#tlc book tours

[theresalikesbooks]

Book Review | Daughter of Ruins

Title: Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon  Pages: 400 Publisher: Harper Muse (oct. 8, 2024) Genre: historical fiction Summary A motherless daughter. An Italian prostitute. A mail-order bride. Are these women brave enough to change their fates? Demitra’s mother died in America in the 1930s when Demitra was three years old. Her father took her home to the Greek island of…

[bookdivareads]

Book Showcase: THE HIGHLANDER'S KILTED BRIDE by Vanessa Kelly

Read an #excerpt from the #historicalromance THE HIGHLANDER'S KILTED BRIDE by #VanessaKelly, book 6 of the Clan Kendrick series. #blogtour #fiction #historicalfiction #ScottishHistorical #romance #ZebraBooks #KensingtonBooks #TLCBookTours

The Highlander’s Kilted Bride: Clan Kendrick Book 6, by Vanessa KellyISBN: 9781420154559 (Paperback)ISBN: 9781420154566 (ebook)ISBN: 9798765082782 (Digital audiobook)ASIN: B0BNCKHJG8 (Kindle edition)Page Count: 352Publication Date: August 22, 2023Publisher: Zebra BooksGenre: Fiction | Historical Fiction | Historical Romance The youngest brother in Clan Kendrick has become a charismatic force in…

[hournites]

I saw Hournite and immediately rushed to send in an ask! 😁 "Is this a date?" -Rhuben

Homemakers

Beth wiped silky cobweb film on her patchwork jeans. Mindful to not let her upbringing with wealthy parents and a spotless home cloud her judgment, she stepped away from the giant 80s curtains, continuing to meander through the fixer-upper. The wooden floorboards were swollen with old water damage and spreading apart by the front foyer, creaking beneath her tennis shoes. A stubborn stale smell lingered in the air, even after Rick opened windows to stop her sneezing.  

“I know it needs work.” Rick glanced around at the stains and barebones furniture, seeing his home through her eyes for the first time. “A lot of work.” 

“That doesn’t matter.” She turned around, full with so much gratitude. To her knowledge, Rick had never let anyone visit his house. When he casually suggested they stop by because he forgot his hourglass in his room, she nearly kicked her feet with giddy. She was happy just to be on his property for the first time, she didn’t expect him to give her a private tour. “I think this place is wonderful.” 

“It’s a shithole,” he corrected, shrugging a shoulder. “There was a pipe leak just last week. You don’t have to lie.” 

It wasn’t a lie. She wasn’t about to deny that it needed serious TLC. The rugs could use a good beating and every room she saw was practically begging for a deep clean. The only mirror was dirty and cracked in the bathroom. The couch could at minimum use a cover, but honestly needed to be replaced…Swiffer could do a commercial here for their mops. No dishwasher and a clothesline for his flannel to dry. At the same time, in all its depressing neglected glory, many trinkets belonging to Rick’s parents were left behind by Matt Harris, writing them off as worthless in value. It was humbling and reassuring to see the reminders of the house this once was. It brought Rick’s past alive. 

In fact, she was certain she could transform this into a rustic, positive and hospitable space Rick wouldn’t have to feel ashamed of. With some flowers in window planters and a few fruit trees for Grundy, they could even revive the farm and make it beautiful again. 

“Nonsense.” Sitting down on a soft duvet in the room they ended up in, she slipped her hands behind herself to curb the itch she had to fetch her goggles and measure dimensions. She flashed him a grin instead. “It just needs a trip to Ikea.”

“…Ikea?” he repeated, like it was a foreign word. 

Beth gave him an excited nod. “Mmhm!” 

Rick crossed his arms with a strange look on his face, leaning against the doorpost as she looked around, noticing a mismatching vibe she couldn’t quite place. She sniffed after another tickling sneeze, nose no longer quite so clogged with dust mite. An earthy scent greeted her at last. A hint of sandalwood and trees.

 “It smells so good here.” She settled in, crossing one leg underneath the other and pulled out her phone for Ikea’s web browser while ideas were still fresh. “Best spot so far.” 

“This is my room,” he told her, amused. “And that’s my bed, so you’re smelling me.” 

She gaped at him, ignoring the flush warming her cheeks. “Your room?” 

But there wasn’t a single personal item here on display! No books, snack wrappers, or any pictures…There was the bed and a chair, and, yes, admittedly now she did see his phone charger plugged into the outlet in the corner, but…she at least expected the hourglass to be somewhere noticeable. 

“What?” he teased. “Didn’t think my bed would be made?”

She stood up, sensitive to what was growing between them and unsure how to proceed. “I didn’t say that!” she protested hotly. 

“I know, B. I’m kidding.” 

His tone went soft. Like he loved to ruffle her feathers for the opportunity to gently set her at ease. 

Opening his door to her also opened a part of  himself that Beth always craved after. As guarded as he first was that she knew everything about where he came from, he’d quickly adapted and affirmed her presence much like the baby steps it took for Rick to invite her to sit shotgun in the Mustang. And now it was her unofficial official seat. 

“But why is it always you now,” Yolanda used to whine when Rick picked them up for school. Beth would shrug innocently, like she hadn’t been aware their dynamic was charged from the start. 

She wasn’t sure how long he’d ever had the peace they fostered in the Mustang, knowing this was the very place he’d used the car for to escape. It wasn’t lost on her that their friendship filled a lot of voids. Connection, solidarity, and, well, partnership. Which, at first, worked in the traditional sense on the team, but had now sailed into the uncharted gray area beyond intense friendship. She couldn’t help longing for more. And, she knew, she was the one that usually tested the boundary as the extrovert of the two, but it secretly thrilled her when it was Rick’s doing, which he was more often. 

It had only occurred to her that she’d never let Rick into her bedroom all the times he’d stayed over. Why was that? Her parents never set out any ground rules. And there she was, curling up in his private space–She could only dream what was running through his mind. Was there such a thing as too comfortable? How much was too much?

“And—” she continued to justify, even though Rick never asked. “I likely have your scent memorized because I’m familiar with your car. Or something.”

“Sure.” Rick lifted an eyebrow at her, and kept going. “Or, you just really like my aftershave.” Bending down, he pulled out a storage container from under his bed with a padlock and that had all his stuff. 

Beth glanced out the window at the field of dry grass, hoping he’d open it too when the room only grew warmer as more unwarranted thoughts of Rick shaving leisurely swirled around her head. 

Meanwhile, Rick latched onto the golden chain of the hourglass and slipped it round his neck. She decided she’d rather be embarrassed about finding such random things Rick does attractive than stay sad about the state of his living habits, clearly developed from living with his uncle. He deserved a teenage room, not a hotel safe. Now that thought drove her to wrap her arms around his middle. 

“Thanks for bringing me here.” 

Rick returned her hug hesitantly, genuinely confused. “Is this just an excuse to smell me?” 

“No,” she said with a roll of her eyes, a teeny tiny fib–she’d already buried her face into his shirt. But this was not the time for that, so she sacrificed the sandalwood for propriety and regretfully pulled away. “I know it matters, that’s all. You could’ve told me to wait in the car but you didn’t. So, thank you.” 

He nodded and Beth stepped back, folding her arms.“So, Ikea after training?” 

She watched him nervously rub his jaw and added, “We can set a budget. And you get veto power over anything we get.” She crossed her heart but in their business, didn’t think it prudent to hope to die. 

“Okay, but I veto.” 

Her hand is still over her chest. “You veto.” 

“It’s my budget not yours.” 

“Okay, but can I buy a few things?” 

“Define a few.” 

She held out a hand. “Ten things?” She saw his face twist and quickly adjusted. “Five things! Five things you really want!”

“One thing. Maybe. I’ll pay you back later. And, I’d need your advice anyway so don’t give me that look. And this is my house, not yours.” 

She saluted as he shepherded her out of his room with a hand on the small of her back.  “Message clear and understood.” 

-.-

“Is this a date?” She peered into a display box with a dozen different door knobs in one of the Ikea showrooms. Rick gave her a long sideways glance as he pushed a cart twice the length of Courtney’s staff. 

“What?” She laughed in his pointed silence. “People go on Ikea dates all the time! They browse interior decor, ask probing questions to get to know each other, share Pinterest ideas to share their dream house aesthetics, and find pieces that fit both styles. There’s a restaurant to eat Swedish meatballs for dinner…Not to mention the teamwork required afterwards for assembly.”

