#the wood would be on the exterior as well but it would be a combination of wood and white plaster and the metals

[hometoursandotherstuff]

I have never seen anything like this remodeled 1930 home in Rochester, MN. It has 3bds, 3ba, and is completely tiled inside and out. The exterior is basically bathroom tile. Asking $849K. Well, at least you don't have to ever paint, just spray it down with shower cleaner.

You'd think that it would at least be something other than the usual white, gray, and black. And, you don't even have the option of painting. Ever.

Tile stairs go up into the living room.

I don't really like the small subway-type tiles on the walls in here. Even the fireplace is tile. The bookshelves & ceilings, however, are wood.

I've never seen a combination fireplace/kitchen counter.

The lower cabinets are nice.

The backsplash is a herringbone pattern.

The primary bedroom has a fireplace wall. As if it doesn't have enough shine, they had to put mirrored doors on the closets.

The en-suite bath has that nice shower door that looks like paned glass.

What is this nonsense? No tiled walls? This is actually very nice. It can be repainted in a very attractive color scheme.

Bath #2 has large pieces of tile joined by metal strips around the tub, plus a wood-tone ceiling. There are 4 different tiles in here.

Bedroom #3 has the small tiles on the walls.

Well, that's different - twin fireplaces.

The finished basement is set up as someone's bedroom, office, and gym. I like the glass wall partition.

There's also a shower down here.

And, a sauna.

There's an outdoor kitchen with storage.

The kitchen is, of course, tile.

The lot is .25 acre.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/902-14th-Ave-SW-Rochester-MN-55902/91456791_zpid/?

[homeofthelonelywriter]

Of Cupcakes and Skulls | Part 6

(A/N) This is a bit on the shorter side, but I honestly struggled with the description of the bakery. I hope that it's good enough that ya'll can paint a picture in your mind.

Pairing: single dad! Mafia! Simon x baker! Reader

Warning: kissies, fluff, angst, comfort, Simon is fucking smitten

Synopsis: Based on this post by @lunamoonbby

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9

Simon chuckled quietly as he watched you stare at your shop. Your eyes were wide and your jaw hung open as he gently maneuvered you so he could get out of the car and pull you along with him. And once you were outside, you could see the entire storefront.

You didn’t know what detail to focus on first as you took in the changes that happened overnight. Until now, it had been a generic and rather boring exterior, something you always wanted, but never had the money to change. But now…it was beautiful.

The storefront was freshly painted in a dark green color, with metal accents decorating the usual plaster wall and a canopy overhead. The windows were sparkling in the sun, offering an easy view into the warm interior of the bakery, brimming with new furniture and counters. There were flowers everywhere, outside and inside, decorating and offering a sweet scent as you stepped closer. Additionally to the tables and chairs inside, there were a few scattered outside, in an area that was fenced off by wooden planters, and filled with tiny trees. Heaters hanging on the wall overhead, for the colder months.

You glanced back at Simon, who just smiled and gestured for you to walk inside. So you did.

As soon as you opened the door, a pleasant jingle rang through the air and the smell of the wood furniture filled your nose. You took a few more steps, hearing Simon following you inside, as you looked around. It felt warm and cozy, everything you ever hoped your bakery would feel like.

There were multiple showcases for your bread and pastries, as well as a whole nook for coffee and tea making, with brand-new machinery and cups. Just looking at everything, you knew it must’ve cost thousands of pounds. When you turned to look at Simon again, he was leaning against the wall next to the doorway that led to the kitchen. With a nod of his head, you walked through the revolving doors and entered…heaven.

You had already been happy with the equipment you had before, but now the room was filled with state-of-the-art machinery. Whether the giant mixer or the dishwasher, everything was brand new and extremely expensive. You knew that because you regularly gazed at them on the website, dreaming of the day you could afford them. And now you had them.

Suddenly, two strong, warm arms wrapped around you, pulling you against a hard chest. You relaxed against it, your eyes still flickering from one corner to the other, taking everything in.

“The windows are bulletproof, with multiple layers so they should be able to resist almost anything. And the door is a security door, it will lock automatically at a time you set and can only be opened by a combination of a key and code you have to enter into a keypad that’s beside the doorframe. I also went ahead and had the best alarm system installed, as well as cameras in the shop that are wired to the security firm, as well as to my people. If we see anything suspicious, we’ll be here within minutes.”

You turned around in his arms, wrapping yours around his waist, resting your chin on his chest as you peered up at him. He smiled down at you, pressing a quick kiss to the tip of the nose, before he straightened back up and spun you around, slowly walking you to the walk-in fridge. His grip on you tightened as he felt you tense up at the sight.

“We installed a new one.”

He was whispering in your ear, hot breath faning over your cheek.

“It almost functions more like a panic room than like a fridge. It can only be locked from the inside. The controls are also inside, so if something like last night ever happens again, they can’t play around with those. Also…”

He stopped in front of the door and opened it, gently leading you inside, where he pointed to a corner that was void of any shelves.

“This is a latch that leads into an actual panic room. Once inside, it locks down, and nothing except for maybe a nuclear bomb will be able to get in there. It’s outfitted with screens that show what’s going on up here, a landline, and a burner phone, as well as a bed and enough food and water to last three people two weeks. It has everything you could need in case anything happens. And as soon as it locks down, there will be an alert sent to my phone, as well to the phones of all of my employees.”

He spun you around again, gently cradling your face in his hands.

“Like I said, I won’t let anything happen to you. No matter where you are.”

You nodded, a soft smile on your face as he carefully wiped away the few tears that were running down your face. It had been so long since you felt so loved. Still, smiling, you watched as Simon slowly leaned down, your eyes fluttering shut as his lips ghosted over yours.

“Boss?”

Thanks to your proximity, you heard and felt him sigh, clearly annoyed, as he slowly pulled back, before he glanced toward the entrance to the kitchen. There was a tall, blonde man, clad in a dark suit. He glanced at you, before focusing on Simon.

“What is it, Graves?”

Simon’s arms remained around you as he glares at the man who just interrupted you two. The blonde man obviously felt uncomfortable as he kept glancing between the two of you before he finally spoke up.

“A call for you. It’s urgent.”

Simon nodded, pecking your lips before he pulled away and walked to the man, whispering a quick ‘I’m sorry’ as he was leaving. You just smiled as you watched him go, taking the opportunity to look around by yourself. You peeked into all the cabinets and every corner, finding new, amazing, and really expensive utensils. Even the cutlery was new, replaced by a set that had been designed by one of your favorite chefs.

The more you looked around, the more your fingers started to itch, wanting to try everything out. You walked to the wall, where you had installed a hook to hold your apron, and were pleasantly surprised when you saw that it was more or less the only thing that remained of your old bakery. As you were about to pull it on, Simon interrupted, clearing his throat as he leaned against the wall next to the swinging door that led into the kitchen.

“What are you doing?”

He looked at you, amusement swimming in his eyes. But you just shrugged.

“Bake something. I really want to try everything out.”

With a chuckle, he crossed the distance between you two, wrapping you up in his arms again.

“May I ask…with what ingredients?”

That’s when you finally realized that he was right. There was nothing here you could use to make something. Not even flour.

As you stood there, surprised and still, Simon squeezed you tightly, before taking your apron and hanging it on the hook.

“Come, that’s our next stop.”

Please consider reblogging and following me! It helps a lot!

Call of Duty - Masterlist

Master-Masterlist

Tags: @lunamoonbby @distinguishedprincesstrash @xanvasy @reader-1290 (thought you might like to be tagged, if not just let me know!)

Like what you're reading? Buy me a coffee!

[kuroonyang]

彡🍶⋆｡˚ what fragrance i think the haikyuu boys use.

note: i've been getting into the fragrance world recently, so this is the result of that. keep in mind this is all just my nose's opinion ;3

characters included: daichi, kuroo, oikawa, ushijima, bokuto, kita.

daichi!

daichi smells clean and comforting like freshFRESH laundry. even after a long day of practice or a match, he definitely still has a hint of that laundry scent in the background. everyone loves it, it's very addictive, and would have u stuffing ur face into his neck just to get a whiff ₍ᐢ.ˬ.⑅ᐢ₎

'blanche — byredo' would be daichi's go-to and signature scent. i can also see him going for 'lazy sunday morning — maison margiela' since it does have that clean vibe, but people would definitely associate him with blanche a lot more.

kuroo!

kuroo smells almost complete opposite from daichi, but he smells divine ԅ(º﹃ºԅ). he's more on the woody, powdery side, but not so intense that it overwhelms you. just strong enough that it lingers behind as he's walking by.

'tam dao — diptyque' would be kuroo's signature scent. the fragrance has no florals, but still has the perfect balance of subtle sweet and spicy that suits his personality and appearance perfectly. tam dao isn't something i would class as a date night scent though, so he would change it up on those special occasions.

oikawa!

oikawa definitely prefers his florals over fruity, and a powdery scent would match his pretty and tidy exterior very well, but nothing too strong and sickening. so i also think a nice musky fragrance would be perfect to balance out the florals as well.

