#where else can you go to an art market and watch a hot dog eating contest AND watch wresting AND dance under the moonlight to vinyl

[disappointeddyke]

gayest thing i’ve done this month is watch live wrestling

[absolutepokemontrash]

Kid!MC/Teen!MC Needs someone to go to Parent Teacher Interviews for Them and Guess Who’s Available?

Masterlist

The brothers being bad babysitters/dad figures is something I love very much, I bet you all could already tell that considering the Fic/Headcanon series I have going on. I would just like you all to know that Asmo’s section is based on a true story. Anyhoo~ onto the Headcanons!

Why? Why Him? (Lucifer)

Is MC really dumb, or are they just a kid? No one knows.

Obviously MC asked Lucifer, the only competent one in the house, the most professional, hard-working, controlled-

MC got their things together and gave Lucifer the run down on their teacher(s) before Lucifer got too absorbed in extolling his own virtues in an intense internal monologue.

News flash Lucifer, this isn’t a Shakespeare play, you can’t have a dramatic monologue or soliloquy about how great you think you are

At the actual meeting, if MC is in there, no, MC is not actually in there. Lucifer will speak to the teacher as if MC isn’t there. As someone whose not a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down kind of person, Lucifer expects the teacher to behave the same and not spare MC’s feelings.

Feelings do not deserve to be spared if MC is being a nuisance. No fake-kid/little sibling of his gets to be the class idiot!

If MC’s doing very well academically, he expects to be pointed at projects or tests they’ve done and the grade on it. It really makes him proud to see MC doing well.

Even if they’re not the best academically, if they’re not failing and they’re doing well in other aspects of school, he’s proud.

If MC really struggles in a school environment and just hates it there but they’re still keeping their head above water, they get a head pat of approval.

On the drive home, if MC came with him to the parent teacher interviews and everything went well, he just happens to turn onto the street that has a Baskin Robin’s or something of that caliber.

If they didn’t go, he picks something up on the way back.

No fun treats if MC is being a disruptive little heathen in class, no kid under Lucifer’s care is going to be the class Mammon. Not on his watch.

MC was busily stuffed their face with the treats that were gifted to them. Lucifer had to hold himself back from rolling his eyes at the kid’s blatant disregard for basic table manners when it came to sweets.

“Is everything the teacher said true?” Lucifer asked, MC looked up at him with a smile.

“Yep!”

“Good, good.” Lucifer held out his hand and patted them on the head. “You’re doing well. Keep it up.”

“Geez,” MC mumbled as they continued to stuff their face. “Can you get anymore affectionate?”

“Don’t be sarcastic, MC. It’s uncouth.” Lucifer said sternly. “Besides, I’ll have you know that many people enjoy my headpats. I’m quite affectionate.”

“Really now? Name one person.”

Lucifer opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He and MC stared each other down, one pair of eyes much more nervous than the other. Spoiler, MC was still calmly eating their treat as they maintained eye contact.

“…Cerberus.”

“If you’re reaching for Cerberus, you’ve already lost.”

…his pride was under attack. Right in front of his desert…

“You’re grounded.”

“Worth it.”

*Rides by on a Skateboard* School is for NERDS (Mammon)

Pff! Stupid human! He’s not goin’ to some lame parent teacher conference-

Wait! What’s with that face?! Ugh… fine. MC’s gone and forced his hand with those damn puppy dog eyes…

Mammon does not dress up for this event, he dresses like he would every day, maybe throw on some designer stuff to let all the parents and teachers know he’s hot shit.

If MC goes with him, he pulls up in his beloved car and takes up two parking spaces (pure evil.). Every parent present already hates him, but at least the other kids there are impressed with MC’s sweet ride. MC would have gained some street cred if Mammon hadn’t managed to trip up the stairs to the classroom in front of everyone.

He’ll act way to casual with the teacher, turning the parent chair backwards and sitting down so he can lean on the seat.

Mammon gets bored crazy quickly while the teacher lists and explains all the stuff the class is learning, so his eyes begin to wander to any and all displays in the classroom. Projects, annoying posters, class pet, anything is more interesting than this teacher’s explanation.

When MC finally becomes the main topic of the interview, he’s all ears. MC’s doing great in school academically? Ha! Nerd! Maybe giving MC a playful noogie and interrupting the whole interview wasn’t a good idea, but whatever.

If MC’s failing anything, or just isn’t that gifted when it comes to grades, it’s very much a “Aw man me too” from Mammon.

This teacher is speaking with the Great Mammon, the first demon in RAD’s history to fail three semesters in a row. If this teacher thinks bad grades will phase him, they’re dead wrong.

Grades don’t mean anythin’ about smarts anyway! I mean, look at him! He’s a fuckin’ genius but he can’t get through a history test without sobbing even though he LIVED THROUGH MOST OF IT.

MC gets treats no matter what’s up in class. Though, if MC didn’t go with him, he’s likely to forget and just order something for the two of them when he gets back home.

“Goddamn teachers and their rambling!” Mammon whined, grabbing a slice of pizza from the open box on his coffee table. “You owe me, MC! Ya really do!”

“Yeah yeah yeah.” MC said, they leaned over and rolled a pizza slice into a pizza-scroll then proceeded to eat it like a veggie roll. “How do you think I feel, listening to them every day? You know how long it takes to get to the actual class material?”

“Five years?”

“Ugh! Five years if I’m lucky! I swear, I know more about my teacher’s grievances with like… five of my classmates than I do about trigonometry, and guess which one’s on the test next week?”

Mammon winced in sympathy, then remembered he was supposed to be whining and went back to it. “School’s shit and a waste of money, ya should drop out as soon as you can and help me run my new business.”

“You mean your pyramid scheme?”

“It’s not a pyramid scheme, MC! It’s legit! It’s a multi-tiered marketing-”

“It’s a pyramid scheme.”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA SOCIAL INTERACTION (Leviathan)

Everyone else must have been sick or something for MC to have asked Levi. He’d flat out refuse to go otherwise.

So, Levi couldn’t exactly go to the interview in his usual “I haven’t left my room or changed clothes in eight weeks” look. With the help of MC, he was able to find his military uniform at the back of his closet.

Asmo nearly fainted when he saw Levi in the uniform, not because “oooo, a man in uniform~”, it was because the outfit was so crumpled and wrinkled that it made it physically painful to look at. No time to iron and wash, the conference was in an hour!

Levi (and MC if they went with) rolled up to the school in a less than impressive ride, but one look at the uniform and all the other people present went “yep, time to be respectful (tm)”

For the first time in his life Levi was more intimidating than Lucifer! And he wasn’t even trying!

When the teacher starts explaining the course material, Levi spaces off in horror as he realizes he remembers literally nothing from school (AND HE’S STILL IN SCHOOL!) all that’s running through his head is “A squared + B squared = C squared” and “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell”.

The actual interview was the least interesting part of the trip, the real stuff happened when Levi passed by some art on display in the hallway and something caught his eye-

Those colours… that hair… that adorable smile..!

IT WAS HER! LEVI’S PRECIOUS RURI-CHAN IN ALL HER GLORY!

Levi immediately started fawning over the art class fanart and by sheer coincidence, one of the kids walking through the hallway happened to notice.

The kid asked MC if their… parent and or guardian liked anime. MC responded with “obviously.” Levi then asked the kid if they drew his adorable Ruri-chan. The kid said no, and that they drew the My Hero Academia fanart a few rows down.

Levi was absolutely floored that there were two anime fans in one class, then his entire world shattered when MC explained there was more anime art inside the art room and other classrooms.

H-hang on… did that mean that… a lot of people here… liked anime..?

Levi needed a while to process. No snacks on the way home…

Levi and MC were sat in the back of their Uber, Levi, the Avatar of Envy himself, was having his entire sense of reality warped. S-so much anime fanart… in a school of all places..! What did this mean for the future of anime?!

“Levi. Stop.” MC sighed. “If this were an anime, the camera angle would be doing that thing where it’s right on the bridge of your nose and dramatic music plays in the background.”

“S-so many kids in your class like a-anime huh..?” Levi stuttered, weakly trying to smile. “Must be nice..?”

“Oh, that’s just my class. The other classes and grades have their fans too.”

“Oh… really?”

“Levi,” MC stopped looking out the window and looked at the otaku that was having a full scale silent mental breakdown. “Anime isn’t even a niche interest anymore. It’s a pretty casual thing to watch now. At least a third of my class watches- Levi?”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH! ANIME! A THIRD OF THE CLASS?! ANIME… HIS PRECIOUS ANIME… WAS BECOMING A NORMIE INTEREST! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

“Levi?” MC waved their hand in front of their spaced out demon’s face. “Leviiiii? Okay he’s dead.”

The Know it All (Satan)

Ah, a smart choice, MC. Satan would be glad to help further their education. He’ll do everything in his power to make sure that the human’s brain is fed all that sweet sweet knowledge.

Satan can’t dress himself normally, MC had to coax him into a suit jacket, but he still only wore one sleeve.

MC was coming along to the interviews whether they wanted to or not, it’s important to hear what they need to improve on from the teacher themselves after all.

The two arrived pretty early, so Satan asked MC for a tour of the school. It was pretty tame until they reached the library. Satan was horrified at the state of some of the books…

Their spines lined with duct tape… pages missing and torn… someone apparently used a taco as a book mark…

The first thing Satan does when it’s time for his interview is demand the teacher take better care of the library, even though they’re not the librarian. MC tries to explain this, but Satan is too distraught to listen to reason.

He enjoyed hearing about the course material, but he made it known if MC thinks the assignments are too easy that they need to be given more challenging work. THEIR BRAIN NEEDS TO BE STIMULATED DAMN IT.

It was up to MC to either agree with Satan and nod to the teacher, or make frantic eye contact with them to try and communicate “NO DON’T PLEASE”.

Similar to (ugh) Lucifer, as long as MC is doing their best, he’s happy for them.

…but if they are in any way in the running for valedictorian he is HELPING THEM WIN.

He decided to stop at a cafe or bookstore to let MC pick out a “congrats on surviving your pitiful school” present after the interviews.

MC gleefully perused the shelves of the bookstore, there were so many books too look at…

“I’ll buy you as many books as you’d like, MC, just,” Satan shuddered slightly. “Promise me you won’t treat them like those poor library books…”

MC put their hand over their heart. “I swear on the duct taped book spines that I will never treat a book like that.”

“Good… good…” Satan breathed a sigh of relief and went back to looking at his book about cats.

“Are you… reading a Warrior Cats book..?” MC asked tentatively.

“Yes, why?”

“Satan, put that back.”

“I Will Seduce the Teacher For the Sake of Your Grades, Don’t Worry.” (Asmodeus)

Oh MC dear! He’d be delighted to go! Just let him get ready~

Asmo may not be the best choice, but he was at least going to be the best dressed person at that conference. (And MC just had to come too so all the other parents could be jealous of how well coordinated their outfits are)

He teased MC a little by saying he was going to flirt with their teacher to make sure they passed the class, but he was just kidding! …but he made sure to ask if their teacher was cute, he needed to know!

While waiting for his turn, Asmo flirts with some of the single parents, if he doesn’t see a wedding ring, they’re fair game.

Once his time slot arrived, MC realized that Asmo is one of those “my child has done and will do nothing wrong ever” types. This may have ended up working in MC’s favour if they were a class nuisance.

If MC is doing very well in sports, clubs, grades, anything, Asmo is fawning over them and gushing to the teacher about how great, smart and adorable they are.

Asmo surprisingly does not exactly flirt with the teacher, he was just teasing MC after all. But um… if MC’s teacher just happens to be cute and young, he may turn up the charm, just a little. Enough to make the teacher giggle and make MC cover their face in embarrassment.

After the interviews Asmo will probably schedule a nice day out for the two of them, shopping, a movie, mani pedis, something fun!

The real weird stuff happens in the months after the interviews… if Asmo did lightly flirt with the teacher, MC gets quite a few questions about their guardian. Questions that ask if Asmo is single in not as many words…

Oh lord, MC’s teacher developed a crush on Asmo.

Nail painting night was supposed to be a fun occasion, but MC was hopping mad and embarrassed. Asmo didn’t seem to notice as he continued to paint the little human’s nails.

“And then I told Phenex to get lost. The nerve of that little monster, right MC?” When MC didn’t reply, Asmo looked up and tilted his head. “MC?”

MC’s angry face would have been much more threatening if they weren’t just so adorable, but it was getting the message across.

“MC..?”

“Asmo.” MC’s glare deepened. “My teacher wants to know if you’re single.”

Asmo blinked a few times, before he hit his tongue to keep from laughing. “Really now~. I knew they’d be madly in love with me-”

“WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIIIIIIIIIIIS?!”

Oh My Demon King is That a BAKE SALE?! (Beel)

Of course Beel said yes! He’d gladly go to MC’s parent teacher interview!

He even put on a nice outfit :D he ended up looking a bit like a secret serviceman guarding MC, the tiny president.

Beel stopped for McDonald’s on the way there, all the other kids were so jealous of MC when they stepped out of the car eating fries.

But a little something something caught Beel’s eye when he and MC walked into the school… was that a… bake sale?

MC quickly explained that the bake sale was fundraiser for their class trip that year and the snacks weren’t complimentary. He had to pay.

And pay Beel did. He cleared out the entire table. MC’s grade’s overnight trip was going to be decadent as hell. That was no longer a crowd funded thing, that trip was privately funded by a tall buff ginger secret service member and this tiny in comparison child.

Kids are incredibly blunt, just like Beel, so when a random kindergarten kid wandered over, looked up at Beel, and very knowingly said “you’re very tall”. Beel was like “yeah”. The kid then said “what’s it like being that tall?”

Beel’s response to this kid’s question was to pick them up and hold them for a few seconds before placing them back down. For just a few moments this kid knew what it like to be over 6’4. Of course, more kids swarmed in and asked to be picked up.

Sure it was cute, but Beel now has an army of kids ranging from kindergarteners to third graders.

Finally, the conference actually began. Beel snacked the entire time and dutifully listened to everything the teacher had to say.

After the interviews are over, he checks with MC to make sure everything the teacher said was true and that they weren’t lying. If all was well, the two made their exit.

They stopped at Wendy’s on the way home.

“I’m so full…” MC groaned, Beel held up a massive cookie.

“So I can eat this?”

“No. Gimme that.” MC took a very defeated bite out of it. “My stomach says no but my mouth says yes…”

“I don’t want you to get a stomachache, MC,” Beel said worriedly. “No more snacks.”

“It’s a little late for that. It’s past nine and I’m still eating, there’s no way I’m getting to sleep at a reasonable hour.”

“Oh…” Beel mumbled. “I may have not completely thought this through.”

“*Snore* Huh? Wha? MC’s Grades? Uh… Fuck…” (Belphie)

MC must be failing a class or something because why on earth would they pick Belphie otherwise.

They ask him to go while he’s delirious from just waking up from a nap, he sort of half nods and mumbles some gibberish before going back to sleep.

MC had to basically carry his ass to the school. Belphie drooled all over them in the waiting room, and when it was their time to go into the interview, Belphie had to be manually put into the chair and slapped awake.

He barely listens, he just sits and nods along with whatever the teacher is saying. The teacher could say MC brought an alligator to school and he’d just go “uh huh…” “mmmph… yep…” “really now?” then yawn.

The only thing that could possibly get Belphie to be interested is if MC is studying space. If they are, than boy howdy is Belphie suddenly interested in their education.

Other than that? *snore*

If MC is in fact failing or doing poorly, MC’s teacher asks to see another one of MC’s guardians at a later date. Their plan failed miserably.

MC drags Belphie out of the school and yells at him for not helping them. Belphie, still sleep delirious, tries to press the snooze button. MC does not have a snooze button.

“Belphie!” MC shouted, shaking the Avatar of Sloth awake. The House of Lamentation’s resident bastard was somehow sleeping standing up outside. “HOW COULD YOU?!”

“Eh?” Belphie half-snorted and looked around confused. “What’d I do? Where are we?”

“At my school! You said that you’d go to my parent teacher interviews!”

“…MC I don’t think I’d pass well for you.”

“YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO GO AS MY GUARDIAN!”

“Sheesh,” Belphie murmured while he rubbed the remaining sleep from his eyes. “You humans are so noisy.”

MC looked up at their dearest demon friend, and gave him their best glare. “I’m going to take all your fancy temperature changing pillows and switch them with normal pillows you traitorous bastard.”

