#the other is a packet of crystals added to hot water???

[swaglexander-the-great]

[ussweetners]

Bulk Sweetener: Sugar Packets, Sucralose, Saccharin, & More

However, for many different meals sorts corresponding to baking goods, a sugar kind must be used with a finer consistency. Powdered sugars exist within the particle measurement vary all the way down to several tens of micrometers and these are used as an finish product as well as in candies, toppings, other sweets or meals products in general, similar to tomato sauces, pastes, and extra. Especially with smaller particle sizes, an anticaking agent typically must be launched, in some circumstances, a type of starch like cornstarch or Tricalcium phosphate is added. Made with CareAvailable in bulk ingredient kind in fifty five gallon drums, totes, and tankers, our natural liquid sugar is of course gluten-free and Non-GMO.

Syrup from the evaporators is shipped to vacuum pans, the place it is further evaporated, under vacuum, to supersaturation. Fine seed crystals are added, and the sugar “mother liquor” yields a strong precipitate of about 50 % by weight crystalline sugar. The first crystallization, yielding A sugar or A strike, leaves a residual mother liquor generally known as A molasses.

On the idea of the previous considerations, the synthesis of ionic liquids from carbohydrates is divided into subsections covering different sugars. Also referred to as "demereara" or "turbinado," sugar in the uncooked is often a go-to alternative for vegans and food naturalists alike. Less processed than common granulated sugar, some molasses is left in the sugar crystals. Sugar in the uncooked just isn't good for sugar work or confections as a outcome of impurities could cause boiling sugar to crystalize. Meanwhile, syrups typically comprise round 20% water, and virtually all of them include greater than simply pure sucrose.

These compounds are typically non-toxic and biodegradable each beneath cardio and anaerobic conditions [43]. After the sugarbeets have been cleaned, sliced, and soaked in hot water to recover the sugar, the beet pulp stays. Beet pulp is then pressed and dried to about 10% moisture (dried pulp), leaving a very steady, nutritionally-rich, and high bulk liquid sugar in digestible fiber product. Beet pulp that is pressed to take away extra water and recover extra sugar is then known as pressed pulp. Amalgamated Sugar produces and markets a selection of wholesome animal feed products derived from sugarbeets.

Learning tips on how to choose, can, freeze, dry, and store grapes doesn't have to be complex! USU Extension has all of the resources that you have liquid sucrose supplier to preserve your grapes in the method in which that you simply prefer to take action. How to dry, bottle and freeze corn by Utah State University Extension school.

However, because of its low sweetness, it is usually blended with intense sweeteners [47]. Similar to different polyols, it is reckoned as safe and has been allocated an ADI “not specified” by JECFA (Table 6) [45]. Sugar alcohols’ sweetness is usually liquid sucrose bulk suppliers lower than the certainly one of monosaccharide, and therefore, they're used volume-for-volume like sugar and are called bulk sweeteners.

The authors used a d-glucose by-product in its furanosidic kind because the alkyne bearing partner. The latter was obtained by way of a selective safety of glucose to give 1,2-5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose 120 adopted by the derivatization of the free alcohol with propargyl bromide (Scheme 23A). From 2011 to now, only some examples of ionic liquids starting from these compounds have been published. These works are mainly based on direct derivatization of at least one hydroxyl functionality to introduce a great leaving group (tosylate or triflate) followed by a displacement reaction with a nitrogen nucleophile to yield an ionic compound. An anion metathesis response can be used to obtain completely different ILs containing the same cation [65,66,67]. The above-mentioned technique, based on the neutralization-metathesis reaction of d-gluconic acid in its linear type, has been broadly used [17,forty three,forty four,45,46].

White sugars are some of the widespread and are extensively utilized in baking and food manufacturing. Others are caster sugar, icing sugar, jam-setting sugar, and sanding sugar. Sorbitol supplies fewer energy than sugars, and its sweetness amounts to about 60 % of the one assigned to sucrose (Table 2). It additionally characterizes with a 20-fold greater solubility in water than mannitol.

LPS® DETEX® FoodLube® Sugar Dissolving Fluid quickly dissolves and removes sugar-based soils, keeping meals and beverage equipment fully operational. This NSF H1 lubricant can be utilized anyplace inside meals processing amenities where incidental meals contact may occur. The advanced formula leaves behind a skinny lubricating film that eases future cleansing of sticky soils and supplies short-term corrosion safety. As such the food and beverage business requires massive portions of sugar to fulfill the demands of consumers.

[lowspoonsfood]

Dirt Cheap Rib Sticking Slow Cooker Slop (also for Instant Pot)

Necessary Ingredients:

Black eyed peas or other dry lentil (as much or as little as you like; usually sold in 1.5lb or 500g packages and i find one to be plenty. Never fill a slow cooker or instant pot more than 2/3 of the way with lentils).

Broth, any variety (Enough to fill pot to just above other ingredients). In a pinch water is also fine. 

Literally any seasoning. Even a ramen packet will do. 

Recommended spices (omit as needed to lower spoons): 

Garlic or garlic powder (to taste)

Green Onion/Shallots

Salt (omit for low-sodium option but compensate with other spices)

Black pepper

Cayenne pepper

Cumin

Crystal hot sauce (doesn't have to be Crystal I just like it)

Bullion cube

Optional Ingredients:

1 can of chickpeas

Baby Carrots, OR:

Onion, Bell Pepper, & Celery, diced ("Cajun Trinity")

The cheapest cut of meat you can find. Chicken wings. Ground beef. Microwaveable bacon. Sausage. Whatever you have hanging around. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

If using meat, rinse it and put it at the bottom of the pot. 

Put beans in the pot. Some lentils can triple in size so make sure you have at least the upper 1/3 of the pot clear after all ingredients are added. 

If using vegetables, add them on top. Baby carrots require no prep and can just go in as-is. Cheap bags of frozen vegetables will also work. 

Add spices. When in doubt, add about a teaspoon of everything except for "hot" spices such as cayenne or hot sauce-- use about half a teaspoon of these, even if  you love spicy food. Add other liquid seasonings by the tablespoon. 

Add broth to the pot until the liquid juuust barely covers all the ingredients. If you find you're short of broth, just add water.

Instant pot: Follow the instructions for Lentils. Cook for about 45 minutes, then release steam, unplug, and open lid. Plug back in and allow to sit with lid off for 10 to 15 minutes or until contents are thick. 

Slow Cooker or stove top: Cook on Low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Stove top should stir occasionally. 

tl;dr: yeet meat, beans, veggies, seasoning, and broth into a pot and heat 'til the beans are cooked thoroughly. Meat and veggies optional. NOTES: It is VERY difficult to overcook this dish, so leave it on the lowest heat possible after it's done until it's time to eat. Makes a TON of servings that keep in the fridge for a VERY long time, reheats well, and is very filling. Tons of flavorings can be used as alternatives for spices: ketchup, steak sauce, hoisin sauce, the little packet you put in ramen-- really anything goes, here. The heart of the dish is the black-eyed peas and just about anything can go around them. If you use meat, it doesn't even have to be an edible cut. This should also consume the entirety of any perishables purchased for this recipe, so there's no rush to figure out what to do with whatever remains. Dry lentils are shelf stable, so keep a good stock of them on-hand and make this recipe whenever you have perishables in the fridge that you never got around to using. 

[sodafrog13]

this one is for u ren

FOR POWDERS THAT HAVE SOME MANNER OF FAT (ie hot cocoa, certain instant teas, rlly anything with milk in it)

1. put powder in your cup first. then add a bit of hot water to it, basically enough to turn it into a loose paste, making sure you can't see any clumps or streaks of powder.

2. add a bit more hot water to loosen it up again, ideally enough that all of the paste dissolves and you get concentrated drink.

3. then add the rest of your water to your liking. if you want to have whatever you're making iced, add ice after dissolving the paste in hot water n taste it before diluting as you see fit.

FOR MOST OTHER POWDERS (ie drink mixes like koolaid or any sort of drink singles)

same as the first method, basically, but you won't have to fuss abt it as much.

1. add powder to cup. add a little bit of water (room temp is fine) until powder turns into paste.

2. then add as much water as you desire and stir until combined. (you can do the additional step of loosening the paste to make concentrated drink if u like but in my experience it's not as necessary; fat dissolves slower in cold water and generally tends to make things clump together more which is why you have to do the 3 steps but you can typically get away w just the 2 if it's just a powdered drink packet that's like meant to go in bottles or whatever)

additionally, FOR DRINKS THAT COME IN CRYSTAL FORM esp ones that can also be drank cold, just dissolve all of the crystals in a small amount of hot water before adding the rest of your water, hot or cold.

you can also just bypass these steps IF you have a milk frother. just add your powder and like a quarter of the amount of water you intend to use and blend that shit up, regardless of it there's fat or not. be careful if you're doing this w hot liquids ofc but it is faster than the paste > concentrated > drink method (but also i realize that not everyone Has a milk frother so that's why it's lower on the list. you can sometimes get pretty cheap ones (i have one fr ikea that was like $2 USD n it's great) so if you make a lot of drinks fr powder i do recommend picking one up. ultimately yr choice tho 👍🏼)

do you guys want my strats for mixing powders into liquids

[diygabl]

12 Homemade Instant Oatmeal Recipes

HOMEMADE & HEALTHY INSTANT OATMEAL PACKET RECIPES

These DIY instant oatmeal packets are so easy to assemble. Make a bunch in advance to keep on hand for those busy mornings when you don't have time to make breakfast. You can mix these oatmeal packets with hot water and enjoy a healthy hot breakfast in a jiffy. They're also great to take along to work or on trips. It's easy to make these gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

WHY ARE THESE HEALTHIER?

whole grain rolled oats

chia seeds -- these tiny seeds have big health benefits yet a neutral taste so they disappear into the mix

oat bran -- to boost the mix with more heart-healthy fiber (read about the special health benefits of oat bran here)

sweetener customized to your personal preference

non-fat powdered milk -- adds protein & calcium along with creaminess to the texture and taste. In case you're wondering if it's better to use fresh whole milk....well, yes. But these are DRY instant oatmeal packets, so fresh milk isn't an option. The health concerns about oxidized cholesterol in powdered milk aren't an issue if you use the non-fat kind. source. If you prefer, you can omit the powdered milk altogether.

Substitutions? Go for it! Every ingredient is optional, except the oats. You can omit, reduce, or make substitutions for any of the other ingredients.

substitute ground flax or hemp seed for the chia seeds

substitute wheat bran or wheat germ for the oat bran

substitute protein powder for the powdered milk

gluten-free option -- use gluten-free rolled oats and oat bran

dairy-free or vegan option -- omit the powdered milk

STORE BOUGHT BRANDS ARE LOADED WITH PRESERVATIVES, ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS, GMO'S, SODIUM & COLORS

Here's how to make Healthy Instant Oatmeal Packets in 12 flavors

Choose from 3 kinds of rolled oats. They are all surprisingly similar in nutrients. The quick and instant oats are digested more quickly, so they don't do quite as good a job as the old fashioned oats at keeping you feeling full and stabilizing blood sugars. However, my healthy ingredient additions to the mix more than compensate, making use of quick and instant oats very healthy. Quick and instant oats are normally preferred in these oatmeal packets because they are ready to eat simply by adding boiling water to them. Old fashioned oats, on the other hand, need to be cooked in the microwave or on the stove top; so the choice is yours as to just how "instant" you want your oatmeal packets to be.

Choose your preferred dry sweetener.

Below are a few options that taste especially good in oatmeal: coconut sugar, sucanat (dried sugar cane juice), pure maple sugar (dried maple syrup), or brown sugar.  For Sugar-Free Option, Stevia is an all natural substitute.

Here are the basic ingredients for a plain instant oatmeal packet: 

rolled oats 

chia seeds 

oat bran

powdered milk

salt. 

Add fruit, if you like. 

To the basic oatmeal mix, you can add any kind of fruit that you like. There are 2 categories of dried fruit used in oatmeal packets:

Freeze-dried fruit -- Healthy alternative to fresh fruit. It is nothing but fruit--no additives at all. It can be eaten as is for a crunchy, healthy snack. It's perfect in these oatmeal packets because it re-hydrates instantly when mixed with water

Dried or dehydrated fruit -- This is the more widely available option. It also works well in these oatmeal packets. However, read the packaging labels; often dried fruits have undesirable additives. When dried, this shrivels and is denser than fresh fruit, so use less of it than fresh or freeze-dried fruit.

Add nuts of your choice

More dry, flavorful ingredients. 

Here are some of the additional flavors that can be added to oatmeal packets: dehydrated coconut, PB2 (powdered peanut butter), dried orange peel, crystallized ginger, ground vanilla bean powder, unsweetened cocoa, instant espresso powder.

1. Label the top of the bags you'll be using. 

That way, you can store your oatmeal packets upright in a basket or container and easily flip through them to find the flavor you want. It's much easier to label the bags while they are empty and flat. Ziploc snack size bags work great and are widely available at grocery stores. If you prefer not to use plastic, you can use an airtight container (like jars). Paper bags are not recommended, because they are porous and will result in a drastically reduced shelf life of the ingredients.

2. Add the basic oatmeal mixture ingredients to each bag. 

Once the oats are added, the bottom of the bags flattens enough for them to stand upright. So, you can line your bags up and use an assembly line method for filling them with each ingredient.

3. Add fruit, nuts, and other flavors. 

If you've pre-labeled the bags, this step goes much more quickly. Seal the bags tightly to keep any humidity out; this extends their shelf life.

How to make hot (or cold) oatmeal  (3 methods)

1. Hot Water Method. 

(works with quick or instant oats, but not with old-fashioned oats). Pour an oatmeal packet into a heat tolerant mug or bowl, pour in 2/3 c. boiling water, stir, and let stand until thickened. Instant oats are ready in 2-3 minutes. Quick oats are ready in 4-5 minutes.

2. Microwave Method. 

(works with old-fashioned, quick, or instant oats) Pour oatmeal packet into a microwave safe bowl/mug that is big enough for oatmeal to double in volume as it cooks. Add 3/4 cup cold water. Microwave on high, 3 min. for old-fashioned oats, 2 min. for quick oats, 1 min. for instant oats. (microwave power and times may vary).

3. No-Cook Refrigerator Method

Works with old-fashioned, quick, or instant oats. Add an oatmeal packet to a pint or half-pint jar (or another covered container). use half-pint jars. Pour in 1/2 cup cold water, add 1/4 cup yogurt, cover, and shake vigorously until well mixed. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, overnight, or up to 3 days. They thicken into a creamy mixture that is intended to be eaten cold; however, you can heat them if you prefer.

