#who’s serving you soup and salad as you’re out on a date with another guy?

[weyounthevorta]

Stand Up, Date, & Get Wrecked

You’re out having a refreshing drink after a long day when three hot men approach you and ask you out, one right after the other. Super flattered and without thinking, you said yes to all of them.

Unfortunately, you need to stand one up. He’s not answering his phone and you’d double booked yourself. Oops. You also have to pick one to go out on your date with. While you’re out, you discover the third guy is the waiter at the restaurant your date chose, and he isn’t happy to find out why you cancelled your plans with him. He snarks at you during your entire date.

Idea From: @im-here-with-the-blonde

[theunbearableweightofpedropascal]

Be my Baby chapter 5

A/N: Sorry for the wait babes. The good news is chapter 6 is already mapped out.

Warnings: (18+, oral sex, implied penetrative sex, cursing)

Word Count: 2.7k

“You want red or white?” You and Frankie were getting ingredients for your dinner date, and you were looking for the perfect drink to pair it with. 

“I want beer.” Frankie was a man with simple taste he either went with beer or whiskey, neither of which you happen to like. 

“I agree with red too.” You place the white blend back before carrying on to the refrigerated dairy items. 

Today at work there were few walk-ins so both of you scoured the internet for cooking recipes. Benny and Will partook in the festivities pointing out you should add a salad. Benny showed you some excellent stuff that he makes to bulk up for his fights. Ultimately you chose a Caesar salad from scratch with broccoli cheddar soup.

After work, you two headed straight for the store to gather your ingredients. Since you would be focusing on the soup and Frankie on the salad you guys split up. You found him in the pastry section looking at apple turnovers before you hit the wine aisle. As he went to grab one from the top you intercepted and took the one under it. 

The heavy whipping cream and some creamer were the last two things you needed to get before checkout. Like always Frankie pulled out his wallet before you could blink. 

“Gotta be quicker than that.” He taunts you while waiting for the payment to go through. 

“You two are such a beautiful couple.” The older lady checking you two out has a fond smile looking at you. 

“Thank you,” Suddenly it’s like you’re back in middle school and someone told you how good you and your crush looked together. During your small exchange, Frankie had already grabbed the bags from the bagging area. 

“You ready baby?” Nodding, you smile once more at the cashier before following after the man responsible for your flustered state. 

Out in the parking lot you fish through his pockets for the truck keys. With the groceries safely packed away, you make your way to your home. The drive is silent but comfortable and you take the opportunity to drift off to sleep. When Frankie wakes you, you find he’s already put the bags in your apartment. He even set up his salad station. 

“May the best chef win.” You tilt your head with squinted eyes in an effort to intimidate him further. 

“I think we both know who’s coming out on top hm?” Before he skirts past you he kisses your forehead. 

It seems you need to get used to cooking with another person in the kitchen since you both constantly bump into each other while making your dishes. Instead of ire the kitchen is filled with laughter at the chaotic mess you’ve created. While your soup is simmering you decide to bother Frankie by wrapping your arms around his waist and becoming dead weight. 

As horrible as it may make him sound Frankie can’t help but revel in the peace you provide him. He feels comfortable taking up space around you whereas in his home he feels like he’s on eggshells. This whole open marriage was supposed to give him and Maria time to recoup but he finds himself thinking of what a future could look like with you. Considering the relationship he had now was merely co-parenting anyway. 

“I hope you know if you’re trying to annoy me it’s doing the exact opposite.” His words, like always, send a fluttering in your lower stomach. 

“You say that now,” You let your sentence hang in the air while he finishes chopping the lettuce for the salad. 

The way that Frankie carefully crafts his ingredients shows how much he likes cooking, and you’ve never been more attracted to him. His salad looks better than what they serve at Panera Bread. 

“All I have to do is add the croutons, how’s the soup coming?” He turns his head to the side to look down at you. 

“It’s done, I’ll go set everything up in the living room.” Reluctantly you release Frankie and make your way towards the living room with the wine in tow. After your TV loads, you queue up Love Island with two glasses of wine left on the table.

Back in the kitchen, Frankie turns off the stove and waits for you. When you make it back the both of you divvy up the food to take to the living room. The Caesar salad is probably the best you’ve ever tasted and you are sure to let Frankie know. Following your lead he tries your soup and groans in delight at the simple but filling dish. 