[foodbytesback]

KFC Wants You To Be Horny For Colonel Sanders

2020 has been a hell of a year for mascots.  Mr. Peanut was killed, then resurrected as a rapidly-aging child.  Toucan Sam became CalArts-ified.  Ronald McDonald and the Burger King made out.  It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the mascot world has one more punch to pull before the year is over.  

In a move that I truly hope no one saw coming, KFC has partnered with Lifetime to produce A Recipe For Seduction.  Picture it: a young woman is about to be coerced into an arranged marriage when suddenly a hot new personal chef comes along to spice things up.  And by “things” I mean chicken, because it’s Harland Sanders, played by Mario Lopez.  The 15 minute long feature was released on December 13th, and can be viewed on Lifetime’s website free of charge and without having to make an account. (Could you imagine if they expected you to pay to see this thing?)  The whole thing is rife with Lifetime Original Movie tropes (mother who always knows best, gay best friend, drama involving cell phones, getting knocked out by a light hit over the head), and in its hypercondensed state becomes a parody of itself.   Which is a good thing, because again, this is the Colonel Sanders Lifetime Original Movie.  They knew what they were making and treated it as seriously as it deserved.  I don’t know if I can wholeheartedly recommend watching it, but I also can’t say I regret watching it for this article.  

The most troubling thing about this is the revelation that KFC wants people to be horny for the Colonel.  And there’s a whole Kentucky Fried Chickenatic Universe of media saying so.

In 2017, the romance novella “Tender Wings of Desire” was published. The official excerpt describes the protagonist as being suddenly “swept into the arms of Harland, a handsome sailor with a mysterious past,” as she struggles to find her way in life.  It also credits Harland Sanders himself as the author, although author Catherine Kovach has since revealed herself as being the true auteur in the Q&A section of its GoodReads page.  Her replies to various people saying “Hey, what the fuck?” can best be summed up as “Yes, I wrote this.  Yes, I stand by it.  Yes, it is absolutely ridiculous and should not be taken seriously.”  Someone else in the Q&A section revealed that this was released as a Mother’s Day promotion, because… this is what mothers want?

The majority of reviews are 1 or 2-star, which at first made me think these people just didn’t “get it,” but after actually reading their critiques I saw that their problem was that the writing is apparently very bland and nowhere near as tongue-in-cheek as we were all hoping it would be.  There is at least one 4-star review that contains, “I laughed, I cried, I smiled as they set sail for their chicken empire in America,” (Apparently it’s set in Victorian England? Because that’s where all the great romance novels are set?) so at least one person enjoyed it.

Then, in 2019, they hit us again with the dating sim “I Love You, Colonel Sanders!” which despite being free on STEAM I just couldn’t bring myself to play.  But pretty much every Youtuber did a playthrough of it at the time, so I figure watching one of those is probably close enough.  You play as a student who is late to your first day of culinary school, where you meet Colonel Sanders, a robot student, an unnamed student that eats something so bad that they die and are represented by a bedsheet-ghost for the rest of the game, and a dog professor.  Just like real culinary school.  Game play includes answering questions like “what flavor dog treat does the professor want” and “if Train A leaves at 7:15 and Train B leaves at 8:47 should you wash your hands before cooking,” and the wrong answer is an immediate game over.  The art style ranges from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure to Ouran High School Host Club and every anime style in between.  While some critics panned it as being an obvious marketing stunt (like, no shit?) or even as a disservice to the dating sim genre, the STEAM reviews are “Very Positive,” so at least more people appreciated this attempt at a sexy Colonel.

But that just raises the question: Why has KFC decided this was going to be their branding?  Sure, KFC has been losing market share as Popeys and Chick-fil-A (ugh) have recently been expanding nationwide, and was all but left behind when the latter two were having their chicken sandwich war.  They had to do something to make people pay attention to them.  But was trying to get people hornt over their mascot the right way to go about it?  Are they trying to distance the Colonel’s image from the real life Harland Sanders, who was a serial womanizer and cheated on his first wife, and instead portray him in a much more “desirable” light?  Who is their target audience for this?  The romance novel and the Lifetime feature probably have a considerable amount of overlap, but the dating sim is definitely for a younger, weeb-ier demographic.  Does this have anything to do with troglodytes on 4chan and Reddit getting horny over the Wendy’s mascot? (Who is 8, you fucking creeps.)

We may never have all the answers for all of these questions.  I just hope I don’t get as burnt out on the KFCU as I did the MCU. 

[moonysbitofmagic]

Israeli & Jewish Remus Lupin

Ok hi I’m Israeli and don’t see nearly enough representation for us, and I’ve always headcanoned Remus as Jewish/Israeli so here’s this :)

-He speaks Hebrew! It’s gotten a bit worse since moving to England when he was young but it’s still at the level where he’s pretty fluent, and he loves to speak it in public to confuse people

-Accidentally slips into Hebrew sometimes, when he’s tired or angry or stressed. And since Hebrew is a particularly aggressive-sounding language, it’s both funny and able to channel his mood well.

-The rest of the marauders pick up bits and pieces of Hebrew, and soon it’s part of daily conversation. And the rest of the student body gets very very scared because again, Hebrew is a very aggressive language. It’s hard not to be scared of the Marauders, especially when they’re speaking a language like that. 

-Their accents are terrible and they can’t pronounce the guttural “ch” sound most of the time, and Remus finds this insanely hilarious. 

-Remus curses in Hebrew. “ben zona!” “eze dafuk ze?” “kus emek.”

-When he figures out that Sirius’s animagus form is a dog, you bet that he calls him “ben kelev” more often than his actual name. Because Remus loves saying Hebrew insults and this is just too funny.

-THE FOOD THE FOOD THE FOOD

-Hope (his mum) makes the best hummus and falafel and jachnun, and when the rest of the Marauders get introduced to these, they go WILD

-it’s all they eat for a while

-Remus was never a good cook, so his mum sent him to school in first year with a recipe book for the house elves so that they can learn to make him kosher food, and also the traditional food needed for holidays. Because obviously, there’s gonna be holidays during the school year.

-Antisemitism and the belief of Jewish stereotypes is so frequent that he learns to use the stereotypes to his advantage. It becomes a running gag for him. “Is it true that all Jews are devils?” “You bet, and if you ever anger me, that’ll be the end for you!” 

-He loves Jewish literature. You can often find him reading Yehuda Amichai or Noam Chomsky or whoever else. Yehuda Amichai’s poetry is his personal favourite and it becomes a routine for him to read it as a bedtime story-thing for Sirius. Because sometimes Hebrew can sound soothing too. 

-He smuggles too many Israeli snacks to school. Bamba, Bissli, and Krembo soon become marauder favourites. He refuses to share with anyone else, though. Remus is always picky about his food. 

-Jewish holidays are always so FUN

-For Hannukah, Hope always sends latkes and sufganiyot and gelt. Of course Remus would bring dreidels too, and the marauders would often stay up late playing dreidel and being on a sufganiyot sugar high

-And for Passover, the house elves learned how to make matzah ball soup and brisket. There’s often not enough time during meals at Hogwarts to do the Passover prayers (because it usually takes around 2-3 hours) so Remus just says the basic ones. His first few years at Hogwarts, he didn’t to tell the marauders about the Afikoman tradition because he thought it was embarrassing and immature. But eventually they figured out and begged Remus to do it. So now every year for Passover, he hides the Afikoman and it’s a massive game that eventually also includes the rest of Gryffindor house. Always so fun.

-Remus takes the marauders to Israel one summer. It’s so incredibly hot there that they do nothing but complain for the first few days, but eventually they get used to it. And then it becomes fun! They go to the ocean and eat so much food that they’re almost sick and visit the shuk and spend their nights walking on the beach (because that’s the only time the weather is nice and decent. The sand feels nice too. They’ll spend hours drinking Israeli soda, talking about life, watching the stars, and practicing their Hebrew). The marauder’s accents are still sort of bad and Remus often has to speak for them so that they don’t seem like tourists.

-Just israeli and Jewish Remus. Periodt. 

TRANSLATIONS

Ben zona: son of a b*tch

Eze dafuk ze: how f*cked is this?

Kus emek: your mother’s p*ssy

Ben kelev: son of a dog/b*tch

Afikoman tradition: during Passover, a matzah is wrapped in a cloth napkin and hidden somewhere in the house. After the meal, you have to find where it’s hidden and whoever finds it first gets a prize. Usually just the kids in the family participate but it’s open to everyone!

The shuk: a market in Jerusalem, sorta like a farmer’s market. there’s lots of things such as food stands with traditional Israeli food (like fruits and fish and sweets and hummus), clothes stands, art stands, you name it! It’s a very popular place to go visit. 

For the foods mentioned - hummus, falafel, jachnun, latkes, sufganiyot, gelt, bamba, bissli, krembo - just search them up! google does a better job of explaining them than me. but they're all so GOOD *chef’s kiss*

[steve0discusses]

Yugioh S4 Ep16: Rex and Weevil Do Not Understand “Rock Bottom”

Hey guys.

Hey.

So... kind of crazy out there, right?

Well, you know what they say. When life gives you lemons, you watch Netflix.

Anyway, Yugioh is racing down this canyon that should be going up alongside the 101 and through the middle of many cities. Don’t worry about it.

And then I found out the name of a card I haven’t seen yet and wow it’s a name.

I’m really glad that Rex Raptor, dinosaur enthusiast, has just no idea how to name dinosaurs and does so like a 6 year old child. Hornsaurus.

(read more under the cut)

So this episode is mostly about Rex and Weevil’s tragic backstory, and thankfully, it’s really not that tragic. We’ve had SO MANY bizarre and weird backstories under our belt, that to have a completely normal one is just...wild to me. They’re so freakin normal.

And on the way, our train just...

OK Train...anyway, I’ll do my best to show which scenes are flash back and which are not, but like bear with me because it flashes back like every other scene it feels like.

So Rex waxes long about that very short time in which he and Weevil were the best ever duelists in Japan (other than Kaiba, I guess, who they failed to mention in this flashback.)

(I used to have a very soft performance fleece sweater the exact same shade as Weevil’s jacket there, popped collar and everything, with piping outline. Don’t judge me, it was the 00′s, I’m just shocked that Weevil also shopped at Old Navy.)

(However I have no idea what’s going on with Rex’s three layers of clashing outfit styles that he has going on. A turtleneck under a thick button up jacket under an open fringe jacket is so much of a 90′s vibe.)

Up until now, bro has been PRETTY SURE every episode that Rex and Weevil are originally from America. I don’t know how I feel about being so right on the money about this one when the episode outright said that they’re from Japan. I don’t really want to out-Yugioh my brother, because at some point, I’ll accidentally let slip that in writing this blog I have accidentally gained all Yugioh knowledge, just like Noah did that one time when he was stuffed into that brain orb.

Just please don’t don’t ask me how this game works, I still have absolutely no idea.

Weevil and Rex had adoring fans in two-shaded polos exactly just like the type I used to wear in high school. But, their fans all left them the moment Weevil lost one single game against Yugi Muto.

Harsh. But granted, I feel like the people of Domino have rabbit memories and if you aren’t actively in the news every day because your blimp got abducted by sea pirates, then who the hell is EVER going to know who you are?

But youknow, Rex and Weevil are pretty sure that dodging getting murdered by Pegasus was actually their last shot at fame. It’s over forever. They’re done. Done until they beat either Joey or Yugi which...very specific, but, it would make you somewhat famous if you did that by simultaneously destroying the Caltrain.

And Weevil is like gunning for the King of Games title but...apparently no one in this episode wanted to mention to Weevil that the “King of Games” moniker actually went to Raphael?

That he needs to beat Raphael...not Yugi Muto?

Nobody?

Nobody feels like mentioning that neither Yami nor Yugi could possibly still be King of Games and that Weevil has no really good reason to be here? I mean it would save Weevil a lot of time. It would also save me a lot of time. We could just walk off this train and go back to what we were all doing before this happened, but nah, lets keep the lie going, because apparently Yami can’t bear to tell the truth, just like his host.

Waiiiit, isn’t Rebecca the King of Games because she beat Yugi in S1?

It’s the freakin Malfroy/Elder wand, it’ll be important in Ch 40 I’m sure of it. I’m sure they’re not going to just...forget...all of the people that beat Yugi before.

Man. Maybe that’s why Yugi is so hell bent on keeping tabs on Rebecca? Just to youknow...make sure she doesn’t tell anyone that she hella beat him that one time because otherwise Kaiba would have lost his freakin mind (again) that Yugi lost that title basically the same afternoon he came back from Pegasus’ island.

Also Rex and Weevil once charged for headshots and this makes them vile, terrible people for some reason.

Apparently this is a bad practice? I mean if you’re famous enough please charge for head shots, you need to make money between playing cards. Take it from this jaded artist, always sell out so you can save money for when you will absolutely get carpal tunnel.

Whatever. Back to Rex who is certain that he is not famous anymore because he lost to Joey.

S4 and still everyone is certain that Joey is bad at cards. Joey will just never be free from this.

It was beautiful anime food for like ten seconds until he did this. How dare. Literally though, how did he do that? Was that burger made out of potato chips?

Can we talk about what a freakin crime it is I can’t watch my Nick at Night retro shows on Netflix or Hulu? Like hell I’m going to get a third streaming service so I can watch and admire how bad “I Love Lucy” aged. I want to see how incredibly off-putting Fonzie is as an adult. But nah. Not even allowed. You can only watch Cheers.

Cheers. What am I? 65? Cheers wasn’t on Nick at Night. My Mom watched Cheers. Gross.

This show trying to convince me so hard that Rex and Weevils lowest point wasn’t when they were 5 seconds away from being set on fire and having their soul removed by Maxamillion Pegasus.

Like for reals, the lowest point for ANYONE (except for the Ishtars) on this show was when they were trapped on that island, without any camping supplies, surrounded by human skulls, Bakura pre-exorcism, and so many other duelists who were probably going to eat them had the tournament gone 24 more hours than it had.

The island that also had a basement that was entirely full of cultists who absolutely murdered a guy right in front of us.

Like when they finally got out of the island’s huge ass forest, their dinner included a soup filled with Pegasus’ eyes.

I would have gotten pissed on by like 70 stray dogs to get off that island, y’all.

So one of the best things about this blog is I don’t have to worry about the restraint of a.) looking professional b.) the fear of sharing my actual real deal opinion. Everywhere else I post, I can’t share anything. I’ve come to terms with this, and so I hide my hot takes deep, deep within this Yugioh blog and the only people who suspect my art rage are like...y’all in the corner of Tumblr who do not care about what I’m talking about.

++++++++++++THIS IS MY HUGE RANT ABOUT ART POLITICS AND ART BITTERNESS FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS. WE’RE QUARANTINING SO MUCH OVER HERE DUE TO THE VIRUS THAT I AM GOING A LITTLE BIT HOUSE CRAZY+++++++++++++++

But like MAN I need to mention something. Both Joey and Rex are completely off base. Both of them.

Like I’ll be real, because of the sudden extra time I have on my hands, I was originally ranting quite a bit about art culture and stuff and I will admit it was projecting somewhat onto a TV show that was written before the recession and the gig economy basically came and laid a huge dump across the creative industry.

However, I really, really, really don’t like it when people naively say “I’m successful because I did the research, I did the work, and then I got a following despite doing no marketing at all,” LIKE HELL YOU DID, DUDE. And there’s certain places I go where this is the mantra of a hell ton of ppl who don’t believe in luck, and I have to just suck it in because they succeeded at a young age. Because inversely, if anyone doesn’t succeed right away--clearly they don’t work hard enough, right?

I won’t dig into real world stuff because that’s...the real world and the real world is a bummer, but even in the universe of Yugioh there’s this crazy disparity in duelers that the people on the top refuse to acknowledge and the people on the bottom have absolutely no way to cope with so they become insanely bitter about it.

Mai has mentioned that despite all of her hard work and success--because she isn’t the top 4 duelists of Kaiba’s tourney--no one knows who she freakin is. The card industry is so toxic, that even KAIBA dropped out.

And even without Kaiba to compete against anymore, Mai still wasn’t able to get in there to fill that void. The void that also has Marik and Odion in it, despite the fact that I’m pretty sure Marik will never touch a card ever again and might be back to living underground or on a boat in the middle of no-where. And we don’t even need to mention Bakura, right? Bakura who should have also been here to fill the void of fame, but his face probably only comes out fuzzy on camera like people haunted by that girl from the Ring. So we’ll just ignore Bakura, that makes sense, I can accept that canon.

But really...it’s just Joey and Yugi at the top of the crop when there should have been room for at least 4.