“You think building furniture together with wordless instructions is romantic?” 

“It can be with the right person! And a pair of very useful AI goggles. Or a guy with very convenient strength.” She picked up an eight dollar lampshade. “This one?”

He wrinkled his nose. “Does it come in black? And I thought you were very against using JSA stuff for non-JSA things.”

“Exceptions can be made–Are you sure you want black? That’s a depressing color.” 

“I’m sure.” 

She sighed, resigning to the unforgivable fact Rick was a monochromatic minimalist by default. She noted it down to collect in the maketplace. “So, is this a date?”  

The long cart came to a stop. Rick rested his elbow against the metal grate handle. “Believe it or not I do have standards. I’m not having a first date be a trip to Ikea because my house is so ugly it rendered you to tears.” 

She laughed again in disbelief, having so much fun. “I did not cry!” 

“You hugged me!” 

“Because you smelled really good, and I was in your room, which also smelled really good, and I was happy,” she explained, gesturing wildly. 

“You’re going to bump into that dresser,” Rick warned her, avoiding a backwards collision with the KOPPANG by tugging her close just in the nick of time. 

Greeted by sandalwood yet again, she whispered, “So a first date in your books would not include Ikea at all?”

“Not a first date. Not any date.”

“Noted.” She peered at him quickly, then glanced away to watch other families and couples shop, clasping her wrists behind her back as they walked along the long natural way. Rick strayed away to pick up a few things.

It was when she got lost going through the Turkish rug samples hanging from the ceiling that an arm wrapped around her and she got a kiss on her cheek felt all the way down to her toes. 

[widowshill]

more r/v au things.

During their engagement period, Roger will sometimes ask Carolyn’s help picking out little gifts for V, out of some honest anxiety that he’s not really in touch with the tastes of the Youth. Things like records, dresses, jewelry, hair clips: sometimes with the success, but more often that not they’re more to his niece's taste (but V finds the gesture charming anyway, and it gives Carolyn more options to steal borrow from her closet). he does just as well if not better on his own: old fashioned watches, pearls, silk scarves, French lace lingerie, and books, most of all. he'll occasionally buy her a very nice edition to add to her shelf in the Collinwood library, but what she really likes is being given one of his used books –– annotated poetry anthologies, or marked up old shakespeare. it makes her feel much more intimate with him, and she loves getting a glimpse his mind.

They have one child together: a little girl, Josette Elizabeth Collins, nicknamed “Josie” by Carolyn shortly after she’s born, and the name sticks (much like Vicki did). She resembles V more, especially her nose and mouth, but she has her father’s blue eyes and waving gold hair (this also means she ends up looking a little bit like Laura, but they all keep that observation to themselves). She’s born small and sickly after a rather difficult birth, and remains tiny throughout childhood. But with a household full to give her some TLC, Josie shoots up in height as a preteen. she quickly becomes wayyy taller than Liz, especially once she starts wearing heels, to her aunt's external exasperation at just how fast she's grown.

One childbirth scare is enough, though –– Roger's already come much too close to losing V on several other occasions, as well as having lost his own mother as a result of his birth, to want to risk it again. besides, they already have David, who is enough of a handful on his own, and Rog is getting older, so they mutually decide that he get a vasectomy. you can bet that he fully hams up the recovery period and makes everyone baby him for a week. Liz doesn't fully approve ( it is her brother's branch of the family tree that will continue the name, after all, so she dislikes the idea of not even having the chance of more Collinses ) ... but she has no desire to put V at further risk, either, so she doesn't protest too much.

David is very jealous at the beginning when the baby comes: both Rog and V absolutely dote on her, as does Liz, and Carolyn, who simply delights in being the older cousin / aunt figure to the new baby in the house. So David gets a little impetuous for a while and torments Josie in his way: inventing or summoning ghosts to scare her, slipping the music box into her crib, spooking her at her nap time or dinner. But he grows out of it as Josie grows and he gets more fond, and much more protective of her: he still bugs her as an older brother is wont to do, but rest assured he’s the only one that’s allowed to. David Collins in his teens is not someone you want as an enemy.

As I've alluded to elsewhere, one of V's first big tasks as a new Collins wife that she takes on is the historic restoration of the west wing, which is something she's wanted to do since Burke's death. this is where Roger, V, David, and Josie will stay when it's finished ( another sore point of David's, losing one of his secret play-places ). Barnabas helps –– both in the practical oversight of the project, and in the funding ––  but Roger's pride won't permit him to help too much with the latter. to help offset some of the costs, both of construction and of the upkeep / taxes with having more of the house open, Victoria suggests they open the house up to public tours a few days a week. Roger protests furiously against the idea of having a stream of strangers –– commoners –– in the house, but it's Liz that puts her foot down. she and Vicki personally administer the tours ( being the most knowledgeable about the house, and it and the family history ) including seasonal haunted nighttime tours, where you just might catch a glimpse of a real ghost.

[wowemirates]

Get More for Less: Ultimate Birthday Freebies in Dubai

Celebrating your birthday in Dubai? It’s time to treat yourself without breaking the bank! Dubai’s vibrant social scene offers tons of birthday freebies, from complimentary meals to exciting adventures. Here’s the ultimate guide to getting the best birthday freebies Dubai, keeping you on top of all the free treats after October. Don’t miss out on these exciting offers that let you enjoy the city's luxury for free.

1. Free Dining Delights at Popular Restaurants

Dubai’s dining culture is known for its lavish spreads, and on your birthday, some restaurants make it even better with free meals and desserts!

Texas Roadhouse: Known for its hearty American-style meals, Texas Roadhouse offers a free dessert for birthday diners. Bring a few friends, order a meal, and enjoy a complimentary treat at the end!

The Cheesecake Factory: Craving a sweet treat? Enjoy a slice of cheesecake for free when you dine here on your birthday. You’ll need a reservation, and a minimum order might be required, but it’s totally worth the indulgence.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes: Head over to Black Tap for a creative birthday treat! Known for their outrageous milkshakes and loaded burgers, birthday guests can get a complimentary birthday milkshake, making it an Insta-worthy celebration.

2. Spa and Salon Treats for a Pampered Birthday

Dubai’s luxurious spas and salons make it easy to unwind on your special day. Pamper yourself without paying a dirham with these special birthday freebies Dubai offers:

Sisters Beauty Lounge: If you’re looking for a little TLC, book a treatment at Sisters Beauty Lounge. They offer a free pampering experience for birthday celebrants, like a free blow-dry or quick polish change.

NStyle Beauty Lounge: Known for its chic services, NStyle provides birthday guests with free add-ons or discounts on selected services. Relax, unwind, and celebrate your birthday in style.

3. Adventurous Experiences on the House

For thrill-seekers, Dubai has some amazing experiences lined up. From soaring heights to underwater wonders, these experiences will make your birthday memorable.

Skydive Dubai: While the iconic Skydive Dubai doesn’t offer free skydives, they often run birthday discounts. It’s worth checking their website for seasonal deals so you can plan a bucket-list birthday jump!

Aventura Parks: This thrilling adventure park offers special discounts for birthday celebrants. Navigate zip lines, high ropes, and more, all for less. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Aventura Parks makes a fantastic birthday destination.

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Have an underwater adventure on your birthday with exclusive offers for celebrants. Some packages come with a free guided tour or special discounts, letting you enjoy the aquatic wonders for less.

4. Hotel Daycations for a Luxe Birthday

Dubai’s hotels are all about opulence, and for your birthday, several offer complimentary access to pools, spas, or discounts on daycations.

Atlantis Aquaventure: Atlantis, The Palm often celebrates birthdays with special discounts or even free access to its water park, Aquaventure, when booking with friends. Make a splash with a day filled with thrilling rides and poolside fun.

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa: For a relaxing beach day, Sofitel Dubai offers discounted or complimentary pool and beach access on your birthday, allowing you to unwind in paradise without the high cost.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort: Looking to pamper yourself? Book a massage or spa treatment here and enjoy a complimentary beach day as a birthday treat. Anantara’s stunning facilities make for a perfect day of relaxation.

5. Entertainment and Attractions

Whether you’re a movie buff, a theme park enthusiast, or an art lover, Dubai has numerous birthday freebies Dubai to make your day special.