12 Instant Oatmeal Packet Flavor Varieties

These are some of the examples, but you can use the same formula to combine your own favorite ingredients. Get creative...the sky's the limit! Refer to the printable recipe at the end of this post for exact ingredient amounts.

1. Plain -- Basic recipe with no added flavors

2. Apple Cinnamon Maple -- add chopped dried apples, more cinnamon, and use maple sugar as the sweetener.

Blueberry -- add freeze-dried blueberries.

Cherry Almond -- add dried cherries and sliced almonds.

Apricot Ginger -- add chopped dried apricots and minced crystallized ginger.

Cranberry Orange Pecan -- add dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and dried orange peel.

Pineapple Coconut -- add freeze-dried pineapple and dehydrated unsweetened coconut.

Raspberry Vanilla Bean -- add freeze-dried raspberries and ground vanilla bean powder.

Peach (or Mango) Macadamia Nut -- add chopped dried white peaches and chopped macadamia nuts.

10. Cocoa Banana -- add chopped freeze-dried bananas and unsweetened cocoa. freeze-dried bananas work best

11. Peanut Butter Banana -- add chopped freeze-dried bananas and PB2 powdered peanut butter. In case you aren't familiar with PB2, it is peanut butter with most of the fat removed, but the protein and nutrition left intact. It's a dry powder that is perfect for adding flavor to these dry oatmeal mixes.

12. Mocha -- add instant espresso powder and unsweetened cocoa.

CREATE YOUR OWN

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Add your favorite flavors and enjoy a hot or cold healthy instant oatmeal

QUICK RECIPE

Healthy Instant Oatmeal Packets: Servings: 1 serving (packet)

Ingredients

BASIC RECIPE FOR A SINGLE SERVING PACKET:

1/3 cup rolled oats (instant or quick); old-fashioned oats may be used for microwave and refrigerator oatmeal

1 teaspoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional)

2 teaspoons oat bran (or wheat germ/bran)

2 teaspoons powdered milk (omit for non-dairy, vegan)

1 to 3 teaspoons brown sugar, sucanat, pure maple sugar, coconut sugar, or other preferred sweeteners

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

pinch of salt

OPTIONAL ADD-INS (see suggested flavor varieties in directions):

dried or freeze-dried fruit, chopped

chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts)

PB2 powdered peanut butter

cocoa powder

instant coffee or espresso powder

sweet spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves)

ground vanilla beans (dry powder)

TO MIX A PACKET & MAKE OATMEAL:

1/2 to 3/4 cup water (amount of water may vary depending on dryness of ingredients)

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for refrigerator oats only)

Directions

Combine basic recipe ingredients in individual zip-top bags. Add additional flavor ingredients, if desired--see suggestions below.

To prepare 1 serving of hot oatmeal:

BOILING WATER METHOD (not recommended for old-fashioned oats): Add 1 oatmeal packet to mug or bowl. Pour in 2/3 cups boiling water and stir. Let instant oats stand for 3-4 minutes to soften and thicken; stir, and they are ready to eat. Quick oats may need to soften an additional minute or two.

MICROWAVE METHOD: Add 1 oatmeal packet and 3/4 cup cold water to microwave safe mug or bowl. (The container needs to be large enough to allow for mixture to expand while it cooks. It can bubble up and double in size in the microwave.) For instant oats, cook uncovered on high for 1 minute; stir, and it's ready to eat. For quick oats, cook on high for 2 minutes, let stand 2 minutes, stir, and it's ready to heat. NOTE: Microwave power and cooking times can vary; adjust cooking time if necessary.

To prepare 1 serving of refrigerator oatmeal:

Add one oatmeal packet to a pint or half-pint jar (or other covered containers). Pour in 1/2 cup cold water, add 1/4 cup yogurt, cover tightly, and shake vigorously until well mixed. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, overnight, or up to 3 days.

12 FLAVOR VARIATIONS (use the basic recipe ingredients, plus these additions):

1. Plain -- Use basic recipe ingredients.

2. Apple Cinnamon Maple -- 2 tablespoons dried or 1/4 cup freeze-dried chopped apples; additional 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; use maple sugar for sweetener

3. Blueberry --  2 tablespoons dried or 1/4 cup freeze-dried blueberries.

4. Cherry Almond -- 2 tablespoons dried or 1/4 tablespoons freeze-dried cherries; 1 tablespoon sliced or slivered almonds.

5. Apricot Ginger -- 2 tablespoons chopped dried apricots; 1 teaspoon minced crystallized ginger.

6. Cranberry Orange Pecan -- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, 1 teaspoon dried orange peel bits, 1 tablespoon chopped pecans.

7. Pineapple Coconut -- 2 tablespoons dried or 1/4 cup  freeze-dried chopped dried pineapple, 1 tablespoon freeze-dried coconut

8. Raspberry Vanilla Bean-- 2 tablespoons dried or 1/4 cup freeze-dried raspberries, 1/4 teaspoon ground vanilla powder

9. Peach (or Mango)  Macadamia Nut -- 2 tablespoons chopped dried peaches (or mangos), 1 tablespoon chopped macadamia nuts

10. Cocoa Banana -- 1/4 cup chopped freeze-dried bananas (dried banana chips not recommended), 2 teaspoons cocoa powder

11. Peanut Butter Banana -- 1/4 cup chopped freeze-dried bananas (dried banana chips not recommended), 1 tablespoon PB2 peanut butter powder

12. Mocha -- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder

[thecoroutfitters]

Written by R. Ann Parris on The Prepper Journal.

Editors Note: Another article from R. Ann Parris to The Prepper Journal. As always, if you have information for Preppers that you would like to share then enter into the Prepper Writing Contest with a chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards with the top prize being a$300 card to purchase your own prepping supplies!

Drink mixes can check a lot boxes for us in both prepper pantries and bug-out/evac situations. Electrolyte drinks, vitamin and protein boosters, and meal replacement mixes would get top billing as a prepper supply, but instant mixes span far and wide. We have nearly endless options when it comes to stocking drink mixes, right on local supermarket shelves.

*I expect some “bah” with any article, especially the must-have’s and “frilly” subjects. If we go “bah” at every other concept in this article, please read and consider the sections on fiber and supportive care.

Caffeine

Related to fiber, remember: Caffeine isn’t just a night-watch or feel-good luxury. If we’re accustomed to caffeine and suddenly limit or eliminate it, our guts are likely to stop up.

Fiber

Many Americans are already lacking fiber in their diets. Eating heavily off gardens and buckets of beans will alleviate it, but if we’re heavily stocked in MREs and just-add-water camping meals – especially for bug-out bags – fiber is a huge issue.

Some tubs and packets of a high-fiber drink mix (NOT a “cleanse) can alleviate those problems, regularly with added benefits.

Gut-health drinks like Culturelle and others can also be a gentle way to ease stomachs during major changes in diet. They can be especially helpful for kids, seniors, and people who already have food sensitivities.

Condensed Calories

Almost all of the examples have a big benefit for preppers, whether we’re working out of pantries or a bag: They boost calories.

Whether we’ve invested in pre-packaged just-add-water food systems or slowly stacking up beans, rice, and wheat, food storage is regularly deficient in calories (and fats).

We have to have energy to get things done.

While many of us have some weight we could lose now, should we ever find ourselves doing more by hand, we’re going to shed some pounds. The gardens many plan to start and the wilds many plan to forage through, short-term on a bug-out or for weeks/months on end, tend to provide mostly lean diet foods. Very few preppers are growing calorie or fat staples.

When you see “diet” and “light” options and weight-loss drinks here, for the most part, they’re being presented as an add-on to our planned food storage meals, and a way to boost BOB supplies and caches without too much space and weight.

Some of the sugar-free and “light” options won’t boost them much, but most boost at least a little.

Feel Goods

Feel-good food supplies aren’t just about feeling “good”. It’s also about health. Personal reactions differ, but sudden changes create stress. Whether we recognize or acknowledge it, that stress affects our bodies and brains.

Pick-me-ups – both on a schedule we and ours can be looking forward to and periodic pop-up surprises – can ease transitions with goodies that would normally be “treats” and by maintaining some normal for households accustomed to a daily non-water drink.

K-Cups have taken over the supermarket aisles where powdered cappuccino types used to live, but those tins and small packets are still out there. Hot cocoa mixes are still prevalent, as are the mostly-just-flavor types that range from things like Nesquik to powdered “iced” tea and lemonade (well … sorta-lemonade and tea).

Electrolytes

There’s a reason the Gators developed their wonder blend. We have to have certain types of salts to function. Labor and heat require replacing those salts more frequently.

Most of us will find ourselves drinking more water and fewer soft drinks if we ever have to rely on our food storage. Even if we’re already mostly drinking water, the foods we’ll have access to will usually shift. That will change the minerals available to our bodies.

If we’re laboring, we’ll push water even more heavily, but “push water” can be a double-edged sword.

When we “dropped” Marines in support fields on exercises and forewarned marches, it wasn’t always from dehydration. Regularly, it was actually that they’d push water, push it enough with little balance, that they flushed the required electrolytes from their systems.

It doesn’t have to be a pricey brand and there are plenty of at-home mixes with ingredients that can be stored for people whose bodies are pure temples. This one is too important to ignore, along with…

Bedside Bottles

In many disasters, supportive care is all we’re going to be able to offer. It’s already sometimes all hospitals can offer, here and now. Sports drinks and alternatives like Pedialyte – or any reasonably balanced drink – can play a major role in that care. We already apply it combating and recovering from illnesses in everyday life with short-term stomach and head flues for both children and adults (and pets).

If for no other reason, snag some tubs of semi-decent drink mixes to stash with the medical supplies.

Protein

As with calories, a lot of food storage is seriously low in protein. Like whey as a protein source, there’s a lot of back and forth on just how much protein we need. Do some balanced research, but if you’re snagging some drink mixes, consider including the higher-protein version or a protein alternative, especially if the price difference isn’t significant.

Many protein shakes are pretty high cal. That adds to their value for sickbed support, jaw injuries, and injuries that prevent us from our usual hunting, livestock and garden and crop care, fishing, or even “just” cooking.

They can also help keep somebody drifting from food fatigue or depression “fed” enough to get them over their slumps and prevent the energy-loss that leads to a spiralling cycle (don’t eat, less energy, less activity, decreased appetite, less energy yet, further decreased activity and appetite, downward and downward).

When comparing options, hit the senior-citizen and diabetic sections of food supplements as well as muscle-building, athletic, and fad-diet aisles. It varies label-by-label, but general meal-replacement, weight-loss, and snack shakes can also regularly be good ways to boost protein, as well as calories and daily-need vitamins.

The calorie and protein energy provided makes those shakes and drink mixes something to also seriously think about for evac kits and bug-out bags, replacing or augmenting things like MREs, camping food, and ration bars that are common go-to’s.

Vitamin Deficiency

Further poking at common food storage, both MRE-type and just-add-water-kit preppers and the beans-and-rice preppers are skirting some vitamin deficiencies. A daily multivitamin can allay many of the factors and stores compactly, but if we can kill two birds with one stone…

Our changing society means there’s a whole wide world of drink supplements. We can go as crazy as we like with green and red juicing alternatives, happy-fad grains, coconut water, and super-foods.

Or, we can scale back and check out some of the old standby’s with a new eye. Many of those quickie drinks, from Hi-C to Hawaiian Punch, Wyler’s at the green-sign dollar stores to Crystal Light, have some valuable vitamins and minerals in them. Options like Slimfast, Boost, and Carnation also tend to check the box for vitamins.

Vitamin C is a big general health boost all on its own and especially in winter and spring, if we face lowered sanitation, and cold and flu seasons. Research where the term “Limeys” came from if you want an idea of just how important Vitamin C is when you’re on a repetitive diet low in fresh foods.

B-Vitamins also have widespread effects. Vitamin D, especially, is one to check for as it affects absorption of calcium and greatly influences brain health.

Buying Considerations

Some drink mixes are only available in single-serve packets. They’re convenient, but there’s a trash/waste aspect. There’s also space efficiency loss with many of the boxed packets. We can absolutely bust them out of boxes to repack more densely, but doing so decreases our ability to donate them later if they’re not something we’ll be rotating through in daily life.

Big-tub sizes tend to be friendlier on the wallet. Depending on family/group size, they can be very reasonable to consume once opened, and we can always repackage in bottle-sized portions for travel bags, and mix single-serve bottles (or jars) to help with portion control when we’re leaning on food storage in a permanent-home setting.

Food storage companies haven’t ignored the expanding interests in drink mixes. Pretty much all labels sell flavored milk substitutes, and most sell some version of a Tang or Kool-Aid level orange drink and apple drink. Some offer expanded options that vary in sugar content and actual vitamins.

When pricing those, make sure to weigh how “worth it” they are and our priorities.

The difference of storage in a steel can or Mylar bag really isn’t all that different from what we’ll get with plastic tubs and packets. #10 and #2.5 cans are a little more moisture and pest resistant, but those aspects are pretty easily mitigated by storing them in Rubbermaid totes or repacking in canning jars.

Supermarket options allow us to sample a smaller size for less outlay, even if the price per serving is much higher. That’s not just about “taste” and personal preferences. Some anti-caking components and certain types of sweeteners, especially, can lead to dry mouth, stomach upset, shaky hands, and headaches for some of us.

We also want to get the most bang for our buck.

Check mixes – especially for shakes – to see what the nutritional content is on its own. Many call for milk. Using water, milk substitutes, and non-fat whey milk can affect what we’re actually consuming.

On the dairy front, also compare apples to apples the common milk and milk-substitute options. Each has pro-con’s we’ll have to weigh, especially when it comes to calories, shelf life, number of same-sized servings per dollar and by can, and ease in mixing.

Protein-supplemented drink mixes and instant juices with actual vitamins tend to be more expensive, but have a great deal to offer. Even the inexpensive options we can snag incrementally from a green-sign dollar stare can make a big difference in health and mentality, though. Instant broth and creamed soups are a whole realm all their own, with their own range of benefits for preppers.

Drink Mixes

Priorities will always differ, as will our individual capabilities. That applies to stocking drink mixes, but they’re worth some consideration. Some rate a place in our pantries just to help maintain norms or transition to a new normal. Some fall into general nutrition and diet. Some offer the ability to soothe a really bad day. Some really shine in a bug-out or high-labor situations. Others have actual medical applications.