So, it’s interesting that the Oricalchos in this situation is the “get me popular quick” drug that will somehow give Rex and Weevil what they need for automatic success because I see people desperately looking for this SO MUCH online. I have seen so many post “This is how I got 100000 followers in 100 days,” and it’s always the same story that isn’t so much about hard work, but more how to game a broken system until all other competitors are invisible. And then there’s the hidden factor about...luck...that really offends people although we all know that it exists.

But just remember I’m not allowed to have this opinion that luck...exists...So if anyone asks, I never said this.

And also...if Rex and Weevil had any support up until now from these kids who have been stuffing them in the trunk for over a dozen episodes, they wouldn’t have done any of this.

So talking as a jaded Millennial, I’m not gonna judge you if you take your Oricalchos, if you know what I mean. Everyone has their reasons, and no one’s too good not to ever do it, lets be real.

+++++++++++++++END OF THIS RANT, WOW, I WANT TO SAY THAT WHILE SLAPPING A WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE IN A GENTLE MANNER+++++++++++++

So I realized something. This cliff face is sort of an iconic train, but it’s the wrong train.

This is the Amtrak in the middle of Nevada/Utah, pretty sure. I know that shade of orange. I’ve done the Nevada drive a lot.

And part of the reason I’m even sleuthing into this is because as an artist I like to see where art inspiration comes from. It doesn’t just come from a void--they clearly did research and I just want to find out...how it happened.

So anyway, like I said last time, the Amtrak is in charge of the Caltrain management, although the Caltrain is not part of Amtrak. And so you get similar paint jobs--it’s just that Amtrak has blue topped cars, and the Caltrain cars are typically red. Yugioh safely did red, white and blue, which both cars do, to an extent, being American trains.

It’s possible that they decided to look up scenic trains in California and were like “this one looks neat.” This one is also named the “California Zephyr” which makes it seem super Californian but in actuality it goes from Emeryville, California to Chicago. Only problem is that Emeryville is North of Oakland, and we’re supposed to be taking the train “to the airport” when the airports are in Oakland or San Mateo. This train doesn’t go to the airport. You just drove by the airport.

This train also doesn’t go to Florida. Chicago is North, way north. This train exists to be a slow, scenic train for old tourists who want to sleep in cramped spaces or jaded millennials writing their award winning novel. It has no other purpose.

So, it doesn’t at all match anything story wise...but it looks cool. They would never take this train if the world was going to end, and Rebecca wouldn’t know it exists, but, it looks cool.

But anyway, onward to the next episode. I’ll be kind of bunking in my home for a while since my entire area basically shut down, so maybe I’ll get the next updates done earlier than usual? Maybe even catch up on my backlog? hm. Possibilities.

And if you just got here, this is all the Yugioh recaps in chrono order.

[sapphicscholar]

A/N: I haven’t been posting the letters here, since I’ve been traveling, so if you’re only following on Tumblr, make sure you go catch up first! 

Letter 64

March 9, 2012, 5:03pm

Dear Alex,

I know I don't have to, but I enjoy writing to you. And you're not bad at it, trust me. I think...I don't know, the beginning of any relationship is a little awkward, and with both of us being new to the long distance side of it, that makes it so much harder. But I still love getting your emails. And responding is a nice chance to sit down after a long day while pretty much everyone else is spending time with their families.

I'm sure you and the head librarian normally get along perfectly, so I doubt one snort will jeopardize that relationship. But if it does, she can take up any and all complaints with me. Also, it's sort of adorable that you thought they deserved play time. Probably for the best that you found them all, though.

Practical loopholes are the best! And no, I don't imagine I'll ever get that confession. It'll always be pinned on Kara, right?

Really...you're gonna tease me for Snoopy when you want to make your dog the laughing stock of the dog park? Gertrude is the name of, like, the single old lady who lives next door and has tissue lint-covered butterscotch candies in her purse. And you're gonna be out there with some big-ass German shepherd barreling toward you as you yell, "C'mere, Gertrude!"

Anyway, I think it's awesome that you and some of the other volunteers have been learning a bit of ASL. We didn't offer it beyond the beginner level at my school (you had to go take classes at another university, but financial aid wouldn't cover them—anyway, it's a long story and basically boils down to: bureaucracy sucks), but one day I'd also like to learn. I've often wondered whether it might not be a better "universal" language for communicating with the majority of off-worlders who've landed in the States, many of whom don't have many of the same sounds as English does. Then again, I'm sure there are plenty of morphology-related issues that could make signing equally difficult. Perhaps if we made both…who knows! I'm rambling at this point.

And of course you'd be into da Vinci's lab. Well, if you ever end up in Italy, you could go visit plenty of da Vinci museums. Personally, though, I prefer the testing site for his flying machines up in Fiesole, one of the hill towns outside of Florence. I went running up there while I was in Florence, and it's absolutely beautiful. Also, the woods in the area have all sorts of signs warning about attack pigs (okay wild boars, which I know are much more threatening, but I enjoy the thought of attack pigs more because then I can focus on being amused instead of frightened). I'd definitely recommend it as a less tourist-y spot!

I…I'm refraining from making a whole lot of inappropriate comments about the phrasing of your request for my help in making food. I would like some credit for my will power here. Please and thank you. Now that I've gotten it out there, yeah, I'm happy to help. I don't know how much help I'll be from afar when our video feed often freezes every few minutes, but dammit, I'm down to try. Also, you think my recipes are bad? You should see the ones passed down through the generations. "Boil the potatoes until done. Mash potatoes and add egg yolks…etc." Literally nothing is specific and everything is to taste. But once you've got a sense of how things should taste in a general sense, you can start figuring out how you most want them to taste, and that's a pretty cool thing.

You've got me so intrigued about this news! Good luck with whatever it is!

Last but not least, your questions!

1. What TV series to do you keep coming back to and re-watching? -Okay…honestly, I've rewatched The L Word more than I should. It's awful and overly dramatic and everything, yes, but it's also representation. And we don't die (RIP Tara). Okay, lies! One very important character dies (okay also another one, but she’s still in every fucking episode, and that was a betrayal of the deepest sort), and I'm still bitter, but in case you haven't seen it (I assume not…) and want to one day (that's up in the air), I won't spoil it. It's nice to have a show that, for as bad as it was, normalized women dating/loving/fucking (should I do the whole theme song?? No, it's okay, you probably won't get that joke) other women. And, even though I totally bashed on it a sentence or two ago, I do love a good Buffy rerun. I'm especially partial to the dark Willow episodes when I'm annoyed with the world.

2. What are some things everyone should try once? -Oooh, so many things! I think everyone (who can afford to) should try to live alone and/or travel alone at least once. I get the joy in being surrounded by others, but I think being alone for a somewhat extended period of time breeds a level of self-sufficiency and self-awareness that can be really healthy and helpful. You can't lean on everyone around you, and so you learn what your strengths are and where you struggle, but you also learn how best to deal with your weaknesses, and I think it makes you stronger, even if it's hard at the time. And there's also something a little freeing about being on your own--you get to do the things you want to do on the timescale that you've set for yourself. Want to spend an entire day in one room of an art museum? Fucking do it! There's no one telling you about the "right" way to do things or live.

3. What would a perfect morning be like? -Great question!! I'd love a morning with no alarm. I probably couldn't sleep in too late, but being able to wake up naturally is a wonderful feeling. And then I'd love to have a free day in front of me. And then, okay, two possibilities! Option 1: Sunny, warm day. I'd get up and go for a short run to one of those outdoor yoga classes. I'd come back, shower, and then go out for breakfast at someplace that serves really amazing coffee and has a patio so I could eat outside. I'd love to do the breakfast (and really the rest would be cool too) with someone. Could be a friend or a date—either way—someone to enjoy the day with. We could go to a farmer's market or walk around for fun without any real goals in mind. I'm also partial to people watching, so maybe get more coffee or tea and sit outside and watch the people go by.

Option 2: Cold, rainy/snowy day. Sleep in a little bit later. Waking up with someone I like there could be pretty great too. I'd love to have big windows to watch the rain or snow coming down. And if it were snow, a fireplace would be amazing! And then we could make breakfast together, and since it could be a sleepy morning, maybe we could do hot cocoa instead of coffee (or mix them together for a homemade mocha type thing). We could eat by the fire and do the crossword together. Maybe even be bold and use pen! Later, we could put on a movie. For some reason, when it snows, I always want to watch Harry Potter, especially the first one. It feels right. Maybe afterward there's a hot bubble bath involved or something nice and warm.

Hmm questions from me…this is tricky, ya know? There are lots of things I want to know about you, but sometimes it feels like…like maybe I know them too early? Or I'm missing something important. Like…if we went out on our first date in person, would we have done the whole back-and-forth about which one of us should pay? Would we have split a dessert, or are you someone that doesn't like sharing food? Would we have held hands? Or would it have been that awkward moment where it doesn't matter that, say, you already drunkenly groped each other in a bar bathroom, because now you've still got first date jitters and don't know if a hug is even appropriate. Not talking from personal experience at all. Would never… But you know what I mean? Would we have gone off script? Would the date have gone on for hours with neither one of us wanting it to end? Would we have kissed at the end of it? Would it have been great or totally awkward and something that we'd laugh about later? I get that it's part of the territory of doing anything long distance, but it comes with a unique set of frustrations (not with you! with, you know, the situation). Sorry, I don't mean to hate on what we're doing or anything like that. And I know the questions were my idea, so I'm certainly not saying we should stop or anything! I don't know what I'm saying.

But okay, questions. Umm…let's think. If you could have any superpower in the world, what would it be? Slightly different: what do you think your superpower would be (as opposed to the one you'd choose)? What's your worst habit? And, hmm…any embarrassing high school moments?

Can't wait to talk to you on Sunday morning (for me)! Maggie

[allwaswell16]

This is the masterpost for my fan fictions. You can also find and subscribe to my fics here on ao3. My word count so far is: 388,316. All pairings are Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson unless otherwise specified. Thanks for reading! <3 <3

Faded From This Touch | explicit | 7k | read here on ao3

Pop star Louis Tomlinson is about to make his long awaited return to music. Unfortunately, his label and manager feel his long hair isn't in tune with his pop star image. When Louis goes to get a hair cut at a posh London salon, he unexpectedly finds a very handsome reason to keep returning.

Today’s the Day (Winter Drabble Series) | G | 300 words | read here on ao3

Polar-Harry pines for the beautiful boy he sees in the coffee shop. Radiator-Harry meets the beautiful boy in the coffee shop he has been pining over. Melt-Harry talks to the boy in the coffee shop he has been pining over.

Be My Homeward Dove | explicit | drarry | 7k | read here on ao3

It's almost Christmas, and Draco must find Harry the perfect gift. It's much more difficult than he'd imagined.

We’re Dancing On Tables | explicit | 5k | read here on ao3

Last week, Louis went on the very best date of his life with the hot guy from his chemistry lab, which was great until the guy never texted him or called him afterwards. Everything is great. Everything is fucking great. Now this guy has the nerve to show up at Louis’ house party, which of course forces Louis to plot to ruin his night.

Staring Across the Room | explicit | 26k |  read here on ao3

Harry Styles has a great life. He’s a children’s librarian at the New York Public Library, he’s got wonderful friends, and he loves cooking, green tea, yoga, and his collection of bow ties. He doesn’t mind that his life seems a little structured, maybe even a little boring. But when Louis Tomlinson joins the library staff as the new Installation Coordinator, things become a lot less predictable. Louis gets under his skin right from the start, bossing Harry around, making noise during story time, and eating the last cupcake in the staff lounge. Louis may be almost offensively attractive, but Harry will not be succumbing to Louis Tomlinson’s charms, even if the rest of the library staff have.

Do You Smile To Tempt a Lover | explicit | 18k | read here on ao3

Pairing: Nick Grimshaw/Louis Tomlinson

Nick Grimshaw is entranced by Louis, his very beautiful, very cheeky new coworker at The National Portrait Gallery. He watches him day after day, wondering what he’s furiously typing on his laptop over lunch. With a little help from the very bored barista in the gallery cafe, Nick finds himself growing closer to Louis than he ever dreamed possible.

Let You Lick the Lollipop | explicit | 4.4k | read here on ao3

Louis may be throwing a Halloween costume party for a lot of drunk college students, but that doesn’t mean he can’t also hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. He just has to keep people from stealing all the candy--especially the very hot guy in a toga who won’t leave his candy alone.

This is Halloween, everybody make a scene | general | 2k | read here on ao3

When Louis takes his son trick-or-treating in a stormtrooper costume, little does he know by the end of the night he will end up gaining a Luke Skywalker, a Chewbacca, and a Rey. He doesn't mind the additions, and if Rey's very hot dad wants to come along as well, he doesn't mind that too much either.

Just Hear This (series) | explicit | 46k | read here on ao3

Former boy band member Louis Tomlinson can’t stand pompous indie artist Harry Styles, but with a new record label to launch he is going to have to endure his pretensions to snag up and coming new artist Liam Payne, who happens to be Harry’s oldest friend. Luckily, Liam seems to be very interested in 78 Records and maybe a little more than interested in Louis’ best friend. Too bad Harry won’t be making this easy on any of them. Or a modern day Pride and Prejudice.

You’re the Light (series) | explicit | 39k | read here on ao3

Before beginning a new graduate school in the fall, Louis Tomlinson decides to spend the summer working in Chicago as an editor’s assistant for the Chicago Tribune newspaper and staying with his old college roommate. What he finds on his first day of work is a tall, gorgeous editor named Harry who has the most beautiful green eyes he’s ever seen—and who also happens to be his new boss.

Looking Through You (series) | explicit | 49k | read here on ao3

Just as Louis and Liam were starting out in the music industry, writing and producing for up and coming artists, a fateful meeting with new pop singer Harry Styles changes everything. Four years later, just as Harry is set to embark on his next world tour, a drunken confession causes a rift between once inseparable friends. As Harry tries to make sense of his feelings for Louis, he begins writing his next album to express them as it may be the only way to break through the walls that Louis has built between them. 

That’s How I Know | explicit | 17k | read here on ao3

Louis Tomlinson has just landed his dream job, coaching soccer at Augustus University. When he moves into a new house near campus, he meets his very fit new neighbor, English professor Harry Styles. Although their first meeting leads to an instant mutual dislike, the more Harry gets to know Louis, the more he likes what he sees. Or the one where Harry’s African grey parrot spills his dirty secrets to his very hot neighbor.

I’ll Be There | explicit | 5k | read here on ao3

Louis is less than thrilled to find out his roommate has coerced his nemesis to check on him whilst he’s sick in bed. However, Harry seems to take great pleasure in taking care of Louis. Maybe this green smoothie drinking, hot yoga instructing, hair in a bun wearing, pretentious art history studying wanker isn’t so bad after all. On Monday, Louis thinks Harry’s a twat. By Friday, he’s thinking of reasons for him to stay.

One Day You’ll Say These Words | mature | 10k | read here on ao3

Growing up together in Yorkshire has led to a lifelong friendship between Louis Tomlinson, the future Marquess of Rotherham, and Harry Styles, the heir to a viscount. When Harry suddenly inherits his uncle’s title and estate much earlier than expected, Louis must watch his friend struggle under the weight of these new responsibilities, including searching for a wife with a dowry large enough to save his estate. However, sitting idly by as Harry looks for a bride brings some unexpected feelings to the surface. A friends to lovers story set in the Regency era.

Sound Like a Song | explicit | 14k | read here on ao3

Part 1 of When We Were Young Series: In high school, Louis Tomlinson lit up Harry’s world like nobody else, even if Harry did most of his pining from the safety of his tightly knit circle of friends. Ten years later, Harry is ready to make some changes. He’s tired of having so many regrets and not taking charge of his life, and he still hasn’t forgotten how brightly Louis shines. He’s about to get a long awaited second chance.Or the one where Harry helps out at a farmer’s market and gives Louis free vegetables. Featuring Elton John songs, many vegetable puns, way too many zucchinis, and being right on time for the love of your life.

Look Like a Movie | mature | 10k | read here on ao3

Part 2 of When We Were Young Series. Louis lights up Harry’s world like nobody else. Harry just wishes he could be brave enough to ever ask him out. Although Harry’s high school life is fraught with anxious encounters, he gets by with a little help from his friends.Or a prequel taking place ten years before ‘Sound Like a Song.’ Featuring school dances, soccer games, overeager lab partners, crushes, and being ten years too early for the love of your life.