'fleur de peau — diptyque' would be oikawa's signature scent. the scent overall really works well with tooru's flirty and smug character. This particular fragrance is one that gets complimented heavily by literally anyone close enough to get a whiff, although it isn't one that typically turns heads, but tooru's face card alone will manage that just fine.

ushijima!

toshi would have a very masculine signature scent. something that just smells like man. he would smell very woody, maybe musky too. i can't imagine him rocking a very sweet or floral scent, which makes me think even more that it would be leaning towards woody and slightly spicy.

'oud wood — tom ford' seems like the perfect signature scent for toshi. the oud present in it isn't overwhelming (more woody), and even though there is some vanilla, it's not very in the foreground. he smells like a smart, sophisticated man. that's rich. with good taste. and one hell of a face card.

bokuto!

i can see bokuto leaning more towards just using a good reliable scented deodorant since he's always on the court, but he would still have an actual cologne that he'd use as his signature scent and for special occasions. along with ushijima, i think bokuto would have one of the more masculine scents on this list.

'tobacco vanille — tom ford' would be bokuto's signature scent. the tobacco and woody scents in the fragrance would suit his hunky, big boy build very well. it still has a sweet vanilla kick to it, which just fits him pretty perfectly in my eyes. if bokuto doesn't have some combination of woody (or musky) and sweet smell as his signature scent, he's wearing the wrong thing ☝️

kita!

SHINSUKE KITAAA 😫😫 this man likes to clean as part of his strict ritual, i KNOW he smells out of this world. even if the others smell a lil musty from practice, you will not catch kita slacking in that department. he wouldn't be overwhelmingly sprayed down with perfume, but regardless he smells heavenly.

'wood sage and sea salt — jo malone' would be kita's signature scent. If anyone on this list has just one signature scent that they live by, it's gotta be kita. i picked wood sage and sea salt because it's a clean scent and not too strong (I have a good feeling kita would gravitate more towards fragrances that aren't sickeningly strong). it's a nice marine, slightly musky and salty, scent. in three words: refreshing and clean. also, just something i think is worth mentioning, but kita's one of the few who would use a fragrance-free, clinically proven (!!) antiperspirant, so he really only smells of his signature scent.

end note: pls do go sniff any of these scents if you haven't already. they smell gorgeous ʕ ꈍᴥꈍʔ

[thedustybunny]

Chamomile kisses - Chapter 13

Viktor (Arcane) x Fem!Reader

As the days passed, (Y/n) continued her attempts to greet Viktor warmly, but his response remained consistent – a concerned look, as if he was ready to check her temperature at any moment. Despite his aloofness, there was a newfound camaraderie between her and Jayce. They would occasionally exchange knowing glances, and smiles that hinted at secrets between them.

Lunchtime arrived, and (Y/n) was joined by Jayce at her favorite spot. They exchanged smiles and pleasantries before diving into a conversation that had been on her mind.

Jayce, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, leaned in slightly and said, "So, you've got a ‘secret’ admirer, huh?”

(Y/n) chuckled and nodded, leaning in closer as well. "Oh, ever since the chocolates I’ve just been over the moon!."

Jayce's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Did you get anything else~?"

Grinning, (Y/n) continued, "He left me flowers – roses, chamomile, and lavender. Such a sweet combination."

Jayce raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Flowers and chocolates, classic moves."

As (Y/n) recounted the gifts she had received, her cheeks grew warmer with each mention. "There were crystals, Jayce, a labradorite to remind me of my own eyes and a tigers eye to remind me of his."

Jayce chuckled at her blushing, clearly delighted by the situation. "That's pretty poetic, don't you think?"

Trying to hide her embarrassment, (Y/n) nodded and finally revealed the most recent gift. "And just yesterday, a silver bracelet adorned with tiny opals. It's... overwhelming."

Jayce couldn't contain his laughter any longer and gave her an affectionate pat on the back. "Well, it sounds like someone is quite taken with you. I've never seen you blush this much!"

(Y/n) playfully rolled her eyes, but deep down, she couldn't deny the warmth these mysterious gifts brought to her heart.

Their laughter echoed through the cozy cafe as (Y/n) and Jayce sat across from each other, sharing a light-hearted moment amidst their busy lives at the academy. Jayce leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, "So, you're still convinced it's Viktor?"

(Y/n) chuckled, sipping her tea before replying, "Well, who else could it be? The tigers eye matched his eye color, and we did spend that unforgettable night locked in with the hex crystals."

Jayce nodded in agreement, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "True, true. It's got Viktor written all over it. He's just too stubborn to admit his feelings."

(Y/n) leaned back in her chair, her cheeks slightly flushed at the thought. "You might be onto something, Jayce. A secret admirer in the form of our grumpy colleague."

As they shared theories and playful banter about Viktor's hidden affections, (Y/n) and Jayce reveled in the ongoing mystery, their camaraderie growing stronger over the shared belief that their enigmatic secret admirer was none other than Viktor himself.

The anticipation in (Y/n)'s heart built as the evening drew closer. She put the finishing touches on her work, excitement bubbling beneath her calm exterior. At precisely 7:30, Jayce walked into her lab, and she couldn't contain her joy. She practically leaped into his arms, hugging him tightly as she shared her latest discovery.

"Jayce, you won't believe it! Another gift, and this time with a note inviting me to meet them outside the abandoned lab near the western woods at 8!" Her words tumbled out in a rush, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Jayce grinned, genuinely happy for her. "That's amazing, (Y/n)! I'm so glad for you. You better get going if you don't want to be late."

With a final squeeze of reassurance, Jayce walked her outside the academy. As she headed towards the rendezvous point, (Y/n) couldn't help but wonder if this mysterious secret admirer would finally reveal themselves tonight.

[dahliaparton]

is it new years yet? - a rafe x kiara fic

tags: alternate universe, snowed in trope, christmas fluff, eventual smut

summary: joining the Camerons at their mountain cabin for the holidays was supposed to be fun, but things take an unexpected turn when a snowstorm sticks Kiara alone with her best friend's annoying (read: hot) older brother who's teased her incessantly since they were kids. forced proximity trope fest ensues.

Excerpt from Ch. 1:

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

The wheels of Kiara’s Nissan slowed as she neared the end of the driveway. She shifted into park next to the enormous – overcompensatory, she thought to herself snidely – black truck already there. Clutching her steering wheel and leaning forward, she rested her forehead on the vinyl while she took a deep, cleansing breath to the count of five and let it out. 

She was going to kill Sarah Cameron.

On the drive to Mt. Airy, between sets of her one-woman concert of Christmas hits, Kiara had called Sarah to go over the travel itinerary for herself and the Camerons. 

“Yes, for the last time, it’s okay you’re getting there before all of us. You can let yourself into the cabin with the key in the lockbox – the code’s 9241. I’ll be there with my dad, Rose, and Wheezie before 10 PM at the latest. And Rafe isn’t coming until tomorrow.” Sarah had been breathless on the phone. Kiara could picture her best friend shoving items into her suitcase, trying to make it all fit. 

“You know there’s a winter storm forecast for this evening, right?”

“Hmm, yeah, Dad mentioned it,” Sarah answered distractedly. “But Rose said Mt. Airy’s annual snowfall total is like less than 10 inches or something – it’s not gonna be that bad. Why? Are you hoping Rafe gets snowed out and can’t make it up for Christmas?” She said the last part with amusement. 

“What? No, I… I didn’t mean it like that.” Kiara paused. “Then again, he does antagonize me at every turn… so, would it make my Christmas merrier and brighter? Potentially.”

Despite Sarah’s words an hour ago, here Kiara sat, parked next to Rafe’s truck. Rolling her eyes, she wrapped a thick plaid scarf around her neck, shoved a beanie over her curls, and pulled her gloves on before bravely exiting the warmth of her car. She’d always been extra sensitive to the cold, and had always been grateful to live in Kildare, on the coast, because of it.

Reaching into her trunk, she grabbed her luggage: a large canvas tote filled with presents for the Camerons, an assortment of snacks and treats from Harris Teeter in reusable grocery bags, and her Carhartt duffel. She turned towards the cabin, struggling under the combined weight of all her belongings.

“Cabin” was a broad term to describe the house in front of Kiara. Sure, the exterior was  horizontally laid logs and it did have a decidedly woodsy aura to it, but it was more luxury than rustic. 

Paneless, floor-to-ceiling windows framed a large stone chimney at the center of the house’s facade. A wide covered porch wound around the entire house, and Kie could see expensive-looking outdoor couches and armchairs situated in various corners. Fraser fir trees dotted the minimally landscaped lawn, and the scent of pine on the fresh mountain air was so aptly Christmassy that she smiled despite her annoyance at Rafe’s unexpected presence. 

It wasn’t ideal to spend the holiday away from her parents, but Sarah had been generous enough to invite Kiara to join the Camerons as soon as she’d heard of Mike and Anna Carrera’s Bahamian Christmas cruise getaway. Kiara wasn’t going to let a few measly hours in Rafe’s less-than-pleasant company ruin anything. 

She steeled herself and made her way towards the short staircase leading up to the house, straining slightly to balance her load. 

The sound of a door opening and footsteps crossing the wood boards of the porch came from above her. 

“Well, would you look at that?” A deep voice dripping in condescension drawled out. “Looks like my Christmas present came ahead of schedule this year. Did you get here early just for me, angel?” 