VOX Cinemas: Catch the latest blockbuster with a complimentary movie ticket from VOX Cinemas. Register in advance and get a free ticket for your birthday month. It’s a great way to treat yourself to a night at the movies without spending a dime.

IMG Worlds of Adventure: For birthday celebrations, IMG Worlds of Adventure offers complimentary passes for birthday celebrants when visiting with a friend. Experience thrilling rides and themed attractions, making your birthday a memorable one.

The Green Planet: Dubai’s tropical indoor rainforest, The Green Planet, occasionally has birthday deals where you can enjoy discounted or free entry. Check their website for any upcoming birthday offers that will let you explore this lush oasis without spending a penny.

6. Sweet Treats and Café Delights

Don’t miss out on free desserts and coffee treats on your special day! Dubai has a delightful café culture with birthday offers for those with a sweet tooth.

SugarMoo: For the dessert lovers, SugarMoo offers a special birthday discount and sometimes a free birthday cake slice. It’s a delicious way to celebrate with a bit of sweetness.

Coffee Club: Enjoy a complimentary coffee at Coffee Club. Simply mention it’s your birthday, and you’ll be treated to a delicious drink to celebrate.

Cold Stone Creamery: Indulge in a free ice cream scoop at Cold Stone Creamery! Bring your ID along, and they’ll scoop up a birthday treat for you on the house.

7. Retail and Shopping Treats

If shopping is your idea of celebrating, several Dubai stores offer birthday discounts, letting you treat yourself without going overboard.

Sephora: Beauty lovers rejoice! Sephora’s Beauty Insider program often includes a birthday gift with any purchase during your birthday month. It’s a fantastic way to score premium products without the extra cost.

Adidas: Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a birthday discount on Adidas products. From shoes to workout gear, celebrate your birthday with a shopping spree!

Mall Gift Cards: Some malls in Dubai, like The Dubai Mall, provide exclusive birthday discounts or gift cards when you register for their loyalty program. Perfect for those who want to splurge a little on their special day.

Final Tips for Birthday Freebies Dubai

Before you head out to celebrate, here are some quick tips to ensure you get the most out of your birthday freebies:

Bring Your ID: Many places will require ID to confirm it’s your birthday.

Plan Ahead: Some offers require you to sign up in advance, so plan a few days before your birthday.

Check Websites: Offers can vary by location and season, so check each website for any special terms or restrictions.

With these fabulous birthday freebies Dubai, you can enjoy a luxurious celebration in Dubai without the luxury price tag. So mark your calendar, invite your friends, and make the most of your birthday with these incredible treats across the city. Whether you’re dining out, shopping, or seeking adventure, Dubai ensures your special day is unforgettable.

[buyumeacademy]

Where to Get the Best Facial in Ratlam: A Tour of Top Salons

Ratlam, a city known for its charm and rich cultural heritage, is also home to some fantastic beauty salons offering top-notch facial treatments. Whether you're looking to pamper yourself with a relaxing experience, rejuvenate your skin, or just give your face a little TLC, the best salons in Ratlam have something to offer. From specialized facials to personalized skincare services, this city is not short of skilled professionals who know how to make your skin glow.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a tour of the top salons in Ratlam where you can get the best facial treatments, including Shri Sai Hair Salon, Shiv Hair Salon, Siddhis Family Salon, and Shree Ganesh Hair & Beauty Salon. We’ll also introduce you to Buyume Salon Finder, an easy-to-use platform where you can book an appointment with these salons online.

1. Shri Sai Hair Salon – Your One-Stop for Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Shri Sai Hair Salon is a trusted name when it comes to beauty care in Ratlam. Though they specialize in hair treatments, their facial services are equally popular. The professionals at Shri Sai Hair Salon understand the importance of maintaining healthy skin and offer a range of facials that cater to different skin types.

From deep-cleansing facials for acne-prone skin to hydrating treatments for those with dry skin, Shri Sai Hair Salon has something for everyone. Their team stays updated on the latest skincare trends, so you can rest assured that you're in good hands. If you want to unwind after a long day, their soothing facial massage will melt away your stress while leaving your skin glowing.

Looking to book an appointment? Check out their services on Buyume Salon Finder and enjoy a hassle-free experience.

2. Shiv Hair Salon – Expert Skin Care with a Personal Touch

If you’re searching for a salon where personal care is the priority, Shiv Hair Salon is the place for you. Known for their welcoming staff and excellent customer service, Shiv Hair Salon takes great pride in offering customized facial treatments. Whether you’re preparing for a big event or simply want to keep your skin in top condition, their skilled beauticians ensure you get the facial that's best suited for your skin type and concerns.

What makes Shiv Hair Salon stand out is their use of high-quality products and modern techniques. Their facials not only provide an instant glow but also work on long-term skin health, making it a top choice among salons in Ratlam. If you’re dealing with acne, pigmentation, or just want a refreshing glow, they’ve got you covered.

Want to schedule your next visit? You can easily book an appointment online through Buyume Salon Finder.

3. Siddhis Family Salon – Professional Care in a Cozy Environment

Siddhis Family Salon is another gem in Ratlam when it comes to facials and skincare treatments. This salon is known for its cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for anyone who enjoys a laid-back yet professional experience. The beauty experts at Siddhis Family Salon are highly trained and believe in delivering results-driven facials.

From anti-aging facials that reduce fine lines and wrinkles to detoxifying facials that give your skin a fresh start, they have a wide variety of treatments to choose from. Siddhis Family Salon takes a holistic approach to skincare, combining the best of nature and science to ensure their clients leave feeling refreshed and beautiful.

If you’ve never tried a facial here, it’s definitely worth the visit. The personalized attention you receive makes all the difference, and your skin will thank you!

You can book an appointment through Buyume Salon Finder for a smooth and easy process.

4. Shree Ganesh Hair & Beauty Salon – Where Beauty Meets Expertise

Shree Ganesh Hair & Beauty Salon is one of the most well-established beauty destinations in Ratlam. They are widely known for their extensive menu of services, which includes a variety of facial treatments designed to suit all skin types. Whether you’re looking for a quick express facial or a more intensive, luxurious treatment, Shree Ganesh Hair & Beauty Salon has a range of options to cater to your needs.

Their staff is not only skilled but also friendly and attentive, ensuring that your experience is both relaxing and effective. They use high-quality, trusted skincare products to help you achieve that radiant, youthful look. If you’re someone who loves to keep up with the latest beauty trends, this is the salon to visit.

Shree Ganesh Hair & Beauty Salon has built a strong reputation for providing great results, and many locals consider it their go-to spot for facials in Ratlam. If you want your skin to look its absolute best, give their services a try.

Booking is simple with Buyume Salon Finder, so you can lock in your appointment in just a few clicks.

Why Use Buyume Salon Finder?

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. With Buyume Salon Finder—an innovative platform that helps connect clients with the best salons in Ratlam—you can easily find the salon that suits your needs and book your appointment online. No more waiting on the phone or worrying about scheduling conflicts!

Here’s how Buyume Salon Finder can make your life easier:

Find Top Salons Easily: Whether you're looking for a salon that offers a great facial or other beauty services, Buyume Salon Finder has it all listed.

Check Reviews and Ratings: Before booking, you can check other clients’ reviews and ratings, ensuring you’re making the right choice.

Convenient Booking: The platform allows you to book your appointment anytime, anywhere. With just a few clicks, your spot is secured!

Explore Offers and Deals: Often, salons listed on Buyume Salon Finder provide special deals and offers that you won’t want to miss.

Whether it’s for a routine facial or a special event, Buyume Salon Finder makes sure that your beauty needs are taken care of without the hassle.

Conclusion

Finding the best facial in Ratlam doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you visit Shri Sai Hair Salon for a deep-cleansing facial, Shiv Hair Salon for personalized skincare, Siddhis Family Salon for a cozy yet professional experience, or Shree Ganesh Hair & Beauty Salon for expert care, each of these top salons in Ratlam offers exceptional facial treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed and radiant.

And remember, with Buyume Salon Finder, you can easily browse through these salons and book your next appointment online, ensuring you get the pampering you deserve without any stress.

So go ahead and treat your skin to the care it deserves. After all, glowing skin is always in!