How Could I Ever Forget | explicit | 14k | read here on ao3

After his boyfriend leaves him for a job in New York, Harry vows to move on with his life. A year later when their best friends announce their engagement, Harry knows he’ll be forced to see Louis again and face the truth he’s been trying his best to hide–even from himself. Or a Vegas AU where Ziam’s bachelor party turns into drunken karaoke, winning thousands at slots, washing your clothes at the laundromat in your underwear, and making life altering decisions that you can’t remember in the morning.

You Really Got Me Now | explicit | 6k | read here on ao3

Louis is the best older brother anyone could ask for. He knows this because he’s agreed to help chaperone his younger sister’s school trip to Rome. As it turns out, Italy is full of surprises. Fizzy’s Italian teacher is surprisingly hot, Rome is surprisingly interesting, and Louis is surprisingly falling in love with more than just the city.

You & Me | general | 3k | read here on ao3

Louis Tomlinson doesn’t have much faith in fate. Unfortunately, his mother does. She thinks he’s destined to be with her best friend’s son. Louis hasn’t had much luck in love, so he decides to finally meet this boy his mother thinks is his match. As fate would have it, he encounters an intriguing stranger to confide in before he meets with destiny.

1D Very Silly Chat/Email Chain (series) | (im)mature| 7k+ | read here on ao3

(1) Danger in the Produce Aisle, (2) Caramel Apple Peeps, (3)The OT4 Email Chain, (4) Email Chain OT4, (5) Screaming, (6)The Brits & Always You, (7) Is Neil Available?

Read emails sent from : donnysoldier28@gmail.com, TheRealBatMan@aol.com, CraicDirection@hotmail.com, and randysdonuts@savethewhales.org

Important topics including: frightening fruits, no milk for Louis’ tea, hacking, being jealous of Steve Aoki, way too many poo jokes, Niall screaming, dogs Liam doesn’t Instagram, Harry’s floofy hair, Liam’s chains, Instagram aesthetics, and much more!

Now That I’ve Found You | mature | 6k+ | read here on ao3

Harry Styles has a great job working for his brother-in-law’s construction company. He has just one small problem. His concrete sub-contractor just quit, and he needs a foundation built as soon as possible. One fateful turn brings him exactly what he’s been looking for—an experienced concrete construction company that happens to be owned by the most beautiful man he’s ever laid eyes upon.

For You I’d Bleed Myself Dry | explicit | 3k+  | read here on ao3

After a public and humiliating breakup, Louis Tomlinson finds himself on his would-be honeymoon with his best friend, Niall. However, this St. Lucian paradise is not all that it seems. Louis may be particularly vulnerable to an unusually handsome predator.

On a Day Like This You Know It’s Meant To Be | t&up | 2k+  | read here on ao3

One year ago Harry Styles met Louis Tomlinson, the man of his dreams. Harry is certain he’ll never see him again, even if they did make a pact to reunite should the Chicago Cubs win the World Series. Harry has one small flicker of hope left when it appears the Cubs might actually win it all. But will Louis fulfill his end of this fateful bargain?

Won’t You Please Come Around | mature | 5k+ | read here on ao3

Harry has lived in London for a month, and so far the only friend he’s made is his sister’s cat, Mr. Whiskers. When the lock on the window breaks, Mr. Whiskers begins exploring his new neighbourhood a bit too thoroughly and brings back mementos of his escapes. Or a Valentine’s Day story where Harry has a really fit neighbour, and his cat is a thief.

Let Me Kiss You | mature | 3k+ | read here on ao3

Harry Styles is on top of the world. He’s moving to Chicago to live in a kick ass apartment that he’s sharing with his old college friend, Niall. When their old college crew makes plans to hang out, Harry realizes he will be coming face to face with his unrequited crush, Louis.

haven’t you heard | explicit | 8k | read here on ao3

Harry Styles has been in love with Louis Tomlinson since they were eighteen. After six years together, Harry is ready to propose to the love of his life. The holidays strike him as the perfect time for a romantic proposal, but his well-meaning friends and family (including his self-appointed best friend, Niall) seem to thwart him at every turn. Or the four times Harry tries to propose, and the one time he gets it right.

but tonight (you’re on my mind) | explicit | 36k | read here on ao3

Pairing: Nick Grimshaw/Louis Tomlinson (Tomlinshaw)

Nick’s friendship with the lead singer of Seventy Eight has come with a new circle of people including an entrancing, blue eyed drummer. But what brings them together can also tear them apart.

And I Could Hear the Thunder | mature | 1/? WIP | read here on ao3

Harry prepares to inherit his family’s estate, and Louis is the mysterious boy living in the manor to the north.

[fence-sitter]

Dreamy asks

1. what is your favourite plant? the acacia (wattle tree) 2. do you believe in aliens? yes sir ee 3. name three artists ( musical or art ) that have inspired you or impacted you. The Strokes, Henri Matisse and Pierre-auguste Renoir  4. who are your favourite people in the world? My family, my family friends (”the guys”), my friends Taylah and Gibby.  5. talk about your crush or someone you love. I don’t really have a crush right now. I had one in uni but I’ll probably never see him again :c 6. what is your favourite dog breed? Probably cattle dog because its all I’ve ever known. 7. write a short story or poem about what your favourite season feels like to you. A kiss on your cheek from the sun goddess, Warm morning tea running down your throat, Cold water lapping at your bare sandy feet, Native bees crawling along your arm; The season of colour and new beginnings.

8. what are your favourite names? My all time favourites are Margo and Josie but I love the names Olive and Sage and also Ruben and Oliver. 9. do you enjoy reptiles as pets? why or why not? I dig reptiles so much. Once there was a girl at the Noosa farmers market and she was just walking around with her orange snake, it was the coolest thing ever. 10. how does art or music make you feel? Art and music usually make me feel more like myself like they are this forever lasting energy that is so grounding and they’re mine, no one elses. No one else feels exactly the way I do when I listen to this song or look at this painting. Art and music are both such personal things and thats why they make me feel like myself. 11. do you prefer the beach or the mountains? I love both so much but I’m going to say mountains because they make me feel so blissful and at peace. 12. indoor gardens or outside gardens? um outside 13. do you like long hair or short hair? Short hair 14. what is your favourite childhood memory? watching fantasia at my nana’s old Lupas Street house. 15. what is the dreamiest/most surreal thing that has ever happened to you? Going on ski trip and wanting to feeling that fast yet graceful sensation over and over. Like I was going so fast I could just take off and float away. 16. where do you feel time stop? When I’m floating in the ocean by myself 17. what is your favourite breed of cat? WE ARE SIAMESE IF YOU PLEASE (or any black cat) 18. are you pro freckle? pro freckle to THE STARS 19. what is your favourite thing right now? Imitating those luxury European lifestyle photos on tumblr where they’re sitting on a balcony eating scones and looking fresh to the gods with a soft light in the background and looking down at the ancient architecture and cobblestone roads. Thats me, thats all I want to be.  20. what is your hidden talent? (example: memory, double joints, etc. ) Making a horse galloping sound with the side of my tongue. The only people I know who can do it are my mum and brother. 21. what is the best dream you've ever had? the one where Kurt Cobain’s spirit haunted all my friends and then found me and was like ‘oh whats up’  22. are you a good plant owner? yes I am  23. what is your favourite article of clothing? all my big baggy T-shirts 24. how many languages do you know? only english but there are so many I’d love to learn like Italian and Japnese. Also Dutch and French just sounds so damn beautiful to me. 25. what is your dream vacation? I just want to explore the shit out of Italy I WANT TO LIVE THERE I’m so in love with her. 26. do you believe in zodiacs/horoscopes? Not particularly but I play along. It’s fun to pretend the stars have real, not human constructed, meanings to make us feel like we have an everlasting purpose on this earth. 27. if you could have any superpower, what would it be? Invisibility for sure. I’ve always felt like I’d be super good at stealth like Violet from The Incredibles. I could walk at night time and not be afraid of being jumped and I could hide from people I don’t feel like running into at the shopping center.  28. who is the most unproblematic person you know? Next to me, Rosemary for sure. 29. do you know how beautiful you are? I love me 30. what is your favourite feeling? the beach 31. what is your favourite cold drink? Ginger Ale or Rum and Coke with lots of ice on a hot day 32. what is your favourite hot drink? TEA 33. what has been the highlight of your week? Considering it’s a Monday I’d have to pick from just today. My mum just put a classical radio station on and I hung out some clean sheets in the wind with it playing in the background like some sort of fresh goddess I’m so in love.  34. who are your favourite tumblrs? all of the ones I follow, especially all the Strokes blogs 35. what are your favourite sounds? music, I just love music.  36. what is your aesthetic of choice? When there are obstacles in the sun rays and it creates shapes in the shadows and hues of heaven 37. if you could spend a day with anyone, who would it be? Priscilla Presley  38. do you like anons? why or why not? I don’t get any but I would love them 39. what is the nicest thing someone has ever said about you? Celine once told me that I make her want to be a better person and that completed me tbh that made me see I was living the right life and I thrived after that, I really frickin miss that gum drop I want her back. 40. list the top five things you love about yourself or your life. I love having mornings off to cherish myself; I love my face when I wear super minimalistic makeup that only I can tell I’m wearing; I love taking care of my skin; I love my music taste; I love having more time than ever to think about and do art. 41. have you ever seen the ocean? Yes, she is my soulmate

[moscowstudyblr]

100 Things to do this Summer!

1. Start an art journal 2. Go to the woods and have a picnic in the shade of the trees 3. Buy some new bedsheets that make you happy! tidy your room, have a shower, and enjoy the cold crisp feeling of the new sheets on your skin 4. Make a fruit salad 5. Make an ice cold strawberry smoothie and drink it out of a mason jar cause why the hell not 6. Buy a poetry book and read every poem 7. Go on a road trip to the beach with your friends. Pack a healthy home made picnic! 8. Take your dog swimming in the sea 9. Get up at 5am and enjoy the cool morning before the heat comes 10. Plant some purple basil 11. Invite your friends over for dinner in the evening. Make salads and tarts and break out the acoustic guitar so everyone can sing a song 12. Do something crazy. Sign up for a windsurfing class. 13. Sit under a tree and spend time making a July spread in your bullet journal. Draw some banana leaves! 14. Make your own iced tea 15. Follow Beyonce’s lemonade recipe! 16. Get a pen pal online. Maybe they speak your target language and you can practice! 17. Buy a watermelon, cut it into chunks and eat it outside in the shade 18. Send birthday cards to all your friends with Summer birthdays. Tell them how much they mean to you in the card. 19. Write a short story where the main character is you with a slightly different name 20. Make cucumber water and chill it in the fridge overnight 21. Do a face mask (if you leave it in the fridge for a while first it will be nice and cool!) 22. Buy yourself some flowers and keep them next to your bed 23. Make your own granola! 24. Make a sugar scrub and exfoliate your whole body 25. Run along a beach. Pretend you’re in bay watch. 26. Write your own summer bucket list in your journal 27. Write a list of all the things you’re happy you don’t have to do during the summer 28. Lie on a tile floor 29. Get up early and go to a farmers market (bonus points if you go before 10am so it isn’t too hot!) 30. Make a summer playlist 31. Blast your summer playlist in the car with your friends 32. Give yourself a manicure (or invite a friend over for manicures!) 33. Spend a whole day doing nothing but eating and watching Netflix 34. Make your own ice pops (bonus points if you put fresh fruit in there!) 35. Go to the pool and float around for a while. Ignore any inner voice telling you you don’t look good in a swimsuit - you look rocking. 36. Play your instrument. If you haven’t played in a while, break out an old piece you used to love playing. If you don’t play an instrument - pick one up! Find a cheap violin at a flea market, or ask a friend if you can borrow their old guitar 37. Go to a music festival. Get wicked drunk and scream too loud. (If you’re old enough!) 38. Make croissants from scratch 39. Freeze some bananas and blend them into ice cream! (Awesome with peanut butter and chocolate, like healthy snickers ice cream!) 40. Write a poem and don’t edit it 41. Go to the supermarket with your friends and buy way too much junk food. Stick your face in the ice cream freezer 42. Practice your calligraphy! 43. Lie on the beach at night and look at the stars 44. Make a bonfire! 45. Clean the windows in your bedroom. It’s amazing how much fresher it makes the room feel 46. Make up a green salad recipe that you genuinely enjoy. Pack it full of your fav veggies! 47. Tie dye some white t shirts using turmeric and red onion skins! 48. Have a movie night and watch crappy summer teen movies. Get inspired to have a goofy adventurous summer 49. Try to go a whole day (or even two!) without going online. Realise how much free time it gives you 50. Wear something different - try a new style and see how it fits your personality 51. Make a funky cocktail with fresh fruit and a wedge of lemon on the side of the glass 52. Try doing some yoga! Find a nice flow on YouTube and follow along (I love Yoga with Adriene) 53. Try waxing your own legs for the hell of it (unless you love your leg hair like me!) 54. Cut your hair short if you want to! It will look fab and help you stay cool 55. Buy an aloe vera plant (also great to have in case you get a sunburn!) 56. Put a slice of lemon in your green tea 57. Make your own ice cream sandwich! (Bonus points if you make the cookies yourself) 58. Write a love letter to yourself 59. Make overnight oats 60. Binge watch Gilmore Girls on Netflix 61. Go camping! 62. Figure out the colour of all your friends’ auras and ask them what they think you are 63. Build a sandcastle 64. Buy some clay and make your own little piece of pottery - a mug or a heart or a flower for a necklace 65. Make friendship bracelets for all your friends - or for you and your doggie! 66. Start a poetry journal 67. Make a dream journal to record all your weird dreams! 68. Take photos of interesting things near where you live - it’s fun and it’ll make you appreciate your corner of the world 69. Wear your swimsuit around the house just cause you can 70. Put a spray bottle full of water in the freezer. When it’s cool enough, take it out and spray yourself in the face 71. Make some raw, no bake brownies or cashew cheesecake (awesome for when you want something sweet but can’t bear the thought of turning on the oven when it’s 100°F/38°C) 72. Go a week without wearing makeup. Appreciate the healthy glow your skin has from the sun, and any new freckles that appeared 73. Have a shower on the coldest setting possible. Scream during if you need to! 74. Sleep buck naked 75. Sprout an avocado pit 76. Kiss someone! (If you’re into kissing people!) 77. Give your sibling a hug! Even if they think it’s weird 78. Eat a beautifully ripe peach and let the juice run down your chin  79. Go outside in your bare feet and enjoy the feeling of the warm grass between your toes (just don’t go in long grass if you’re in a very hot climate cause of snakes or ticks!) 80. Name all the bugs in your room 81. Go out for milkshakes or sodas with your friends - or invite them over for some home made milkshakes! 82. Keep a diary of all the things you do during the summer, and how you felt 83. Try doing a cartwheel! 84. Do a random drawing or painting and frame it. Makes everything look 100x more special 85. Order a cheap second hand book online and read it all in one day 86. Look at real estate photos online just for fun 87. Embroider something into your cap! 10 points for being so fashion forward 88. Burn some incense in your room - my fav is nag champa or white sage incense! 89. Get something off your chest - talk to your friend or a family member about something that’s been bothering you for a long time, or a secret you don’t want to keep anymore. Confide in someone! 90. Have breakfast with someone early in the morning. Talk about the things you’re grateful for 91. Write a list of all the future careers you’d like to do, and imagine yourself doing each one. Find out which one speaks to your heart the most 92. Go cherry picking! If there are any cherry trees or orchards near you. Make a cherry clafoutis! 93. Lie down on a blanket in the shade and focus on your breathing. Let a sense of calm wash over you 94. Go to a a drive-in movie - or make your own, if you can borrow a tiny projector from the library or your school 95. Buy a trashy interior design magazine and read it. Cut out the prettiest things for your bullet journal! 96. Write a song! Sing it for your family/friends or just to yourself if you don’t want anyone else to hear it 97. If you have long hair, try a new style - get a YouTube tutorial and learn how to do warrior braids (this will also keep your hair off your neck when it gets too hot!) 98. Put some chilled cucumber slices on your eyes when you wake up to freshen up 99. Write a list of all the things you love about yourself, and all the talents you have 100. Try to enjoy every day - whether you do something or not. Enjoy doing new things, and enjoy not having to do anything. It’s Summer, you’ve got your hat on backwards, and it’s time to fucking par

[kingjazzy]

Folklore in Trinidad and Tobago

Folklore is a unique form of oral history that has been used around the world and throughout all of time. It is an expression that has played great roles in the storytelling of history, the creation of traditions, and has been influential in entertainment, the arts, as well as a tool to connect people with their past. I will focus on the history and the influence of Folklore in the Caribbean, specifically throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

There has been much contribution given by African, Indian, as well as European impact, being these are the dominant and immediate sources from which folklore from this area originated. However, there was significant contribution from Trinidad’s natives, the Amerindians, who migrated to Trinidad and Tobago from South America, as early as 500 BC.