“What’s this?” His head nods in the direction of the paused TV. 

“Love Island, you’ll grow to love it I promise.” Although reluctant to agree with your words he sits back and enjoys his meal. 

By the time his spoon hits the bowl, he’s fully invested despite his doubt. He’s even picked his favorite couple and animatedly talks about how much he loves their colloquialisms. Even though he was adamant that he only drank beer or whiskey he sure was downing the wine like it was about to expire. 

“Who knew British people were so trashy?” Frankie’s eyes are glued to the screen in fascination.

With the both of you comfortable on the couch you turn and tuck your feet underneath you. His whole body was slumped against your couch. The TV was just background noise as you let your thoughts wander to this predicament. 

“So this open marriage thing, am I the only woman you’re seeing.” They say curiosity killed the cat but you would rather have your answer than wonder. 

“Yes, honestly I wasn't particularly looking but Benny had brought you up and I was interested.”  Somehow you aren’t the least bit offended by his words.

“So you wanted to work more on your marriage?” Frankie fully turns his body to face you after your question.

“Yeah like I said I fucked up and it was on me to do the work to fix it but I think it was too late.” You nod along understanding his position.

“What about now are you two working it out?” As you wait for his answer your heart thunders in your chest. 

“No, I wanted to try but respected her wish for space. And now I’m starting to think we’re nothing more than co-parents.” The drop in his voice doesn’t go unnoticed and you wrap your arms around him hoping it’ll bring some comfort. “I don’t mean to dump all this on you.” 

“I asked Fransisco and I’m glad you’re being honest with me.” He doesn’t answer you and instead dips his head in the crook of your neck. “Considering how long you two were together it makes sense that you feel so deeply about it. I’d be alarmed if you didn’t.”

“What about you? I’m sure you have no shortage of suitors.” Frankie pulls back enough to kiss around your neck, the wine has him feeling friskier. 

“I don’t but only one caught my eye.” Your voice is barely above a whisper.

“Lucky me then.” His gravelly voice gives your lower stomach that familiar feeling. But Frankie doesn’t stop there, he lets his hands roam over your sides before he comfortably plants them on your hips. After he gives them a squeeze he pulls you into his lap with ease and you can’t help the giggles that follow.

Frankie’s eyes are glazed over when he looks up to admire you. He had you sitting on his groin and you could feel him getting heavier by the second. The intense eye contact coupled with him not saying anything caused you to look away feeling warmth spread through your body. 

“Don’t do that.” He spreads his hands around your hips to squeeze your ass. 

“Don’t look at me like that.” You look at him as if he were the crazy one before placing your hands on his chest. 

“Why?” Frankie then closes the small distance between you two, slanting his lips on yours. 

His lips are soft and pilant compared to his scratchy mustache but that’s the least of your worries. The hands planted on his chest slide underneath his shirt, lightly scratching the expanse of his chest. Your hips lightly rock against his hardened member attempting to release the pressure you’ve built up. 

A low groan vibrates against your lips and you deepen the motion of your hips. Frankie’s hands squeeze you harder to keep you in place while his lips suck on your bottom lip. Your panties become uncomfortably wet when his tongue enters your mouth and you tilt your head to the side giving him greater access. 

Nothing prepared you for the dazed look in Frankie’s eyes when you pulled back, you almost forgot you wanted to take his shirt off. Since you were taking too long Frankie did it himself by grabbing the back of his shirt and lifting it. He then maneuvered you off his lap so he could lay you down on the couch.

Warmth spread through your cheeks and body at the way his eyes bore into yours. His hands hooked both your yoga pants and panties in one before pulling both down. The large wet spot on your panties stuck to your core before Frankie fully pulled them down. He laid down on his stomach and positioned himself right between your legs. 

A trail of soft kisses leads from your upper thigh to your clit and your back arches in anticipation. Frankie lays his arm across your stomach in preparation while his other grips your thigh. When he licks a stripe up your pussy you can’t help the sign of relief that leaves your lips. He slowly circles his tongue around your clit reveling in the way he can feel your stomach moving rapidly. 

“Frank,” The long draw of his name lets him know you’re tired of his teasing. 