Read the rest on ao3!

[fallenstar193]

**Name**: Valentina Torres

**Age**: 18

**Occupation**: Part Time Music Record Worker

**Personality**: Valentina Torres is a vivacious and confident woman with a flair for the dramatic. Her presence lights up any room she enters, and her fashion sense is unparalleled. She’s known for her bold and vibrant style, never shying away from making a statement with her outfits, which are always on-trend and impeccably put together.

Valentina has an unapologetic sense of self-assuredness and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She possesses a sharp wit and a quick sense of humor, often using her clever quips to disarm anyone who tries to challenge her. Her friends admire her for her loyalty and fierce protectiveness, as she would go to great lengths to support and defend them.

Despite her sassy exterior, Valentina has a warm heart and a deep sense of compassion. She’s a passionate advocate for causes she believes in and isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. Her combination of sassiness and sincerity makes her a captivating and unforgettable presence in the lives of those lucky enough to know her.

**Background**: Valentina life was pretty stable while being in a poor family. But there was happiness until it was shatter when her town was destroyed by the act of Martin Brenner. Blood and death surrounded the poor girl as her parents tried to escape with their daughter. But it ended in failure as they were chased by the soldiers and killed, but Valentina was not deliver with a killing. Instead she was held captive and forced to leave her town. Valentina didn’t know what would happen to her nor the gift she possessed. But all that was left in Valentina’s  heart was nothing but bitterness and emptiness. 

But what was waiting for Valentina was something much terrible.Forced to endure hellish experiments with other unknown kids she had never met.  

Some kids didn’t survive from these experiments. Valentina was one of the survivors who had excel in results Brenner wanted. Through these events alter her power. Gaining a second ability through the mutation of her blood. Being label as the Blood Maidan within the research files. Soon enough Valentina began to build a high pain tolerance from the countless experiments. Out of worry that Valentina might rebel and break out of the lab Martin had Valentina placed into a cyrostasis slumber, hidden away in the depths of the Hawkins national laboratory.

To which the idea worked as Valentina was in the state of docile and stable. When the massacre had happen,her pod had malfunctioned. Allowing Valentina out to which she took the moment of chaos to escape and finally have the freedom she desperately wanted. Wandering around the woods for some hours until she stumble upon a home of a old women. Sure it was creepy for a strange women in a hospital gown approach the home. However the old women felt pity for Valentina and decided to nurse her back to full health. It was strange that the old lady would care for her, though it did touched Valentina’s heart. Reminding her of the lost family she once had. This resulted in Valentina staying with the old women and trying to reform back into society.

**Powers**

Telekinesis: The ability to levitate/move a person or thing by her mind. Though this does strain Valentina. Causing her to gain nose bleeds if she over uses this ability. 

Immense Pain Tolerance: Valentina has an immense tolerance towards any kind of physical pain. 

Self Blood Manipulation- Valentina develop a secondary ability to control her blood if spilled. She is able to form spikes or even a lance. But it does not last long since it uses a lot of her strength.

Extra: Valentina’s brithday is new years eve, as well as being the last day of the year on the gregorian calendar

When Valentina  uses too much power, she will fall into deep slumber for a day.

She’s a foodie so if anyone wanted to get on her good side. Then food is the way. 

Valentina can be forgetful due to the trauma she had faced years before. So sometimes she will forget a task.

Valentina does on rare occasion have a nightmare of the facility. And the horrors she had to witness. A place she refuses to return to no matter what. 

Quotes:

”Music for me is an escape for my mind.” 

”Love? So that’s the funny emotion I was experiencing. It’s conflicting for me.”

”For this world to balance. There must be good and bad. If you destroy the other everything will crumble.” 

“I don't know how to roller skate. You better not laugh.” 

”I want to protect you? I can't explain it but I won't let anyone hurt you.”

[sparrowandbee]

Chapter 3 | Chapter 4, Part 2

The Sparrow: Chapter 4, Part 1: Little Lies

Synopsis: Marian begins training and devises a risky strategy.

Author’s Note: I’m splitting up this chapter because I want to haha. It’s not a good combination with me writing long chapters but liking to read short chapters… you will simply have to deal with this until you complain. :) -Lu 🪶

Warnings: Some swearing.

Word count: 876

The sun had barely risen but we were already dressed and waiting in the training room. In contrast to the ornate, wood-panelled halls of the rest of the Capitol interiors, the training room reminded me more of the sharp, grey exteriors- cold and daunting, with several mirrors lining the curve of the wall as it meets the ceiling. I caught the gaze of my reflection, barely recognizing the shiny-haired girl looking back at me. I looked foreign to myself- zipped up in a black and grey bodysuit.

It was also quiet, for the most part. The higher district kids stood around on one side, avoiding each other or looking up at the intimidating wall of weapons. I stood nearer to them while Alder stood closer to the eight career tributes in a huddle, sharing loud conversation and laughs between each other, occasionally popping their heads out towards us.

I envied them a little bit. They were actually excited to be there, (with most career tributes having volunteered,) and they had a built-in group of friends with no awkward silence or lingering fear. That is until those same friends slaughtered each other inside the arena, literally stabbing their friends in the back.

I watched each of them closely, trying to pick up on any tells that could help me inside the arena, but in all honesty, I didn’t quite know what to look for. Sure, they were all muscular and held their chins up (whereas the scrawny rest of us flinched at the mere sight of a bow)- but they were also just kids.

Their laughter sounded just like any other 16 or 17-year-old’s; the girls played with their braids like I’ve seen girls do out in the schoolyard while the boys hid behind crossed arms, letting their teenage self-consciousness slip.

Their confidence was so fabricated, it was so clear to me that those kids were just as scared as we were, they just knew how to hide it better.

They took turns turning around to look at Alder. Out of all of the others, he was the biggest, so they were either sizing up their only real threat or debating an allyship. Either way, they never once glanced my way… at least not now that I was fully clothed.

The double door at the other end of the training room soon opened which prompted my attention to the bald, muscular head instructor- a completely unremarkable man who I have not seen or thought about since that day.

“In two weeks 23 of you will be dead,” he barked at us as the doors slammed behind him, bringing the room to a pin-drop silence. “Only one of you will survive. Who that is will depend on how well you pay attention over the next four days.”

He paced the room, looking at each of us as he passed. “First: no fighting other tributes. You’ll have plenty of time for that in the arena,” I heard a laugh come from a career.

“My advice to you,” the instructor ignored her antics, increasing his volume, “is to not ignore your survival instincts. Everyone wants a weapon but most of you will just die of natural causes. Statistically,” Alder yawned beside me. We woke up early today, so I couldn’t blame him but I forced myself to focus regardless. “About three of you will die from infection and five of you from dehydration. Exposure kills as easily as a knife. You’ll begin combat training and then survival. After today you can practice whatever you’d like in preparation for your evaluation in three days.”

Despite my initial hesitation, I found myself looking forward to training. I was excited to be taught something, and maybe retain some novel, interesting information I would have never gotten the chance to learn back home.

However, my enthusiasm waned throughout the day as I (the girl from District 12) was last in line for every demonstration. I took careful note of everything the instructors explained but being last in line also allowed me to examine the other Tributes.

10 years on my own had taught me how to read people moderately well- I could tell the careers were doing the same thing, but more obnoxiously. Every time a Tribute missed a mark or performed poorly, the careers would laugh, but promptly dismiss him or her, writing off every person they didn’t consider a threat.

On the other hand, every successful tribute would cause whispers and death stares.

If I was going to even try to survive, the last thing I needed was a target on my back, so I kept the instructions for each exercise in mind and did the exact opposite. I dropped an axe, pretending it was too heavy for me to even lift, barely climbed the net before falling off, and repeatedly chose poisonous plants, but it worked and after a few whispered snickers, I was as good as invisible.

Sure, the information was theoretically in my head, but on the walk back to the elevator after a long day of feigning stupidity, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret. My impulsive “strategy” led me to lose a whole day of training while everyone else actually had an advantage now.

Crap.

—

Next Chapter

Masterlist

[erenozturk]

EREN ÖZTÜRK INTRODUCTION.

meet eren; private investigator banshee

GENERAL

FULL NAME: Eren Öztürk NICKNAME(S): N/A AGE/DATE OF BIRTH: 54 (appears 29), 01/04/1969 GENDER: Cisman PRONOUNS: He/Him OCCUPATION: Private Investigator, and owner of Tower Treasure Detective Agency SPECIES: Fae, Banshee

BIOGRAPHY

TRIGGERS: death, haphephobia, racism, xenophobia, gore

ONCE UPON A TIME there was a boy who fell into a hole. 

It’s not a normal way to start a fairy tale, but in the case of Eren Öztürk this was the way his literal fairy life began. Falling face-first into a dark, seemingly endless hole. It was that night that his banshee powers had manifested themselves for the first time within this specific timeline, as well as the defining moment which led him down the path to his current life. Seated in a small office above a laundromat on a corner in Downtown Lunar Cove, surrounded by case files, grainy photographs, and dozens upon dozens of takeout cartons, the banshee often reflects on that pivotal moment way back on that early 80’s autumn day in middle-of-nowhere Pennsylvania and how everything changed forever after. 