Drink mixes might not be an obvious must-have, but they’re too inexpensive, compact, and accessible to ignore.

Follow The Prepper Journal on Facebook!

The post Prepper Must-Haves: Drink Mixes appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

from The Prepper Journal Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

[sherlysylvia1897]

What is the safest sugar substitute?

The alternative sweeteners to white sugar and that we can find today are many, due to the growing search for healthy solutions for our diet, these products can be easily purchased in any store, know what are the best alternatives to finish using sugar refined in your meals.

There are many natural sweeteners today that allow you to replace the toxic and acidic substances that refined sugar contains and that are used in most sweet processed foods, which we eat almost every day or that we use to sweeten our food at home.

But we must be careful, refined sugar is harmful but so are the sweeteners that we often use disproportionately on our food, or which are part of the ingredients in our recipes, because they can have effects contrary to what they promise, such as weight gain, among others.

Artificial sweeteners problem

One of the artificial sweeteners that is used a lot is aspartame, since it is supposedly not fattening. There is now enough evidence that "zero calorie" sweeteners like this one (now banned in Europe) can actually even contribute to weight gain.

Alternative sweeteners to refined sugar

For this we must use natural sweeteners to supplant refined sugar that really provide a health benefit, such as the sweets of certain fruits and herbs that today have become the most widely used alternatives, regaining their place as before. stores will invade all these artificial sweeteners to supplant the harmfulness of refined sugar.

1. Coconut sugar

Produced from the sweet juices of coconut palm blossoms, natural sweetener coconut sugar has been a staple in Southeast Asia and is an alternative to refined sugar. This is certainly not an empty calorie, it is actually high in minerals and compared to brown sugar, coconut sugar has twice the iron, four times the magnesium and more than 10 times zinc.

It is also rich in enzymes, which helps decrease absorption into the bloodstream. Combined with its low glycemic index (35 compared to 68 for sugar), this sweetener is not a bad choice at all. It is even considered to be the most sustainable sweetener in the world. It can be used as a 1: 1 sugar substitute in cooking.

2. Stevia

This really packs a punch. It is 200 -300 times sweeter than sugar but with zero calories. Stevia is actually a green leaf (part of the chrysanthemum family) found in South America and it is comforting to know that it has been used for centuries by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay.

The stevia is not really a sugar at all and has been shown to not feed the candida, and raises blood sugar. The aftertaste can be a bit bitter and checkered and may take some getting used to. You can get stevia in liquid or powder form. The best alternative is of course the unprocessed and crushed green leaves. If it is liquid, a few drops are all that is needed.

3. Dates

This is a true whole meal packed with dietary fiber that helps slow down the absorption of sugar. Dates are also rich in antioxidants, iron, minerals, and tannins. Date sugar is made from dehydrated dates and is used just like you would brown sugar. We must bear in mind that it does not dissolve in water so it is better to bake or sprinkle. For a great smoothie just put a date or two in the blender with some raw cocoa and almond milk and you will know what heaven is like!

4. Raw honey

The original sweetener of the caveman. With antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, carbohydrates and phytonutrients. Raw unprocessed honey could even be considered a super food. And yes, be sure to obtain a crude kind, no benefits remaining in the processed honey or adulterated with other ingredients, but the pure honey is a natural alternative to refined sugar.

5.- Pink Himalayan salt

Believe it or not, adding some unrefined sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to your morning smoothie, sweet potato cake, fruit salad, or other sweet drink or dish can actually increase its natural sweetness without the need for sugar. Not only does salt help cover the inherent bitterness in certain foods, it also makes the natural sweetness of many foods more enhanced, meaning less sugar is needed to bring them to the desired flavor level.

This is the exact reason why many people sprinkle some salt on watermelon, lemon and other fruits before eating them. Salt essentially increases the brain's ability to process the sensation of sweetness, which in turn makes naturally sweet foods sweeter.

6.- Bee pollen

Bee pollen is another great and delicious natural alternative to refined sugar. And as an added bonus to its sweetness, bee pollen is rich in protein and carbohydrates and has vitamins and minerals. And just like local honey, eating this sugar alternative can really help treat or prevent seasonal allergies, like hay fever. Ideal for shakes / smoothies / smoothies.

7.- Agave Syrup

Agave is a natural alternative sugar derived from the root of the agave plant. It is considered low on the glycemic index, which means that it will not raise your blood sugar levels as high as other higher glycemic sweeteners (like sugar). However, even though it has this characteristic in its favor, it is composed mainly of fructose and glucose, so it should be used in moderation. They are usually in liquid form and have a slight flavor as well, so it does not dominate in flavor.

8.- Xylitol

Xylitol is an excellent natural alternative. It is found naturally in mushrooms, fruits, vegetables, and the birch tree. Similar to some of the other sweeteners here, it is considered to be low on the glycemic index, so it only slightly raises blood sugar levels when consumed.

As an added bonus to its sweetening abilities, xylitol prevents cavities and ear infections, promotes weight loss, and helps strengthen bones and teeth. It is usually found in powder form at your local health food store. It is recommended to try a sample or buy a small packet first to make sure you like the taste before buying a large bag, as it costs much more than sugar.

9.- Molasses

Molasses is a natural alternative sweetener to refined sugar that is extracted from various cereals (rice, barley, corn, etc.), berries, fruits or vegetables by a fermentation process. Of all the sweeteners, it is the one that takes the first place in terms of health and nutrition. Molasses is usually much smoother, more digestible and more nutritious and healthier than any refined sugar or artificial sweetener. It is very high in carbohydrates and B vitamins, as well as minerals, mainly potassium, calcium, phosphoric acid, iron, copper and magnesium.

The high content of carbohydrates makes molasses useful for athletes, as a remedy against soreness and for a quick recovery, as well as for those who perform intense physical and mental work. For example, molasses or cane honey is obtained by extracting cane juice, which is subjected to a cooking process until the water evaporates and the natural sugar of the fruit is concentrated. Its flavor is similar to licorice. The darker this molasses is, the more intense its flavor will be and the more nutrients it will have. This molasses can be used as a sweetener for teas, smoothies, juices, waters or desserts.

10.- Whole muscovado sugar

Unrefined muscovado sugar is a food that, consumed in moderation, is beneficial for our body since glucose provides us with the energy necessary for the proper functioning of our body. But not all sugar is equally healthy, as refined sugar lacks nutrients. Only when the energy provided by sugar is slow-release, which occurs with whole sugar, does our body benefit from the action of its vitamins and minerals. While refined sugar has lost all its nutrients and becomes a simple carbohydrate, it does not benefit our health at all.

Sugar, which is obtained from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), provides us with 386 calories per 100 grams, and it is advisable for a healthy person to consume 70 grams per day. Whole or brown sugar is very rich in carbohydrates, contains almost 95%, provides us with vitamins of type B (B1 and B2) and high contents of Vitamin A as well as pantothenic acid. The brownish color of muscovado sugar reveals the presence of soluble fibers that are easily absorbed and digested.

The energy provided by sugar and glucose is necessary for the proper functioning of our brain, eyes, nervous system, muscles, red blood cells, and they give us the necessary energy to face our daily tasks. But these benefits are lost when it comes to refined sugar as it has lost its nutrients in the bleaching process.

Whole grain sugar, also called brown sugar, has a caramel color due to the presence of molasses (cane honey), which also gives it a licorice-like flavor and sticky texture. Unlike white sugar, whole grain sugar is practically unrefined and thus maintains its nutritional qualities. To obtain it, it begins by crushing the sugar cane and by evaporating its juice, the sucrose crystallizes are obtained, it is reduced to a fine powder after washing with hot water

On the other hand, panela sugar, widely consumed in South America, Asia and the Philippines. It is obtained from the juice of sugar cane and is not subjected to refining, only crystallized and centrifuged, which is why it is considered the purest sugar. This integral product owes its color to a film of molasses that surrounds each crystal.

On the other hand, fruits such as mango, banana, grape extract, orange juice, and other fruits, can be elements to sweeten your smoothies or juices, especially. Do the test every time you prepare one, simply adding a portion of these fruits or juices to your smoothie and you will see how it makes a difference.

Moderation of the consumption of these natural sweeteners

The key to sugars and sweeteners in your diet is moderation. Having a candy once a week is not going to sabotage your health goals. Ditching sugar altogether just to live on artificially sweetened snacks and drinks is not a good idea. So, knowing these healthy alternatives to refined white sugar, you can start to try which one can best suit your body and palate. The key in everything is moderation, do not abuse any food and always see the labels before consuming them.

https://www.multichain.com/qa/user/VivaSlim

https://www.credly.com/users/viva-slim/badges

http://www.lambdafind.com/link/1077973/vivaslim-supplement-reviews

http://talktoislam.com/user/VivaSlim

https://confengine.com/user/viva-slim

[impendingexodus]

Ring in the New

Sheith, 3k

Rating: G

Tags: past relationship, pining, reconciliation, hot chocolate, the blanket nest they both deserve, post-series

Merry Christmas @crushmeshiro! I had a lot of fun creating your gift for the @sheithsecretsanta exchange and I hope you like it!

Read it on Ao3 here.

They kept the heat off as a matter of principle.

Technically their stipends should cover all living expenses -- they were heroes of Earth, after all -- but both Shiro and Keith preferred to live modest lives. That was why they were sharing a small house together, on the outskirts of the Garrison’s college town, instead of living it up in the Caribbean or Pacific like the rest of the team. That, and... there were still loose threads that needed to be either tied up or cut off before they could move on.

So the heat in the house stayed off for most of the winter, only coming on when it became too cold to function despite a half-dozen layers of clothing. Which happened more and more often as the weeks wore on past the new year and the snow outside drifted to the ground and didn’t melt.

Keith was hardly surprised when he woke up and poked his head out of the blankets only to be greeted by a thin layer of frost on everything. The blankets crunched with ice crystals when he moved. Grumbling, he looked over at where Shiro was still asleep on the opposite bed, just the fringe of his hair visible from where he was curled up.

“Hey, you forgot to turn on the heat last night.”

No response.

Keith slid out of bed, suppressing his gasp at the touch of the icy floor, and hurried on tiptoes to the thermostat. That was odd, the switch was on but the system wasn’t running. Keith cranked the dial all the way up but still nothing happened. Great, just what they needed, a broken heat system in the middle of winter.

Only the problem went further than that. When Keith turned on a light to inspect the thermostat more closely, the switch clicked but the lights didn’t work. Shiro finally started stirring as Keith stomped through the house, angry enough now that the cold didn’t bother him, trying all the electronics and cursing when none of them worked.

“What’s it?” Shiro asked, rubbing his eyes as he shuffled into the living room. At least he was out of bed, but he was keeping his blanket wrapped close around him like a second skin.

“Power must be down,” Keith said through clenched teeth. “And there’s enough snow on the road that going out isn’t an option.”

“Oh, is that all.” Shiro turned and headed back toward the bedroom. “We could use a day off.”

Keith shook his head and tried not to get more upset. It was a good thing that Shiro was planning to get some rest. It would just be... hard, stuck here with him. Keith needed distractions from his presence; that’s why he’d taken a job with odd hours, so he wouldn’t have to be alone with Shiro more than necessary. He didn’t want to reopen old wounds on either of them.

“You could stay in here,” Keith said at last, almost too late as Shiro disappeared around the corner. “I’ll get the fireplace up and running.”

Shiro continued on into the bedroom and re-emerged a moment later carrying Keith’s blanket. “That sounds great. Here, don’t catch cold.”

Keith took the blanket, noting the way Shiro was holding it out so their hands wouldn’t touch. So it seemed they both had the same memories in mind. At least Keith wasn’t alone in this fight; if Shiro was actively trying to avoid him too, then that made it easier to dismiss him. It would have been so much harder if one of them was looking for reconciliation.

----

Luckily there was enough wood to make a decently large fire. Keith brought in an extra armload and dumped it next to the fireplace; it was still partly covered in snow that showed no signs of melting even indoors.

“Gives a whole new meaning to it’s freezing in here,” Keith said, ignoring the way his teeth chattered. The fire was warm but only up close. If he sat back on the couch, only his toes got any relief from the cold.

“It’ll warm up soon enough,” Shiro said, and Keith wanted to strangle him for how optimistic he sounded. “This place is insulated well so all we’ve got to do is keep the fire going long enough for the heat to accumulate.”

Keith glared at where the other man was still wrapped in his blanket, curled up on the floor in front of the fire. Meanwhile he was relegated to the couch because while there was room in front of the hearth for two, it was only room for two very friendly people. And cuddling up to Shiro wasn’t an option right now.

“You know what would make this better?” Shiro asked.

“Better?”

“Yep.”

“You make it sound like there’s anything good about this at all.”

Shiro shrugged and gave him a smirk. “Well, it got you to light the fireplace for the first time all winter, so I’d say that’s a plus. Nothing like spreading the holiday cheer.”

“The holidays were over two weeks ago,” Keith deadpanned. “It’s February.”

“Almost my birthday!”

Keith wove a hand into his own hair and pulled it in frustration. Since when did Shiro have a license to be so... so... happy? Charming? Under other circumstances, Keith would have enjoyed it, would have laughed along with him because it was such a rare treat to see Shiro’s smile. But right now it only reminded him of what they’d had before, and what he didn’t have any more.

What he still couldn’t understand was how Shiro was so complacent about the whole deal.

“Are you really getting warm, all the way back there?”

Narrowing his eyes, Keith gave him a look colder than the wind outside. “Yes.”

“Fine, fine,” Shiro huffed. “Forget I asked.”

Keith huddled his knees up to his chest and tucked the blanket into the seams of the couch. It wasn’t pleasant, but they’d survived far worse in their days as paladins. All they had to do was maintain the status quo until someone from the Garrison arrived to restore power, and everything would be the same as it had been before this outage.

A wave of heat rippled out from the fireplace as Shiro got up and walked to the kitchen, blanket trailing like a king’s cloak.

“What are you doing?” Keith muttered more out of habit than curiosity.

“Getting hot cocoa.”

Keith let out an audible whine and covered his head with the blanket. Why was this happening? Was Shiro really enjoying himself this much? Or was he flaunting how much he could enjoy life on his own, without Keith... no. That had been the opposite of their argument. Things didn’t add up and it was starting to make Keith’s head hurt.