For tonight he obliges your request and wraps his lips around you before suckling. He feels your hands cradle his head as your hips buck into his mouth. The small tugs at his curls have him diving further into your pussy. Heavy breathing and low moans from you drown out the TV in the background and Frankie makes it his job to ensure it stays that way.

Your head is thrown back against your sofa when he starts flicking his tongue while sucking. 

“Just like that,” The way the words tumble out of your mouth you’re unsure if he understands but there’s no change. His name is like a prayer on your lips, and you can’t stop calling out to him. 

Loud moans replaced the heavy breathing that was once filling the room. Frankie's eyes connect with yours when you steal a glance at him, and your hand tightens in his hair bringing him impossibly closer to your cunt. Flutters in your lower stomach let you know you’re close as you clench around nothing. 

Neither of you breaks eye contact as your hip movements become erratic. His chocolate eyes pull at the invisible string holding you together. The moment it snaps your vision is bathed in white and your head falls against the armrest while you ride your high out on Frankie’s face. All of the energy is seemingly sucked out of your body. 

Frankie gently coaxes you back into his lap and lets your body draped over his. His hands drag down your sides and find themselves in their rightful place on your hips. Given that you were barely mobile he pulled his member out before sitting you on top. 

“Let me do all the work baby.” The two of you are nowhere near done for the night, but you have no complaints.

………….

Today it seemed like everyone needed work on cars Frankie was in the garage with Benny and Will. All hands on deck were needed, and when you thought about it this was the first time you had to do some strenuous work. Not to say the garage was empty. After filing the remaining paperwork for your latest customer you head to the refreshment area to make more coffee.

Although your break should be coming up in the next hour you don’t see yourself or the guys leaving. In the garage 50 Cent is blasting and you know it must’ve been Benny’s doing. His phone is easy to spot and you pause it only to hear him rapping underneath the car before popping his head out to complain. You simply ignore him before addressing the group. 

“Since none of us can leave what do y’all want from Papa John’s? My treat.” Benjamin’s body is the first to roll out from under his car wasting no time telling you his usual order, a meat lovers with spinach on half. William’s head comes out from under a hood three cars away stating he wanted pepperoni. Frankie came to you while wiping his hands and insisting he wanted pepperoni and jalapenos on one. 

When all their orders are stored in your notes app you turn to Frankie for the first conversation you’ve had all day.

“Any updates on the cars?” You don’t hide how you’re eyeing his veiny forearms.

“Is that really what you came back here for?” His eyes are already trained on you when you finally look in his eyes.

The smile that graces your face tells him all he needs to know. Unbeknownst to either of you William and Benny sneakily peep their heads out from their respective workplaces to watch the two of you. 

“Well I gotta get back anyway, they probably drank all the coffee by now.” Your hands find their way to your hair while Frankie stares unabashedly.

“I don’t get a kiss?” His low voice doesn’t stop you from checking to see if either Miller brother was paying attention to you. 

Since they looked deep into their work you quickly got on your tiptoes to peck his cheek, only for his arm to circle your waist before he turned his head slightly to meet your lips. When he pulls away you can’t even chastise him so you turn to walk out of the garage without another word. A chorus of thank you’s follow you out the door but you can’t return the sentiment. 

……..

By the time the pizzas arrive, the lobby is halfway cleared out so you grab a few paper plates from the break room before heading into the garage again. Although you know they won’t be able to eat much they still need something to hold them over. 

Being the only one with clean hands they take turns coming over while you hold their respective slices. After 30 minutes of this spinning rotation, they assure you that they’ll be fine until they finish. You take all the food leave it in the break room and fill up the coffee machine one more time before sitting back down. 

Steadily the boys come out from the garage to converse with the customers about their remaining work or the final price. As the last person leaves you lock the front door and hot tail it to the breakroom where the guys have a plate already laid out for you. 

“Dammit, I should have gotten soda.” The realization hits you now that there are three large pizzas without a drink in sight. 

“We got beer in the fridge sweets don’t worry about it.” Will’s statement causes laughter to bubble out of Frankie’s mouth. 

“She hates beer.” Frankie takes the beer you were offered. 

“Why?” Based on Benny’s face he couldn't fathom why you wouldn’t. 

“Maybe it has to do with the fact that it tastes like carbonated cat piss.” Since you were given the platform you would rave about how much you didn’t like beer. The room roared with laughter from all the guys at your barely-contained hatred for their favorite drink. 