[yourcomedyminute]

YOUR COMEDY MINUTE WITH TIM YOUNG AKA BLACK ASS TIM #StandUp #Comedian #Atlanta #Alaska #Augusta #Georgia #Slavery #Chicago #Travel #Airport #OldLady #UptownComedyCorner #Hub #Entertainment #ClassClown #Sales #Cocaine #Boss #DrugTesting #Pee #Hot #Probation #Officer #Marijuana #Weed #MookMane #Friends #Black #Alaskan #Last #Moved #White #Girls #Southern #Speak #Music #Sports #Books #Military #Identify #Human #Wakanda #BlackPanther #VFW #BET #PopDude #TLC #SWV #Jokes #Voice #Smoking #ParkingLots #BMG #Sweat #Ink #Darker #Mom #Juice #Soft #Akon #Seal #Embrace #Picked #On #GoForWhatYouKnow #ReddFoxx #RichardPryor #MomsMabley #YouTube #Instagram #Facebook #TikTok #DLHugley #Cussing #Pastor #Corporate #Mercedes #Masters #DariusRucker #Hootie #SlaveName #DMB #DaveMatthews #News #KennyChesney #Video #Band #Drunk #Roadies #Soundcheck #Stage #Promoters #LA #Flappers #ComedyStore #Feature #Followers #HiredGun #TI #Internet #Person #Host #Throwing #Chicken #Regional #Ohio #Midwest #SanFrancisico #Southwest #Airlines #Hurt #Feelings #Interview #Canceled #Opportunity #DaveChappele  #Catalog #OpenMic #Tour #Beat #Culture #Acting #Tubi #Movie #DjangoUnchained #WillSmith #Feet  #Fiend  #PinkEye #BrownEye #Boo #Apollo #Night #Die #Crowd #Weeks #Talent #Shows #Poetry #Slams #Mother #Dress #Up #Tie #Stage #NardHolston #Premiere #Booing #Seconds #Run #Off #Months #Go #Back #TimYoung #ChocolateUnicornEntertainment #Funny #True #Story #Humor #Live #Stream   

 If you would like to be a guest on Your Comedy Minute please contact me

[teabookscatsyoga]

The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie Scott My rating: 5 of 5 stars ***Thank you to Laura at TLC Book Tours for the review copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review. These thoughts and feelings are my own. *** This is one of those books where it's best to embrace the absurdity and hold on for the wild ride. I absolutely loved it. Lilah, the FMC, saves a psychic/witch named Willow from being run over by a wayward vehicle that flies too quickly around a corner. As a "gift" for saving the woman's life, she bestows upon Lilah some knowledge about her future. She tells her about her cheating boyfriend, gives her the lottery numbers, lets her know that she will be passed up for a job position, and drops the bomb that her death will occur one week from that date. Oh and she is the soul mate of a famous man with royal blood named Alastair. After receiving all these truth bombs she decides to live her life to the fullest, and wild shenanigans ensue. Also things get pretty freaky when everything starts to become true. Just coincidences? You'll have to pick up a copy to find out! Lilah ends up spending time with Alastair, while both of them are in denial about their fates. She has an amazing "Pretty Woman" moment and the fairytale vibes throughout the story are so fun. The side characters are hilarious, from Alastair's kooky friends and family, to Lilah's headstrong mother and easy going dad. This was a super fast read for me. I was laughing and pausing to read my husband dialog between characters. I had a wonderful time. View all my reviews

[storyxonline]

Blog Tour Review – Christmas Ever After by Karen Schaler – Sincerely Karen Jo

Hello Lovelies and Happy Wednesday! Welcome to my Blog Tour Stop for Christmas Ever After by Karen Schaler hosted by TLC Book Tours. This book was such a joy to read and absolutely warmed my heart. I love Christmas movies, but haven’t read too many Christmas themed books. After reading this delightful gem, well, I’m definitely going to add more on my TBR during the holiday season. From Karen…

[joyffree]

Title: Flaw in the Defence Author: Tarina Deaton Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance, Romantic Suspense Release Date: January 17, 2023 Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

Paige Davis made a split-second decision years ago – one that made her into the woman she is today. A strong, independent executive of a private security company, she lives her life with no regrets and no apologies. But when a girl’s trip to celebrate her birthday leads to wedding crashing and a hot vacation fling with the bride’s brother, Paige starts to wonder if her life might be missing a few things after all.

Sebastian “Ash” Moreno assured his sister he’d ignore work and his business partner during her wedding weekend and Paige is the perfect reason to keep his promise. He may have no idea why the confident and beautiful Paige is interested in a nerdy programmer like himself, but he’s not going to mention she’s completely out of his league.

Organized by: @buoni_amici_press

[theresalikesbooks]

Book Review | Our Kept Hearts

Title: Our Kept Hearts by Tennille Marie Pages: 354 Genre: historical fiction, coming-of-age Publisher: Purple Iris Printing LLC (Nov. 2, 2023) Summary A heart-warming coming-of-age debut novel where sisters learn that even motherless daughters must grow up and become women one day. Arkansas, 1953. Nine-year-old Hazel McKay knows little girls need a mother. So, when her mother decides to…

[netbros]

100 Hikes of a Lifetime by National Geographic

This ultimate hiker’s guide, from the celebrated Appalachian Trail to Micronesia’s secluded Six Waterfalls Hike, treks through 100 energizing experiences for all levels.

Filled with beautiful National Geographic photography, wisdom from expert hikers like Andrew Skurka, need-to-know travel information, and practical wildlife-spotting tips, this inspirational guide offers the planet’s best…

[twinfauna]

The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang #thedragonrepublic #thepoppywars @tlcbooktours @kuangrf @harperyoyagerus #5stars #5cacti

Rin’s story continues in this acclaimed sequel to The Poppy War—an epic fantasy combining the history of twentieth-century China with a gripping world of gods and monsters. The war is over. The war has just begun.Three times throughout its history, Nikan has fought for its survival in the bloody Poppy Wars. Though the third battle has just ended, shaman and warrior Rin cannot forget the atrocity…

[cr3eks]

fucked up and missed tickets for turnstiles second leg of the TLC tour in Boston. so i bought one for pittsburgh and booked a flight. i cannot miss this again man

[minaslittleone]

The Sarahs as plant mums (AHS & Ratched)

Like many people I've become an avid plant mum over the course of the pandemic (much to the chagrin of those in my life who have to hear every time one of my babies sprouts a new leaf), which got me thinking - what kind of plant mum would each of the Sarahs be?

GIF: illuminated-blue

Billie-Dean Howard

Image: winterkindfotographie

Billie-Dean is much more partial to flowers than she is to caring for a whole plant. She is definitely the kind of person who always has fresh flowers in her home but also takes the time to trim and rearrange the bouquet as she places it in a vase, rather than merely unceremoniously compacting the existing arrangement into a vessel. She also definitely has a secret cut flower food recipe (passed down to her by the ghost of a Victorian housekeeper whom she met while filming a special of her show at a mansion in the UK) which keeps her cut flowers looking immaculate for a full week. If her schedule permits it, her favourite thing to do on a Sunday morning is to stroll the farmers markets and choose individual types of flowers and foliage to bring home and arrange herself from scratch. She finds the process of trimming each of the stems and finding the perfect position for each individual bloom incredibly cathartic.

Her favourite flowers are bright and cheerful. She is particularly drawn to things like tulips, gerberas and lillies, but finds softer more delicate blooms like carnations frustrating and overly dramatic, she definitely appreciates a bit of tenacity in her flowers. She also has no time for strongly scented blooms, and particularly despises the way roses seem to emit a sickly sweet odor after only a few days. Billie finds scents and perfumes in general to be quite cloying and overwhelming as smell is one of the ways she is often viscerally affected when she makes contact with ghosts. She unfortunately associates most strong smells with encounters and so sweet smelling blooms hold little appeal to her, she much prefers fresh neutral scents. The one exception is lavender which she does find soothing. After a particularly taxing week it is not uncommon for her usual bright cheerful blooms to be replaced by simple posies of lavender and rosemary as she recenters herself.

Lana Winters

Image: toms-cacti

Lana is undoubtedly a plant serial killer. Which is totally unsurprising since whenever she gets fixated on a new story she often forgets to feed herself, let alone feed and water her plants. That doesn't mean she doesn't appreciate them though. She loves the way little office plants bring life and vitality to her workspace, that is until they inevitably whither and die from lack of water, or from being burried under piles of paper but that doesn't stop her trying.