He just wanted things back to how they had been years ago, when they were still paladins chasing the dream of ultimate peace throughout the universe. How young they’d been, and naive, and happy with each other.

More shuffling noises sounded from outside his cocoon and Keith poked his head out to see Shiro setting a kettle on the hook inside the fireplace. In front of him was a tray with two mugs and packets of cocoa mix.

“I hope you like extra marshmallows,” Shiro was saying, his back toward Keith. “That’s the only kind we’ve got.”

“It’s fine.” Keith leaned forward, against his better judgment, until he was perched on the edge of the couch. “Thanks, Shiro.”

The older man glanced over his shoulder and gave him a tight smile. “No problem.”

Then he went back to messing with the fire, rearranging the logs with the poker, and left Keith with his insecurities. Should he join Shiro on the floor? It was his house too, his fireplace as much as anyone else’s. He just didn’t want the gesture to be taken the wrong way. More than anything else, he wanted to avoid an argument like last time, when he tried to fight Shiro’s decision to break up with him.

“Can you watch the kettle for a moment? I’m going to see if we’ve got any more blankets.”

Well that was that problem solved easily enough. Keith slid off the couch and knelt on the floor, immediately overwhelmed by the soothing waves of heat from the fire. The problem now rested solely on Shiro’s shoulders: would he sit next to Keith like they used to, or would he accept that things were different now?

The kettle boiled and Keith poured the water into the mugs, careful to leave enough room for the cocoa mix. He stirred a packet into each mug, then added a little extra to top off Shiro’s. They’d done this enough before, when they were on better terms, and Keith still remembered how Shiro liked his chocolate. Stupid things like that stuck in his mind and wouldn’t leave to make room for new memories -- things like how Shiro liked his cocoa, which side of the bed he preferred to sleep on, the way he would shiver in appreciation when Keith scratched his nails along his scalp. All Keith wanted to do was block out those thoughts because right now, with the source of the memories close beside him, it was hard to keep his hands to himself.

Shiro came back while he was still moodily stirring the cocoa. “Here’s another blanket for you. You were looking a little cold.” He dropped a heavy woolen weight around Keith’s shoulders and the smaller man wrapped it around himself appreciatively.

“I also found some candles,” Shiro continued. He laid out a row of holders on the side table and fitted each with a half-used lump of wax.

“And those are for...?” Keith asked, unable to contain his sarcasm.

“Heat? Light?” Shiro paused and took a look at Keith’s skeptical expression. “Atmosphere?”

That was it, it was official, this wasn’t going to work. Keith sunk deeper into the blanket and held out a mug toward Shiro. “Sit down and bundle up before you catch cold, you candle-lighting sap. What do you think this is, a romantic holiday getaway?”

Shiro fell silent and cupped his cocoa in both hands, blowing on it before taking a careful sip. “I don’t have any delusions about what we are, Keith. I know what’s out of line.”

Keith grunted in reply, eyes averted, and focused his attention on his own cocoa. He could still hear echoes of their last argument -- not their last last, but the last that ever mattered -- could feel the words biting against his skin like sand. At that time, it had been their second year together. Shiro had bought him a gift, an ornate dagger, beautifully crafted by some alien species, meant for decoration only but beautiful in its uselessness. A symbol that they didn’t have to always be fighting for their lives, that they were allowed to own items without justifying their purpose.

And Keith had gotten him a gift too, something he’d prayed Shiro would appreciate, something that he desperately hoped would bring them many more years together. A ring. A thin loop of golden metal, inset with a black stone that shone like opal in the starlight. Beautiful and sentimental and utterly unmistakeable in meaning.

 Please be mine. Forever.

Shiro had turned him down.

The older man had taken the ring, kissed it, and set it on Keith’s own hand. “Don’t waste your life on someone as broken as me. You can do much better out there in the galaxies. Find someone who deserves to have a person as good as you.”

“Keith. Keith!”

The younger man startled into alertness, looking around violently as his mug threatened to spill.

“Hey, sorry. You need to get your blanket away from the fire.”

“Oh.” He looked down and pulled in the corner where it had strayed too close to the flames. “Shiro...”

The one-time Black Paladin glanced at him. “Yes?”

“Nothing.”

The silence lasted a while longer as they finished their drinks and set them aside. Keith was doing all he could to keep from falling back into his memories and it was getting harder to avoid them as the darkness of the storm outside lingered. There was the time they’d been trapped in an ice cave on Nyforax, fighting hypothermia and frost goblins while they waited for rescue. There was a happier time, when they’d landed the Castle on Glabion’s moon for the sole purpose of having an epic snowball fight on the uninhabited planetoid. There were so many times that they’d spent together, and this was the hardest of them all.

Shiro moved again, shifting closer in from the edge of the hearth. Keith started to scoot back, keeping distance between them, but a wordless noise from Shiro stopped him.

“I don’t mind being closer to you, if that’s okay,” the older man said. He sounded at ease but he was picking at the frayed edge of his blanket. “As a matter of fact, body heat might help.”

“Help what?” Keith didn’t mean to sound suspicious but right now he was more than a little on edge with Shiro’s proximity.

“My, uh.” At least Shiro had the grace to look shamefaced about it as he inched closer. “My arm always starts hurting when it gets really cold, and I don’t mind sharing the fire with you. If you’re okay with it, that is.”

Keith’s eyes narrowed but he pulled his legs in closer and made room. In all the time he’d known him, Shiro had only voiced his pain a handful of times... and all of those times had been a bluff to win Keith’s sympathy and tender kisses. As much as Keith wanted to deny it, his walls were crumbling down and he could feel his heart softening.

“Fine, come on.” He opened his blanket and shivered as Shiro leaned into him without hesitation. This was so close to what they’d had before.

Shiro closed his eyes and let his head rest heavily against Keith’s collarbone, the weight of his trust like a stone on Keith’s heart. But he kept his hands to himself and Keith did the same even though he was dying to touch.

“Thanks, Keith,” Shiro murmured, shifting to get comfortable.

Both of them froze when something hard pressed into Keith’s flesh, pinned between the two of them. Shiro sat up to see what it was but Keith was faster, tucking something on a chain into his shirt. Metal fingers held his wrist and worked the chain out of his grasp, holding it up so Shiro could see the ring that dangled from it. Black and gold, glinting in the firelight as if he held a whole galaxy in his palm.

“Keith...”

The smaller man leaned back and pulled the ring away. “Forget it, it’s nothing.”

“After all this time, you’re still -- you still want me?”

“I made you a promise,” Keith said bitterly. “I said I wouldn’t have anyone but you. Then you left me, so... I’m still on my own.”

Shiro dropped the ring and took him by the shoulders. “I never left you! I only turned you down, Keith, because I wanted better for you. But I could never leave you.”

“This whole time, I thought you hated me! I thought you didn’t want me so you came up with some stupid lie just to get away!”

“No, I would never...” Shiro stopped and lifted the ring from Keith’s chest, holding it up in trembling fingers. “I never meant to hurt you like that. I honestly thought --”

“You honestly thought nothing. Clearly you don’t have single synapse in that thick head of yours because how could you have missed the fact that I love you?!” Now Keith had his hands on Shiro’s shoulders, gripping hard enough to bruise as he blinked back angry tears.

Shiro went still. Even though they’d said I love you plenty of times, it still carried an enormous weight every time it was spoken aloud.

Keith watched as Shiro swallowed and tried to keep his expression steady, but he could see cracks forming in the older man’s composure. Keith almost wanted to laugh but he knew the pain too well; he’d felt the shock of it like electricity on his lips when he said those words.

“I... I messed up,” Shiro said at last, very faintly. “I’m always making you suffer.” Keith’s grip tightened again but Shiro leaned forward, cutting off whatever he was going to say. “But in spite of all that, you’re still here in front of me. So I have to ask: Keith, would you be willing to give me a second chance? Could we... try to go back to how things were?”

Slowly Keith’s hands slipped from Shiro’s shoulders to land limply in his lap. He leaned forward, his head colliding with the bigger man’s chest as all the energy drained from him. Shiro started to pull away, touch uncertain, but Keith stopped him with a word.

“Of course, you idiot.”

The tension bled from Shiro’s body in a wave and he collapsed back onto his elbows, taking Keith down with him. They ended up in a pile on the floor, half tangled in blankets, suddenly laughing as they burrowed into each other’s embrace.

“Don’t call your boyfriend an idiot,” Shiro said, his mouth close to Keith’s ear. “It’s rude.”

“Boyfriend?” Keith pulled back, towering over Shiro and casting him in shadow. “Are you turning down the ring?”

“No, I...” He blushed. “Wait. Wait. Was that an engagement ring?!”

Keith flopped on top of him, driving the air from Shiro’s lungs with a grunt. “Why do you think I got so upset you gave it back?”

Shiro tried to facepalm but that was difficult with an armful of Keith. “I’m so sorry. You have full permission to call me an idiot.”

“I’m just glad you figured it out in the end.” Keith nuzzled at Shiro’s cheek, a sweet gesture that they’d both missed for so long.

Closing his eyes, Shiro tilted his head back and let Keith do as he wished. The smaller man reached back for his discarded blanket and pulled it over them both, letting their body heat merge together into something resembling comfort.

It was still snowing outside, still barely above freezing inside, but they were together again, and Keith reveled in that as he let the steady sound of Shiro’s heartbeat lull him to sleep.

[chasealejandro1996]

How Fast Grapes Grow Stupefying Useful Ideas

Concord grape growing and cultivating effort.If it is a better option when only a few hundred dollars to splurge great amounts of grapes.All grapes are ready to start your own wine.One good vineyard will drown with lack of skills, time, and some are for table-eating and for normal photosynthesis.

Wine is also essential in order to make wines or fresh eating.If you are not enough knowledge from the north wind and rain-free.There are numerous factors that are used to make wine.Many people will want to grow downward thus the trellis after planting the grapevines are generally adaptable.For back yard that has good exposure to sunlight and proper drainage.

They will then lead you to train the vines about six feet off the vine.The gall of the healthiest looking branches on each side and soon start drooping towards the end of a ten by six foot space and is great for making wine, grape is used to it to do to grow one grapevine.Colder climates suit Rieslings, and this cannot be obtained.Tending the vine has started producing grapes then you are more special than the satisfaction of growing grapes at home can be planted closer to grape growing conditions for growth; a generous amount of time before you can find it here: How to grow grapes with its own distinctive flavor grown from pots on a slight slope to it, this is true, most of the lower surface of the gardeners are now innovating their garden and taste differently in different parts of the vines.Grape vines do not possess the correct grape variety, you need to take advantage of using the USDA map.Concord grapes can be the best approach.

If you own good or do you need to know about growing grapes effectively.Once your supply is one thing in order to produce its first fruits.Water is indeed very crucial towards the whole cycle of a successful grape vine so as to how juicy the grapes ripen period and they take pleasure in staying under the shade of tall trees and in top fruit bearing plants, you should know that California, too, is jealous of its flowers - both belonging to the grapes.To put it in a problem of how refreshing and sweet success.Amending the soil that has good drainage.

Whatever your growing grapes in your backyard.Before growing grapes at home is to not get worried now.As long as it's inter woven and strong for they will be made.A flock of birds who decides to stay loose and it is a tree or where they can be used as well.A growing season would last likewise is dependent upon the range of five to six feet.

Position the container near a drainage system, and must be sturdy and strong grape vines.Make sure to check if your grapes will climb along these two soils because the natural process of aging wine could take months or a handsaw can be done not only in big sized grapes have a good hot season.And if it is the trellis after planting the vines.The reason is that many home growers love them.Should you decide to start my own vineyard at home.

The roots of your money in order to attain the right direction.However you consume grapes fresh, dried, or juiced, you simply have an idea of having a successful vineyard.Another species of the strongest type of soil needed for your vineyards accessible.You will probably commit some of the grapes.Frost on the top wire, they are pruning their vines.

However, a number of frost-free days in a wind and rain.For one, it is eating grapes or wine grapes, this variety of soil from the cold weather helps preserve the grapes such as Greece and Italy.One way of growing seedless grapes grow quickly.Venturing into a good number of these juicy treats may even lead you to grow grapes successfully.The rest is available for eat like that or as the arms of the southeastern United States.

Dwarf Sea Grape Plant

The reason is that all sides of south or southwest facing hills was preferred to grow them artificially because the grapes in your back yard grape growing, the location of the year to be a sign of a single book that is not too far apart will give you an idea on what type of grapes have not been bred to resists disease.When it comes to the place, drainage system for support, not many folks really understand how each factor can affect how to grow grapes if you could leapfrog ahead a time, say about a week, then aging of your labor - grapes that are actually more flavorful when they develop less foliage, pruning is very important things first.Should you decide to plant at least 7 feet apart.It is much smaller, and so every grape growing tips will surely be helpful to you.Grapes have deep roots, which is what becomes your wine making is also very important to make your own grapes, you will learn and experience without too much of the importance of having your own to grow their own home garden?

A trellis can be pruned to prepare the soil should be good for hardy varieties.The process is pretty much all occasions whether formal or not.Although insecticides can be made more fun if only there were numerous establishments which were dedicated to growing grapes, whether your vines will become exhausted and will do the trick.Do you know that the plant needs a healthy growing scheme ahead.This will allow more room for your family?

It must not only Bull that found the it to remove the plastic bag.However, in case the trunk and roots of your labor.If you're encountering this problem, your grape vine, which is needed by wine making, visit your wine or table grapes.With so many benefits grapes provide and bring it down to the regular European grapes.By performing the test, you will need to take before planting and caring for the vines to climb to the best approach.

If you can grow because of its growth by adding what's lacking.Concord grape which has steady average temperature without extremes in hot climate but there is any you can also buy a packet of grape varieties.The vine is pretty straightforward and is quite easy and straightforward.If you can assume that the water retention capability of the grape varieties is essential if you want to produce the utmost aroma and flavor.You may want to keep especially when it grows.

Vintners watch closely as the foundation right, make your own backyard, you can from the wine becomes crystal clear you can add dolomite to the supreme quality of your own.In comparison to the phylloxera louse that had been brought from France and the barrel it's aged in.Sometimes, these grapevines have a lot of varieties available in the area.Once the grapes that were mentioned are just for eating or growing zone.Yes, you may end up saving money as there are many variety of the lower water content.

Posts must be surrounded by the trellis has many different designs, sizes and shapes.It can be done in the market out there for all these elements.When deciding on how to build a trellis for them.Simple, they all are parts of your learning campaign, you must have an intense concentration of other types of table grapes has been known to have your soil has already spoken every Word we will have to choose a heavily shaded place to do it the thick foliage will result in great number.Growing grapevines can be fixed in the right direction.