Eren Öztürk was born to a mechanical engineer and a children’s book writer in Istanbul in 1969. He doesn’t remember his homeland, at least not back in that time, because shortly after in the early 70’s his parents made the decision to migrate to the United States. Settling in a small and charming town in the foothills of Pennsylvania, Eren was set to have a pretty idyllic childhood. Being the only child the Öztürks would ever have – as far as he knew – he had a warm upbringing full of love and everything a young kid like him could ever ask for. Everything seemed absolutely perfect… That was, until it wasn’t. Being an immigrant to the United States in the 20th Century wasn’t exactly the easiest thing, and being one of the only Turkish families in their small town made things worse. When Eren started attending school, he quickly found himself growing into an outsider and began hiding his sweet and warm demeanor behind a stoic and socially anxious exterior. The kids at school made fun of his homemade dishes, a stark contrast to their pizza and chocolate milk carton lunches bought at the cafeteria. They mocked him and his family as they spoke in their native tongues at the supermarket, and they found every way to let him know he was “just too different” from them.

As a result, Eren had only a couple of friends – Frank, his brother Joe, and their oftentimes collaborator, one Nancy Drew. While the other kids ran about the playground playing freeze tag and hide and seek together, Eren spent his recesses in the library, checking out Hardy Boys book after Hardy Boys book. He delighted himself primarily with the mysteries at the core of each adventure, but also the brotherly bond and camaraderie between its main characters – something he always wished he had in his own life. These novels were the first signs of an inquisitive and curious mind, having bred a love for anything mystery and crime detective related, and when Eren was going through puberty and feeling woefully alone, he began to act out. Combined with a bad attitude, which was undeservingly flung at his parents, Eren began sneaking out of the house and running off to a local art theater late at night when they began showing Noirs from the 40’s and 50’s. Films which he quickly became addicted to. Out of the Past, Murder, My Sweet, Kiss Me Deadly — these movies and so many more all became quick favorites for the young boy, who soon after began daydreaming he was a detective in a trench coat and fedora, on a hot case with a femme fatale in a dark and smoky city. 

After one such late night excursion, and imagining himself as the quick witted detective at the center of the narrative, Eren left the theater on his bike and cut through the woods which lead to his backyard. It was supposed to be a shortcut, a quick way to get home so he could be tucked back in his bed before his dad checked in on him to ensure he didn’t sneak out again. But one sharp turn turned a simple bike ride through the woods into him stumbling face-first into a barely concealed hole. One that felt like it went on forever, endless and dark. He woke after an indecipherable amount of time in the pitch black, sore and covered in scrapes and bruises. As Eren tried to feel around for something to help him up, his hands felt something softer than the hard, cold ground. Adjusting to the dark, he was able to make out a silhouette of what looked to be an oddly shaped object, which his hand reached towards. Moonlight piercing the clouds revealed it to be a corpse, and as his hand sank into the decomposing flesh, Eren let out the loudest, piercing scream he had ever made or even heard in his entire life. His vision clouded as a chilling vision unfolded, depicting the deceased's final moments — a visceral connection to death that marked the onset of his supernatural gifts.

This was the first time his abilities as a banshee manifested themselves.

The trauma of that encounter lingered, overshadowing the remainder of his youth and impacting his relationship with his parents. The banality of life faded into the background, replaced by the manifestation of even more peculiar abilities – a debilitating scream, the ability to transfer an injury inflicted by his bullies to them, and retractable wings which made for many an awkward moment. But all of those were eclipsed by the even more horrifying ability to witness moments of death from just touching a person. It all made adolescence a confusing and isolating period. He was desperate to escape whatever was going on with him, but especially his parents who were stuck between wanting to help their son with whatever was happening to him and horrified as stranger and newer symptoms of his unknown curse made themselves known. He couldn’t stand the terrified look on his mother’s face, or his father’s confusion which quickly turned to frustration when Eren lashed out when they tried to make sense of everything going on with their teenage son. Or the hurt that crossed their faces when he refused their touches, caresses of love and concern from a parent watching their son become undone. The last thing any kid wanted was to see how their parents would die, long before the event itself happened.

The second that Eren came of age in the late '80s, he had made a rather difficult choice. He couldn’t stay there, with parents who would likely never understand what he was going through and in a town where he wasn’t accepted when he was at his most “normal”. So he left home – without farewells, leaving behind the tearful visage of his mother as his last memory of her. His search for answers regarding his strange abilities propelled him into a nomadic existence, hopping from place to place, country to country, continent to continent, searching for something he wasn’t quite sure of, avoiding attachments all along the way. It seemed all across the world there were many places with their own myths to explain what was happening to him, but nothing concrete beyond old wive’s tales. No documented cases of another going through what he was, from what he could find. His existence quickly became the one mystery that Eren had no way of solving. 

With little to nothing to work with, he gave up on his soul searching for a moment and made his way to Turkey, his homeland which he only heard about in stories and in faded memories from when he was really quite young. All his life he had felt like an outsider looking in, only feeling a sense of belonging within the pages of old children’s mystery novels. When he arrived in Turkey, things were instantly somewhat different. For once, he didn’t feel like he didn’t belong, he felt like just another face in the crowd, blending in fully to the environment around him. It felt like maybe things would be alright, maybe he found some happiness despite all the strange occurrences surrounding his existence. He still had the premonitions which haunted him any time he came in contact with people and sometimes objects which formerly belonged to others. This gave way for a severe case of haphephobia, which made him awkward and anxious when out in public. This being the only thing that marred his time home in Istanbul, he didn’t think of it as a major tell as to the supernatural things which had been going on in his life. But he was wrong, there was someone who was able to notice something was off about him and was able to quickly deduce what was going on.

When Zehra first approached him, he didn’t know how to take her boldness, especially when she began asking him about his wings and if this was his “first life”. Of course it was his first life – as far as he knew, this was his only life – but her vagueness gave way to more transparent explanations and soon Eren was getting the explanation he had longed for for a handful of years now. According to Zehra, he, much like her, was a faerie, only he was one called a banshee whereas she was a siren. Suddenly everything about himself made sense, and all because of this stranger who was able to recognize the shared struggles of their kind. Slowly, they forged a profound friendship, and Zehra became Eren's guide, helping him understand his banshee abilities, introducing him to a supernatural world within their own. With her he found his first family outside of his parents, and they worked on his trauma and helped him make sense of his past. Eren knew he was finally with someone who understood him when Zehra gifted him with his first pair of leather gloves. “You know,” she had said warmly, “To help you with your fears.”

He was content to stay there in Turkey with Zehra, but as quickly as he learned about the broad supernatural world they were part of, he learned there were those who wanted to destroy it. Hunter activity was growing across Europe and Asia during that time, and so the fae duo knew they would need to keep moving if they wanted to survive. At Zehra’s insistence they began moving westward. She had heard talk of a supernatural haven back in the States which many of her compatriots had either come from or escaped to. While the thought of going back homeward gave him anxiety, a sense of self preservation prevailed and the pair began slowly making their way towards Lunar Cove, Rhode Island. Between 1988 and 1991, they found themselves settling in towns here and there, meeting others like them and of different species, and trying to find some sense of normalcy wherever they could. Wherever they stayed Eren would pay keen attention to the local goingons, and Zehra was surprised to see the young banshee quietly following and even solving some of the local crimes which were being documented by the public, talked about in small coffee shops and diners.

During a particularly long stay in a town in the Southern US, Eren went as far as crossing paths with detectives on a cold case and made light comments after touching something he was supposedly not allowed to touch. He may have been the anonymous tip to help things progress to justice. While talking over coffee in the middle of the night at a Waffle House in Alabama, Zehra made a throwaway comment about them opening a Private Investigation agency together when they settled in Lunar Cove. At first he shrugged it off, but as they continued their northward travel the thought became more and more appealing. When they finally crossed the barrier into Lunar Cove in the spring of 1993, Eren decided he would make that vision a possibility. Working days bussing tables at an Italian restaurant while he spent nights getting his criminal justice degree at the local college, it seemed like this was the cherry on top of Eren’s life turning out just as it was meant to be. So much so that he stopped aging in 1998, finally feeling his true self. When he got his PI license, Eren began renting out a small office space above a laundromat in Downtown Lunar Cove, and thus the Tower Treasure Detective Agency was born – aptly named after the first Hardy Boys adventure which started his long journey towards amateur sleuthing and now real detective work. Things were going great, perfect even, and after skirting around their feelings for so long, Eren and Zehra finally progressed their friendship into a romantic connection. 

The turn of the century brought with it many changes. Tower Treasure was doing well, mostly dealing in smaller crime cases that the local authorities didn’t pay as much attention to, as well as targeting cold cases in the greater local area in order to earn some extra big cash. With his banshee abilities, Eren began taking on more and more cases regarding inexplicable deaths, using his premonitions to help families get a glimpse of exactly what may have happened when their loved ones perished and providing much needed closure and even a bit of grief counseling as a result. It was simple and sweet, it made those visions which oftentimes plagued him and scared him as a youth into something good for the community, at least he tried to think of it that way. It didn’t always pan out that way and in his seemingly perfect life, there were some cracks which exposed a less happy underbelly. No matter what positive spin he tried to put on things, Eren still suffered with his phobias and fears, as well as an unending guilt for having never reconnected with his parents who likely would always wonder what exactly happened to their boy. Zehra had been supportive of everything he went through, but every person had their individual needs and soon enough she wasn’t feeling as fulfilled as she hoped. And despite himself, Eren pulled away from most everyone and everything. The visions of death began having a toll on him once again, and he found himself pulling more into himself after years and years of detective work. Solidarity has always been his best coping mechanism.