Eventually Lana discovers that she and succulents are well suited. It actually makes a lot of sense when she thinks about it - they're both a little prickly on the outside (but only to protect the softness underneath) and both are stubborn to a fault. Lana is particularly fond of the slightly larger cactus she keeps on her desk (which is incidentally the first plant she managed not to kill) and often finds herself talking to him to help work through the flow of her ideas or to overcome writer's block. Spike (as she creatively named him) really is a very good listener and a talented editor to boot.

Still there are times when Lana wishes she had a greener thumb and could expand her collection beyond succulents. As much as she loves Spike and his prickly friends, she really wishes they would grow just a bit quicker so she could experience that new leaf joy even just once. She completely dissuades herself of those feelings though when she returns from a week long book tour to find a weird bump on the top of Spike. Her first thought is that after all this time she's finally managed to kill him and that she really is as terrible a plant parent as she had feared. However, those fears completely dissolved the following morning when she returned to her office to find that Spike's bump had begun to open into the beginnings of a beautiful pink flower. For a minute she could only stare on disbelief, not quite comprehending what was going on however, that quickly gave way to a giddy childlike grin when she realised that she must be doing something right. That, and her little man really did look very cute with his flower top hat.

Cordelia Goode

Image: chickadeegreen

Cordelia doesn't just have a green thumb, she has ten green fingers. She absolutely adores plants and having living things around her, especially since the greenhouse has always been her place of peace and sanctuary. She finds it incredibly cathartic pottering around the greenhouse when she gets a few spare moments away from all her duties as supreme/headmistress/mother to a house full of girls. Most of the plants she keeps in the greenhouse are solely for practical/ medicinal purposes but she does keep a few plants in her room and office which she finds soothing. She is particularly fond of philodendrons and pothos with their easy going nature and relaxed growth pattern. She loves the way they seem to make themselves at home anywhere and every time she spots new leaves unfurling it makes her smile. She tries to make an effort to see the beauty in their imperfections and use them to remind herself that everything doesn't always have to be perfect.

Since her supremacy the plants in her personal spaces have thrived unlike anything anyone has ever seen, seemingly feeding off Cordelia's magical aura. Any time any of the plants in the greenhouse are waning she will take them to her office for a few days of rehabilitation after which they will always be positively bursting with life. It is not uncommon for her to find new additions appearing in her little infirmary if Mallory or Misty have noticed that a particular plant is in need of a little TLC.

The flip side to this is that any time Cordelia over taxes herself, while she may be an expert at schooling her features and hiding it from her girls, it will show in her plants. After too many late nights dealing with running the academy or too many days spent funneling all of her energy into everyone around her (and subsequently completely neglecting herself) the plants in her office (and room) will start to lose their vibrancy as well. The first victim is usually the heartleaf philodendron on Cordelia's office bookshelf (the first plant she allowed herself to bring into the space after ascending to the supremacy) which seems to be particularly attune to her moods, especially when it is feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy sapping her magic. Conversely it's the monstera deliciosa in the corner of her office that seems to be the first to wilt when its physical stress or exhaustion plaguing the supreme. Zoe now automatically takes stock of the plants in Cordelia's office every time she enters, knowing it's the only true indication she's likely to get that the supreme herself might be in need of some TLC.

Bette and Dot Tattler

Image: geopsych

Bette has always been drawn to flowers, she thinks they're terribly romantic. From bouquets of flowers from gentleman callers to sweet cottage gardens behind white picket fences, teeming with blooms of assorted colours, Bette thinks flowers are a beautiful symbol of normality. She desperately wants to have a garden or even a window box that she can tend to, however that particular desire is not entirely compatible with living in a trailer.

What she does have though is a small collection of African Violets sitting on their kitchen windowsill. They were a present from Jimmy after Bette's first performance singing in the freakshow. Though she might be completely tone deaf she is fiercely determined, so after months of practice she had finally managed to learn "dream a little dream of me" enough to hold the tune (with Dot gently humming it alongside her to keep her in pitch). A few days before Bette was due to perform Jimmy had quietly pressed a note into Dot's palm after dinner asking which type of flowers Bette preferred so that he could get her a bouquet for her first performance. Dot's heart warmed at that, seeing the man that she loved so tenderly care for her sister. Later that evening she had pressed a note back in reply that Bette loved anything pink, cheerful and romantic, however she also ached for flowers the she could keep beyond the length of time a bouquet would last. So maybe a flowering plant would be better. Jimmy of course bought both, handing Bette a beautiful posie of assorted pink coloured carnations along with a terracotta pot of African Violets. Bette had thrown her arm around Jimmy's neck and squeeled with excitement at the sight of her flowers while Dot had offered him the warmest, proudest smile as she mouthed "thank you" against the backdrop of her sister's excited ramblings.

Given how long Bette had pined for flowers and how excited she had been to receive them it is unsurprising that she is a devoted plant parent. She waters her flowers once a week like clockwork, adding water to a saucer underneath the pot and letting them drink the water up through their roots just like Paul had shown her. Apparently African Violets don't like to get their leaves wet. Bette would even go as far as to take her flowers out for some sun if she felt the conditions on their windowsill weren't right at their current campsite. Her little pot of flowers really did bring her so much joy.

Dot may not have shared her sister's passion for flowers (finding them mostly to be needless and frivolous) but in the end she was the one who responsible for the expansion of her sister's flower garden. When Paul had originally shown Bette how to care for her flowers he had also mentioned that they could be propagated which had fascinated Dot. The idea you could just take a leaf and it would grow roots and become a completely new plant was amazing to her. But convincing Bette to let her try it out for herself definitely proved to be battle. Bette certainly wasn't keen on allowing her sister to chop into her precious flowers while Dot couldn't see why her sister was being so protective, the little plant certainly had plenty of leaves to spare, especially if it could give a whole new plant. Unsurprisingly the disagreement escalated to a pair of very raised voices which is what ultimately drew Jimmy into the argument. After managing to calm down both sisters Jimmy revealed to Bette that the tiny pot plant had originally been her sister's idea because she knew how much she wanted to have flowers of her own. Dot confirmed that she does know how important the flowers are to Bette and that she would never want to hurt them, she was just excited at the possibility of being to make more of them for her sister and be able to give her the windowsill full of flowers that she had always dreamed of. Bette couldn't help but relent after that. A few months later and Dot has become quite the propagation expert, to the point where their windowsill is beggining to fill up with juvenile plants as well as fresh cuttings just beginning to take root. Bette smiles every time they catch her eye, not just at the beauty of the flowers that she spent so long pining for but also for how they symbolise her sister's love for her. While they may still bicker bitterly from time to time, Bette knows that no one will ever love her as much or as fiercely as her sister does. Dot still has no real interest in the flowers themselves. She does still find propagating rewarding, especially watching her little babies start to grow and flourish. But mostly she just enjoys watching the way they make her sister smile.

Sally McKenna

Image: jeremiahsplants

Sally is obsessed with carnivorous plants and you can't convince me otherwise. She definitely discovered them on Instagram and loves all the funny shapes and crazy colours that they come in. Sally would never be content with a plant that looks like a plant - no her plants need to look like vicious little aliens. The fact that they're natural born killers is also a nice little bonus. She loves how they subvert the natural order of things - insects should eat plants not the other way around.

When she first discovered plants online Sally got really upset that she'd never be able to go out and buy any of her own. It was Iris who mentioned that maybe she would be able to order some online - big mistake. Sally is nothing if not obsessive and her room now rivals Poison Ivy's lair with the number of plants she has crammed in there. The sheer number of babies in her collection doesn't mean that she neglects them though, no Sally is absolutely an A level obsessive plant mum - only the best for her babies. When she discovered that carnivorous plants prefer distilled water to tap water she started ordering it by the gallon, and as the best lit positions in her room started to fill up she definitely ordered grow lights so that none of her babies suffer. The grow lights also give off a slight purple glow which makes her room look like a rave which is absolutely a feature and not a bug.

Sally has also been known to go hunting for food for her babies, especially since her collection has grown and she worries there isn't enough to go around. Iris and Liz frequently find her collecting dead flies from window ledges to take back to her growing brood. She offers them to her babies with tweezers as a mother bird would to her chicks. The last time Iris had an exterminator spray the Cortez Sally accused her of trying to murder her babies with poison and absolutely ordered fruit flies online (intended for feeding pet reptiles rather than pet plants but meh) to keep her collection going until she could be absolutely sure that the offending toxins had dissipated.

