smoothies

This smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we’ve tried. Try it, and we’re sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Iced Coffee Latte

This is a great alternative to regular hot coffee and is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa

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Coconut Lover’s Frappe

I love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it’s as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut

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Sweet Kahlua Coffee

I have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they’d like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California

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Frosty Caramel Cappuccino

This frothy frosty beverage is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It’s also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies when friends come to call during the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida

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Honey Spiced Latte

We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Hazelnut Coffee

The blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—make this drink absolutely sensational. It is great for breakfast or brunch, but is also wonderful for a quiet moment at the end of the day. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

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Irish Cream Coffee

A steaming cup of this jazzed-up coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois

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Hot Ginger Coffee

I like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It’s a great warm-up after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona

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Iced Coffee

When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I didn’t think I’d like it. Not only did I like it, I decided I could learn how to make iced coffee on my own. My fast-to-fix version is a refreshing alternative to hot java. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota

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Cinnamon Mocha Coffee

Most store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here’s a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Cappuccino Punch

When I tried this punch at a friend’s wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho

Get Recipe

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milenasanchezmk · 7 years ago

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7 Healthy Coffee Ideas for Every Primal Taste

Normally, I’m deep in the thick of nutritional research or other heady topics midweek. Today, not so much. I have coffee on the brain after trying a few new concoctions recently. As I’ve noted in the past, coffee is a welcome part of the Primal Blueprint. Unlike traditional paleo, there’s no conflict here. While living healthily and sleeping well mean I don’t depend on coffee for energy, I consider it a positive staple in my diet, not to mention a pleasant ritual in my day.

I’ve gone into extensive detail about the copious benefits—to overall health, to disease prevention, to cognitive function, even to fitness performance—in the past. Today, I’m all about the actual intake. There’s plenty to the why, but this post covers several Primal ways to enjoy it right now. Let’s dig in….

Mocha

Cacao nibs are loaded with polyphenols, and a great source of saturated and monounsaturated fat. Add coconut milk (or whole cream), plus a drizzle of coconut oil to smooth out the chocolate emulsion, and this dark chocolate mocha is brimming with healthy fats.

Ingredients

1/4 cup cacao nibs

1 cup coconut milk or whole cream

2 teaspoons melted coconut oil

Instructions

Bring coconut milk or whole cream to a simmer in a small pot. Turn off heat and add cacao nibs. Let steep 5 minutes.

Blend the cacao mixture and coconut oil in a blender on high speed until smooth and frothy, about 1 minute. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pushing down on the solids to release the liquid. Add a sweetener if desired. Pour the cacao milk into hot coffee, or chill it before adding to iced coffee. The cacao milk will keep in the fridge for about 5 days.

Macadamia Cream

Macadamia nuts are sweet and buttery fat bombs. Blend ‘em up into smooth cream for a rich and fatty cup of coffee that also has delicious macadamia flavor.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons macadamia butter*

3 tablespoons hot water

Instructions

Whisk together macadamia butter and hot water until smooth. Pour into a fine mesh sieve placed over a bowl. Press down with a spoon to release the smooth and creamy liquid into the bowl and separate it from any grainy solids. Whisk the macadamia cream from the bowl into your hot coffee.

*To make macadamia butter, simply blend raw or toasted unsalted macadamia nuts in a food processor until very smooth

Tahini Coffee

The high-fat sesame paste called tahini turns into a surprisingly delicious keto-friendly dessert cream when whisked with molasses and whole cream. Eat it alone, or stir the cream into your coffee.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon tahini

1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses

2 tablespoons whole cream

Instructions

Whisk together tahini, molasses and cream until completely smooth. Whisk the tahini cream into your hot coffee (or, just eat it for dessert with a spoon).

Chai Golden Milk Coffee

This spiced coffee is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich. Chai Golden Milk (named after the Indian tea and the addition of turmeric) is delicious in hot or cold coffee. It’s also delicious without coffee when you want an uplifting caffeine-free beverage.

Ingredients

1 cup coconut milk or whole cream

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

Whisk milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and coconut oil in a small saucepan or pot and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let steep 5 minutes. Strain though a fine mesh strainer to remove the grit. Add a sweetener if desired. Pour as much as you like into your hot coffee, or chill the spiced milk for iced coffee.