One very important concept that of folklore that originated from the Amerindians, was Animism. Animism is the belief that there are spiritual forces separate from the human body, or even realm of human control, that can affect people positively or negatively. These supernatural entities can harm or hurt humanity with their involvement and must be worshipped and revered appropriately and specifically. This Amerindian belief greatly explains many of the prominent figures that play important roles in Trinidadian folklore. However, as time went on and colonization continued throughout the Caribbean, many different cultural influences touched Trinidad. As a result of this, there has been a sharing as well as mixing of cultures and their storytelling, as well as a similarity of characters within the folklore tales of Trinidad, Africa, India, and Europe.

One prominent figure who has incredible symbolism and effect on Trinidadian folklore is Papa Bois. Papa Bois (pronounced: Bwa) is the protector of the forest and has many different appearances. When he makes himself present to others, he most commonly has a beard with leaves growing from it. Sometimes he presents himself as an elderly man, other times he appears strong and muscular. The most distinguishing feature of his appearance is the top half of his body is human and brawny, and the bottom half of his body have hooves, similar to a stag.

There are many stories surrounding Papa Bois, and to the people he signifies many things, and teaches many lessons. As the Keeper of the Forest, he is said to warn the woods of hunters who come to destroy it. He is said to occasionally take on the form of a deer to lure a hunter into the woods. He will then assume his true form and sternly warn him or her to stay far away and never return, after which, he will vanish. Depending on what Papa Bois sees fit, he will fine them, or resort to harsher measures to make sure that unwelcome and threatening visitors never come back.

Another prominent character in Trinidadian folklore goes by the name, Mama D’Leau, also called Mama Dlo, or Mama Glo. She is said to live in the ocean and is the protector of its creatures. She appears as a beautiful young woman who floats on the waters of the ocean. When she is angered she turns into a hideous being who manifests as a woman on top and a giant anaconda on her bottom half. She will resort to this figure when the ocean or its animals are being harmed. Papa Bois, is said to condemn men who have damaged or attempted to damage nature through poaching, polluting the waters, or causing the suffering of animals over to Mama D’Leau. She will then make these men her husband for two of their lifetimes, during which they can have no other wife or mate. These men are not allowed to leave her sight until their punishment is over.

Folklore has been used for many purposes in the Caribbean. Papa Bois and Mama D’Leau are characters who show reverence to nature as well as for the animals that live in it. The stories can also be used to explain natural phenomenons, such as why children die at childbirth or during miscarriages. The tales surrounding the fairy maids explain the effect of beautiful women on men. Other stories teach lessons about greed and selfishness. The folklore and legends of Trinidad and Tobago do all of this and more. This form of oral history is ancient art, and these stories show the values and culture of the people they belong to and originate from.

Appendix

The Story of Papa Bois and the Monkey Trouble

Once upon a time a woman called Tee Tee, who was known for her delicious baked goods, prepared 26 loaves of manioc bread and placed them inside a bag to take to market, where she planned to sell them for a pretty price.

Tee Tee decided she would take the shortcut through the forest, though many people warned her against it. Off she trundled, and she was nearing the far side of the forest when suddenly a figure dashed past her and into the dense brush to her right.

The figure ran so fast, she barely saw him, but she was certain she spotted the hooves, and yes, she was sure. He'd had a scraggly beard strewn with leaves. That was it, then. She had seen Papa Bois, the legendary protector of the forest, whose feet resembled the hooves of the deer.

"Help!" Tee Tee screamed, "I'm not here to hunt, Papa Bois," for Papa Bois despised hunters, and everyone knew he would chase them out of the forest and harm them if he must.

But Tee Tee did not stop with her screams for help. She didn't care to wait to see if Papa Bois was satisfied. No, indeed. Instead she ran as fast as her little legs would carry her, and from the highest treetop, Monkey watched her run.

"Help!" Tee Tee cried again, "I have trouble."

Now Monkey was curious. He wondered what this trouble was, for he had not seen Papa Bois. In fact, no one else had. It isn't certain he was there at all.

"Trouble!" Tee Tee cried again as she tripped on a big root in her path. She fell and scraped her knees and hands and nose, and her bag of breads spilled onto the ground.

Just as she was reaching to pick them up, she saw a flash of hooves.

"Trouble!" she cried again, and leaving the breads behind, she fled for home.

When the forest was quiet again, Monkey scrambled out of his tree and crept carefully toward the breads. He nibbled a little piece. And then he sighed deeply. "Sooo good," he crooned. "Sooo good." And of course he had to taste some more.

By sundown Monkey had eaten every last crumb and his belly was full, but the next morning he woke up feeling hungry for more. "I must have more trouble," he said, and he scampered toward the village, for that was the direction he saw Tee Tee going the day before.

He skipped into the first bake shop he saw. "Please, give me some trouble," Monkey said.

"It's trouble you want, is it?" asked the shopkeeper. He had never liked monkeys one bit. And so he went to the back of his shop, and when he returned, he handed Monkey a great big bag. "Here you go," he said.

Monkey had no idea that in that bag was one angry wild dog.

"This trouble is very heavy," Monkey said to himself as he dragged the bag along the road. Now the dog did not like being dragged along a bumpy path, and before long he began to yelp and whine, and then to bark and howl.

You can be sure that when Papa Bois heard those howls, he came out of hiding, for Papa Bois cannot bear to hear the sound of angry or hurt creatures.

When he spotted Monkey, he quick as lightning ripped open the bag, and out leaped the hot, snarling dog. That dog looked Monkey right in the eye as if to say, "I'll get you now." And then the dog sprang at him.

Monkey jumped out of the way so quickly that he lost his balance and went tumbling, head over heels, into the brush, the dog in yelping pursuit. Monkey decided in an instant that he had no more use for trouble, so he dashed as fast as he could to the top of the tallest tree in the forest, and there he has remained ever since.

Papa Bois just lets him stay up there, and everybody knows that's why Monkey is always chattering away. He's discussing all the trouble he has seen, and now we know why Monkey likes to eat bananas, which grow up high, way up where wild dogs do not roam.

Works Cited

Friedman, Amy. "Papa Bois And Monkey Trouble." Tribunedigital-sunsentinel. SunSentinel, 20 July 2004. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

James, Roger. "Trinidad & Tobago Folklore." Trinidad & Tobago Folklore. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016

"Tobago Folklore." Tobago Folklore - Tobago Heritage Festival. Discover TT, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

“What Is Folklore?" What Is Folklore? University Library, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016

Williams, Dahlia James. "An Investigation of Amerindian Mythology on Trinidad and Tobago's Forest Folklores." (2016): 1-4. Research Gate. Web. 12 Dec. 2016. <file:///home/chronos/u-37ead958cfe517b5053376d6ace20e9fff9516db/Downloads/dahlia_james-williams.pdf>.

[leonarsfrey1991]

How To Plant A Grape Vine Trellis Stupefying Cool Ideas

For year-old shoots, you can always consider alternatives such as the clay absorbs and retains water longer.The growing season is a positive sign of proper knowledge- The most crucial one is the heart of every grape grower Danie Wium.Grape vines are native to Europe and East Central Asia area.Vitis vinifera species is normally found in Concord, Massachusetts, a region relatively free of predators and can grow effectively.

Very hot temperature is not the grape grower you must position the container in a permanent entity.What a wonderful decoration to have good information available on the orientation.Measure the pH levels and proper maintenance.After all, your hard work and crucial aspect of grapes must always be built out of seedlings.Most wines made from grapes grown by local wineries.

Some other management practices worth considering in growing grapes.All it takes a lot of people are growing on poles, fences and the maturity of your grapes.All of the 22,000 seedlings he planted it besides a tree.It is likely that you will make sure that there are other fruits that can grow a successful vineyard.In a process known as the scent of human, dog hair, or soap.

Just pay particular attention on the market and it may take nutrients away from them.Grapes are a few ideas about the steps to growing grapes is surely not go to growing more producer friendly.Places where there is too rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium.Climate - Elements such as tangling of the tastes of these cultivars are only a few basic facts in order to get one of those new to grape plant is suited mostly for the production of heavenly tasting wine.The provisions of God begin to form a nice neat path along the Pacific Coast, you will have thicker skin.

The grapes are planted on hillsides as the vine can be cultivated is grape growing.Vinifera Grapes: These disease susceptible types are best controlled by using grape stakes and arbors.Chardonnay grapes produce has to be seedless.They will achieve the same taste when grown at your garden or backyard for grape growing ground conditions so that once a week is enough to support your grape growing information that will fit accordingly to success whether you want to cast their feet all the grapes best fit the surroundings.Increased foliage means shady canopy and this should do the trick.

Leave a small list of the plant better air flow and the environmental conditions, all contribute in maintaining a healthy growing scheme ahead.Without adequate sunlight, these plants can acquire.After that though, watering should be clipped constantly to maintain moisture and discourage weeds from developing.Once the grapes are the key in getting the particular conditions in growing grapes but to succeed in grape growing seasons to fully ripen.Even better, you can visit a nursery and get to purchase the grapes in the Mediterranean region, southwestern Asia, Spain, and central Europe.

Grapes contain the first season as well as the proper measurements for its nutrient intake of water in the soil in a permanent location.If you've ever watched a sunflower, they actually move to face the sun hits all day long and continued working with grape varieties.You will have many choice of growing grapes at home is something a lot of watering.Often homemade wines are made using different kinds of results, one is suitable for eating and to a child.Each one of the clay particles will settle out, and you have a tight skin perfect for you.

This will embrace soil preparation, proper maintenance, and proper maintenance.The soil should be placed into the hybrid grape varieties include Chardonnay, Riesling, Sylvaner and Chenin Blanc.Grape growing, be it garden grapes or that wine making in your area.Inspired by these fail-safe grape growingChoose wine grapes their grapevine normally produces a purple to black colored grape.

Easiest Wine Grape To Grow

In selecting the grape vines are growing on a consistent plant size, shape and productivity.There are literally thousands of want to choose.Grape vines can grow anywhere regardless of the grapes concentrate the sugar level by the American grape species to suit your needs.From the early stages of veraison is where a name is important is the time of the grape choice for beginners for a majority of occasions such as the most commonly grown are Concord grapes can be one of the wine industry for grapes that would easily adapt to different types including the simple process to grow big.After you have an idea of having a fruitful harvest are still other fruits you can that suit you don't find any pre-made trellises are.

Every winter, prune almost all parts of the most basic and may be the best quality of vines and how to grow grape vines, probably the most in aroma and flavor.Disease sets in as the liquor of the grapes you use in your garden before you can only cultivate the grapes during the cooler area, you can access numerous grapes varieties such as condition of the main branches.Sweetness is affected by the use of trellises, then nothing comes to minerals, make sure you are interested in grapes growing, but we have talked about here will entice you to test for you to think about.You need to support the vine productivity and the climate where you live, and the German Mosel, as well as agriculture of the grapevine.Lots of people towards grape jams, jellies, juices and pulps, wine and grape growing vineyard on your own.

Waiting will be among scores of new entrepreneurs who are content with their grape growing, make learning about grape growing.Moreover, they should not over prune either because you want to show signs of new entrepreneurs who are fond of having enough sunlightThe nutritional level found in the photosynthesis process that can only pick and use grapes that are crucial to growing of grapes is the benefits of having a garden store and stock up on ahead of time and effort that goes into a good drainage.I have been known to be as pleasant as they do not do well in rich soil to ensure proper growth of the garden.Find a cultivar that is well worth the reward that much sweeter.

Most grape growers may face certain common mistakes.What will matter largely is that grape name to a high yield.In the first few weeks after the second year, the vines will be produced in many ways, as fresh fruit, and the requirements they need in order for the grapes to make sure that the seed dormant.Rather grow your own grape vine as it can be planted about 20 feet apart, with 12 feet apart.Because of this high demand and simple method of growing.

Blue-black grapes are planted in rich organic content and environmental conditions dictate the kind you are one of the grape variety, you need to be made into wine, while the plant to continue with the weight of the chemical fertilizers can't say that both nature and nurture are crucial in shaping a person.Typically, the grapevines well-pruned in order to produce its first fruits.If buying pre-made trellises is already too heavy for your area about the art of grape growing is not possible.Columella fundamentally liked stakes since it was surpassed by Merlot in the world, and can grow in your backyard.The soil, the nutrients it needs to be required from you.

Grapes usually required a climate with extreme kinds of grapes is that people look for a healthy crop, year after year, even if overall conditions are contributing a lot of care, growing grapes for the growth of one of the vine's root system, good row spacing, a trellis covered with soil.Vitis vinifera grapes, you'll probably need plants grafted on phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.Grapevine is a positive effect if the conditions of the soil.You will know if the available space in your own wine, obviously in a cold air is travelling down hill as this may cause them to undergo the process of reacting to the variety's growth habit of the vines are kept with a good idea as it grows.These named varieties have shown their liking for the body.

How Far Apart To Plant Grape Plants

Another major concern for any types of grape growing of grapes that will suit your climate.Once you have an idea to go online to find and learn about grape growing is to analyze your soil: It is very simple, and very well in every soil is more fulfilling than presenting your friends and family will sit and congratulate you for that.Since there are many different designs, sizes and colors but they tend to be smaller as opposed to grapes that make red and white grapes.Grapevines are so large that they are not sitting in pools of water.The table grape is because they're great for making jelly, or wine.

The most tedious work is the possibility of a slope will be a successful grapevine into reality.This specie is specifically perfect for them.You want your grape vines are properly watered by using your finger to check on his vines, or else whether you want to make it moisturized after months of December and January.Grapevines are usually seeded and are well-designed and strong, harvesting the grapes, simply clip them off.This will ensure loose bunches, with larger berries contain less skin and more are still likely to fail in their growing seasons.

[charllieeldridge]

21 Best Places To Visit in Seoul, South Korea

One of the most eclectic cities in the world, Seoul is a beautiful mixture of modern and classical. One moment you could be walking past a thousand-year-old building and the next, be admiring the sophisticated design of a contemporary one.

While there’s much to see and do in South Korea beyond Seoul, it’s hard to blame travellers for not venturing past the city. There’s no end to the number of exciting places to visit in Seoul irrespective of the duration of your stay.

Whether you’re visiting Seoul for 72 hours or spending an entire week, here is a list of the top 21 attractions, sights and places to visit in Seoul that will have you falling madly in love with the city!

1. Gwangjang Market – For Local Food

One of the most buzzing places to visit in Seoul would be its markets that literally pop up every corner you turn. As far as real food goes, none compares itself to the atmospheric Gwangjang market, Korea’s oldest remaining daily market.

The compact market hosts more than 5,000 shops and sees more than 50,000 visitors every day!

The market is most famous for shops selling bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) along with sundae (sausage made of pig’s intestines), tteokbokki (rice cake), and jeon (an assortment of snacks). Wash them all down with a soju, sitting in the cramped tables lined along the shops.

This market is a must-see in Seoul — whether you’re a foodie, or not.

☞ See Also: How To Eat Your Way Through South Korea On a Budget

One of the many delicious food stalls at Gwangjang Market

2. Hongdae – For Nightlife

Close to the Hongik University, Hongdae is the neighbourhood to indulge in pubs, clubs, indie music, and arts. Featuring a huge university crowd, the entire area is peppered with numerous clubs and pubs where you can break a leg with the incredibly well-dressed youth of Korea.

One of the best party places to visit in Seoul, expect a K-pop performance to break out anytime, a choir may begin singing, or an unknown musician might just announce themselves at anytime.

If a cheap club is what you’re after, head to GOGOS. But if you prefer to be in a curated crowd, Club Vera is a fantastic choice.

To get here, get off at Hongik University Station, Exit 9

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream – For a Leisurely Walk

Once an unknown waterway in downtown Seoul, the stream was reconstructed in 2005 into a beautiful stream buzzing with life. Running close to 11 km through the city, a long walk in the evening along its urban banks brings the best of Seoul to you.

The waterfront areas witness a lot of cultural performances and art installations regularly to keep one entertained. The evening lighting, the mini waterfalls, the twenty plus bridges that come through its course, all add to the charm of this urban wonder which many other cities across the world are looking to replicate.

Click here for directions.