“This can’t be coming from the same lady who said Pete Davidson was hot.” Benny’s quip takes you by surprise.

“I told you that in confidence.” You whisper-yell at him in faux anger. 

“Respectfully, you should’ve taken that to the grave.” Will comes out of nowhere to share his opinion and you can’t help the laughter tumbling out of you. 

The night carries on with all of you tearing down each box of pizza until there’s nothing left. All the beer in the fridge lays on the table opened and empty. None of you had bothered to check the time or you would have realized it was nearing one o'clock in the morning. All that mattered was that none of you could catch your breath because someone else would chime in with a joke. 

@harriedandharassed, @emilianamason

[larryfanficwriter98]

Chapter Five

Fake It Until You Make It Real

Friday night by seven o'clock found Louis being served a plate of steak, baked shell mac and cheese, honey buttered rolls, and a small side salad as he graded his papers.

"Thank you." Louis said looking up at Harry briefly as he sat to his left, "I could have helped you know."

"The only thing you need to do is one never do work at my dining table again and two eat." Harry said glaring at him playfully, "I have an office y'know, I have a spare office even if you wanted that for yourself. My dining table is not your desk."

"You're the one that demanded to keep conversation going about wedding flowers while I had to grade. I was moving to the coffee table. But I promise I won't turn your dining table into my desk."

"Good. Now eat." Louis rolled his eyes but set his red pen down and moved the graded stuff into his bag and the unmarked stuff to the living room coffee table for now. Returning to his seat he grabbed his fork and dug into his side salad first wanting to taste the homemade dressing Harry made.

"My mom is going to love you and demand to know how you made me eat a salad." Louis grumbled as he shoved another forkful into his mouth glaring at Harry.

"I'll be sure to give her my recipe." Harry said, "I use to cook with my mom almost every night, so I learned a thing or two."

"Now I feel like I shouldn't even try to cook your dinner. I'll disappoint you."

"Never. I just got into cooking because I have an empty house all the time. You have Freddie who gets hungry in five minutes and expects food in ten. You're not obligated to try and impress me with your cooking. If it's edible I'm happy. Doesn't even have to be warm. I'll eat cold food if I'm hungry enough. Hannah actually left out frozen pizzas or canned soup for me all the time. Most of the time the pizza was thawed by the time I got home and so it wasn't good to cook and the soup I would just open and eat without heating it."

"She didn't make you dinner?"

"Nope."

"Well, I guess I don't have to best her at being the better housewife." Harry choked on his beer and laughed as he wiped his mouth off.

"If there was a competition, I promise you, you have already won it.  Anyway, speaking of your soon to be married title I picked up our engagement rings. Yes, I got us matching ones so the nurses can stop trying to persuade me into being straight. I’ve been telling them I’ve had a boyfriend for months and I think they don’t believe me.”

“Should I come by to your work to give you lunch one day? Be extra flirty?”

“Would you?” Louis laughed looking down at his plate, “I’m serious over here.”

“Sure, I’ll come over in my tightest pair of pants and your sweater I have at my house.”

“I have the perfect pullover hold on.” Louis opened his mouth to tell Harry to sit down but Harry was already running up the stairs by the time the words registered in his brain. Harry came back down on a minute later with a white pullover and when he spread it out, he saw STYLES was written on the back with the letter ‘19’ on the front and back.

“The hospital has a football team to encourage exercise and outdoor play. I bloody suck at football, but as my boyfriend you support me anyway.”

“Fiancé and give it.”

“Soon to be fiancé.” Harry countered with a grin as he handed the pullover to Louis who laid it with his other stuff in the living room. “Just come in wearing that and they’ll…hopefully back off.”

“Oh, they’ll back off. I can be mean if I want to be.”

“You’re the best.”

*********

Saturday morning Harry was waking Louis up in the guest room with French Toast, bacon, and three poached eggs.

“Eat, get ready, we should leave in two hours.”

“Go away.” Louis groaned, “Why did I agree to do this today?”