Egg Frappe

A frothy, iced coffee drink with a boost from whole eggs and antioxidant- rich spices.

Ingredients

5 ounces coffee, double strength* (use twice the amount of ground coffee you would normally use for 5 oz water) (150 ml)

3 pastured eggs, whole

1 teaspoon raw honey (5 ml)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla (1.25 ml)

1/4 teaspoon of salt (1.25 ml)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (1.25 ml)

1/8 teaspoon cardamom (a pinch)

1/8 teaspoon turmeric (a pinch)

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar** (a pinch)

2 ounces coconut milk (60 ml)

1 1/2 cups ice (a large handful)

*The coffee is brewed at double strength so the flavor isn’t diluted when blended with ice.

**Cream of tartar is optional. It helps stabilize the egg whites and make the drink frothier.

Instructions

Let the coffee cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs. Cool in freezer for 10 minutes.

While the coffee is chilling, combine honey, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cream of tartar, coconut milk and ice in the blender. Blend briefly, so the ice cubes are broken into small pieces.

Pour the chilled Primal egg coffee into the blender. Blend again for 30 seconds or so, until the ice is slushy and the top is frothy.

Egg Coffee

A delicious alternative to Bulletproof coffee, this smooth and creamy coffee drink is brimming with micronutrients.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) coffee

2 pastured eggs

1 tsp sugar

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Beating the eggs together, whole, as if you were making scrambled eggs (or blend them). For a 1-cup dose of coffee, use two whole eggs. Once the eggs are beaten or blended, slowly drizzle in the coffee. You don’t want to cook the eggs. You want them to stay creamy. If you’re concerned about the avidin in the raw white, dump the coffee in to ensure maximal heat exposure. Otherwise, just drizzle.

A higher egg:coffee ratio (using a large shot of espresso, for example) for a stronger coffee flavor works well, too.

Add a little sweetener plus some salt to make the coffee taste like a liquified custard.

Vanilla Collagen Fuel Coffee

The sweet vanilla flavor and healing collagen found in Primal Kitchen® Collagen Fuel are a superior alternative to sugary, flavored coffee drinks.

Ingredients

5-8 ounces of brewed coffee

1 scoop of Vanilla Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel

Instructions

Fill your mug about 1/4 the way with brewed coffee. Mix one scoop of Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel well enough to make a paste. (I use Vanilla, but Chocolate would work well for a mocha flavor if you prefer.) Then fill the remainder of your mug with coffee. Stir well, and enjoy!

How to Make Cold Brew

Cold brew is all the rage and for good reason; it’s less acidic and has a bolder flavor than iced coffee, which can taste watered down or bitter. As opposed to iced coffee, which is brewed hot then chilled, cold brew is brewed in cold water. Buying cold brew from a coffee shop can be spendy. Luckily, it’s easy to make at home. Here’s how to make cold brew:

A ratio of 1 cup whole coffee beans to 4 1/2 cups water will give you a strong brew.

Don’t grind the beans too finely or they’ll cloud up the coffee. A coarse grind is better for cold brew.

Put the coarsely ground coffee beans in a glass pitcher, tall container, or coffee press. If using a pitcher or container, you’ll need cheesecloth to strain the grounds later.

Slowly pour in the 4 ½ cups cold water, gently stirring as you pour to moisten all the coffee grounds.

Lightly cover the container, or put the lid on the French press (don’t press it down). Let stand in the refrigerator 12 hours.

If using cheesecloth, line a fine mesh sieve with the cheesecloth and set the sieve over a large pitcher or deep container. Pour the coffee into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and give the water a few minutes to filter through the grounds.

If using a French press, simply press down the plunger and push the grounds to the bottom.

Once the grounds are separated from the coffee, your cold brew is done!

Cold brew keeps well for a week or more in the refrigerator.

Tip: Don’t want to dilute your cold brew at all? Make coffee ice cubes to float in your cup of cold brew.

That’s all for me, folks. I’ll wager many of you have your own creations to share. Offer your ideas and any questions on the board, and take care.

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watsonrodriquezie · 7 years ago