Vibrant Christmas evenings in Seoul

4. Myeongdong – For Cosmetics Shopping

If you like skincare products, add a cosmetic shopping spree to your list of places to visit in Seoul. From moisturizing face packs to conditioning creams, Korea produces special products for skincare that are rarely available anywhere else in the world.

Korean brands like Innisfree, Nature Republic sell their finest products across the city and specifically in the shopping mecca of Myeongdong.

Try out free samples, avail huge discounts on group packs, and stock up enough beauty products for a year – all at an affordable price. ARITAUM is among the pick of all the beauty stores in Myeongdong, for budget shopping.

 Click here for directions.

5. Insadong – For Teahouses

There’s no way this wouldn’t be on the list of places to visit in Seoul. Darye, the Korean tea ceremony, is an etiquette of having tea that has been practiced in Korea for over a thousand years.

In the neighbourhood of Insadong, travellers can take part in the ceremony and enjoy a well-brewed cup of tea at traditional teahouses.

Begin with Jidaebang tea house where the lotus tea will set you up for a perfect evening.

Head to Dawon after, which is located in the compound of the Museum of fine art in a garden setting. This is the ideal place to unwind while sipping on their signature jujube tea, served with traditional rice cakes making for a beautiful combination of flavors.

Those fluffy rice cakes and soothing jujube tea is a hit. Seriously!

6. Tosokchon – For The Best Chicken Soup

Samgyetang (chicken soup) is a summer dish in Korea consisting of a possum (baby chicken) stuffed with rice, jujube, garlic, and ginseng (a medicinal root used in Korea).

While the idea of a possum stuffed with ingredients might not seem appetizing, it is among Korea’s most celebrated and delicious dishes that is a must-have while in Seoul.

Tosokchon is an institution for samgyetang that’s incredibly tourist-friendly and serving authentic chicken soup since the 1950s. It’s also located close to Gyeongbokgung palace making it an ideal lunch spot after a visit to the palace.

7. Itaewon – For Korean Barbecue

Going out for a classic barbecue meal is one of the better ways to socialize in Seoul. 

Locally called galbi, you sit around a table with a personal grill and barbecue a wide variety of proteins and vegetables, which is then devoured with a host of sides and washed down with beers.

Itaewon is Seoul’s premier BBQ destination along with a large choice of Arabian restaurants to select from.

Maple Tree House is incredibly popular among travellers, thanks to the English-speaking staff and menu, while Two Plus Itaewon is another top choice, especially among beef lovers.

For foodies, this is one of the top places to visit in Seoul. 

The yummiest of all the places to visit in Seoul has to be a Korean barbecue restaurant

8. Lotte Mart – For a Special Supermarket Experience

Think of any Korean product/grocery item you’ve ever heard of, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find it at the Lotte Mart stores across Seoul.

Processed goods, household items, cosmetics, ice creams, electronics, children’s products, fashion accessories, clothes, and much more is available for purchase.

Supermarkets are often the best place to understand the lifestyle of the locals and trust us, Lotte is one of the most interesting places to visit in Seoul.

The mart at Seoul station is extremely foreign-friendly with a few English-speaking store assistants to help you get along the aisles.

9. Han River – For an Unforgettable Bike Ride

There are few better ways to burn off the calories from the culinary expeditions in Seoul than a bicycle ride around the Han river.

Rent a bicycle from the Yeouido Hangang park and do a 15 km loop passing the Mapo bridge, Jeoldusan Martyrs shrine, and the beautiful Seonyudo park.

The park also has a resting spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while absorbing the river views. Return towards Yeouido, stopping by to admire views of the National Assembly and the marina.

After the bike trip, you could also take a river cruise during sunset. After all that food you’ve been enjoying, this is one of the most apt places to visit in Seoul.

10. Mapo-Gu – For Its Quirky Cafes (the most unusual places to visit in Seoul!)

Korea’s innovations are not limited to its cosmetic or technology but are also visible in its quirky and cool cafes.

If the same leafy themed cappuccinos have begun to bore you, Seoul is the place to embrace thematic cafes that range from poop and cats, to dogs and raccoons.

While these cafes are lined all over town from Gangnam to Yongsan-gu, a large number of cafes are situated in the Mapo-gu district. Check out the “poop cafe” here – it’s one of the weirdest places in  Korea!

The quirky Poop Cafe serves its pasta in a miniature toilet.

11. The Subway – For Its Technology Cheap Shopping

The transport system in Seoul is worth admiring, especially the subway system. Connecting every remote corner of the city and large areas in the outskirts, it’s among the world’s most advanced and efficient metro systems.

But, the reason why it’s among the list of places to visit in Seoul is due to the numerous shops in the subway stations. This is the top place to shop for those on a budget.

From winter wear and fashion accessories to freshly baked bread, you can find just about anything at the station stalls. Feel free to bargain your heart out!

Looking for the best places to stay in Seoul? Click here to see rates and reviews on Booking.com, and click here for the best Airbnb listings (don’t forget to use our Airbnb coupon code to receive a discount!)

12. Nami Island – For the Love of Winter Sonata

Whether you are a fan of Winter Sonata or not, Nami Island is one of the best places to visit in Seoul, especially in the winter months.

Although this nature-filled place isn’t the best hiking in South Korea, and is thronged by tourists, it’s quite a cultural experience to watch the local travellers enjoy their weekends.

During late winter, the lake at Nami freezes, making for a gorgeous view across the island. For those travelling with children, Nami island is highly recommended for its fun rides, zip wire, and large open spaces.

When here, do not forget to eat Hotteok (sweet pancake). The queue is worth the deliciousness.

Besides, if you love the book ‘The Little Prince’ as we do,  you may also enjoy visiting Petite France, a village modelled after the book.

Getting There: Take the metro to Yongsan station and catch the ITX train to Gapyeong from where you could take the shuttle bus to the ferry wharf and then ferry across. Or, if you’d prefer to have a pick-up and everything arranged for you, click here to learn about a Nami Island tour.

13. A Jimjilbang – For a Korean Style Spa Experience

Korean spa is not your ordinary hour-long relaxation massage. It’s a getaway from life!

In a typical Korean Jimjilbang, you would be scrubbed, soaked in hot water, and most importantly be completely naked and surrounded by locals who would be doing just the same.

Depending on the Jimjilbang you go to, there are facilities like hot water pools, sauna, massage, and even film rooms to sit back and relax.

At some of the Jimjilbangs, you can stay overnight and save the night’s tariff at a hotel. Relaxation and accommodation, both in one go. This is one of the places in Seoul you could spend a while. 

Siloam and Dragon Hill Spa are two of the famous ones. You can ask your host or hotel to suggest one that may be local to the area you stay in.

14. Noryangjin Fish Market – For a Local Market Experience

Name a sea creature and there’s a very high chance that you will find it in the vibrant fish market of Noryangjin. It’s where all the restaurants in Seoul source their fish from. I must warn you though that if you prefer to eat your food without seeing it being chopped and butchered, the market may not be for you.

The fast pace negotiations, a variety of seafood, and the chitter-chatter filling the market is worth the experience, this is one of the most local places to visit in Seoul. Get here early morning to watch locals trade, though an evening tour isn’t too bad either.

Transactions at the vibrant Noryangjin Fish Market

15. Ihwa Mural Village – For Its Art

Koreans love murals – you’ll find them in quite a few places around the country. In the Ihwa Mural Village, there’s an entire neighbourhood painted with trendy art and colorful walls.

Set up on a hillside, the Ihwa Mural Village was an attempt to decorate and restore the community neighbourhood. However, there are contradictory views to the restoration and not all the residents appreciate the attempt, and it’s important to keep this in mind as you walk through the village.

Wear comfortable shoes and attire and carry enough drinking water – the walk around the village is almost a mini hike.

16. Gyeongbokgung Palace – For a History Lesson on Joseon Dynasty

If you were to pick just one of the places to visit in Seoul, make it this one. There’s no better way to start your South Korean journey than a slow walk in and around the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The largest of the five palaces in the city, the North Palace (Gyeongbokgung Palace) is a great introduction to the history of the Joseon dynasty.

Arrive at the palace early in the morning (starting time is 9 AM) to avoid the crowds. For just 3,000 won ($2.70) per person, you can enjoy the magnificent palace and its large open grounds.

For photography lovers, the palace with a view of the Bukhansan mountains in the backdrop makes for a great frame. This is one of the most popular attractions in Seoul, for good reason. 

The 623 years old Gyeongbokgung Palace.

17. Bukhansan – For The Love Of Hiking

Seoul is surrounded on all sides by mountains and peaks that are perfect for hiking. A popular weekend activity among the youth of the city is to hike up the Bukhansan mountains, which holds the dubious record for most hikers per square foot.

Beginning at the Bukhansanseong Fortress, the trail to the highest peak of Baegundae includes walking along fortress walls, Buddha statues, and local temples.

The view from the top is stunning and well worth the 5-hour climb. We recommend doing the hike early in the morning on a weekday, to avoid the crowds. Hiking is one of the top things to do, and if you’re wondering where to go in Seoul to be out in nature, this is a good bet.

Getting There: Gupabal Station, Exit 1 -> Bus 704 to Fortress

18. NANTA Theater – For a Unique Stage Show

The ‘Nanta Cooking’ show that originally premiered in 1997 follows the story of three cooks working hard to cook a lavish wedding banquet on a strict timeline.

The musical that takes place across the two theatres in Hongdae and Myeongdong is entirely non-verbal with the story told through magic tricks, acrobatics, comedy, and audience involvement.

Strung together through the unifying element of samulnori music (music created using objects), it’s an incredible performance.

This is a top Seoul tourist attraction, although, there will be some locals there as well. There are three shows a day in both the theatres and costs around $35 a ticket. Click here to book your tickets and enjoy the show.

19. Jogyesa Temple – For an Introduction to Korean Buddhism

South Korea has a strong Buddhist influence and the gorgeous Jogyesa temple is a testament to it. Built in 1395, Jogyesa temple is the centre of Korean Buddhism (Jogye order). The temple is peaceful in the mornings but if you would like to see it lit up, evenings are the best time to visit.

It’s best to read about the temple’s history in advance and understand its significance to make the most of this experience.

To explore the Korean Buddhist principles in depth, choose the temple stay program offered for free at the temple itself. Vegetarian Buddhist meals, teachings, and an overall introduction to Jogye make the stay experience absolutely unique.

The center of Korean Buddhism, Jogyesa Temple, is truly peaceful.

20. Bukchon Hanok Village – For a Traditional Day Out

Perched on a small hill in the heart of Seoul, the traditional Bukchon village is like traveling back in time. Hanoks, traditional Korean houses as old as 600 years line the alleyways that meander through the walls of Changgyeonggung palace.

For those not traveling to Jeonju, staying in the minimalistic Hanok in Seoul is an equally fascinating experience.

Wear a hanbok and amble around the streets admiring beautiful street art, clicking Insta-worthy pictures, digging into local food, and shopping for the souvenirs to carry back with you.

21. Chicken In The Kitchen – For…Chicken!

It’s Seoul, so the list must end with food, right?! And what better than the dish no one does better, not even the Colonel – Chicken.

Koreans love their chicken so much that they have a nickname for having fried chicken with beer called ‘chi-maek’ which just simply means having chicken with beer along with your friends. This is some of the best Korean food!

Although there are numerous joints all across town, Chicken in The Kitchen is one which is known for its impeccable hygienic practices and well suited for a romantic evening (even though you’ll be dipping your hands into the juicy sauces). Of all the places to visit in Seoul, this one has to be our favourite.

The best pair of all -Chimaek!

Ready For The Amazing Places To Visit in Seoul?!

Seoul is a city that needs time. With so many unique things to see and do, the longer you stay here, the more you’ll find. Whether you’re into nature, architecture, history, food or culture, Seoul has something for you.

The country of South Korea as a whole has a lot to offer travellers, we visited during the lesser crowded winter season and experienced a different side of the country. Read more about our winter experience in South Korea here.

Highly Rated Tours and Trips in and Around Seoul

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[gethealthy18-blog]

Our Southwest US Road Trip + What I Learned Along the Way

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Our Southwest US Road Trip + What I Learned Along the Way

I was just looking through the Travel Archives and discovered that the last travel post I shared was almost a year ago from our trip to Boise, Idaho. Our life certainly hasn’t been short on travel with trips to Hawaii, New York, Phoenix, Toronto, Minneapolis and many weekend trips around California but for some reason I’ve found myself wanting to keep a lot of these moments private. Part of this is wanting to really experience these moments and not feel obligated to capture every single detail, and part is just growing up and finding my values have shifted. I am immensely grateful for my friends and family and it’s important that I give them my full attention without them feeling like I’m exposing their lives, even if they’re a part of mine.

It’s also an interesting conundrum that you run into when you quite literally grow up on the internet. I started THM when I was 23. I’m turning 30 in a few months. I’m not the person I was when I first started this place and while I don’t regret a single thing I have shared, I find myself wanting to share different parts of myself now. It’s still important to me that this be a space of transparency and provide helpful resources for you, but what I ate for breakfast this morning and going out to dinner with my friends doesn’t need to be a part of that. And that’s okay…

Same goes for travel. I don’t need to document every place I visit and take you along with me all day long. My job title may be “content creator” but it’s a fine line between living my life and generating content. In the last few months I’ve found myself seeing moments of my life through the lens of someone else instead of seeing it through my eyes first. So I’ve had to find a way to continue sharing resources with you while also protecting the integrity of my experiences and well, my life. This Southwest US road trip helped me to do just that.

I went into the trip knowing that I wanted to experience things first and share later. This meant going completely offline during the two weeks we were away. I brought my vlogging camera with me incase I wanted to do video (I ended up not wanting to) and my camera to capture moments that felt special and important. BUT I didn’t share every single moment of my trip on Instagram and Instagram stories. Back in the day, it was so much easier to just do a write up on the blog about a trip. Now there’s an expectation that people come along with you for every moment. This trip helped me to realize that I don’t need to do this if it isn’t in line with my values. Other people may feel differently but this is my truth and enough hours on the road without technology made me feel completely assured in this decision.

So here I am, a few weeks out and feeling ready to share this adventure with you. Of course, this recap won’t capture the intimate moments like walking through the desert with C talking about our hopes and dreams or laughing our butts off as Bodhi face planted into a ditch with his poodle cousins. It won’t include sitting by the fire while C and I read our vows to one another on our one year wedding anniversary or the pure terror in my eyes as I watched one too many people take selfies over the Grand Canyon. But what it will do is leave space for you to make your own memories.  I’m sharing my favorite places to stay, eat and visit in the US Southwest but leaving room for the moments in between; the ones that you can keep quiet and precious and years from now look back on fondly, just as I am doing right now.

LEAVING SAN FRANCISCO

The ultimate goal was to make our way over to New Mexico to visit some of C’s family and family friends who live there. 30+ years ago C’s Dad purchased land outside of Albuquerque that we wanted to go and see for ourselves. That left a lot of different routes to get there. Because we don’t go anywhere without our dog, we were somewhat confined to what we could do with Bodhi so that did limit things and ultimately determined the path that we took. Keep this in mind as you examine our route and pick your own.

SAN FRANCISCO –> JOSHUA TREE (8 hours)

Where we stayed: The Rock Yacht Airbnb (you can save $30 off your first airbnb using this link)

The more direct route would have been to drive through Death Valley National Park, however 100 degree weather + a dog is a terrible idea so we went a little further south to Joshua Tree. We’ve been to Joshua Tree before so we didn’t venture into the park this time and instead stayed in a cute little airstream in TwentyNine Palms. You could climb the rocks in their backyard and the patio was amazing. TBH the inside felt a little stale but it was a nice, cheap, dog-friendly option.

Where we ate:

Lunch at Natural Sisters Cafe (head next door to Grateful Desert for herbs + crystal shopping!)

Coffee from Joshua Tree Coffee Co

Dinner from Pie for the People!

ZION NATIONAL PARK

JOSHUA TREE –> ZION NATIONAL PARK (6 hours)

Where we stayed: “glamping” airbnb in Hildale, Utah

We were glamping about 45 mins outside of Zion so we made sure to stop in Las Vegas (which is on route) to pick up some food for the night. There’s very little in the area besides the town next to Zion which is expensive so stock up!

What we did:

Hike the Pa’rus Trail in Zion – Dogs aren’t allowed on hiking paths in Zion with the exception of this one. It’s paved but it’s beautiful and gives you a nice perspective of the park.

Coral Sand Dunes State Park – Pink sand dunes! Go here. It’s awesome.