It goes without saying that Sally has a separate plant Instagram account which she updates on nearly a daily basis with photos of new growth or just progress on her collection. She definitely has a great eye for plant photography and for making her babies come to life on the screen. One of her favourite things to do is film feeding videos with her largest Venus Flytrap "Fang" (who incidentally has his own Instagram account: @Fangstagram). Watching plants move so quickly will never get old to Sally and she has definitely been known to tease some of her smaller flytraps into snapping shut just for her enjoyment. She tries not tease them too much though, they are her babies after all.

Audrey Tindall

Image: savannahs-succulent-garden

Like Lana, Audrey is another serial plant killer, but for complete different reasons. Audrey, bless her, kills her plants with far too much kindness (and water). She so desperately wants a house full of the beautiful lush plants she sees all over Instagram so she tries her darnedest to be the best plant parent ever. Her problem is that every time she sees leaves starting to yellow or wilt she assumes it must be from lack of water (rather than the fact that their roots are already rotting from far too much).

Initially she fell into the trap of picking up plants she thought looked cute on Instagram or in the garden centre, without really knowing much about caring for them. Needless to say this didn't end well (multiple times). She thought she had cracked it when discovered the subset of house plants refered to as "hard to kill". Unfortunately, most of those plants are very resistant to neglect but not to Audrey's smothering type of plant parenting. Finally she discovered peace lillies which do actually like to have wet feet and appreciate all of her affection. She's slowly collecting other spathiphyllums in all shapes and sizes now that she's feels confident she's got the hang of them. She gets so excited every time one of them grows a new leaf or flowers - such a proud plant mum.

Now that she's growing a little more confident with at least a subset of house plants she will occasionally post photos to her Instagram. She's still pretty insecure about her plant parent abilities though and it doesn't help that she will occasionally get haters telling her she's doing it all completely wrong. She tries not to let them get to her but sometimes they really do get her down - all she wanted to do was share the joy that her plant babies bring her and she's doing her best to do right by them. After one particularly brutal bout of trolling it's actually Sally who defends her. Audrey has been following Sally's plantstagram since she first started getting interested in plants so the fact that Sally even acknowledged her kinda blows her mind. Sally tells people in no uncertain terms to back off Audrey or she will set her carnivorous babies on them. The two strike up a fast friendship after this and through Sally's guidance Audrey eventually begins to grow more confident as a plant mum. For her birthday Sally definitely sends Audrey her first baby Venus Flytrap with the absolute insistence that it be named "Audrey II".

Ally Mayfair-Richards

Image: swordsintheforest

Ally has never really seen the appeal of house plants nor does she have the time (or the headspace) to look after them. She does however have a fully stocked herb garden growing in window boxes in the kitchen to have everything within easy reach for cooking. She also loves the fresh clean smell of the basil and rosemary wafting through the house on the breeze if she leaves the windows open, particularly if it has rained. She may even admit that she's beginning to see the appeal of having the greenery around the place from an aesthetic standpoint as well.

Given how busy Ally is juggling being a senator, running a restaurant and being a single mum (plus whatever wink wink nudge nudge cult stuff she's up to on the side) it's not really surprising that it's Ozzie who's taken to caring for the herb garden most of the time. He's always been such an inquisitive kid and Ally loves watching the way his face lights up over simple things like flowers and new growth. Ozzie is particularly obsessed with propagation and there is always at least a handfull of his experiments on the windowsill. Whether it's an avocado seed he's trying to get to sprout or basil cuttings he's trying to root, he always has some new scheme in the works. Ally usually just smiles and ruffles his hair (so proud and glad that she has such an amazing and we'll rounded kid after everything that he's been through). As long as he leaves her enough basil to make pesto with, she's happy for him to play to his heart's content.

Wilhemina Venable

Image: leafyleafs

Plants have never been of any interest to Wilhemina, she considers them to be unnecessary sources of dirt and clutter. They serve no practical purpose so she has no time for them. At least until she becomes the somewhat unwilling recipient of one. As far as office secret Santa presents go, she supposes, the lilac coloured orchid is actually quite inoffensive. However she can't shake the feeling that it must have been bought for her as some kind of challenge, that someone at Kineros is secretly watching to see how quickly she will kill it because someone like the imperious Ms Venable is obviously incapable of the kindness or tenderness necessary to keep something as beautiful and delicate as an orchid. What she doesn't know is that it was actually from Mutt, because while he is usually too coked out of his mind to show it, he is actually quite fond of her. And he knows her well enough to know that she would never accept a gift from him directly so each Christmas he rigs the office Secret Santa to get her name so he can her something (and also partly because he doesn't trust some of the interns not to get her something crude on a dare given the anonymous nature of the gift). He also knows her well enough to realise that she would appreciate the elegant beauty (and obviously the colour) of the orchid but would never cede to the frivolity of buying something like it for herself.

Despite the good intentions of the gift, Wilhemina can not fathom the idea that it was genuinely meant for her enjoyment. Obviously someone is toying with her but she will not be beaten. Wilhemina Venable may not know the first thing about orchids but she will be damned if whoever gave her the wretched thing manages to get a laugh out of it at her expense. So she learns. Mina is nothing if not fiercely independent and resourceful so she scours the internet for information on orchid care and reads everything she can find. And of course she succeeds (because anything else would be unacceptable to her).

After six months her little orchid is still alive and thriving in her office and privately she would have to admit that she has grown quite attached to it. Compared to other plants she finds it to be quite neat and tidy, and there is something elegant and refined about its arching growth habit which she finds quite beautiful. Over the course of her research she has of course come across the tremendous variety of orchids available. She of course is drawn to all of the different tones of purple blooms but also finds herself unexpectedly drawn to some of the darker, more gothic varieties. She tries to tell herself that it is merely an aesthetic appreciation, that they hold no actual allure to her, but she keeps finding herself drawn back to them. She almost buys herself one on *so many* occasions but the idea of doing something so frivolous just for her own pleasure and enjoyment is so terrifying to her that she always chickens out. Eventually she caves though, buying an indigo coloured orchid on sale at the grocery store, abruptly rushing home with it before she can change her mind again. She spends the entire rest of the day second guessing the decision but the next morning when she opens her eyes to the delicate purple blooms tenderly placed on her night stand she can't help the gentle smile it brings to her face or the warmth that settles in her chest.

After that her collection slowly grows. She still struggles with buying things for herself simply for pleasure but she is getting better, and the sick guilty feeling in the pit of her stomach seems to appear less and less each time she does it. So her collection of orchids grows, mostly including those with particularly dark blooms or interesting and unusual shapes (though there are definitely a couple of lilac and lavender coloured blooms in there as well). She also begins to expand to other dark leaved plants as well, like certain begonias and definitely a ZZ raven. Like with the orchids, all of her new acquisitions are thoroughly researched and she is determined to succeed in their care.

Mutt will sometimes catch her glance fondly at her little desk orchid as he passes her office. He is genuinely glad to have given her something that seems to bring her such contentment. If only he knew the true extent of the gift he had given her.

Mildred Ratched

Image: bidoctor

Mildred has no idea about plants of any kind. Or at least she didn't before Gwen. Her childhood certainly wasn't filled with simple pleasures like planting flowers or playing in a vegetable patch, and any indoor plants or flower arrangements were merely things she was forbidden to touch and harshly punished if she damaged. So inevitably these things inspired a far greater degree of anxiety and tension in Mildred than they did joy or contentment.

But Gwen loves gardening. She had memories as a young child of helping her father in their backyard, returning of an evening covered in mud, much to her mother's dismay. Gwen's strong nurturing nature made her a very capable gardener and she derived a great sense of contentment from it. On some level Mildred wished she could help Gwen as she pottered through their garden of a weekend but she wouldn't have a clue where to start. In fact, the nasty voice in Mildred's head whispered, she would be so much better off without you, you'll just ruin everything, you're far too useless to be of any help. So as Gwen worked Mildred would watch, pretending to pay attention to her novel but really trying to find the pattern and reason to Gwen's actions so that maybe, someday, she wouldn't be quite so useless.