Eventually Zehra left, citing a desire to go back to Europe and find some of the others they used to commune with. Eren knew she didn’t want him to feel bad for not being adequate for her and he comforted himself with the thought that she was back in Europe or Asia, living out her vivid and interesting life and hopefully in the arms of someone who could love her properly. It felt better to think that way than to imagine hunters found her and she had regenerated, or worse. Since she left, Eren never took on another partner in his detective work, or personal life. Left alone, aside from his only lasting employee which was an eternally middle aged vampire secretary with a nasally voice and penchant for knit cardigans decorated with woodland creatures, his agency continued on — still bringing closure to Lunar Cove’s residents in death whenever it’s needed, but with his somewhat dreary case load he’s lost a bit of love for the work over the past couple decades. Now it seemed he was just robotically going through the motions of work and life, as he has been over the past couple decades now. His social life remained minimal, not interacting much beyond his clients and the other members of the fae court, and he shied away from forming new attachments, being haunted by the fear of another heartbreak. Life reached a standstill, a boring downhill slide…

That was, until the Catalyst arrived.

With the chaos and turmoil enveloping Lunar Cove due to the mysterious Catalyst, Eren has found himself contemplating the unfolding mystery between his usual lighter case load. Alone in his dimly lit office, surrounded by the remnants of takeout and mountains of case files he ought to be working on instead, he often reflects on the facts laid out before him on a board hung up on his wall. Photographs, newspaper clippings, and anything he could find about the town’s biggest adversary, pinned up on a corkboard with red lines crossing over all of it, connecting invisible dots he’s yet to figure out, but delights in seeing. The prospect of a tumultuous mystery has been slowly rekindling Eren’s passion for detective work, as the promise of more danger and chaos looms on Lunar Cove’s horizon and ensures that something bigger than they’ve witnessed yet is surely on its way. And Eren Öztürk welcomes the developments, taking in each and every thing that comes up, and prepares to face the shadows that he hopes will soon darken his agency's doorstep. In the meantime, he continues paying close attention to the goings on, doing what little work comes his way, and keeping a careful eye on every new face that shows up in Lunar Cove. In this new chapter of his dark fairy tale life, everyone is suspect. That is, until he can prove their innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.

HEADCANONS

Typically wears all black, a mix between casual and dressy, in particular is usually in a suit and tie but sometimes rocks a tee and leather jacket. The one thing Eren is never without are his gloves. Black or Brown leather racing gloves which he wears to help him interact with the world without a fear of seeing things he doesn’t want to (outside of work) or direct touching with others

Doesn’t invite and has never invited a single person into his home. If you want to see him privately, go to his office, but don’t ever expect to make a house visit.

Has a very dry sense of humor and delivers teasing banter in a very monotonous voice. If you didn’t know him, you may construe this as mean but he is actually a very sweet person. He just rarely shows that side of him to others.

He appears young, but he’s an old man at heart. He loves sitting at the park and playing chess with others, his favorite show is the nightly news, and he will complain about nonexistent back pains. His sensibilities skew towards older interests, namely with music and media. He loves noir films from the 40’s and 50’s but also loves his 80’s coming of age films, and carries a Walkman and mixtapes of 80’s hits on any case. If he’s doing a stakeout there’s a 100% chance he’s listening to Tears For Fears or Spandau Ballet.

No hookups, no romantic relationships, nothing beyond professional (even for his few platonic relationships) — he’s afraid of touch and there isn’t a single exception to the touch rule. Aside from his dog. He needs cuddles somewhere, the poor man.

idk more will come to me I’m sure lol

MISC

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Demisexual ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Biromantic FAMILY: a dog named Hardy HOMETOWN: TBD, Pennsylvania FACE CLAIM: Emin Günenç HEIGHT: 6’2” EYE COLOR: Brown HAIR: Dark Brown DISTINGUISHABLE FEATURES:  STYLE:  ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: capricorn PINTEREST: (x)

WANTED CONNECTIONS

Past clients

Acquaintances

Few close friends

Maybe you were one of his cases / he had to trail you at the request of a former flame/loved one

Unwanted Partner In Crime

‘It’s Always You, Seemingly Caught Red Handed At The Scene Of The Crime’

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 1: Paper Pagoda

Narrated by William.

William: Almost there!

Susan: You can do it!

Narrator: Very carefully, I add some glue to the assembled tower, align the edges, and fix it onto the base plate.

Narrator: Then, using a length of nylon thread, I tie Susan’s origami crane to the protruding eave.

Narrator: Some of the cranes’ mouths are wonky, and some have flat bodies.

Susan: I used my magic on all of them!

Susan: Stick them on the tower and they’ll never fall down!

Narrator: So, Susan and I tie her magic cranes to the roof, finishing our “collaborative” paper craft of the Cloud Empire Tower.

Choose either “Paper craft?” or “You like doing paper crafts?”

If “paper,” ...

You: What’s paper craft?

Narrator: Paper craft is the art of making delicate 3D sculptures out of paper.

Narrator: You can take a simple piece of paper and turn it into works of art.

If “like,” ...

You: You like doing paper craft?

Narrator: Yeah! You can turn a simple piece of paper into works of art.

--

Narrator: You just need to cut, glue, and assemble it into complicated and wonderful shapes.

Narrator: It’s like alchemy, combining different elements and materials by arcane means to create new objects! It’s amazing!

Choose “Why Cloud Empire structures?”

You: Why make a traditional Cloud Empire building and not a castle or skyscraper?

Narrator: One time a teacher told me...

Teacher: The Cloud Empire is located to the east of Miraland.

Teacher: It has a long and prestigious history, like the Pigeon Kingdom to the south.

Teacher: The people of Cloud Empire are oriental in appearance.

Teacher: They wear elegant and loose-fitting garments, and their traditional buildings are oriental in design.

Teacher: Cloud Empire buildings are made primarily from wood, rather than concrete and steel.

Teacher: Cloud Empire architecture embodies the wisdom and experience of earlier generations.

Teacher: In terms of structural precision and classical exterior.

Teacher: Take for example, these eaves, known as “flying eaves” ...

Narrator: That’s what got me interested in Cloud Empire. I read a lot of books about it.

Narrator: Looking at the pictures in this travel guide, I’d LOVE to go to Cloud Empire and visit all their old buildings.

Susan: Will! Will! Are you reading those silly books again?!

William: Check out this Cloud Empire building! So beautiful.

Narrator: The tower in the picture has many levels, and the wood is carved with intricate and floral designs.

Susan: “Cloud. Empire. Traditional. Fresh. Pastries. Limited time only”?!

Narrator: Typical Susan, distracted by the food advertisement.

Susan: Oh my god! It looks so delicious! Award-winning pastries! And the packaging is printed with flowers!

Susan: That’s it! On our next vacation we’re going to Cloud Empire!

Narrator: Mom promised us, if we did well on our exams, she would take us on a vacation. But thinking about Susan’s assignments...

Susan: Don’t worry! It’s just an exam. Nothing a magician can’t handle! Leave it to me!

Narrator: To make sure we could go, every day after school I helped Susan with her homework.

Narrator: She studied very hard and got one of the top 10 highest scores in her class.

Narrator: According to her, it was the magic of the east that inspired her to break her personal best.

Narrator: So as it was, our family set out one sunny morning on our first journey to Cloud Empire.

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

[morbitiles]

Porcelain Tiles from Morbi: The Perfect Balance of Style and Durability.

Morbi village in Gujarat is world famous because of the ceramic and tile-making industry flourishing there, due to the innovative designs created by its people, always focusing on high-quality, artistic tiles. Among the major brands in this competitive market is SNK Surfaces, one of the biggest Morbi tiles companies at Matel Road, 8-A, National Highway, Dhuva, Morbi, Gujarat – 363621. SNK Surfaces has focused on fine craftsmanship and high-end designs to grow into one of the largest porcelain tile manufacturers in Morbi, offering style and durability solutions that match international standards.

Rise of the Tile Industry in Morbi

Indeed, Morbi tile industry has also gradually improved, forming to become among the strongest manufacturers from Indian tile exports. Known for being one of the most technologically advanced production processes around, the Morbi-based tile manufacturers produce a significant variety of tiles that varies from standard ceramic to super-grade porcelain tiles. Due to this fame, Morbi has emerged as the ideal destination for buyers who want to purchase top-grade quality tiles, whether a domestic or international buyer.

Why Porcelain Tiles?