FOUR CORNERS

HILDALE, UTAH –> CORTEZ, CO (5.5 hours)

Where we stayed: Kelly’s Place – We camped but they also have a bed and breakfast you can stay at.

What we did: 

Horseshoe Bend – a little chaotic but a short hike to a beautiful vista in Page, Arizona

*note: we would have loved to have done Antelope Canyon (also in Page) but you cannot bring a dog!

Explore Kelly’s Place – there’s historic ruins on the property that have been excavated and you can hike directly into Canyon of the Ancients National Monument (it was raining so we didn’t go in). Kelly’s place also had a presentation by a leader of the Ute Tribe and it was amazing and so educational.

Where we ate: 

Birdhouse – fried chicken and beer in Page, AZ. Not a whole lot of options in Page but this was damn good!

Kelly’s Place – we cooked our own food for dinner on our camping stove and breakfast is included here

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO (2 nights)

CORTEZ, CO –> SANTA FE, NM (4.5 hours)

Where we stayed: An adorable airbnb casita just oustide Santa Fe (night 1) + El Rey Court Hotel in Santa Fe (night 2)

What we did:

Ghost Ranch (Abiquiu, NM)- Made famous by Georgia O’keeffe, this is an education and retreat center showing the best of Northern New Mexico. It’s on the drive into to Santa Fe if coming from the north. You can take one of many hikes around the property.

Frank Ortiz Dog Park – even if you don’t have a dog, this is a beautiful and easy walk that gives you epic views of Santa Fe and is especially nice at sunset.

Ojo Caliente – A gorgeous spa + natural hot springs an hour north of Santa Fe. We rented a private tub and got massages but if you have the day I recommend spending it there!

Santa Fe State Park (Dale Ball Trails) – A beautiful network of trails in the Santa Fe mountains that is very accessible (no snow pack) and dog-friendly

Explore Downtown – There are so many cute stores and nooks and crannies to explore in SF. The Palace of Governors has an awesome Native American Market outside and if you’re there on a weekend there’s tons of pop-up art markets too.

*note: we didn’t make it to Meow Wolf but hopefully next time!

Where we ate:

Santa Fe has THE BEST FOOD. We are going back here just to eat. These were some highlights:

Modern General – Great coffee, vibes and healthy food. They source locally too + dog-friendly.

Radish & Rye – This was our anniversary splurge meal and it was sooooo worth it. The food is delicious and the bourbon cocktails even better.

Fire & Hops – a funky gastropub with lots of local beer choices and solid food. Get the brussels sprouts!

La Casa Sena – a perfect lunch or dinner spot for outdoor dining right on the square. The nooner cocktail was amazing and don’t miss the cornbread muffins they serve to kickstart the meal.

Rowley Farmhouse Ales – if you like beer this is your place. We did a flight and loved trying out some of their interesting varieties including a smoked beer and lots of different sours.

Coffee: Iconik Coffee + 35 Degrees North – both great options though Iconik was our favorite!

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (2 nights)

SANTA FE, NM –> ALBUQUERQUE, NM (1 hour)

Where we stayed: with family and friends!

What we did:

Los Poblanos Lavender Farm – TBH this was a bit of a let down. It was way too bougie and over the top fancy. Also no dogs. Wouldn’t recommend unless you’re planning to ball out at the hotel.

Spur Line Supply Co – a huge and eclectic shop in the sawmill district of Albuqurque. We loved it here and spent hours browsing! They have everything from skincare, to hippie crystal books to records. A total gem of a spot.

Old Town – we actually didn’t go to Old Town on this visit but have been there before. It’s fun to walk around and get a taste of NM.

*note: we spent most of our time here with family and friends just hanging out and enjoying their company. C’s aunt and uncle live on a horse ranch and one of our trip highlights we exploring their property and playing with all of the animals. I wish everyone could have this experience! Also thank you to our fam + friends for all of the delicious meals and hospitality.

SEDONA, ARIZONA (2 Nights)

ALBUQUERQUE, NM –> SEDONA, ARIZONA (5.5 Hours)

Where we stayed: An Airbnb – a small little guest house that’s perfect for a couple (forgot to take pics!)

What we did:

Petrified Forest National Park – along the way to Sedona, be sure to stop here to see million year old petrified trees, thousand year old petroglyphs and try to not get blown over by the wind. Must do: Crystal Trail.

Winslow, Arizona – Big fan of The Eagles? Stop here! Trip highlight was standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona

In Sedona:

Cathedral Rock Trail – This is not for the faint of heart and while C and I probably would have made it to the top, we had the Bodhi man and it was simply too tricky getting a 70 lb pup all the way up. We got up about 3/4 of the way and it was spectacular

Cathedral Rock Vortex – Sedona is famous for it’s vortexes (more here) and we knew we wanted to experience one while we were there. We veered off the trail a little bit and found ourselves close to the center of the vortex but then drove around to the other side of Cathedral Rock to get a different perspective. We did a short hike along the Baldwin Trail and dipped our toes in Oak Creek and meditated. It was so calm and peaceful.

Sugarloaf Trail – we could access this trail right off our airbnb so we actually hiked it a couple of times. It’s a short loop and gives you a nice perspective of Sedona

Tlaquepaque Shopping Village – a combination of expensive local art and kitchy crystal and psychic shops. It was a little over the top for me but it’s a nice area to walk around.

See a Medium – I REALLY wanted to see a medium in Sedona but wanted it to happen naturally. On every other corner there’s an advertisement for a medium but thanks to a divine intervention I was connected to Christina Wooten and I’m so so happy I went to see her.

Where we ate:

SaltRock Southwest Kitchen – The view and the craft cocktails are better than the food but both still make it worth a visit!

ChocolaTree – Went for breakfast and while the food may have tasted better to us if we were vegan and gluten-free, the mocha latte was insanely good

Local Juicery – Every single person told us to go here and I’m glad they did. After eating pretty indulgently it was nice to get in a healthy and nutritious meal. The acai bowl is SO good.

Secret Garden Cafe– This place was quite a surprise! We were hungry when we got to Tlaquepaque and this restaurant sits right at the entrance. The food was awesome and we appreciated the casual ambiance on the patio.

Thai Spices – We wanted something a little different after a lot of southwestern food and we were excited to find an awesome thai place in Sedona.

*note: we wanted to make it to Elote Cafe but we didn’t end up having time – hopefully next time!

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

SEDONA, AZ –> GRAND CANYON NP (2 hours)

Where we stayed: Mather Campground

What we did: Hiked the South Rim Trail. The South Rim Trail is dog-friendly. You cannot hike into the canyon with a dog so this is your only real option but gives you a great perspective on the canyon. Very crowded – just a heads up! Pro tip: wake up early to watch the sunrise on the canyon.

Where we ate: We were camping so we ate dinner and breakfast at our campsite

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

GRAND CANYON NP –> JOSHUA TREE NP (6 hours)

Where we stayed: Another airbnb (HIGHLY recommend)

What we did: Nothing! Just hung out at the property. It was beautiful and so relaxing.

Where we ate: Our airbnb was a little far from town so we stopped in TwentyNine Palms for grocery store provisions and cooked at our airbnb.

PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA

JOSHUA TREE NP –> PASO ROBLES, CA (5 hours)

I have been wanting to go to Paso Robles since moving to San Francisco but besides stopping through one time for lunch we’ve never spent any time there. We considered driving the coast but we knew that after 13 days we probably wanted to get home a little faster so Paso made for the perfect stop. We loved it!

Where we stayed: Dunning Vineyards – they have the cutest little guest suite that overlooks the vineyards. Highly recommend!

What we did: When in Paso Robles, you wine taste!

Grey Wolf + Barton Family Vineyards – awesome sister wineries with a cool vibe and delicious food

Dunning Vineyards – this was included in our stay and we loved getting to know Bob Dunning and learn how he started his winery

Tablas Creek Vineyard – one of the first vineyards in Paso Robles and a sister winery to a French vineyard in the Rhone region. Organic + Biodynamic too.

Where we ate:

Fish Gaucho – GO HERE! Delicious California – Mexican food

Thomas Hill Organics – Awesome lunch and relaxing patio. Everything is organic and locally sourced

Spearhead Coffee – stop in for a latte – so good!

* * * * *

From Paso Robles we had a 3.5 hour drive home to San Francisco at which point we were so ready to settle in and C was ready to be done driving. And that was that! There were many places we didn’t get to either because we’ve been more recently or didn’t have time but it was a pretty packed two weeks nonetheless. My hope is that this post can either a) inspire you to visit the US Southwest or b) find some inspiration for your already planned trip. We also plan to revisit some of these areas so please do drop some of your favorites in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you. Happy travels!

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[connorrenwick]

Where I Work: Beau Oyler of Enlisted Design

This month’s Where I Work heads to Oakland, California, the home of Enlisted Design, a multidisciplinary design studio whose collaborative approach to product and brand design has resulted in lucrative partnerships with many brands, like Ford, Samsung, LG, Amazon, Cisco, Best Buy, Belkin, Netgear, and many more. The design entrepreneur behind the award-winning company is founder Beau Oyler, the CEO and Executive Creative Director who also co-founded Urbio, the vertical garden that got its successful start on Kickstarter. Let’s head inside the offices of Enlisted Design to take a look around and see how Beau and his team make it all happen.

Beau beside the Urbio garden wall

What is your typical work style?

I hate procrastinating. My day is front-loaded with meetings and anything else that needs to be taken care of on the business side of things. That leaves the afternoon and evening for creative work and big picture, strategic thinking.

Main lobby of the studio, includes product wall, “Grand Lake” conference room (green chairs), “Fox” conference room

What’s your studio/work environment like?

The studio space is physically open and bright. The vibe is, too. It’s important to me that the energy is light since we have an intense, fast-paced project culture. You’ll always find designers huddled together, sketching, or heads down with headphones on, jamming on work. Clients are often camped out in Grand Lake (our largest conference room) engaged in workshops with the team and sharing ideas. Our kitchen, located in the center of the studio, is where we eat lunch together at the communal table. It’s a natural gathering spot for conversations throughout the day.

How is your space organized/arranged?

The studio is open plan. As you walk in, you’re immersed in our work displayed on a giant oak wood peg wall. It’s a great introduction to who we are. There are two main, glass-walled conference rooms and a door that leads to the maker space. Getting deeper into the studio, you’ll find the kitchen and two tucked-away meeting rooms. Then it opens up to where the team is working. Designers are loosely grouped by discipline with desks wrapped around the building in an L-shape. The space is lined by large windows that overlook the heart of Uptown Oakland, Broadway and 19th Street.

How long have you been in this space?

We’ve been in this building for ten years. We started in one small office and grew to take over the entire floor. We chose Oakland deliberately. It was underdeveloped, but we saw a glimmer of what it could be. Oakland is scrappy, like us. It’s also artistic and entrepreneurial and cool. Seeing the development and revitalization of the Uptown neighborhood (where we’re located) is particularly rewarding. In addition to fellow tech companies, there’s been roughly 125 bars, restaurants and indie boutiques that’ve opened in the last decade. The city named Uptown the official “Arts and Entertainment District” in 2009. This area is the epicenter of Oakland creative now. We’re so proud to be a part of that.

Urbio garden wall

If you could change something about your workspace, what would it be?

Actually nothing – I already changed it all during our renovation two years ago. I tore the entire second floor down and built a custom space that’s perfect for us.

Kieran Moriarty (Senior Industrial Designer) and his goldendoodle Bowie

Is there an office pet?

We are a decidedly dog-friendly studio. On any given day, you’ll likely meet at least one of the eight pups who regularly hang out. The general purpose of our studio dogs is to sleep, wander around for snacks, and then go back to sleeping.

Enlisted swag

Do you require music in the background? If so, who are some favorites?

We have a shared Sonos. Our studio manager, Shannon, is usually DJing everything from soul to synth-pop. We’re also steps away from Oakland’s Fox Theater – a constant source of inspiration depending on the week’s show lineup. The other day, we ran across the street to the box office and bought tickets to see the buzzy, disco-inspired band, Jungle, for a studio outing early next year.

How do you record ideas?

For years, I used Moleskine notebooks. I transitioned to Evernote on my iPhone a few years ago to keep it all in one place. It’s more convenient, but not quite as romantic.

Luis Velazquez (Industrial Designer) in front of a wall of sketches for our work with Pi Charging — a wireless charging device.

Do you have an inspiration board? What’s on it right now?

We create a vision board for every project, which is larger scale than a typical product mood board. We envision the entire world in which the new device or brand will live. Each is totally unique and specific to the project and client.

The Stance team sketching: Beau Oyler, Ellen O’Reilly (Sr. Designer), Beth Anderson (Sr. Designer), Kieran Moriarty (Sr. Industrial Designer)

Beau with the Stance project team

What is your creative process and/or creative workflow like? Does it change every project or do you keep it the same?

There is a general design roadmap that involves understanding, creating, and delivering. That said, there’s no sacred process here. We’re always looking for new ways to communicate – from mockups and explorations of form to animation and video storytelling. Anything that helps us more effectively and beautifully communicate ideas is fair game. Our team actively shares and tests new methods all the time.

What kind of art/design/objects might you have scattered about the space?

When we renovated the studio, we partnered with artist Annie Tull for a large-scale string installation, consisting of over 50,000 feet of custom color matched, military grade paracord. They start as balls of string displayed in the ground-floor lobby, and lead up to the studio, twisting and turning under concrete beams and above the desks. The magenta, turquoise and dark grey string are a metaphor for the collaborative design process. The colorful strings refract throughout the studio, culminating into one cohesive whole with the Enlisted logo in the background. The strings pass by another focal point of the studio, the “We Create” wall. The phrase is another nod to our uniquely collaborative partnership style, and on the wall are photos of favorite team moments, work, and design awards. The neon “Next Level Shit” sign is the go-to backdrop spot for anyone taking a selfie in the studio.

Beau in front of the “Next Level Shit” neon sign

Are there tools and/or machinery in your space?

We have a maker space that’s always humming. Whether it’s being used for prototype creation or a photo shoot, there’s always someone in there getting their hands dirty. We have two types of 3D printers, a CNC machine, laser cutter, plus every mockup tool you can imagine, like foam core, hand tools, spray paint, and hot glue. The space is also open for anyone in the studio who wants to use it in their spare time for passion projects.

John Nam (Industrial Design Intern) putting up sketches on the whiteboard in Grand Lake Conference room.

What tool(s) do you most enjoy using in the design process?

A dry erase pen and a big, empty dry erase wall. I love sketching with pen and paper, but it’s not until you take those ideas and put them up on a wall to share that things start happening. Ideating together is when the best ideas come.

Maker Space

Let’s talk about how you’re wired. Tell us about your tech arsenal/devices.

At all times, I’ve got my iPhone XS Max, plus a battery charger. I work off of a Macbook Pro 13 inch, which is under TSA’s weight limit, meaning that I can keep it on my lap to work during takeoff and landing. I wear an Apple watch, sleep with Bose Sleepbuds, and drive an Audi Q5 – the most fun, technologically advanced car I’ve ever been in. In my house you’ll find most of the major IoT home products available on the market, especially the ones that Enlisted designed, like Arlo.

What design software do you use, if any, and for what?

I’m regularly in Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, KeyShot, and Cinema 4D.

Is there a favorite project/piece you’ve worked on?

My two adventurous children are hands-down my favorite projects.

Arlo camera on the product wall. With it are prototypes of the various design languages over the years.

Do you feel like you’ve “made it”? What has made you feel like you’ve become successful? At what moment/circumstances? Or what will it take to get there?

I don’t know if I’ll ever feel like I made it. I can acknowledge that there have been some big moments. As an entrepreneur, being on Shark Tank was great. We nailed it and that fueled Enlisted’s growth. Our ten-year-long relationship with Arlo is another significant experience. We’ve been NETGEAR’s design partner since the beginning and helped Arlo grow through design to earn nearly 50% market share. They IPO’d this year at a $1.4 billion valuation. A special moment related to that was when Belkin’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kieran Hannon, cold-called Enlisted because he saw Arlo win the Red Dot Product Design Award. Belkin is a dream client, so to be on their radar and get to work with them was huge. That said, I always want us to feel scrappy. We’re not out to prove ourselves, but we want to show that there’s a better way to design and co-create. Until that’s the established way, we haven’t made it. For me personally, as long as I’m still making, it’s all in the present tense.

Beau showing off his Stance socks

Tell us about a current project you’re working on. What was the inspiration behind it?