Mildred did, however, enjoy accompanying Gwen to the nursery when she went to collect supplies for their garden. Mildred may not have the faintest idea what any of the plants were called or how to care for them but she did find it peaceful to walk through the rows upon rows of different shades of green. She was continually fascinated by how many different shapes, sizes and colours they seemed to come in. Sometimes Gwen would catch her staring curiously at a particular plant but Mildred would always decline when Gwen offered that they could take it home with them.

One particular Saturday in spring Gwen found Mildred tenderly righting a small yellow marigold which had been knocked over by other nursery-goers as they riffled through the display to choose the brightest and most beautiful blooms. The poor little plant was somewhat lopsided and some of its leaves were slightly crushed from where it had lain, still there were the beginnings of golden yellow petals starting to peak from within the confines of its buds. Gwen watched as Mildred delicately unkinked the worst of the damaged leaves, fingers ghosting over the flowers that had yet to bloom. This time when Gwen suggested that they take the battered little plant home with them Mildred suddenly became very interested in a thread dangling from the cuff of her blouse as she muttered "Wouldn't it be easier to just choose one that isn't crushed? One without so much damage?". Gwen gently reached out, linking her pinkie with Mildred's, cursing that anything more would have been unacceptable in public. She gently squeezed Mildred's slender finger in her own until her gaze lifted to meet Gwendolyn's. "Never" she breathed. "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all". She felt her throat tighten and eyes begin to burn as she watched Mildred's eyes begin to glisten and that *damn* dimple on her chin begin to quiver. "I wouldn't have the faintest idea of how to look after it", Mildred's gaze dropping again to the poor bruised little plant. Gwen squeezed their intertwined fingers once more, coaxing Mildred's eyes to meet her own. "I can show you, if you'd like?" Mildred's teeth began to worry her bottom lip as she considered. "What if I can't? What if I kill it?" "Sweetheart, you won't and I'll be there with you every step of the way. We can do it together." Mildred seemed to consider this offer, turning back to gaze tenderly at their little friend, before meeting Gwen's eyes. "Ok" she murmured, "together".

After that, every time Mildred and Gwen returned to the nursery Mildred would inevitably leave with a battered looking plant that she was determined to rehabilitate. Gwen, true to her word, patiently guided Mildred through the basics of plant care and Mildred, unsurprisingly, quickly became very proficient. Her tiny, dextrous fingers, used to dealing with needles and surgical instruments, were incredibly adept at staking and repositioning bent and battered plants as she helped them to heal. Soon enough, one end of their porch became entirely dedicated to Mildred's patients, so much so that Gwen began affectionately referring to it as Mildred's ward. And in spite of her initial fears Mildred had become quite the proficient gardener, with her little rag-tag bunch of plants, all twisted and pointing in slightly odd directions, forming the most beautiful and beloved garden Gwendolyn had ever seen.

[p---ink]

White.

Author’s Note: First Chris Oneshot. It was supposed to be a blurb/drabble, but I think its a bit too long for that now. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this filth. Also you ever get that feeling, where you feel like you've came up with an idea in your head originally, but also feel like you may have seen it somewhere else? Yea that's how I feel about this piece. So if you've read something similar to this, please link it and let me know so I can edit or delete this post altogether.

Summary: Chris greets you after a long day at work, with some TLC.

Word Count: 2.9k.

Warning: Fluff and Smut. Oral (female receiving), fingering, Semi-mean Daddy Chris, over-stimulation, multiple orgasms, and I think...maybe that’s it? Please let me know if I forgot something.

Disclaimer: Gif is not mine. 

“The kids are asleep?” You whispered, when he held his finger to his lips upon your arrival. 

“Yea, I just laid Ezra down. That is one rowdy little person.” He said chuckling, leaning down to plant a kiss on your mouth. He held you by your waist to pepper more along your face. 

“Chris baby, you are a God-send.” You sighed, leaning in to his touch. “You will not believe the shitty day I had.”

“Hold that thought and take a seat, doll” he ordered, urging you towards the living room by your shoulders. “I’ll be right back.” He promised. 

You sighed as you threw your work bag down on the love chair beside you, kicking your shoes off in the process.  When you crossed the room to drop down on the sofa, the weight of today’s events crushed you instantaneously, as you waited for your husband to return. 

You’ve been married for six years, and he’s been good to you for all of them. Great even. He always listened, and almost never complained. How could he when he was usually away, due to his job? 

He was forever busy with filming, press tours and whatnot. It made him feel guilty to leave you and your sons so often. So any time he was at home for a break, he took full advantage. He spent time with his boys, and then the rest with you, spoiling you all with his love. 

Preoccupied with your stress, you almost failed to notice Chris taking a seat in front of you. He took hold of one of your legs, and that’s when you noticed your spa-kit placed next to him. 

“Baby, you don’t have to do this.” You cried, scrunching your face in relief when he rubbed your calf in just the right spot.

Chris flashed those pretty baby blues at you, along with that signature smug smirk. “You know I do. And you know I want to.” He said, before dousing his hands with oil. 

As he firmly massaged the coconut into your skin, you couldn’t help but marvel at him. Taking a pillow into your arms to hug, and hide your giddy smile, you reply with, “What I did I do to deserve you?”

“Well I would tell you, but I don’t have enough time, because you’ve got to tell me about what’s got my girl so upset.” He informed you with a stern look that read who do I have to kill? “Before you do that,” he started, placing your newly moisturized leg down before grabbing the other, “Choose a color.” 

You tucked your bottom lip between your teeth, peering over to take a look into the open basket. It had an assorted amount of different nail polishes and products for nail care. Your favorite color currently decorated the bottom of the basket, and it made you recall the time your oldest son Jeremy spilled its contents over while playing a game of “paint” about a week ago. That boy. You thought, shaking your head playfully. Well I guess I won’t be choosing that one. 

After a moment of close examination, and scrutiny, you chose “White”, which made Chris immediately stop his measures against your legs, to peer up at you through hooded lids. 

“So its one of those days, huh.” He smirked. “I was hoping you’d pick that one.”

“What do you mean by that?” You questioned. You hadn’t known he preferred certain colors on you. 

“I’ll tell you later, but first tell me about your day baby.”

He didn’t need to tell you twice. You were dying to get it all off your chest.  You spilled out your hearts content, as your husband massaged your legs, then your feet, and in between your toes. As he delicately removed the old paint from your last session, and proceeded to paint your feet, you were almost finished relaying the message. 

“…and its just like they treat me like I’m insane! But you know what? The way i’m always overlooked, and ignored, makes me feel like I am going insane. Every time I suggest an idea, its stupid. But let some asshat say the exact same thing, and they praise him like a god.” You complain, rolling your eyes, at your memories from your work day. 

Chris offered you the occasional nod or two, humming softly at your cries of frustration when needed. And as much as he wanted to offer his two cents on the matter, he knew that what you wanted most was to be heard. You just wanted to be listened to. And while you wouldn’t of minded him beating their asses, he knew you needed his tenderness. His love. His care. And so that’s what he gave you. 

“And you know why they do it right? It’s because I’m a woman! A black one at that. Lord Jesus, it pisses me off so much.” You sigh, finally bringing your eyes down to him, after they had been trained on the air and nothingness around you; you had a habit of re-living stories as you told them. “But honey, this has really helped out a lot.” You say, cupping his chin lovingly. 

“You know I’ll do anything for you doll. And fuck those sons of bitches. They’re idiots if they can’t see how amazing you are. If you quit, like I suggested a while ago, that’ll really show ‘em.” Chris exclaimed, applying a second coat of white.

“Now you know I love what I do. I just wish I was more appreciated is all!” 

He gave you a sympathetic look before saying, “well you know me and the boys appreciate you.”, running his fingers along the ridges of your toes to remove the misapplied dye on your skin. 

“I know you do baby. I mean look at what you’re doing for me now.” You said, gesturing towards the care he took with your feet. 

Chris just smiled in response. He only felt slightly defeated when you rejected his idea to stay at home. You told him many stories about the jerks you worked with. You were among one of the only women at your company, and you paid for that fact daily. You told him, how they would talk to you, and treat you, even though you had the same amount, if not more experience as they did. He didn’t want you to have to put up with that. He wanted you to kick your feet up and enjoy the life he would provide for you and the kids you both created. But, like the supportive husband he was, he honored your wishes to pursue your passions. He knew that was what made you happier at the moment. The time would come, where he could spoil you completely, though. 

“Speaking of this,” You started, motioning towards your feet once more. “What’d you mean when you said “So it’s one of those days, huh”” You asked, putting on your best impression of him. 