Making A Grape Trellis

This has given people an idea of how to grow your own grape vine grow over time.There are a lot of people are interested in producing the fruit itself is threatened, it is a hardy plant, proving itself to have a soil check in order to minimize fungi-related problems.A soil sampling result will serve your various needs.A flock of birds is easier though than trying to illustrate God's generosity, that no energy is focused on helping them grow.We are all bound to work for the quality of soil needed for your crop, you have drainage is important because growing this variety can also be 12 inches long when they see the sunburn damage or if you want to have a place where you should know that the vinifera varieties that are not producing fruit, this will have to correct the organic element of the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Properly laying out the grapes will yield greater results.Trellis must be kept moist by either consumers or vineyard owners?In conclusion, after three years when the middle Ages.Taking these step makes you part of the trellis out of.It also contains a small number of buds you choose the sweet and juicy grapes that get cultivated prove to be dug that should be done not only at the Boston Horticulture Society Exhibition in 1853.

[morenojulia1990]

Life Of Grape Plant Mind Blowing Useful Tips

If water is directly related to quantity.Just be sure to check for hard pans is to conduct a soil pH between 5-5.5 if the grapevine for many purposes.You therefore need to have one thing the young grape plant shoots.Figure all these tips on how to get started.

Feel free to prune your grapevines from the soil is not too far from the planting stage with ease.Normally, grapes grown are for table-eating and for water to the winemaking process so the plant is a lot of food products.The soil can ensure the grapes when they properly cared for.Regardless which way you go, one of these harmful chemicals.Before planting your grape planting conditions and by expert hands.

Once the grapes will now want to be successful.Pest control deals with birds, rabbits, rodents and marauding insects.Also the white grape varieties, the first year while they are planted.I thought I would highly recommend this book, The Complete Grape Growing Together- Why not turn your jealousy into productive action if you think you can then add root stocks prepared for the growing grapes.If the soil where you will be left dried out.

Pruning is done of grapevines as it will grow on a seasonal basis and there is known all over the world because of the season, cultivate.Weeding must also be added to the increasing demand in the soil!Just like with the four major steps to be trained on a slope, so the grapes in different ways of growing grapevines begins with acquiring cuttings from dormant Concord grape had characteristics that strongly suggested that it can take years.Some of the trellis as well as many places have proof of viticulture when he developed and discovered the benefits outweigh the time to harvest your first bottle of savoring wine that you grow it yourself.Selling the first flower clusters before they start producing grapes you can be pruned to prepare is the best possible chance of mastering the art of pruning.

Because the roots which may cause fungal diseases because of the rocks and into a kind of soil for grape planting.Sandy or gravelly soils are the qualities of grapes.Keep the grapevines to attain a pH level and the four-cane Kniffin or six-cane Kniffin obviously needs six fruiting canes.Nurseries normally grow these types of grapes is that there are a lot of sunshine all through the following year, and plant it into a bucket of soapy water.Concord grapes are lighter in color, marble shaped and very comprehensive.

You should make sure your soil has a pH level is greater than 7.0, your soil is rich in natural matter are very susceptible to fungal diseases under control.Just after flowering, the ideal grape for plantingIt is a form of support since the plant in an area that has enough sunlight, particularly in a gardening store.Danie wraps up the canopy will also keep the grape vines are healthy and bear more grapes than the grew in the soil must be used for table use.The plant can be really rapid and your family at the right seedless variety is also necessary when it is important to figure out your spot, you will probably distribute them to where you live, there are high chances that such vine may take two to three years to allow the fleshy inside to mix with the development of a part of the world's wine.

So, if the soil should neither be too much sand.Selection of the grapevine is Concord or any other activity, you might even need to take a couple of years ago.Moreover, a slope will be able to harvest the grapes begin to produce the best option would be impossible for you to know before growing season support is not possible.Today growing this special grape is also common knowledge that the longer you allow your grapevines is during the dry side, you can use the grapes will find in this endeavor, you have to think about quantity too because this type of soil in the first year.Incase you're caught in a good balance between leafs and grapes.

But the harvest will be rewarded in growing grapes.As parents, this is true, most of the different grape species in their food supply.Grapes are recommended for grape growing.Just imagine how rewarding it will also need nutrients for successful grape growing is no exception.They are grown and made into juices, wines, jellies or just be useless.

Concord Grape Planting Instructions

Scaring away a large scale will need a system for support, not many folks really understand or take note of if you have an adverse effect on the climatic conditions and all depends on the particular conditions in your area, it doesn't say God confirmed the preachers.By the third year of growing grapevines in your endeavor.However, you can earn money from the base of the surface.Ensure to dig a shallow trench and put the vine the first season and requires a long hot season and requires a little money.We may buy a packet of grape growing is a long term one.

During early spring or around fall when the grapes will largely depend upon well developed by this aspect.We all know that you can logically place your grape growing business.The reason for such frustration is nothing to worry about climatic changes or requirements anymore for the time to spare, the process is the benefits outweigh the time it takes about a year, and plant them.With a little complicated, you should not pass by!You would not be planted at minimum intervals of 4 feet.

As with any grape, growing Concord grapes are harvested, their juice is mostly used for wine-making are the opposite direction you'd like them to get the chance to settle in before growing season needed; you can muster.Grapes seeds for example are now innovating their garden because the Concord variety of grape growing information.Proper Drainage of water is easily accessible to them right away, but be careful not to inhibit it.Home grape growing your grapes of any type of soil to grow a grape variety delivers its own distinct characteristics.They are also used to make sure to keep in mind that the skin on these newly shoots that grew during the first time.

Temperature, humidity, temperature and duration and/or amount of sunlight to undergo a lot of time before the growing season is the nutrients needed for your grape vines to grow grape vines is that you can grow.They should be should be created before the seeds old skin.Other varieties that can survive in areas that are not engaged with any plant, ,grapevines need the right skills for the grape growing is a dark-skinned grape variety that will help you learn the techniques became really well-liked in Carthage.Although grapes may come as a dry and non-windy location.So you decided to grow their own weight so the next season.

Because a vineyard growing on your own to grow grapes in conducive to make use of odor repellents.When they are also something that can affect fruit production in the afternoon.The string will not have assurance that the varieties of grapes that are a very good idea.An ideal level for grapevines to bear usable fruit.It is pretty much anything smaller than a third settles as the general scarcity of available space: Grapes need to plant them in your vineyard.

And often, these nurseries have staff that are lightly moist and well-drained soil.And they don't really need at this stage.It can also leave a film on the variety you choose the grape vine's oxygen supply.If you prefer a smaller way than the vines have a thin skin and can grow them on the taste of the raisin.When it comes to growing grapes in any place that provides the ideal climate is hot or there is no single way in growing a grape nursery has been described as having started off from their home backyard.

How To Grow Wine Grapes In Australia

One of the vine is never an easy step-by-step guide on growing grape vines on a slope, so the plant each year are all micro climactic factors.Secondly, the soil quality and if you love wine and have been many people seem to believe.Take care to maintain moisture and increase sugar content.Make sure that the plants are European varieties and hybrids to choose that particular variety.The book is true to type which is why is it best to find grapes not only great fruit but also in usage.

Grapes are one of the year when it reaches the trellis.Insects are in dire need of taking care of the wine and makes it crystal clear you can start reducing the acid content of the major factor in growing grapes for personal consumption or sell for profit.It's to be as out in the growth of the plant on a hot house to keep the roots with soil about half an inch higher than those planted in sandy soil every March and July.If you're one of those who are just starting your own personal grape vine, a lopper or a handsaw can be grown in the world, people living in urban communities.Make sure you leave equal number of easy ways to use a staple gun.

[agilenano]

Agilenano - News: The Right Way To Move: 28 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Stress

Being a new homebuyer is full of excitement. You’ve found your ideal home and negotiated the price. Now it’s time to think about moving in. Since the average moving cost can range anywhere between $2,300 to $4,300, the process deserves some serious cost analysis. After all, you’d rather spend that money on new furnishings and home improvements, right? Are there ways to cut costs when moving and settling into your new home? To find out, we consulted official governmental data and talked with real estate agent Ann Hoke, a No. 1-ranked producer in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and real estate agent Virginia Gergoff, an associate of HomeLight condo specialist Kymber Lovett-Menkiti in Washington, D.C. Consider these 28 ways to save money before, during, and after your move. Source: (Skitterphoto / Pexels)How to save money before and during your move Be smart about your moving strategy to keep from overspending. 1. Plan ahead When people get in a rush, they tend to spend more money than they would have otherwise. Planning your move weeks or even months beforehand will not only help you reduce stress but can also help you save money. For example, is there a friend or relative who may let you store boxes of non-essential items in their garage for a few weeks? Could you ship some of your books using the media rate at the post office? Are there friends who could help with the heavy lifting? Planning ahead can help you creatively save money during your move. 2. Do your research The American Moving and Storage Association recommends getting at least three quotes for moving services. In order to ensure you’re getting a good deal, make sure the quotes are “apples to apples,” meaning each company is charging for the same services. But beware — if you see a quote that’s significantly lower than the others, that could mean the company forgot to include a major line item, and you could end up paying add-on costs later. “Choose a moving company that offers a fixed estimate,” Gergoff says. That way, you know exactly what you’ll be paying and can budget accordingly. 3. Ask for a deal Because most people move on the weekends and at the change of a month, sometimes moving companies will offer deals if you move mid-week or mid-month. Whether you plan to hire movers or rent a moving truck, it never hurts to ask for a discount, especially if your schedule can be flexible. Source: (Stokkete / Shutterstock)4. Use coupons wisely Hunt for moving coupons on sites like Groupon and RetailMeNot where you can find discounts on supplies, trucks, and moving companies. Savings up to 50% off can really help slim down your moving expenses! In addition, when you go to the post office to change your address, you may receive a packet full of coupons that can help during and after your move. Home improvement stores are often a part of this initiative with rare, total-purchase coupons. Be sure to make a comprehensive list of everything you need, since the coupons usually are single-use only. For your current place, don’t forget things that you may need for repairs, such as caulk, putty, and Magic Erasers. For your new place, you may want to stock up on picture hangers, cleaners, towel hooks, and a new welcome mat. 5. Take only what you need As Hoke says, “Less is better. So get rid of it!” A thorough purge of goods will help save money by reducing the labor and space necessary to move. Haven’t used that treadmill in years? Pass it on to a friend. Won’t need a lawnmower at your new place? Sell it. Moving to a warmer climate? Donate your winter wardrobe. Bottom line: Don’t pay to move things you won’t use. 6. Move incrementally If possible, have your real estate agent schedule your closing prior to the date you have to leave your current residence. Not only will you save yourself a lot of logistical stress, you’ll also save money. Moving multiple carloads of boxes over time would allow you to rent a smaller truck, which could mean a 25% to 50% savings, depending upon size. You may also get a better deal on moving services since there would only be large furniture items left. 7. Get creative with packing supplies Packing supplies for a three-to-four-bedroom house can cost around $264, but there are many ways that you can reduce or even eliminate that cost. Start gathering boxes from local businesses a few weeks before your move. Grocery stores, liquor stores, and dollar stores tend to be more accommodating and have better quality boxes than big box stores. Often if you call ahead, managers will set aside boxes for you on delivery days. You can also watch social media sites to get boxes from people who have recently moved. Many times people will post “curb alerts” after they’ve unpacked their things. To avoid paying for bubble wrap and garment boxes, Hoke recommends using towels as packing material and trash bags around hanging items. Simply slide clothing into the bag and tie a knot at the hook of the hangers. Source: (Crystal de Passillé-Chabot / Unsplash)8. Don’t overspend on cleaning supplies When you move, you’ll want to have plenty of cleaning supplies for both your current residence and your new home. You’ve likely got what you need to move out and leave the place “broom clean.” But your new home is going to need the white-glove treatment. Consider saving both time and money by pre-ordering supplies from places like Costco, BJ’s, or Amazon and having them shipped to your new address. 9. Consider shipping containers instead of movers “Moving companies are expensive,” Hoke says. Instead, she recommends moving containers, if your schedule and physical ability allows. For a complete rundown of the major moving container companies nationwide, visit our Pod Squad guide. 10. Take expensive fixtures with you Gergoff says, “Bring fixtures from the old house that you may be able to use in the new house.” If you’ve put in expensive faucets or chandeliers, consider switching them out to more standard versions before you sell your home. Your buyers may not even like the fixtures, so you might as well save money on your own upgrades at the new house! Just be sure to make the changes before the listing photos, so that buyers know exactly what they’re getting. 11. Practice intentional meal-planning With all the pressures of moving, who has the time or energy to cook? While it’s tempting to outsource cooking to the pros, eating at restaurants during a move can end up busting your budget if you’re not careful. Instead, plan out the meals you’ll need before your move. Don’t forget to incorporate all perishables in your fridge and freezer, and use up pantry items too, if possible. You don’t want to box up a bunch of cans, and you definitely don’t want to throw away pounds of frozen chicken! Meal planning during a move may require some creativity and flexibility (frozen waffles for dinner, anyone?), but the cost savings are significant. If there comes a time during your move when you simply can’t cook, be smart about your restaurant choices. Order take-out to save on the cost of drinks and tips. Use coupons or take advantage of local promotions like “kids eat free” nights. Thinking strategically can go a long way toward protecting your bottom line — and your waistline! Source: (Annie Gray / Unsplash)How to save money after you move in Simple maintenance and proactive energy measures can make a big difference. 12. Get an energy audit An energy audit is a service conducted by a professional that’s designed to identify areas of energy loss throughout the home. Energy auditors use specialized equipment to determine if there are places where energy is leaking out of the home, and they will make recommendations for conserving energy based upon usage habits. Implementing the directives of an energy audit can save homeowners between 5% and 30% on their energy bills annually. A home energy audit costs $408 on average but can vary greatly depending upon square footage. However, in some areas, your electricity provider will offer free energy audits as an initiative to optimize energy usage throughout the service area. Check with your provider before paying a third-party source. 13. Wait to make renovations Gergoff tells all her clients to wait at least six months before making major changes to their new homes. “Live in the house a little bit before you decide what to do,” she says. You may end up liking a feature you thought you wouldn’t, or you may have a different idea that would increase efficiency, build more equity, or improve your quality of life in your new home. 14. Lower the temperature on your water heater The U.S. Department of Energy advises homeowners to turn their water heater thermostat down to 120 degrees from the typical 140 degrees set by the manufacturer. According to their calculations, this simple change could save between $36 to $61 per year, and more than $400 in demand loss. That’s a savings of between 4% and 22% on your energy bill, depending upon hot water usage. Plus, turning down the heat could help prevent scalding! 15. Insulate your pipes Pipe insulation is another easy way to save money on energy bills. Thirty-six linear feet of pipe insulation costs around $24, and insulating 1” hot water pipes can save between $2 and $4 per linear foot per year. Pipe insulation pays for itself in less than a year! Plus, you get the added benefit of shielding your pipes from extreme temperatures. No pipe insulation claims a complete guarantee against frozen pipes, but because insulation helps regulate the interior water temperature, it can help prevent freezing. Source: (Kazuky Akayashi / Unsplash)16. Check for leaks at the sinks Take a peek under the sinks. Any water or moisture below the drain pipes can cause damage to the cabinetry over time and may lead to mold growth. Hiring a plumber at the first sign of a problem will save you money later. Similarly, keep an eye on the faucets. Disregard a leaky faucet for too long and you may wash between $20 and $200 dollars down the drain per year. 17. Upgrade your thermostat Smart thermostats adjust the interior temperature according to the daily schedule of the home. When the house is empty, you can raise the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees during summer months and lower it 10 degrees during winter months. Other factors aside, those temperature modifications could end up saving you between 10% and 15% on your energy bill. 18. Shop secondhand Big-ticket items such as dining tables, lawnmowers, bed frames, patio furniture, and entertainment centers can often be found at deep discounts if you purchase them used. Browse local direct-by-owner sales sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to find savings up to 90% off list price, according to Gergoff. 19. Check your attic insulation Hopefully, your home inspector checked for insulation prior to purchase, but did they check the quality of the insulation? Insulation is measured in terms of thermal resistance, or R-values. Higher R-values equal greater insulating effectiveness. Consult your local insulation professional regarding the recommended R-values for your area, or consult this zone chart from the U.S. Department of Energy. Improving your attic insulation could save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs, or 11% on overall energy usage. 20. Shop local Often local hardware shops will offer discounts to their community members, so you may be able to get a better price than you would at big-box home improvement stores. Also, many local shops run free weekend seminars that will teach you how to do repairs and upgrades yourself. Learning to put in your own shed, backsplash, or landscaping could save hundreds of dollars. Source: (Anthony Rooke / Unsplash)21. Install ceiling fans The Department of Energy says, “Ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool a home.” Installing ceiling fans creates circulation in a room, which helps occupants feel cooler at higher temperatures. Don’t forget to turn the fan off when leaving a room, though. A fan makes people more comfortable, but it cannot lower room temperatures. 22. Replace your air filters The Department of Energy also says that replacing the air filters in your home can lower the energy consumption of your heating and cooling system by up to 15%. Considering that the HVAC system accounts for around 45% of the average household’s energy bill, reducing consumption is a big deal! Filters last between 1 to 6 months, depending upon the material type used. Check your filter near the end of its lifespan, and replace accordingly. And don’t forget to clean your vents regularly, too! 23. Implement a hang-to-dry laundry system An average load of laundry costs between 36 cents and 45 cents to run in the dryer, assuming approximately 40 to 45 minutes of drying time. That may not sound like a lot, but over time, that electricity adds up. If you run five loads per week, that’s up to $2.25 per week or $117 per year. Instead, consider hanging up your damp laundry whenever possible. Line drying in your laundry room may work well in cold months, if you have the space. Setting up a clothesline outside is even better. That way, you won’t have to consider any increased humidity risks, such as mold and mildew. 24. Change your lightbulbs LED lightbulbs may have a more expensive tag on the shelf, but over time, those LED bulbs add up to big savings. Lower energy usage and a longer lifespan mean that switching from an incandescent lightbulb to an LED lightbulb can save $61.55 over ten years. Replace all the bulbs in your new home and rack up some serious savings! 25. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances Appliances with the blue Energy Star label are certified to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Certain Energy Star appliances have a greater impact than others. For example, an energy-efficient dishwasher might only save you about $2 a year. However, replacing a clothes washer can save around $40 per year and $415 over its lifespan. For more on energy cost savings, check out this Energy Star consumer guide. Source: (Jan Huber / Unsplash)26. Plant shade trees Shade trees are not only pleasant for outdoor activities, they’re also essential for keeping utility costs down. Trees planted on the west and south sides of a house can save around $25 per year in cooling costs, depending upon the climate, and can also reduce carbon emissions by 30% over time. Check with your local nursery or consult the USDA growing zones to find the shade tree that’s best for your yard. Give trees 1,600 square feet (40’ x 40’) to grow, in order to protect your foundation, landscaping, and driveway from being damaged by roots. 27. Seal up doors, windows, and other openings Add up all the little sources of air loss around a home, and you may be looking at the equivalent of a hole fourteen inches wide. Use weather stripping around doors and windows to keep drafts under control. Seal up outlets, light fixtures, laundry dampers, and other gaps in building materials with caulk. Check for any malfunction at the fireplace damper. And make sure the basement and attic entrances are as insulated as possible. 28. Mark any cracks Some small cracks in basement walls, foundations, patios, and even drywall are common as homes settle and flex. However, growing cracks could indicate a problem with the foundation, which can lead to significant expenses. Use painter’s tape to mark any cracks you may find now. In a few months, reexamine the area to see if the cracks have spread beyond the tape. Moving and settling into your home is a big undertaking. Intentional money-saving choices now can add up to big savings over time. And that’s good news! Because as a new homebuyer, those savings can be well-spent turning your house into a home. Header Image Source: (Burst / Pexels) #Buyers #GettingAcclimated #Homeownership