Porcelain tiles have emerged as an immensely sought product by people for durability, versatility, and beauty. With refinement in clay, porcelain is fired at high temperatures; hence, they are much denser and more watertight than ceramic tiles. As a renowned Morbi tiles designer, SNK Surfaces manufactures each tile with perfection, providing not only superior performance but also breathtaking beauty. Here is why porcelain tiles make the ideal choice:

Highly durable. They can be utilized at busy zones since they resist wear and tear well. Comes in extensive varieties of designs. Can be found in various finishes, textures, and even designs which imitate the natural designs like wood, stone, etc. Low maintenance, thus ideal for busy house owners and commercial locations. It is easy to clean, thus no mess or marks anywhere in such cases. Moist Resistance Suitable for wet spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens as well as outdoor spaces due to their low porosity.

Creative designs by SNK Surfaces

Being a forward-thinking Morbi company, SNK Surfaces offers an ample collection of modern and vintage designs. It doesn't matter if you are keen on having a sleek modern finish or timeless traditional pattern- the porcelain tile collection would definitely satisfy your diversified needs. Be it elegant high-gloss finishes or texture surfaces for depth, the combination of functionality and style makes their tiles the perfect fit for all residential and commercial projects. SNK Surfaces has shown lately that the Morbi tiles industry is increasingly committed to sustainability manufacturing. Adding to eco-friendly technologies in production, waste product minimization, and keeping their whole production processes both efficient and environmentally responsible have helped ensure the high quality of products from SNK Surfaces. The sustainability commitment allows their company to make them a choice for customers seeking greener ways. Versatile Applications of Porcelain Tiles Porcelain tiles by SNK Surfaces are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of settings: Flooring: Both for indoor and outdoor application as it is strong and weather resistant. Wall Cladding: It provides a stylish touch to the interior and exterior walls. Countertops: Offers a durable and stylish surface option for kitchens and bathrooms. Commercial Spaces: Ideal for offices, retail stores, and hospitality environments as they are incredibly robust, with aesthetic beauty.

Why choose SNK Surfaces?

Partner with SNK Surfaces which is company committed to product quality, aesthetics, and complete customer satisfaction. As among the largest manufacturers of Morbi porcelain tiles, they provide: Extensive Design Options: There are designs in an extensive range to fit your personal style, ranging from modern to traditional. High Quality Products Each tile undergoes rigorous quality checks to meet international standards.

Customer-Focused Service: Their team provides seamless support in product selection and delivery for smooth satisfaction. SNK Surfaces is a name one can bank upon for premium porcelain tiles that symbolize class, durability, and sustainability. Innovation and quality are its dedication, making the clients choose them across India and all over the world. For a visit, kindly proceed to Matel Road, 8-A, National Highway, Dhuva, Morbi, Gujarat – 363621, for its spectacular Morbi tiles design collection and elevate your next project with the best of tiles in the industry.

[sprayandwashsolutions]

Commercial Water Blasting: The Key to Clean, Safe, and Well-Maintained Exteriors

When it comes to maintaining the exterior of your commercial property, water blasting or pressure washing is often the go-to solution. It’s fast, effective, and can quickly remove dirt, grime, moss, and even tough stains from a wide range of surfaces. However, the power of water blasting can be a double-edged sword. If not done correctly, it can cause significant damage to your property. That’s why the skill and expertise behind water blasting are crucial. Spray & Wash are the experts in delivering a flawless finish every time, without compromising the integrity of your surfaces.

Key Techniques for Safe and Effective Commercial Water Blasting

Initial Assessment: Before beginning any cleaning work, we carry out a thorough assessment of the surfaces that need to be cleaned. This helps us determine the material type—whether it’s wood, concrete, brick, or vinyl and identify any potential issues, such as loose paint, pre-existing damage, or delicate areas.

Customised Pressure Settings: Different materials require different pressure settings to ensure effective cleaning without causing harm. Here’s how we adjust the pressure for various surfaces:

Delicate Surfaces: For softer materials like wood, painted surfaces, or roof tiles, we use lower pressure settings to avoid causing any damage or stripping paint.

Sturdier Surfaces: Harder surfaces like concrete, brick, or stone can withstand higher pressures, allowing us to effectively remove stubborn dirt, moss, and stains.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions: At Spray & Wash, we care about the environment as much as we care about the quality of our work. We use biodegradable, eco-friendly detergents that are safe for both your surfaces and the environment. These specially formulated cleaning solutions break down dirt, grime, and other contaminants without causing harm to your property or the planet.

Expert Techniques: Our team follows best practices throughout the water blasting process to ensure a thorough, safe clean:

Angle of Spray: We always hold the nozzle at a slight angle, ensuring a more even and gentle distribution of water while preventing surface damage.

Consistent Distance: By maintaining a consistent distance from the surface, we ensure that cleaning is thorough without exerting too much pressure on the material.

Post-Cleaning Inspection: After each cleaning session, we conduct a final inspection to ensure that all areas have been cleaned effectively and no damage has occurred during the process.

Benefits of Professional Commercial Water Blasting

Choosing professional pressure washing services like those provided by Spray & Wash offers a range of benefits for your business:

Expertise: With years of experience, our team knows exactly how to adjust cleaning techniques based on the surface and conditions. This ensures thorough, high-quality results without the risk of damaging your property.

Time Efficiency: Professional services are faster and more efficient than DIY cleaning. We can complete your commercial property cleaning in a fraction of the time it would take you, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations.

Safety: We are fully trained in handling pressure washing equipment safely. Our team also takes precautions to protect surrounding areas from overspray or water damage, ensuring that your property and landscaping remain in top condition.

Contact Us

For expert commercial water blasting services that leave your property looking pristine without the risk of damage, get in touch with Spray & Wash today! We specialise in professional pressure washing solutions for businesses of all sizes.  Spray & Wash combine water blasting with soft washing to get the best finish on every outdoor surface.

Spray and Wash Solutions

https://sprayandwash.co.nz/

https://sprayandwash.co.nz/water-blasting/

8C Piermark Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand

Phone: +64 800 881 123

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LUz3qFAfD9A3zUw28

[floorinsite]

250-YEAR-OLD BUILDING TRANSFORMED INTO STYLISH APARTMENTS WITH FORBO’S ALLURA LVT

A former care home and Victorian-era cottage turned into premium flats, Willow Tree Apartments in Yate, Bristol has been fully refurbished and remodelled. Seeking to create a warm and natural interior that was in-keeping with the building’s heritage, contractor Rudge Brothers and James specified the Allura Dryback range from Forbo Flooring Systems for the project.

Formerly a care home from the early 1980s until 2018, Willow Cottage has seen many different uses across its 250-year history. Starting life as a house in 1766, owned by a doctor who ran a surgery from the ground floor, the building eventually became a care home in the 1980s after use as a Sunday school. Following the closure of the care facility in 2019, the property was bought by developers Fairholm Group, who chose to reinvigorate the historic building into nine new stylish apartments.

Rudge Brothers and James were employed to assist with specifying and installing the internal finishes, with Jim Heal, Director at Rudge Brothers and James, saying: “We were appointed by Fairholm to advise on some of the internal specification jobs, including the flooring. In this advisory role, we recommended that they install Forbo’s Allura Dryback Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) range for a number of the apartments.

“This product is our go-to as a company, we’ve used it many times on other projects and have never had an issue with it. It’s a hard-wearing, great looking and long-lasting flooring solution that offers an incredibly long lifespan. We instructed Fairholm to use the 0.7mm wear layer version as it would provide enhanced durability, perfect for busy family homes.”

As well as durability, acoustics was another priority, as Jim explained: “A combination of rubber and chipboard acoustic underlays were installed on this project, as reducing impact noise was a key objective. Forbo’s Allura has then been installed fully adhered in the lounge, kitchen and dining areas, as well as the corridors between each of the apartments. We predicted that these would be the most high traffic areas and as such, needed a more practical and hard-wearing solution, like an LVT.”

With the focus on creating stylish apartments suitable for modern day living, while simultaneously being respectful of the building’s history and heritage, design was also an important consideration. Jim commented: “To complement the rustic nature of the building’s exterior and Yate’s rural surroundings, we wanted a more natural finish for the interior and so chose Forbo’s Natural Timber effect from the Wood range. It’s a really nice neutral and classic wood shade that isn’t too bright or too dark for the space and helps to bring an element of warmth.”

James Adams, Managing Director at Fairholm Estates, said of the apartments: “Willow Tree Apartments has been a challenging and rewarding project. The old care home had a variety of existing floor structures and coverings, making this element of the project a bit of a puzzle. As a result of this, we subcontracted this work out to Rudge Brothers and James, who we’ve known and worked with for a number of years – being aware of the wealth of experience they possess. 

“I knew subcontracting this aspect of the conversion to them meant we would be in safe hands and they did a great job installing Forbo’s Allura LVT, adding a high quality and warm finish to the apartments.”  

The apartments are expected to be fully completed by the end of 2024, with a number of the new homes already under offer.

See the full Allura Dryback collection, here: https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-uk/commercial-products/allura-lvt/allura-dryback-0-7-dr7/allura-dryback-wood/b0msgi#63535dr7 or find out Forbo’s other solutions for the private renting sector, here: https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-uk/segments/private-rental-sector/pewwp6. Find out more about the apartments, here: https://www.fairholmestates.co.uk/

[webironmongeryofficial1]

 The Ultimate Guide to Black Antique Door Hinges: Stylish, Durable, and Timeless

Black antique door hinges are the classic ones and often a style choice people consider when looking to add real class and period elegance to their door hardware. Durable, combining elegance with a great deal of functionality, black antique door hinges london are perfect for use on old historic homes or just for that amazing touch needed on that dramatic sight from new doors at work, home, or anywhere in between.