Chris put on a smile that could light up a room, as a deep throaty chuckle erupted from his chest, and vibrated through your body via your feet. “Is that what you think I sound like? No matter, I’ll tell you what I meant. I can predict exactly what it is you need, and how you feel, based on the nail polish color you choose.” He said confidently, picking up a clear polish to apply the final coat.

“Is that right?” You ask, failing to take him seriously, even when he flashed that cocky grin and brow twitch that he often used to back his claims. “You’re so full of shit.”

“Seriously. I can. Listen.” He informed you, opening the clear polish, and brushing the access paint along the insides of the bottle. “I can prove it.”

“Fine! Go ahead.” You state, becoming intrigued.

Delicately holding your left foot against his knee, he starts explaining his theory while applying polish. “You see, when you choose a pale blue or orange, I know you just wanna forget about things with a movie or a cuddle session. Forest green or black, when you feel like throwing a couple of shots back with your girls at a bar. Mauve and a nude of any kind are your favorites, and you request them when you need to feel in control, classy, or sophisticated. And you always choose a soft pink, or yellow, when you need a happy reminder, or a burst of energy and inspiration. Lavender, is a color I wish you’d choose more, since it represents your happiness. Gray, is a color I wish you’d choose less, since it means you’re sad. And then there’s plum purple and candy apple red, two colors I can’t get enough of. You want those, when you’re feeling sexy. See, baby I can read you like an open book.” He declared, moving on to your second foot. Feeling quite sure of himself. 

You just stared at him in awe. Then you realized he didn’t mention, the one he just spent  ten minutes applying. “You forgot about white.”

“Oh I didn’t forget angel.” He corrected, smirking as he finally finished painting both feet. “I’m just waiting on your toes to dry.” After he says this, he begins to sensually blow cool air on your toes. 

“Chris! Tell me what it means!” You pout playfully, growing fed up with his secrecy. Also tickled from the air he blew. 

“Fine. But be quiet, you don’t wanna wake those little demons.” He warned, fixing you with a stern look that made you erupt into quiet giggles. He always made you laugh with his juxtaposed funny-seriousness. He was seriously funny. “White is my absolute favorite. You wanna know why? Its simple, and doesn’t drown out your pretty personality. It goes with every outfit, purse, and hairstyle. You wear this color, when you’re frustrated. Exasperated. Annoyed. You choose white, when you need me to wrap those pretty little legs around my neck, so I can make you cum till kingdom come. Or until you see, ‘white’. Whichever comes first”. He finished, staring at you seriously all of the sudden. A thick silence had befallen the two of you, and you almost didn’t know how to escape it. 

After a moment, you break out into a smile, despite Chris’ unmoving features. “Are you sure that’s what I want? Or is it something you want?”

“It’s what you need.” He affirmed, finally matching your expression, only his smile held a lot more lust than yours. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

“I’ll tell you something alright, Chris. I think you paint my nails entirely too much.”

He lets out a breathy chuckle, moving to pack up the spa kit, before saying “So in other words I’m right.” He rises to his feet, peering down through his long lashes with a knowing grin, before turning to leave the room. But not without saying, “Don’t worry baby, I’ll give you what you need.” Leaving you an anxious mess.

You start squirming in your seat, waiting with anticipation for him to return. You try to sit in your sexiest pose, but it makes you feel awkward. Then you start to wonder if you should remove your underwear. But you know he likes doing that. You even wonder if you smell okay, after such a long day at work. A million thoughts race through your mind, and you barely register his presence when reenters the room. You slightly jump, when you feel his warm hands brush against the nape of your neck.

“Shit baby.” Chris laughs, as he rounds the couch. “I knew it was bad, but I didn’t realize how bad. Let daddy, handle this for you.” He says kneeling back in front of you, knees tucked firmly under his person. He smoothes his hands over the expanse of your soft supple skin, leaving a burning trail of desire in his wake. When he hooks his fingers underneath the waistband of your panties, your breath hitches as the cool air hits your moistened sex. 

You lift your thighs and legs, so he can carefully remove the lace without ruining his handwork on your feet. When Chris surveys your dampened panties and inhales their scent, his grin grows wider. “You’re already this wet for me?” 

He gives you no time to answer as he’s pulling you closer to his face, by your thighs. The sudden movement caused a whimper to escape your throat, soft sound making his cock harden. He’s working his kisses up against your thighs with a quickness, ready to produce more sounds like the last. 

Your head’s position on the couch has you feeling a bit awkward, and you go to say  “This is uncom—” but cut yourself off with a moan, as he dives his thick tongue between your petals, writing love notes against the skin.

“What’s that, doll?” Chris asks, hot breath dangerously close to your bud.

You just mewl in response, wetting his beard with your juices, as he eats you like you’re his last meal. “Right there baby.” You groan, grinding yourself against his mouth when his tongue darts against your nub. 

“Right here?” He questions softly, repeating the same gestures, sending a jolt through your body that makes you buck against his face. 

Your words leave your throat, as he sucks harshly against the problem areas, shocks of pleasure emitting through your person. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, he adds his fingers. First two, but then three as he starts fucking your pussy. 

“D-daddy!” You cry, voice coming out shaky as you writhe against his lips and fingers. His actions have you climbing up the couch. 

Then he removes his lips, warning you to keep quiet. “My babies are upstairs, I’m gonna need you to keep your pretty mouth shut.” He commands, placing your soaked panties between your lips. 

As he quickens the pace of his fingers, and makes his tongue dart from left to right relentlessly against your clit, you approach your first orgasm of the night, and he knows it too, when your hole clenches around his fingers. 

He smiles, and tells you how proud of you he is, but he isn’t done with you yet. 

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

Your muffled moans ring through your ears, as you clamp your teeth down around your underwear. Your jaw was becoming slack from keeping it open so long, and you were feeling sore.

Chris was still continuing his assault against your sex. He had long moved from his position on the floor, and now sat beside you on the couch. 

He had your legs sprawled open, keeping them from closing with one hand gripped on your thigh, and the other rubbed fast and hard circles against your clit, while he whispered sweet nothings into your ear.

“What number was that one, baby? Five, six? I lost count after the third time, when you squirted on daddy’s chest.” He growled, biting his lip, as he quickened his pace against your nub. “Do you think you can do that again?”

You moaned in protest, shaking your head from left to right, as you approached another orgasm. You couldn’t take anymore pleasure, your sensitive bud was going through too much.

“What’s that baby? I can’t hear you.” He teased, face as serious as it could be. He was testing you. You knew not to remove the underwear, or you’d be there all night. When you made no moves to pull them out, he did it for you, a string of spit connecting your lips to the fabric.

You immediately pleaded with him to ease up. “Daddy I don’t think I-I can take an-nymore.” You cried, now a blubbering mess.

“You don’t think you can take anymore?” Chris repeated, mocking you. “Well that’s too bad. Daddy thinks his princess looks too pretty when she’s cumming. So suck it up, because I’m not stopping until we have to replace this couch.”

You  felt that familiar coil in your stomach again, threatening to snap, as you threw your head back. You were a sweating mess now. You had hair glued to your face, and neck, and your shirt was drenched, as it clung to your stomach. But still, it wasn’t quite as drenched as your pussy, thighs, and couch cushions were. 

Chris was as hard as a rock, but you knew if you touched him, he’d get angry. He wanted to play with you, until you were begging him to stop.

“What happened today at work again baby? What was it Chad said to you? I bet if I have you fucked out like this every night, I’d be the only man on your mind.” He whispered against your ear.

Your stomach began spasming, as you clenched painfully around nothing. This would be your last one too, before your body gave up. 

Tears streamed down your cheek, as you contorted your face into the sexiest expression Chris had ever seen. And then, just before your screams of pleasure could rip through your chest, he covered his mouth over yours, as you squirted all over his hands, your thighs, and stomach. When you finally opened your eyes, you could only see white, before your vision came back into focus.

Massaging the wet, between your folds, Chris bought his fingers up to your lips and said “open.” And you did, sucking all your juices from his digits without breaking eye contact. “Attagirl.” He praised, wiping your tears away. Feel better now?” He asked, small smirk playing on his lips.

You nod tiredly, throat dry from your previous activities.

He brushes your sweaty hair behind your ears before saying, “Good. Now, let’s paint those pretty pink walls white, too.”