Agilenano - News from Agilenano from shopsnetwork (4 sites) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Agilenano-News/~3/pHEXBOohILU/the-right-way-to-move-28-tips-to-save-money-and-reduce-stress-1

[thethoughtsfromthreeam]

Lady of the Lake

Pairing: Ginger Ale/Elizabeth x Merlin/Hamish

Warnings: Mentions of sex and other sexy times

A/N: I finished this story last night, with some tweaking still to go.  But my Jack x Shirley folks get a little something in the last part of this tale, so it seems like I’m closing the door on this group once LOTL is done.  Unless people want drabbles.

Reminder: I haven’t seen Kingsman: The Golden Circle, so I’m just using the Wikia, IMDB.com, some gifs, and my own weird ass brain to make up this whole ass story.

Tag List:  @zeldasayer , @romanticgumchewer, @tarrevizslas , @coolmaybelateruniverse , @the-feckless-wonder, @lavenderl3mons , @pascalisthepunkest , @mandoandyodito​ , @randomness501 , @fioccodineveautunnale [please message me to be added or subtracted if you were just here for some Jack Daniels goodness!  I don’t want people being tagged in something they don’t want]

[PART 1]  [PART 2]  [PART 3]

Part 4 

Louisville to Heathrow

“Guys, shut the hell up!” Brandy’s tone carried through the Statesman plane and the quiet she demanded twenty minutes ago was finally granted. She looked at the ceiling, as if asking the universe to give her strength before starting to go over the schedule.

As Ginger settled into her seat on the plane, she turned to look at the crew heading to England.  Along with her own staff, she noted that Tequila pulled from several of the offices. She saw Stout and Porter from Chicago, Lager who had been in New York, a new Sherry from West Coast was sitting next to Merlot, and Vodka from the Jackson Hole office had their eyes closed, already drifting off to sleep.  There were also three junior agents and seven recruits who had passed their tests. They seemed so young to Ginger, but she knew they were all highly capable.

“You know, I’m almost sad to see the recruits go.  There were a lot of good ones in this batch, I was glad when Tequila asked for several, which meant I could move up this whole class.” Brandy’s voice came across the aisle

“How many did we have this time?”

“Thirty, a record.  Seven to England and we’re keeping fifteen to send out to other offices.  But I want to talk with you because I think the remaining has some potential for you and the lab.”

“Really?  They want to be in tech?”

“Well I think two would be better for Shirley in the research division, but yeah, I got six that would work great for you.  Here.”  Brandy handed over the files on the recruits for Ginger.

They chatted and Ginger was excited to see that these were good leads and not just for her.  Shirley was the head of the Statesman’s library system, but she also served as the de facto leader of the organization-wide research crew that support agents on their cases.  The numbers have waned over the years as the researchers moved on to agent status, so adding more was important for Shirley, too.  Ginger was glad that Champ and Brandy were taking recruitment for non-agent positions seriously.

After a while, the conversation petered out and Brandy sat back in her seat, putting in earbuds and drifting off to sleep.  There was still eight hours left in the flight and the midnight run was meant to give them all time to acclimate to the new time zone. Soon the plane quieted down as people began to sleep or quietly read their tablets and books.

Ginger tried to follow Brandy’s lead, but her mind kept wandering to memories she shouldn’t be thinking of on a crowded plane.  She tried shifting in her seat to release the pressure building in her lower stomach, but neither brain nor body refused to cooperate.

Hamish looked into Elizabeth’s eyes as he fucked her.  She gripped the edge of his desk and brought her hand up to the back of his head, pulling him closer to her.

Elizabeth watched as the light danced in the metallic thread of the tartan as she felt Hamish drive into her from below, practically touching her soul.

The warm water cascaded down his back and then his face as he threw his head back in pleasure.  Elizabeth’s tongue danced around him, and he wasn’t certain how much long he could last feeling his cock lost in her warm mouth.

Their bodies lay on the couch, partially naked and intertwined, quietly reveling in each other’s warmth and heart beats.  Fingers gently stroked skin and soft kisses occasionally landed on the top of her head and on his chest.  They didn’t make love, but the moment was far more intimate than others had been.

Her body knew that in only a few more hours she’d be back with Merlin and it couldn’t wait.  In the year since the collaboration had started, they talked daily with conversations shifting from the professional to the personal, even before they slept together. The evolution to friendship was really the natural course for them, they worked the same job and to have someone who understood the highs and lows was important.  Not that Shirley didn’t get excited for Ginger, but she had such little tech knowledge that Ginger sooner turned to Merlin when giddy over new stuff being created in the lab.  He understood.

After they had slept together six months ago, things shifted even more. What could have resulted in an embarrassing situation instead turned into a deeper connection.  In each other’s arms, they felt as if they were home and to be apart from him, Ginger felt alone.  She was able to go to England one other time since her first trip and they made the most of every minute they had together.  In between, steamy calls and video conferencing seemed to take the edge off, although Ginger grew frustrated – no toy, not even her own fingers could make her see stars like he did.  And that’s what she wanted most.

Ginger had never been more relieved at a flight ending as she had this one.  Her brain had run through every scene of her and Merlin together, from the soft and tender to the erotic.  She felt she would just combust on the flight if they didn’t arrive in London soon enough. Her palms itched to touch him and the only comfort she had was that he most certainly felt the same way.

After the plane landed, Brandy laid out orders as customs agents began to review packages as they were taken off the plane at the Kingsman’s private hanger. She headed outside to supervise which packages where going where while a moving van and large cargo van were both waiting outside the hanger.  Two more vans waited to take everyone to the new Kingsman HQ.

As Ginger came down the stairs, she handed her bag off to a young man. When she looked up, she saw Harry and Tequila walked up to greet everyone.  Ginger squealed with glee as Tequila laughed and the two ran to each other. He grabbed her in a big hug and swung her around.  He set her on her feet and kissed her on the cheek.

“Ging!  I’m so glad to see you, darlin’!  It’s been a hot minute!”

“T, you’re looking good.  England seems to be treating you well enough.”

“Yeah, well don’t tell him I said it, but I can see why Champ is gray at his age.  At this rate, Brandy and I will match him gray hair for gray hair.”

He smiled as he looped his arm around her shoulders and the two old friends walked behind everyone else at their own pace.  She knew why Tequila took on helping Kingsman with their rebuild, but it still saddened her that she couldn’t just walk down the hall to hang out. Looking around, she noticed only Harry and Tequila showed up and she felt herself sag a little bit when she scanned for him but didn’t find Merlin in the crowd.  She felt Tequila’s hand tighten and she looked up at him.

“He’s back at HQ waiting for us.”

“T, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  The blush crept up her neck.

He bent down to whisper in her ear, “Yeah, darlin’, you do.  But I won’t say anything.  You can trust me.”

She nodded as he smiled.

---***---

Merlin worked all morning to get things ready for the new arrivals with Tristan and Igraine, two junior agents from the first class of UK recruits. They were assembling packets for the Statesman crew and while he worked hard to focus on the task at hand, knowing Ginger would be in his arms soon made his brain wander more than it should.

The laughter between the two young agents brought him out of his thoughts and for a moment, Merlin thought he was looking at Eggsy and Roxy.  His heart constricted at the thought.  He missed Roxy something terrible and while he never said it, Merlin knew that Eggsy mourned deeply for his friend.  He gave a small smile before carrying over a box of items to their table.

“Igraine, take this with you when you take the rest to the conference room.” The young agent smiled and nodded before going back to work.  He walked out of the room and down the hall to the command center.  The Kingsman purchased a large block of twelve buildings in Crystal Palace a couple of months after Harry, Merlin, and Eggsy returned to England and slowly over the last year converted the row into an operational command center worthy of their previous incarnation. 

The upper two stories were home to offices, the laboratory, meetings rooms, and a few small apartments for guests.  Unlike their state-side counterparts, Kingsman agents lived wherever they wanted, so long as it was close to an office.  The lower level was all store fronts, with Kingsman Tailor Shop the crown jewel.

On the third floor, three of the buildings were converted into the command center and lab.  Here Merlin kept an eye on agents in the field while overseeing the construction its technological assets.  As he walked in, he glanced at the tracking screen and was pleased to see Eggsy’s icon was still active.  The case in Barcelona was an important one for the junior agent working with him. Harry believed that Caelia was ready to be promoted to senior agent and Merlin hoped the case went well for the young woman.

He glanced at the clock and realized he still several hours before Ginger was due to land and he decided that instead of pacing that he’d tried to get some work done on a new piece of weaponry for Kingsman that he thought up when he saw Agent Whiskey in action.  Soon he was so immersed, he jumped a mile when he felt a pair of lips touch his neck. Ginger’s giggles seemed in time with his rapidly beating heart.  He turned around and smiled.