Below is a comprehensive  uide from which we break down black antique door hinges and discuss their benefits, how to choose the right one, installation tips, and frequently asked questions. We'll also dig into real life case studies and statistics that have shown how these hinges are changing modern and traditional houses.

What Are Black Antique Door Hinges? 

Before moving on to the detail aspect of black antique door hinges, it would be better to understand what black antique door hinges are. In general, black antique door hinges are made from either steel or iron material and have a matt black finish, which gives them that old, classic look. They usually carry those elaborate designs with scrolled patterns or floral motives, thus placing them squarely within the folds of something of bygone eras, giving them a place in homes with traditional, rustic or vintage type interiors.

Black antique door hinges are different from other, more modern or industrial-looking standard hinges. In contrast with the former, these styles most stand out because of their charming old world aesthetic. Beyond their function in smoothly swinging open and closed, they also add to the eye appeal of the door.

Why Choose Black Antique Door Hinges?

There are several reasons why homeowners and designers are attracted to black antique door hinges. Let's discuss some of the most convincing factors why such hinges are a great choice for any door.

·   Timeless Aesthetic Appeal

Black antique door hinges london  are perfect and will add class to your doors with their intricate designs and matte finish. These are suitable for any interior styles, from Victorian to modern farmhouse. Elegant black antique hinges are perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, bathroom entrance or even entrance doors.

·   Durability and Strength

Black antique door hinges are crafted from robust materials, steel or iron, making them both beautiful but strong. Heavy in weight and usage, they make sense for heavy doors, such as double doors or solid wood doors.

·   Versatility

Despite their antique look, black antique door hinges are incredibly versatile. They work well with both interior and exterior doors. Whether you’re adding a historical touch to a front door or looking for hardware that complements your traditional interior doors, these hinges are the ideal option.

·   Easy to Maintain

One of the many reasons why black antique door hinges are particularly great is that they are easily maintained. The matte black finish tends to cover up dust, fingerprints, and other marks that may appear over time. Moreover these hinges are less likely to rust, especially if sealed in a protective coating.

·   Ease of Maintenance

Although expensive looking at first, black antique door hinges are very affordable options, particularly when compared to other ornamental hardware. The prices vary according to the material and design complexity, but most of the available options can be bought very inexpensively, hence within reach for homeowners having different budgets.

Choosing the Right Black Antique Door Hinges for Your Home

Buying black antique door hinges may seem to be rather simple, but the variety available in the stores can make it a tough decision. To help you decide on the best option for your home, check out these essential factors to consider-

·   Door Type and Size of the Door

The size and weight of your door determine what size hinge is suitable for your project. Lighter doors are capable of being supported with a smaller hinge, whereas heavier doors require stronger, larger hinges. For example, oversized black antique door hinges are great to use when you have larger, heavy doors such as you might in an entryway or an old fashioned library.·  Quality of Material

Black antique hinges are produced in materials such as iron, brass, steel or bronze. Of course, the hinge needs to be of strong material that is excellent to hold the weight and stresses on a door. Of all options, it is often found that iron and steel can best withstand your standard doors whereas brass and bronze add some elegance as well.

·   Hinge Style and Design

Black antique hinges come in a range of designs, from ornate Victorian designs, simple formats, or even custom made patterns. You can choose a hinge style that would best fit the theme of your home. If you would want to give a door a rustic feel, for instance, consider using a weathered or distressed finish.

·   Finish and Coating

Black antique door hinges are usually powder coated, enamelled, or oil-rubbed to make them sturdy and rust-proof. Choose a type of finish that would protect the finish well from wear and tear in your environment. Matte is ideal when you want not-so-bright finishes, while glossy ones have a more showy look with their shine and reflectiveness.

·   Functionality and Installation 

Consider the functionality of the black antique hinge. Are they to be used on doors that open and close many times in a day?

The hinges should therefore be smooth and easy to operate while still able to stand regular use. Also make sure to check on the hinges' suitability with your door and frame. One should also refer to the manufacturer's guidelines on installing it. 

Tips on the Installation of Black Antique Door Hinges

Installing black antique door hinges london is quite a simple process if it is done right. Here are some steps along with some tips on how to install these hinges properly

Step 1: Removing Old Hinge 

Before installing new hinges on the door, you have to uninstall old hinges on the door and frame. Take out all the screws holding the old hardware with a screwdriver or drill. Carefully take out the hinges.

Step 2: Measurement and Marking

Measure the positioning of the hinges on the door by marking where the new black antique door hinges will be placed. This ensures the hinges are evenly spaced and aligned correctly for proper door movement. 

Step 3: Drilling Pilot Holes

Drill pilot holes at the marked locations using a drill. Make sure the pilot holes are the correct size for your hinge screws. Incorrect screw sizes can damage either the door or frame so be sure to verify any recommendations from the manufacturer before making any cuts.

 Step 4: Attach the Hinges

Place the hinges on the marked spots and secure them with screws. Tighten the screws firmly to ensure that the hinges are securely fastened. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause the hinges to bend.

Step 5: Test the Door

With the hinge installed, open and close the door. If it is not working correctly, try adjusting the screws.

Case Studies: How Black Antique Door Hinges Changed the Fate of These Homes

Case Study 1: Restoring a Victorian Home

Choosing black antique door hinges was just one of the important details in restoring a Victorian-style home in London. Indeed, attention to detail is essential in this case. With the choice of period appropriate interiors, the restoration works on this home was heightened. Of course, the aesthetic beauty came out when new hinges were added to the doors. Not only did the old house embody a modern touch, but it also gained the attention of visitors and even local preservation groups who complimented it.

Case Study 2: Adding Charm to a Rustic Farmhouse

 Black antique door hinges are chosen for modern farmhouse renovation in the countryside, not only a rustic look but also elegant. The combination of sturdy iron hinges and distressed black finish tied up the design of the room well to make it an authentic space. The project created for the homeowners a warm welcoming space for guests, with the hinges as both functional hardware and decorative accents. 

Case Study 3: Renovation of a Historic Restaurant

This historic New York restaurant needed to replace its doors with a classic touch. The chosen solution was to replace the existing hardware in this restaurant with black antique door hinges. These door hinges not only look great but are also very strong; thus, they are able to sustain the traffic within this restaurant. It won over both public and critical acclaim by showcasing elegance in perfect function. 

FAQs

  1. How Long Will Black Antique Door Hinges Last?

Black antique door hinges can last for several decades with proper care and maintenance. The quality of the material used and how the finish is applied would determine the longevity. For instance, iron and steel materials are relatively durable. 

2. Do Black Antique Door Hinges Work Well Outside?

Yes, black antique door hinges are excellent for outside doors if they are made from rust-resistant metals like iron or steel. However, the hinges must have a weather-resistant finish so that it does not corrode. 

3. What Size Hinges Do I Need for My Door?

Typically, the hinge size is determined by the weight and dimensions of a door. Most interior doors use 3.5-inch or 4-inch hinges, whereas heavier doors require 5-inch or larger hinges. 

4. Are black antique door hinges customizable?

Black antique door hinges can be ordered by many manufacturers in various designs, finishes, and sizes to match your ideal aesthetic for the house. 

5. Can I install black antique door hinges myself?

Yes, with the right tools and instructions, installing black antique door hinges is a DIY-friendly project. However, if you're unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional

 Conclusion: Elevate Your Doors with Black Antique Hinges 

Black antique door hinges are an elegant and functional choice for homeowners looking to add character and charm to their doors. Whether you're restoring a historic home, renovating a farmhouse, or upgrading your front door, black antique hinges offer a timeless appeal that can complement various interior and exterior styles. Understanding the different factors involved in selecting, installing and maintaining black antique door hinges will help you to make a very informed decision in respect of your doors.

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7 Stunning Christmas Manger Scenes to Inspire Your Holiday Spirit

For many, Christmas is the happiest season of the year. It combines love and faith with traditions in ways that are often hard to describe. There are many creative and fun ways to bring the spirit of the holidays into your home. One of the most meaningful elements is a Christmas manger scene. Besides displaying it inside the house, you can even showcase it outdoors. We have prepared a collection of seven stunning manger scenes to use for decorating your home this Christmas.

1. Classic Indoor Christmas Manger Scene

A classic scene set during the birth of Christ is a must-have Christmas decoration. It consists of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the manger, shepherds, angels, and animals. Wooden or porcelain figurines make the most sense and evoke a sense of warmth and comfort in people. If you want to create a more serene and calm space, surround the stage with soft lights and candles.

2. Outdoor Christmas Manger Scene

Perfect for your front yard, the outdoor Christmas manger scene displays the spirit of the season to everyone. These banners may incorporate basic wooden structures with lifelike features that light up. An outdoor setup often includes LED lights to brighten the scene during darkness, creating a beautiful sight. Weapons and garlands can also be used to complete the display.