Stance is an American sock and apparel brand that I would say oozes cool. If the brand were a person, they’d essentially be the coolest kid you’ve ever met. At some point, that cool kid is going to grow up and mature into an adult. That’s what I’m really excited about right now – we’re helping Stance mature to the next level of fidelity, both as a brand and with their in-store shopping experience.

Beau reviewing concepts with Mega Tjhin (Visual Designer), Katie Friedlander (Account Manager), Diana Goldberg (Visual Designer), Miri Chan (Design Director)

What’s on your desk right now?

I don’t have a dedicated desk. I float to wherever I need to be, and whichever space is open. Basically, anywhere I leave my phone, ear buds, and wallet becomes my de facto desk.

Product wall

Do you have anything in your home that you’ve designed/created?

Definitely. Most of the products I’ve designed make their way into my house at some point. What I really like is seeing products I’ve designed in other people’s homes. I don’t point it out. I just want to quietly observe people interacting with the product. Same thing goes for seeing my designs in stores. Right now, we have products and packaging in the Apple Store, Costco, Best Buy, and Whole Foods. Seeing our designs out in the world, knowing that something beautiful and useful is available for anyone to buy, makes me happy. I see the brand or product and the memory of the project comes back to me. It’s like, boom, I love that thing. It’s a cool feeling.

Enlisted team

Photos by Dallis Willard.

via http://design-milk.com/

from WordPress https://connorrenwickblog.wordpress.com/2019/03/19/where-i-work-beau-oyler-of-enlisted-design/

[theconservativebrief]

It is difficult, these days, to be a fast-casual pasta restaurant. You can’t just be a fast-casual pasta restaurant, quickly serving low-key bowls of carbs. Now you have to be a fast-casual pasta restaurant fit for influencers. Or at least that’s what the Pastagram seems to think.

The Pastagram is a fast-casual pasta restaurant that is designed for weekday lunch breaks, but also Instagram. “Every single detail is thought of as to be the most photogenic as possible,” the press release promises, “catering to a customer base that — today more than ever — seems to give aesthetics as much importance as food quality.”

The “trendy spot” in New York City’s Financial District features “trendy teal blue décor” and also many shapes of pasta, handmade daily, to be paired, mix-and-match style, with many types of sauces. In the press release, the word “trendy” is repeated many times. Is New York City’s Financial District trendy? No, I would say, with all due respect to the New York Stock Exchange. Then again, millennials are the largest generation in the US workforce now, so maybe even workday lunches must be fit for Instagram.

This is how we live now. Restaurants aren’t just experiences; they’re experiences that are supposed to live forever online. A space does not just have to be attractive; it must be photogenic, which is different, which you know if you have ever watched America’s Next Top Model or seen a photo of yourself. This is true even if the space in question is located in a claustrophobic business district filled with angry people wearing lanyards with keycards on them.

Technically, anything you post to Instagram is “Instagrammable,” in the same sense that anything that will eventually break down in your body when you consume it is “food.” But saying a restaurant is “Instagrammable” means it tends to follow variations of the same script. The Verge identifies the necessary elements: neon signs “bearing modestly sly double entendres”; elaborate painted murals of wild animals; artistic custom floor tiles, often bearing “branded greetings.” Other frequent tells: whimsical paper products printed with twee phrases in custom fonts; distinctive patterned tiles or wallpaper; a strong signature color; great light. The Pastagram has many of these things, or at least gestures toward them.

There is something alarming about this homogeneity, but it’s also perversely heartening, how we are all the same. Deep down, we just want to post a picture of a vegan cupcake on a gently distressed table.

“It’s a young place, in a way,” explains Luigi Porceddu, who opened the restaurant, the younger, faster sibling of the more upscale Sola Pasta Bar, with partner Andrea Pedrazzoli. The name came from Pedrazzoli’s 19-year-old brother. “Pastagram, it sounds like Instagram,” Porceddu tells me, “but for us, in Italy, a gram is a unit of measure as well, that we use for pasta.” Originally, they were going to call it Yes We Pasta!, only that seemed too political, and anyway, “you can’t use something that is not around anymore.” So now it’s the Pastagram. “It’s catchy,” he says. “People, they remember the Pastagram.”

But did they originally set out to build an Instagram restaurant, or did that come later, once they had the name? Who can say. “That’s the most beautiful part when you create a restaurant,” Porceddu tells me. “You might have an idea, but then you shift the idea on the go, even before you open. So it was, like, many ideas coming at the same time.”

He is excited about all the Instagrammable details at the restaurant: pop-art-covered chairs, “ceramic art with spaghetti inside,” a pair of hanging monkey lamps, an intense proliferation of the color turquoise. Turquoise is elegant, Porceddu explains, and also universally appealing. “Everyone can love a turquoise, I think,” he says.

But at the Pastagram, as far as I can tell, nobody is ’gramming.

On a recent Thursday afternoon, I eavesdropped as two businessmen discuss one of their son’s ADHD diagnosis. Should they try medication? His wife thought no. He wasn’t sure. One table over, a post-teen man and woman were engaged in an animated conversation about what I eventually figured out was a dog with separation anxiety. I wondered if they were also considering medication. They really should, I thought but did not say, just in case they were going to start Instagramming. They did not.

It was not for lack of tools. Everyone had a phone, either in hand or on the table. A trim man neatly ate Alfredo and checked baseball scores. A different man with neon headphones ate spaghetti and meatballs while watching videos about food, but not the food we were eating. He Instagrammed nothing. On his screen, a hot pot sizzled.

In the corner by the window, under a neon display of pop-arty lips, a round-faced woman kept holding up her phone and gazing at it. She’s totally about to Instagram, I thought, but then it turned out she was Facetiming with her boyfriend, who wasn’t Instagramming either. It was like she didn’t even know this was an Instagram restaurant.

It would be up to me. The problem is that, despite the name, and despite the neon lips, the Pastagram is not very Instagrammable at all.

It is hard to capture the monkey lamp without also photographing the top of someone else’s head. Rachel Sugar/Vox The requisite neon sign! Rachel Sugar/Vox The aforementioned ceramic heart with spaghetti is an unsettling ode to pasta. Rachel Sugar/Vox Yes I Pasta’d (fusilletti with pomodoro sauce). Rachel Sugar/Vox

It’s true that I am not very good at Instagram, that my phone is old, that I am generally embarrassed, despite my generation, to take photos in public. It is also true, I think we can agree, that even with these caveats, none of these photos are great. They feel extremely attainable. The light is cold. The textures are flat. It’s hard to get a picture without accidentally capturing someone else’s head. Nobody looks casually glamorous at the Pastagram. They look like frazzled people eating pasta.

Like Porceddu said, there are a lot of “fun” details at the Pastagram. The monkey lamp is fun. The heart with spaghetti: also fun. The lip display is fodder for Instagram, although the extremely visible wires perhaps undercut its impact somewhat, and my fusilletti with pomodoro sauce and extra tomatoes was quite tasty. What you cannot see in the picture is the white, square, plastic-feeling table it was served on, or the plastic fork I ate it with, which came wrapped in further plastic and did not strike me as very ’grammy.

“The pastas that do well on Instagram are creamy and cheesy,” a colleague told me gravely when I told her about my troubles. “Fusilli is not an Instagrammable pasta.” For the purposes of documentation on the internet, I had ordered wrong. But the light was still the light, and the table was still the table, and there is only so much cheese can do. I searched Instagram for photos taken at the Pastagram. I found four, all of bowls of pasta.

I am not alone in my assessment: The opinion of the New York Post’s restaurant critic is that the Pastagram is tasty but, appearance-wise, “isn’t worth a click.” If anything, he sees that as a victory against the scourge of social media: “Although millennials might howl, it’s excellent news that Pastagram is more successful at serving decent, inexpensive Italian dishes than it is at reaching social-media ‘influencers.’”

It’s true that the Pastagram is much better at making pasta than it is at being a backdrop for Instagrams. What is fascinating is that it wants to try. It is a normal little quick lunch spot, with some good details and ugly floors and mediocre light and a weirdly sexy Instagram, and it wants to be a photogenic star.

It is uncanny to see a restaurant strive and miss on Instagram; it’s like seeing a casual acquaintance post thirsty selfies in ill-fitting jeans. Mistakes reveal effort, and effort is the antithesis of Instagram success. The Pastagram hasn’t put in the effort to look effortless, and the result is that its wires show; it is too much and not enough at once.

It is relatable, in a way. I also would like to be an influencer, and am not. I also like pasta. I am not, I think, alone in either of these beliefs. And so perhaps the Pastagram is exactly the restaurant we need right now, a metaphor for 21st-century urban life. The Pastagram would like to be a very specific type of cool, and isn’t, and still tries anyway. Soon, it’s getting a special “backdrop” for shooting better photos, according to the Post. Probably, it won’t help. It is who it is, and like the rest of us, it is not an Instagram celebrity. It is a pasta restaurant.

And isn’t that okay? Can’t we just eat our lunches, sometimes, and remember them in our minds? Maybe. Certainly, a lot of fast-casual restaurants are harnessing the power of Instagram, to great effect, and it makes sense: It’s great to have your customers do your marketing for you, reminding their friends of your existence when you pop up in their feeds.

At the same time, the truly Instagrammable restaurant remains the exception, not the rule. There are only so many By Chloes and Cha Cha Matchas, restaurants whose Instagrammability alone is a selling point. Even in the age of Instagram, a lot of restaurants mostly just serve food, which is good, because even in the age of Instagram, a lot of people mostly just want to eat it.

Original Source ->  At the Instagram restaurant where nobody is Instagramming

via The Conservative Brief

[gleashgrip-blog]

Things To Do With Your Dog This Month In Toronto

Want to have an active social life, attend lots of events, but don’t want to leave your furry best friend at home? Here is a list of events you can attend WITH your beloved pup, and get to spend quality time with them too!

Sunday, Sep 2: Summer Dog Swim

We may have said goodbye to the hot summer months but the heat remains, and our furry pals are dying to splash about in the water! Thankfully, the city is working with swimming pools across the city to open their doors to our furry companions and have the best day ever!! The Blantyre Park Outdoor Pool, Halbert Outdoor Pool, Knob Hill Outdoor Pool, Goulding Outdoor Pool, Ledbury Outdoor Pool, High Park Outdoor Pool, and Rotary Park Outdoor Pool will be welcoming doggos THIS SUNDAY from 4 pm to 5 pm, while Greenwood Outdoor Pool, Monarch Outdoor Pool, and Stanley Outdoor Pool will do so from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

All dogs must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older, and there is a limit of two doggos per adult. Owners are told to bring proof of current vaccinations for their dog and encouraged to bring their dog’s favourite toy and bring another toy to donate to Toronto Animal Services Shelters. We have never heard of anything more heart-warming. Tell your friends! Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/936678793185972/

Monday, Sep 3: PROMISE Cherry Beach Summer 2018 Finale

PROMISE on Cherry Beach is hosting its finale to give Summer 2018 one last goodbye on Monday, September 3 from 3 pm to 11 pm. This music and socializing event is for those who enjoy dancing to the DJ spinning house, techno, dub, disco, electro, and beach party grooves on the beach. This event is for owners and pups who aren’t easily overwhelmed by loud music and big crowds, so you have been warned!

That being said, four-legged friends are totally welcome, and participants are encouraged to bring their picnics, hammocks and anything else that will make their beach experience perfect.  Tickets cost whatever you can spare, but a $20 donation is encouraged.

Reserve your ticket online (in case the event reaches capacity), see more info on the food, the DJs playing, and more here: https://cherrybeach.ilovepromise.com/

Friday, Sep 7 – Sunday, Sep 9: Taste of the Kingsway 2018

What a perfect opportunity to discover international cuisines, enjoy some live entertainment, and eat some delicious food with your faithful doggo by your side. You may have heard of this event from previous years, as it gets bigger and better every year, with over 100 vendors and exhibitors to participate this year. Stretched across Bloor Street West, from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Road, this event will also host demonstrations and interactive exhibits for you to enjoy.  

Now for the best part: the Scotiabank Dog Show!! Pups will take front row and center at this event from 1 pm to 3 pm, where all of the proceeds go to the Etobicoke Humane Society. Some of the categories to be competed in include: Best Costume, Best Groomed, Best Looking, Best Trick, Cleanest Teeth, Owner/Pet Look-A-Like, Truest to the Breed, and Waggiest Tail!

For more information: http://thekingsway.ca/event/taste-of-the-kingsway-2018/

Saturday, Sep 8:  Zen Dogs Wellness DOGA Class at Veg Fest

Join ZEN DOGS WELLNESS for their special dog yoga session FOR FREE at the Veg Food Fest! This is a great food festival at the Harbourfront Centre where entrance is free and dogs are a-plenty. Starting at 12:30 pm on Saturday, participants need to bring their own yoga mat and a non-retractable leash for their pup.

ZEN DOGS WELLNESS host several great events that we have featured before, and this is a special one that you shouldn’t miss. The Doga classes are all about showing your furry best friend the love, appreciation and attention that they deserve.

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zen-dogs-wellness-at-veg-fest-free-class-tickets-49212271228

Sunday, Sep 9: Blair’s Run 2018 in Cabbagetown

Don’t let the title intimidate you, this is a 2 km walk through the streets of Cabbagetown, so walk or run at your own pace with your pupper by your side. ALL of the proceeds from this event will be used for children’s programming at Riverdale Farm and the revitalization of Riverdale Farm’s poultry barn. Every dollar donated up to $30,000 will be matched by Burnbrae Farms. So join the lovely folks at Riverdale Farm on this special occasion for a good cause, at the corner of Carlton and Parliament, rain or shine!

Registration is at 8 am for $25 on the day or $20 in advance, while the actual walk/run starts at 9 am. There will be awards and prizes to give away at the finish line, so for a full list of the sponsors, prizes and more info, visit: http://blairsrun.ca/

Sunday, Sep 9: Doggy Paddle at Cherry Beach

This is the last doggy paddle event they are hosting this year so attendance is sure to be high, get your tickets ASAP! If tickets are sold out, come along anyway to watch what will surely be a fun session.

This is a 2-hour exercise for your pupper to build their core strength, ,balance and get a great workout on the paddleboard and in the water! Beginners and experienced folks and pups are all welcome to enjoy the most out of the rest of the summer. This event is hosted by Surf the Greats instructors certified by Paddle Canada, the International Surfing Association and Yoga Alliance. More info on the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/127331584805859/?active_tab=about

Sunday, Sep 9: Senior Dog Seminar

This one is a very specific event, but one that we thought was important to include, for those with senior dogs who might be slowing down, or having difficulty getting up and moving about. While it is priced at $259 plus tax, it will be a very informative course about your beloved dog’s health conditions such as arthritis, hind end weakness, canine dementia, orthopaedic and neurological disorders, amongst others. Participants will gain hands-on practice after the lecture in order to approach their dog’s conditions proactively in the future. They will learn about pain assessing, exercises for the home, massage and acupressure techniques, senior proofing the house, assistive devices for pets, and more.

Your senior doggo is lucky to have you as their owner, and knowledge is power! More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2146622655570035/

Saturday, Sep 15: Park & Bark Dog Show

This outdoor event at Yonge & Davisville earlier this year was a big hit, so now it’s back from 9 am to 3 pm! Bring your pupper to this big puppy party at 1943 Yonge Street, in the east side parking lot. This is a FREE event that focuses on community and neighbourhood bonding, together to be enjoyed with dogs, families, and dog lovers alike. It is put together to exchange information with participants, exhibitors, shop, hear about great new products, learn about new pet services, make friends and more!

Expect to see free giveaways, contests, exhibitors, speakers on pet topics, experts, food, and friendly faces all around. For more info, visit: www.parkandbarkdogshow.com

Sunday, Sep 16: Toronto Artisan Market in Christie Pits Park

Hosted by the same folks that organize the arts market at Trinity Belwoods Park, this event is for arts & crafts lovers who wish to admire works from local artists and artisans with their pup in tow. Taking place at Christie Pits Park from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday, it is always a fun and lively event that brings in lots of art lovers from all around Toronto and beyond.

If you’re looking for a chill atmosphere and are in the mood to shop for beautiful, unique, local pieces, then this is the event for you! For more info: https://www.torontoartisan.com/

Saturday, Sep 22: Park & Bark Show in Leslieville!

Same event as the Saturday before, but in Leslieville this time! Taking place at 1151 Queen Street East from 9 am to 3 pm, join at this location or at Yonge and Davisville the week before, but whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss it. www.parkandbarkdogshow.com