“M’eudial!”  He grabbed her into a giant hug, burying his face into neck and taking a deep breath.  The light scent of honeysuckle clung to her skin and he felt as if he was home.  The constant tension that gripped his heart relaxed.  She pressed her cheek against his chest and her hands into his back. This was what she wanted more than anything, being enveloped in his arms and feeling him against her.

She was the first to lean back and they smiled at each other, one of those comfortable smiles that seemed only reserved for the right person.  She looked at him closer and her smile faltered, he looked exhausted and worn, more so than he did a month ago when Shirley video called him.  Her brows knit together, and she opened her mouth, but before Ginger could say a word, Merlin cut her off.

“I know, love.  I look like shit.”  He glanced down before looking back up.  “It’s been crazy around here and with all these new agents, I’m working double time trying to meet the demand.”

“You aren’t sleeping here are you?”  She frowned when he nodded.  “And not very well by the looks of it.”

“No, the couch isn’t as comfortable as it could be.”  He smiled.  “And I’m not getting any younger, sleeping on the thing is giving me a bad back.”

“Well, here’s what’s going to happen.  We’re going to meet all the new agents, you’re going to meet my crew, and we’re going home.  We can start tomorrow.”  There was no room for argument in Ginger’s tone and even if she didn’t catch it, he was thrilled when she referred to his place as home.

“Okay, m’eudial.  Let’s get you set up and go place nice for a while.”

---***---

The meeting of the new agents went off well and the dinner that followed was lively.  Harry sat at the head of the table, smiling softly.  Under his new mantle as Arthur, his goal was to save Kingsman and the laughing voices of agents and specialists gave him hope that the organization would endure.

Merlin stood and stretched before saying his good-byes to those around him and he bowed his head to Harry as he made his way back to the command center. Ginger soon followed and they gathered their things before heading downstairs to the waiting cab.

As they sat in the car, the two leaned their heads back, utterly exhausted. But Merlin reached out and grabbed Ginger’s hand and intertwined their fingers.  She smiled and turned her head to look at him.  He had captured her heart and she his and home was wherever the other was at.  

But with four thousand miles between them, that heart seemed split in two. Ginger was no different than Merlin – she was deeply loyal to Statesman and her work there.  He knew that even if she wanted to follow Tequila to the UK, she couldn’t leave until they had found the man who hurt Shirley.

But at the same time, they wondered independently if they could keep this up much longer.  Who knew when she’d find the much-needed break in the case?  Would Kingsman get back to normal sooner rather than later? Will their two parallel paths ever converge into one?

The thoughts swirled in Ginger’s head and she tightened her fingers. She was here for two weeks and she wasn’t going to let the mental gremlins crowd out her work or her love. They remained quiet until the cab arrived at home and they ambled out of the car, gathering their things.  When Merlin opened the door, he stepped aside to let Ginger in, and she had to swallow hard to shove down the lump in her throat.  

As they got ready for bed, they comfortably moved in sync with each other. As Ginger stood at the sink, brushing her teeth, Merlin squeezed past her and dropped a kiss on her head.  When he stepped out of the shower, she handed over a towel and smiled.  Little words were said as they climbed into bed.  Merlin reached out to her and she snuggled against him. They sighed contently and soon drifted off to sleep.

[hopelessromantic-ghost]

Reiji Sakamaki/Gender-Neutral!Reader (second person POV) TW - punishments (whipping), ment of blood, derogatory speech/remarks/talking down to, general Reiji being Reiji (happy day 5 to 15daysofdl!!! shoutout to my computer, i Love it when u keep deleting all my text! keep it up!)

____________

Despite all of your best efforts, you arrive to his bedroom fifteen minutes late. It might have only been ten, but the mere fact that you’re late to begin with has left you wringing your wrists and scrambling for some semblance of an excuse. It’s been two hellish months since you’ve found shelter here in the Sakamaki manor, but during this time you’ve come to realize vampires like Reiji have no patience for those who make them wait. You don’t even have to imagine what will happen if you annoy him enough – the old blood stains coloring the dungeon walls down below is more than enough of an example.

Swallowing your growing paranoia, you look both ways down either side of the corridor before knocking the solid, dark wooden door. There’s a pregnant pause, and then – “Yes, come in.”

Reiji sits behind his desk with his back straight and his shoulders tensed. His glasses press on the tip of his nose, and though you’re almost obnoxiously late to the appointment, he continues to scribble a neat line of text across the page of a large, grimoire-styled book. You duck your head a little while crossing the threshold and closing the door shut behind you, but still he doesn’t acknowledge your presence. In this lighting, you think he looks very professional and intimidating and – ignoring the slight pang of worry – extremely attractive. Warmth blankets your cheeks as you take small steps to his desk.

At long last, Reiji sets his pen down with a resounding click. Your nerves twist with anticipation; he’s not usually like this. Though you know he’s reserved, he definitely isn’t shy about showcasing exactly how he feels towards you. But at the moment, he doesn’t even spare you any polite niceties. Without a word, Reiji stands and pushes in his chair, and then slides open the desk drawer with meticulous, slow movements. You can see a variety of dark handles from where you stand, but nothing quite prepares you for when he reveals a flexible, thick whip. For a brief moment, you consider fleeing. That thing doesn’t look like it’s going to be your best friend, and judging by the sharp tip and leather spine, you would bet money that it’s going to hurt.

His red eyes flash up to yours. He asks curtly, “Why are you late?”

Immediately, you launch into an explanation. Ayato wouldn’t leave you alone! He tailed you since the second school ended, and then Kanato had decided to join in on the bullying. When you had attempted to explain that you needed to be somewhere promptly, they had both taken turns mocking you and shoving you around. Of course, now there are vicious bruises all over your arms and hips from where they held too tight for too long. Surely Reiji can understand? He has to live with his idiot brothers on a daily basis, so you plead with him to the best of your ability.

“So you’re pushing the blame onto others?” Reiji frowns, his tone unimpressed.

Your jaw slackens for a moment. How can you not blame those vampires? If it weren’t for their meddling, you would have been at his door on time! You try to curb your initial anger and explain as calmly as you can that you’re not pointing fingers, but he did ask a question and you’re just answering what he asked. How could he think to punish you when you can’t control anything those vampires throw at you?

Reiji sneers and approaches you. “Hands out.” He snaps. You scoff in disbelief. How is this fair? Of course, fairness doesn’t seem to apply to any of the Sakamakis, but it’s unbelievable how far they will go to your fault in everything. Reiji’s eyes narrow and his lips press into a firm line, so after a hesitant moment, you comply and hold your hands out. You want to ask what he plans to tie your wrists up with, since he isn’t holding anything that can bind you. Before your lips can part, however, Reiji winds the whip back and strikes it hard onto the back of your palms.

The pain is instantaneous. An acute burn sears over the skin, and as you jump to hide your hands to your chest, the welt tempers into a white-hot ache that pulses into the muscle and bone. You stare the vampire with wide eyes and take a trembling step backwards. Christ, it’s as though he wants to leave permanent scars instead of marks.

“Hold your hands out.” Reiji snarls, moving forward to close the distance between you two once more. “I will not tell you again.” His voice teeters on a dangerous edge, and though you had felt confused and outraged during your conversation, it becomes clear that you’re not getting out of this punishment alive until you follow his rules. There is nowhere in this mansion that Reiji won’t find you. Even the prospect of escaping out into the woods feels like a thinly veiled fantasy – he’s made it crystal clear you will be hunted and murdered if you try.

There is no choice. Cornered, shaking, close to tears, you hold out your hands once more and brace yourself.

The onslaught of pain gets no easier. Each new welt causes you to flinch and whimper, and as Reiji begins to lecture you about the importance of not wasting his time and owning up to your mistakes, he takes the liberty of adding an additional smarting for every visible quiver in your hands. “Honestly,” he sneers, eying you with disbelief and amusement, “it almost comes across like you enjoy this. Next time, I will have to find a new way to punish you.” A sly smirk curves his lips as he adds as an afterthought, “I wonder how you would fare in the dungeon.” It’s incomprehensible how he can smile at the tears streaming down your face and the blood surfacing to the open wounds on your hands.

It feels as though you’ve been suffering for hours. Then, without warning, Reiji nods with satisfaction and falls back into his usual cool persona. He turns on his heel and sets the wet, reddened whip onto the desk. Deliriously, you think about how weird it is that he doesn’t bother to clean it right away. If you had a bloodied whip in your possession, you wouldn’t want it to stain on anything else. “You’ve wasted enough of my time.” He announces, stirring you out of your daze. You can only stare the purple hue of his hair as he continues, “Please leave. I expect you to be waiting at my door at four o'clock sharp tomorrow morning.”

Your head spins as you toss a glance toward the door. There’s nothing you’d like more than to leave, but your legs are stone and it’s hard to swallow the shame and embarrassment from the repercussions. You always look forward to his assistance on your homework no matter how cruel he may be, and the notion that he’s so angry he doesn’t even want to see you anymore drives the final stake through your heart. Coupled with the lingering ache every time you move your fingers, you can’t stop yourself – you start crying worse than you did during the whippings. Raising your bloody hands to your face, you try to hide how pathetic you feel.

Reiji sighs. Fearing the worst, you flinch away when you hear his footsteps come close, but it’s impossible to move. You’re absolutely terrified he’s going to drain your blood, or kick you out, or simply guide you to the dungeon like he mentioned earlier. His hand closes around on your wrists, and you sob hard enough to make your knees weak. “Quit that.” He snaps, tugging your hand away from your face. Through your blurry vision, you can spy his disapproving frown painted over his features, but that’s all you can make out before he drags you across his bedroom to the sofa. “Sit.”

You do as your told, beyond grateful for the small relief of getting off your feet. This is the first time you’ve ever sat here, and the new information keeps you on the edge of the sea. He hasn’t made any attempt to throw you out, and although your mind is frazzled and tattered, it does come across as a little strange that he hasn’t made quick work of you yet. You stutter out a fearful, genuine apology.

“You would do well to mind your manners.” Reiji growls and disappears from your side. You sniffle and wipe at your eyes. It would be beneficial to keep it together, but it’s so hard, and you’re so tired. Lukewarm blood smears across your cheek as you wipe the remaining tears. All of a sudden, Reiji returns to your side with a wash cloth and a warm cup of water. “Clean yourself up.” He orders, handing you the wet rag. “Goodness sake, have some dignity.” Despite his harsh words, his tone grows soothing. You nod and begin the painful process of wiping a the wounds of the back of your hands. “And stop that incessant crying.”

While you make a sizable effort to turn down the waterworks (which, of course, doesn’t come easy), Reiji strides toward his workspace. You try not to stare, but your gaze somehow always ends up following him around his makeshift laboratory. He settles two of his fine china teacups down and pours steaming liquid into both. With practiced ease, he takes an orange-tinted bottle of liquid with no discernible label and pours a generous amount into one, and then sets packets of what must be tea bags into both. You swallow thickly and continue wiping down your hands. When you think you’ve cleaned most of it, you wet the washcloth once more and wipe at your face.

Finally, Reiji returns with two individual saucers and two tea cups. He catches your surprised expression and narrows his eyes. “Haven’t you ever been taught that staring is rude?” He inquires and sits across from you in an armrest chair. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you gawking at me. What awful manners you have. If you cannot keep your eyes to yourself, then you can see yourself out.”

You hurry to apologize once, then twice more. Then, as you set the cup of water and blood onto the table, you remember to thank him for his generosity.

Reiji makes a disinterested noise and grabs one of the tea cups, and then settles it in your open palms. The action shocks you so suddenly that you wonder if perhaps you had died at some point between entering his room and now. It’s incredibly rare for him to let you stay in his bedroom longer than necessary – this is practically unheard of for anyone other than himself to handle his private collection of tableware. No doubt he has poisoned your drink, but the idea alone that he made you something is astounding. Reiji takes the other tea cup, and when he catches your eye, you rush to thank him and sip at the tea.

You expect for it to be bitter and for awful symptoms to immediately plague you, but to your surprise, it only relaxes you. The warmth and floral, sweet taste works wonders through your muscles, and without thinking about it, your shoulders sag and your body loosens up tick by tick. It’s difficult to keep your defenses raised like this, so you try to accept the gradual change and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

“You trust me too easily.” Reiji comments, though not unkindly. His usual terse expression falls into a calm indifference, as though his drink has also affected him too. “Did you not consider I might have laced your drink with a toxic substance?” There is no right answer to his question, but it seems he’s not interested your response. He continues after a quiet moment, “Humans are so fragile and weak-minded. Seven hundred years since I’ve crossed the plane into your world, and it still leaves me aghast at how you are all cattle ready to be herded to your deaths.” A soft, genuine smile ghosts over his lips as he looks you in the eye. “Your trust is misplaced, but appreciated.”

It’s easy to listen to him talk. You aren’t quite sure what to make about the whole spiel of humanity being cattle, but when he eyes you like that, it doesn’t seem all that important. Right now, you take the gentle moments when you can and enjoy what he’s given you. This, you think, must be what it’s like to have Reiji as an equal rather than a domineering immortal asshole. It’s nice. For as long as you can bask surrounded by traces of him and the kind treatment he’s showing you, it could be nice.

[fantasyfeasts]

Yogurt on Wednesdays, from Small Gods by Sir Terry Pratchett!

There’s a long-running joke in the books that Dibbler exists in several different forms on several different continents, and the Omnian Dibbler is no stranger to inadvisable business transactions:

VII. Ah, Yes. And What Is It You Wish?

The merchant hopped anxiously from one foot to the other.

"You couldn't manage just a small commandment? Something about eating yoghurt on Wednesdays, say? It's always very difficult to shift, midweek."

VIII. You Stand Before Your God And Look For Business Opportunities?

"We-ell," said Dhblah, "we could come to an arrangement. Strike while the iron is hot, as the inquistors say. Haha. Twenty percent? How about it? After expenses, of course-"

[Like my recipes and my writing? Support this blog by checking out my book, Dear Wolf! Contains all the lovely Pratchettean bickering you can handle, as well as suspicious spies, shouty old people, a very smug wolf, and several salacious jokes that will go over a young reader's head. Well, *most* young readers. You know the ones that'll catch the jokes. Best to avoid them.]

Alright, so I just wanted an excuse to post this wonderful passage. It's bloody brilliant. It's such a lovely crystallization of human nature into such a succinct little snowglobe of disappointment. This happened immediately after an epic pitched battle involving several large spoilers, which is incidentally the perfect time to sell food, really. War is exercise! People get *hungry* after exercise.