3. Charlie Brown Christmas Manger Scene

For a comical touch, Charlie Brown's Christmas manger scene includes Peanuts characters. In the present-day conscience, this version showcases Charlie Brown and his unique determination, which can be illustrated by him using his friends to replace traditional nativity figures, which holiday decor would certainly be fascinating and unique. This is great for Peanuts enthusiasts who want a little extra sweetness in their Christmas holiday decorations without taking up as much space or investing in a traditional theme.

4. Christmas Blow-Up Manger Scene

Another alternative is Christmas blow-up scenes of the manger and nativity figures that are likely to attract attention as an outdoor decoration. These inflatable scenes are quite simple to construct and frequently illuminate themselves from within, making them appear bright and pleasant in every yard. Blow-up decorations are made to endure harsh exterior environments so that ideals of Christmas can be introduced into your home with little effort and large effect.

5. DIY Christmas Manger Scene Decorations

You can place dolls, figurines, or other decorative objects in a Christmas manger scene even if you decide to do it yourself. Use materials like wood, clay, or fabric to make the Holy Family and the shepherds, along with angel figures that will be set up on the display. A do-it-yourself idea is a brilliant idea to make your interior decorating unique as well as entertainment for the family. Your unique contribution may be placed on a mantle, near a Christmas tree, or outside.

6. Rustic Christmas Manger Scene with Natural Elements

Silesian?s Russia WI dies of the is another approach to decor Rosanna remnant for a festive period. This style is especially popular among people who prefer simplicity, with scenes often made out of reclaimed wood, burlap and press Patti. A Frame can be built to raise the nativity scene indoors and out without clashing with any themes, all bones. Suitable for styling charisma as well. 

7. Compact Christmas Manager Scene for Small Spaces

It can also be an excellent option for a compact Christmas manger scene that would easily fit into a small room, as it gives a neat outline to the holy family in a larger display. For this, a smaller version featuring Peanuts characters can be employed for decoration as featured in the display.

Tips for Displaying Your Christmas Manger Scene

Add Lighting: 

Alternative Seating for the Christmas Manger Scene to maximize space and achieve better visibility for the Scene Setting

Setting up the elements and recreating a real scene when setting any Christmas decorations, the Christmas cow approach tends to be visually Nepal as snow.

Select a Nice Suitable Place: A wise place to consider is a themed park surrounding the main scene, which shows the scene as its focus mostly; kids especially like to see it. Display your set on the lawn and make it one of the centers of the lower-class flat Cuba.

This Decoration Complements Others: Make your manger scene more interesting in terms of the colors, wise by incorporating the likes of wreaths, lights, or garlands into the color scheme.

 Final Thoughts

A Christmas manger scene represents the deeper significance of the season and is more than just a festive decoration. Every kind adds something different to your Christmas decor, from conventional interior arrangements to wacky Charlie Brown variations and blow-up outdoor displays. 

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Best luxury door manufacturer in Ghaziabad and Noida

Welcome To The Best luxury door manufacturer in Ghaziabad and Noida

Best luxury door manufacturer in Ghaziabad and Noida– is a prominent luxury door manufacturer and supplier that has mastered the art of developing unique, yet elegant and custom-made wooden door sets for high-end residential constructions.

Based in Ghaziabad and Noida, our manufacturer has been a lighting innovator in the doors industry for many years. Our partnership with us to incorporate high-end technology in our products, to ensure every space we touch turns into a sanctuary of safety, security, and sustainability.

We can say that over the past one and a half decades, our G.I. Steel Door & Windows manufacturer has grown and modified, utilizing the most advanced technologies to produce products that are not only functionally superior and worthier but also aesthetically pleasing.

About Us

Best luxury door manufacturer near me Speaking of building a forever home with the help of an interior designer or, inally buying and fixing up a fixer-upper or upgrading your existing home, the value that Luxury doors can bring to any room addition, whether it is a master bedroom or a guest room, is immense. The best part is that there are different options you can choose from, including:

Luxury Doors for the Home

Luxury Closet Doors

Luxury Entry Doors

Luxury Interior Doors

Luxury Pocket Doors

Luxury Sliding Doors

However, for security purpose, best of exterior doors, wooden doors for bedroom, customized doors for wine cellar , play room, man cave etc has no limitations. A good door with the correct wood species or type of material, the hardware, the final touch of putting the paint on the correct color, the door design, and usually the general door appeal can fit a new construction or complement the original feel intended in a home.

Why to Choose Us?

Innovative Blend of Luxury Door: We uniquely combine to create products that are not only strong and durable but also aesthetically pleasing, making sure that your home stands out with a unique style.

Unmatched Security: Our dedication to your safety is paramount. Our doors are engineered with multi-chambered profiles and reinforced with the finest materials, offering superior protection against break-ins and increasing the security of your home.

Advanced Noise Reduction: Bring peace into your city home. For our products, we aim at achieving up to 30% sound insulation in order to offer you a serene environment that is free from outside disturbances.

Energy Efficiency at Its Best: Therefore, we have a comprehension of the importance of energy conservation investments. Our doors provide very good thermal isolation so they can help to keep the warm inside during the cold season and, therefore, are sustainable and cost effective.

Customization to Fit Your Style: Taking this into consideration I can say that your home should indicate your personality. And that’s why we provide a great number of specific design solutions, so you can choose the one that would reflect the owners of the house in the best manner.

Durability with Minimal Maintenance: So, invest in longevity. Its main convection is that our products can stay for years without being affected by corrosion or loss of quality due to the fact that our products are well created to serve you for many years without you having to pay for its maintenance.

A Luxury Door- Every Entry of the Home

You know that when it comes to recreating the look and feel of your home, you might be surprised by the difference you can make when swapping out a standard whatever decor concept you have in mind, the designing team is ready to help you bring it to your life

THE FUTURE OF THE DOOR INDUSTRY

G.I. Steel Door & Windows So, we can say that it is a concept reflected in our modern designs for homes, hotels, hospitals, corporations, educational institutes, and other institutional projects. It’s primarily designed by us the most trustworthy and luxury door manufacturers in India.

A LEGACY IN OUR WORK

This name is therefore associated with dexterity and competent manufacturing of engineered wood products a name to reckon with. Sustainable and environmentally friendly is how our wood-based masterpieces are created. For this reason, they are developed with tremendous precision, and sturdiness, and employ global standard proficiency.

Advantages

There are too many advantages

Elegant designs available in a wide variety

Eco-friendly and cost-effective

Uniform Beautiful Look

Provides adjustable architrave to achieve variation in wall thickness

It offers an end-to-end solution, from sourcing raw materials to handing over the finished product to the end customer It’s available in a wide range of colors and designs to match your interiors

Contact: +91 9027423054

Address: Delhi-Saharanpur Road, Near Mahindra Fianance Below Sleepwell, Basement, Baraut (BaghPat) Address: Delhi Saharanpur Road Khanna Nagar Gate No. 1 Dhannu Ram Restaurant Loni, Gzb

Website: Best luxury door manufacturer in Ghaziabad and Noida

Email: gulzarahmed98647@gmail.com

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Enhancing Outdoor Spaces with Beautiful Shade Structures

Shade Structures for Patios help create a comfortable and stylish outdoor space. Not only do they protect you from the sun, but they also enhance the beauty of your yard and allow for customization, making them perfect for any unique style. With the right design, they can end up being the centerpiece of your outdoor living area or, as I see it, making your patio or garden a true oasis.

Making your outdoor space inviting requires more than just furnishings and landscaping; it's about building shade structures in your yard and patio. Architectural additions will protect you from the remorseless sun while also injecting nobility and style into your exterior environment, either to create a cozy little nook for relaxation or a Modern Shade Structure area for entertainment.

Why Choose a Shade Structure?

Shade structures have become an essential component for any person who enjoys spending outdoor time. The benefits certainly go far beyond shielding you from the sun. They would allow you to keep your space cool while extending the usability of your patio or garden, helping you have fun in the sweltering heat of summer without being bothered by it. They also act as protection against harmful UV rays, preventing damage to your skin and prolonging the life of your outdoor furniture.

A good design for a shade structure can add beauty to your property. Shade structures have evolved from sleek modern ones to rustic and charming structures; they are now an architectural focal point in a space, adding character and depth. They can be integrated into the landscape without contest or become a statement piece that stands out, depending on what you want to design it for.

Customizing Your Shade Structure

One of the great things about shade structures is their versatility because they are available in different styles, sizes, and materials to pick whichever suits them best. If one wants a pergola with climbing vines, a minimalist sleek design, or an extremely intricate design, there is a choice.

Customization doesn't end there. You can also select materials that provide the best possible combination of durability and aesthetic appeal. Wood, aluminum, or vinyl are common, and everyone has their perks. Want something that gives you more coverage? Retractable canopies or adjustable louvers provide control over how much sun or shade you want, creating a space that changes with your needs.

Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space

From shade, these structures create defined areas in your outdoor space, thus making it more usable. Want to set up an outdoor dining area? A shadow structure can frame your space perfectly for it to feel intimate and cozy. Want to set up a lounge or entertainment area in the outdoors? It might look secluded, but not cramped, under a well-placed pergola. Another benefit, of course, is that a shade structure will raise the general value of your property. It has the result of adding to your square footage that you can live in, but it also gets you an investment that can provide a fantastic return later on.