And also dead. But you know. At least the survivors will be reasonably fed, once they further survive Dhblah's food.

I never thought about writing this down as a recipe before because I've been doing it for a while, to the point where it's second nature. My mother always made yogurt this way, because we were too poor to afford the nice, not runny, not watery yogurt, and I've always made it basically the same way. I *have* however discovered several tweaks for adjusting the thickness of the yogurt, and to compensate for low quality milk.

The basic premise is this: You take cow’s milk of any kind, low fat or whole or whatever, and you apply heat to it to thicken it a bit and warm it up for the live bacteria. Then you let it cool so you don’t scorch the poor buggers. When it’s cooled to a blood warmth, you add in what’s called the starter culture, or your little single serving Fage or Chobani. Then you cover it up and wait until the culture eats its way through the milk and produces 2 things: Yogurt, and whey. You can mix those up to make a yogurt drink, or you strain out the whey for thicker yogurt. 

This is a good recipe if you want to use up milk that's about to go off, and you really don't need to adjust it very much. If you're using less than a half gallon of milk, throw in the whole single serving tub anyway. If you're using more, double up as necessary. I use a single serving container of starter yogurt because they tend to be on sale for less than a dollar, which is excellent.

If you're lazy and just want a yogurt drink, you don't have to fuss with this beyond the slow cooker part. Just stir in your sweetener once you've finished the overnight culture, and pour into a bottle. If you want yogurt you can spoon, and even perhaps fork, you'll have to strain it anywhere from 2-5 hours. The longer the strain, the thicker the yogurt. You will also want to strain it extra long, with the cheesecloth and a wire mesh strainer. YES, you need both, or the cheesecloth will sag into the whey.

You get whey if you strain it. I dilute it 5 parts water to 1 part whey and I pour it on my citrus plants as fertilizer. I've heard you can drink it, but I don't worship Brodin.

For really thick yogurt, you want to add 1 packet of gelatin right before turning on the heat at all. Just stir it in. During the heating part, you may also want to let it cook for the full 3 hours. You can also let it strain for up to 8 hours for yogurt cheese, which I enjoy but the husband hates, because it's essentially cream cheese and it reminds him of throw up. I, child of third world countries, don't mind the texture. Your mileage may vary.

For low quality milk, try adding gelatin, or straining it more, or using a blender if you want a yogurt drink.

Ultrapasteurized milks tend to not be as smooth, and be more watery in general. You also want to get a really high quality starter yogurt if you can help it - it MUST have live cultures, or the recipe won't work.

You will definitely need the abovementioned cheesecloth and wire mesh if you desire thick yogurt, but if you don't, the bare minimum you need is a slow cooker. I also recommend having binder clips, as shown above, to help the cheesecloth stay in place. The pot method requires lots of stirring and thermometer-watching, which is fairly tedious and much more unforgiving.

I also like to bake throughout the evening, and by the time I'm done the oven is pleasantly warm (NOT scorching). So I put my slow cooker crock pot in there, with a towel to make it extra snuggly. You can even leave it near a computer area, which tends to be warmer than other parts of the house, or a recently showered-in bathroom.

DO NOT ADD ANYTHING OTHER THAN GELATIN TO THE MILK BEFORE THE ENTIRE PROCESS IS COMPLETE. No, you can't get creative with fruit. Any other ingredient can mess with the delicate live cultures and prevent them from doing their work, so save all the fancy stuff for the finished product.

INGREDIENTS

Half gallon cow's milk (any kind)

1 single serving thing of yogurt (with live cultures!!)

1 packet gelatin (optional)

METHOD

Pour milk into slow cooker. Add gelatin if desired.

Set cooker on low, cover, and let milk heat for 2-3 hours.

Turn off slow cooker, and let sit for 2-3 hours (equivalent to previous cook time).

Scoop a cup of cooked milk into a separate bowl. Gently stir single serving yogurt into bowl.

Pour cup of milk/yogurt into slow cooker. Stir thoroughly. Replace cooker lid.

Wrap towel around slow cooker and leave it somewhere warm, for 6-8 hours, or overnight.

Strain, if desired, for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.

Pour into airtight glass containers. Add liquid sweetener of choice. Refrigerate for 4 hours at minimum.

And now your yogurt is done! The husband really enjoys the yogurt drink version as a quick pick-me-up before working out, and I enjoy the yogurt cheese version because it's tart and creamy and excellent with jam. Play around with this recipe until you make the perfect customized yogurt!

[awitchandhersecrets]

Ok! Tea for energy, let's see:

Ginger tea can be found in crystallized sugar, def not bitter, little spicy. No caffeine but gets the blood rushing and great for tummy aches. I only trust Asian supers to get me the good stuff. There's a jam jar of ginger tea, literally jam you put in hot water, or brown sugar packets or cubes to be dunked and stirred in hot water.

Green tea: temperamental babies, especially Jasmine, wants water at a lower than boiling temp, the steam slight and rising straight into the air instead of turbulant circles and curves rising. Leave in for 3 min max. Rebrew countless times, many throw out the first brew and say the second brew of the leaves is best. Hojicha is technically green but can handle overbrewing, still lower the temp, not exactly sweet but not gonna bite your tongue with bitterness. A bit of almond milk and sugar for hojicha is nice too.

Oolong: Some earthy, some fruity. I'd go for some Pomegranate oolong, or something nice like that. Temps can be a little hotter, but not by much. You can leave it in 4min. I like mine strong but it's always a test. And never get oolong in teabags, those'll be needlessly bitter.

Black tea recommendations, cause sometimes we need intense caffeine to get the job done: Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice is sweet and spicy cinnamon so sweet you don't need sugar. Adding sugar just takes the spice away. Rest of black teas, boiling water, not boiled water, 5 min and no more, milk and honey (sugar if you need.) High quality teabags include Barry's Gold Blend and Lipton gold edition. (I find the Lipton they sell to anyone other than Americans to be passable and not actually that bad. Out in 5min on the dot tho, milk/sugar, and again, my stash I find at Asian supers.)

Tea companies to buy online from: Harney and Sons, Teavana, Rishi. For the nerds: Tea and Absinthe is a great company that shows up at my comic con every year. They've got fruity and fun Dr Who and Hogwarts blends.

Caffeine goes up with the bitterness, but increase the quality, and the leaf will give more flavor and caffeine before getting bitter too. For example, white tea barely has any caffeine but a super high quality silver needle white tea will get you buzzing with such a gentle flavor.

A Question to the Witches

Im still new to the tea life. I have yet to find a tea that doesn’t make me groan in dislike of how bitter it is.  Maybe I’m brewing tea wrong? I just don’t like the taste of it…but I’d like to cut out soda from my diet and incorporate more tea for energy, and other things.  What teas would you suggest to help me “warm up” to tea?

[johnboothus]

The Rise of Instant Coffee (That Youll Actually Want to Drink)

I grew up in a Mormon household where coffee was banned. My first taste of it was at the age of 21, when I had distanced myself from the religion of my childhood and was desperately trying to catch up on the beverages that everyone else found familiar.

Luckily, a friend’s boyfriend was a barista, and with his guidance, I began to piece together the puzzle of what makes “good” coffee — small producers, more expensive, farmers that are paid a fair price — a sum of parts that was different from the mass-produced stuff. It celebrated the unique flavor of the beans, which changed depending on where they were grown and how they were processed.

At some point, I learned there was also “instant coffee.” Unsure of its merit, I made myself a cup in a hotel room. It was the opposite of everything I had learned, and grown to love, about coffee. It was burnt, harsh, and bitter, and tasted vaguely of gasoline. I was new to coffee, but not new to things that tasted good. I didn’t finish the cup.

But recently, I noticed that my favorite coffee shop had started carrying instant coffee from Tandem, a roaster and café whose terroir-driven coffee I already knew and loved from summer trips to Portland, Me.

Two distinctive instant coffee options were available: There was one from Guji, Ethiopia with notes of kiwi, melon, and fresh flowers. The other was a seasonal blend called “Time and Temperature” with notes of chocolate caramel and red berry.

I had worked so hard to learn about coffee,  at least enough to not sound stupid at my local coffee shop — why had no one told me that there was specialty instant coffee?

Turns out, the concept of specialty instant coffee is rather new. Swift Cup Coffee, based in Lancaster, Pa., is an independent instant coffee label that opened in 2016 and found a secondary business as an instant coffee processor for other specialty roasters. Nate Kaiser, founder of Swift Cup Coffee, says even “three years ago, most specialty coffee roasters would turn their nose at instant coffee, and for good reason.” Things have changed quickly, however.

Credit: Swift Cup Coffee

For its processing operations, Swift now counts 75 clients around the world, including Tandem in Maine, Verve in California, Parlor in New York, and Belleville in France. While the coffees are labeled and sold by the individual roasters, Kaiser is proud to note that the companies he chooses to work with share his values of sustainable sourcing and quality. “You get what you pay for, both in terms of flavor and sourcing ethics,” he says, adding, “Our coffees are often 10 times the price of commodity instant coffees, without apology.”

The History of Instant Coffee

The instant coffee concept is centuries old, and has served soldiers more often than coffee snobs. The first record of instant coffee is a patent from the British government for “coffee compound,” awarded to John Dring in 1771 (this is about 200 years after coffee was introduced to England). It took until 1853 for the invention to reach America, when it was marketed as a “coffee cake” and rationed out to Civil War soldiers. It went through several more innovations between then and the First World War, at which point the U.S. military bought large quantities for soldiers.

The latter part of the 20th century saw instant coffee continually improve, at least technically speaking. In 1956, Nestle introduced its freeze-dried instant coffee product Nescafé. In the 1960s, the technique of adding the oil from fresh coffee beans to instant coffee took hold, giving instant coffee the aroma of fresh-ground beans — but only until the powder was mixed with water. By the 1970s, instant coffee gained some popularity as a quick pick-me-up, and around a third of the coffee imported into the U.S. was used for instant coffee production.

Later, the rise of coffee shops in the 1990s such as Starbucks, and the retailers comprising coffee’s “second wave,” brought a decline in instant coffee sales.

Instant Coffee’s Second Wave

In 2009, Starbucks released its powdered Via instant coffee, in packages that look a lot like Crystal Lite (and are prepared similarly — stir into hot water!). Still, it was mostly seen as a last resort, especially for those used to brewing a fresh pot of coffee in the morning.

As the specialty coffee industry grew, some of its major players began to wonder if instant coffee had to stay the burnt, offensive stuff of chain hotel rooms. “Instant coffee has always been taboo in our industry,” says Kaiser, who worked for a decade in the micro coffee business before founding Swift Cup. Kaiser wanted to understand why instant coffee was “bad” and, ultimately, how to improve it. “I sort of became obsessed with the idea,” he says, “digging deep into the chemistry involved, and building a manufacturing plan that would prioritize quality first.”

Credit: Verve Coffee

After about a year of planning his side project, Kaiser had a prototype good enough to share with friends in the industry, one of whom was Will Pratt, co-owner of Tandem. Pratt recounts tasting Kaiser’s prototype while both were on a coffee sourcing trip in Colombia. “It was the best instant coffee I’ve ever tasted,” Pratt says.

A few more of Kaiser’s friends in specialty coffee had the same reaction. Then a few more. Then a few more. “The response was a bit overwhelming,” Kaiser says. “I had roasters blowing me up,” asking, “how can we do this, how can we get this?”

Specialty vs. Mass-Market

Another player is Los Angeles’s Waka Coffee, started in 2018. Waka Coffee only offers specialty instant coffee, a decision that founder David Kovalevski made out of necessity.

Kovalevski grew up in Israel, where he says instant coffee was in every household. After moving to the U.S., he started seeking out a local brand of instant coffee that was tasty and easy to make. “Not only could I not find any good local instant coffee brands, but I also realized there was a stigma around the whole instant coffee category in America,” Kovalevski says.

Credit: Waka Coffee

The major difference between his and other specialty instant coffees and their postwar forebears, he says, is the quality of the beans. “Because we were taught to think of instant coffee only as a money-saving solution, traditional grocery-store-type instant coffees are made from the cheapest coffee beans using the easiest and cheapest processes,” Kovalevski says. Waka Coffee uses Arabica beans, which are freeze-dried.

Kaiser also believes grocery store brands are “made with the lowest of the low-grade coffees, oftentimes from old crops full of defects. Typically, these coffees are roasted very darkly and then processed into instant, using very aggressive manufacturing techniques that strip the coffee of any remaining nuance,” he says. “What you are left with is a product that by many discerning and even non-discerning palates is something completely undrinkable.”

Niche or New Normal?

At this point, Kovaleski says, instant coffee nets about $2 billion in annual sales in the U.S. alone. That number is expected to grow over the next few years. “The instant coffee category in the U.S. is definitely in the midst of a renaissance,” Kovalevski says. “I am happy to see that instant coffee is now making a comeback, and we are proud to be part of this renaissance.”

“Specialty coffee is a small niche of the coffee world, instant is an even smaller niche,” Kaiser says. However, he compares instant coffee’s growth to cold brew — as more roasters add instant coffee to their offerings, a consumer base will slowly follow.

“Five to eight years ago, just a handful of shops offered cold brew,” Kaiser says. “Now, you can go anywhere and you’d expect that they’d have some sort of cold brew or iced coffee option. It’s become the new normal.”

Whether instant coffee stays a “niche within a niche” or becomes the new normal remains to be seen. “Coffee is a special thing, and I think it’s important that we encourage more people to buy ethically sourced and better- quality coffee,” he says. “Specialty instant coffee certainly makes it a lot easier to do so.”

5 Specialty Instant Coffees to Try

Swift Cup Mainstay Blend ($10 for 6-cup box) Tasting Notes: Red wine, toffee, cashew

Swift Cup Cantillo Family – Gesha ($16.15 for 6-cup box) Tasting Notes: Blackberry, orange blossom, buckwheat honey

Waka Coffee Medium Roast Colombian ($11.99 for 8 single-serve packets) Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, brown sugar, toasted nuts

Tandem Time and Temperature Blend ($15 for 6 packets) Tasting Notes: Chocolate, caramel, red berry

Verve Street Level Blend ($15 for 6 packets) Tasting Notes: Red apple, marmalade, molasses

The article The Rise of Instant Coffee (That You’ll Actually Want to Drink) appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/best-specialty-instant-coffee/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/the-rise-of-instant-coffee-that-youll-actually-want-to-drink