“Because you and I both know it’ll be easier to do wedding things without Freddie there. As much as I adore him, it would be very boring. See you downstairs.” Louis glared at Harry’s retreating back then turned his attention to the plate of breakfast and decided getting up this early was an even trade for breakfast that looked that good. Louis ate his breakfast quickly then got dressed for a day outside in the late September weather. He took his plate downstairs and put it in the dishwasher and turned to Harry as he laid out on the couch, his phone in his hands.

“Are you taking a selfie?” Louis asked grinning when Harry stretched his neck to look at him with a beet red face.

“I’m snapchatting Maddie. Meanie.”

“Meanie?! Wow. I’m impressed. For a doctor you certainly have a way with words.” Harry grinned rolling his eyes before looking back at his phone, “You take selfies weird.”

“There is no wrong way to take a picture you  child. Stop making fun of me.” Louis laughed and headed to him, hands on his hips as he stood where his head was resting on the arm of couch.

“Ready to go old man?” Harry laid his phone on his chest facing upwards and looked at him with a soft smile on his lips, “What?”

“I bet you looked cute pregnant.”

“Really? That’s what you are thinking about? Well for the record I most certainly did not look cute pregnant. My ex made sure to tell me that everyday too. He wouldn’t even give a hand if you know what I mean when my stomach was in the way.”

“You’re joking.” Louis shook his head, “What a douche. Why did you like him?”

“The sex was good. I was young and naïve. He gave great head all things considered.” Harry laughed, “What? It’s true. Why’d you stay with Hannah for so long?”

“It wasn’t the sex I can tell you that much. When we were about to break up, we found out she was pregnant, so we stayed together. We had been having a hard time in uni, so we were discussing breaking it off but then she told me she was late one night, and I got a pregnancy test for her and it was positive. Honestly, I don’t even remember the last time I had sex…god I’m lame.” Louis laughed as Harry swung his legs to the ground and pushed himself up, “Ready then?”

“Yeah, come on virgin Mary.”

“Not funny. When was the last time you got laid?”

“Point taken. Moving on.” Louis said grabbing Harry’s pullover he gave him yesterday and pulling it on as they left the house. Louis slid into the passenger seat of Harry’s Murano as Harry got into the driver’s seat. “Where are we headed first?”

“I figured we’d do what will take us the longest first which is our venue. They’re all south of us as well except one. Want to start with the furthest one out which is four hours out. Ready?”

“I’m taking a nap on the road.”

“Go ahead.”

As predicted the venue looking took all day, but it wasn’t taxing at all. Most of the venues they were able to walk around alone or with just one staff member. The colorful leaves on the trees, not yet having fallen down, made every location look breath taking and each venue had pictures of what it would look like in the winter. It was relaxing really, and since Harry had only written down the ones that had the 19th available, they didn’t have to worry about falling in love with a place only for it to not be free that date. Louis held Harry’s hand throughout the day watching as he charmed his way through staff members and watching as his eyes lit up when he saw the snowy landscapes. There had been one staff member that hadn’t taken his eyes off of Harry for more than a few seconds that Louis shut down with a raised brow that made Harry blush and grin widely trying to pretend he had no idea what just happened and why the staff member didn’t look at Harry any more than appropriate after that. When they got to the SUV Harry had pinch him and exclaimed, they could not pick that venue for fear of a staff member ruining their wedding because of Louis. Louis had laughed and continued to laugh as they drove to the other venue. By the time they got home the sun was set and they had grabbed takeout on the road then relaxed on the couch watching a movie as they talked about the venues and what they liked and didn’t like until they had narrowed it down to their top three.

You guys will be able to have a say in the venue! The reason it has taken so long is because as an American I have no idea about wedding venues in the UK. So I've been googling and I've only selected the ones that had Winter pictures so we all get an idea of what it looks like. In the comments go ahead and comment your favorite! It can be you only favorite or your top three! I do have three favorites that I am in love with writing a scene with.  The Mills Wedding Venue didn't have many winter photos so I encourage everyone to google all the locations as well to get a good feel of them. I LOVE ALMOST EVERY SINGLE ONE SO THIS IS ALL UP TO YOU! I'll be counting Wattpad, Tumblr, and Archive's comments as they come until I am writing the chapter. If you need better pictures they will be on my tumblr page! LarryFanficWriter!

[bytheangell]

Let the Clichés Pour

(Read on AO3)  (Based off of This Tweet that everyone kept sending to me because I used to waitress at an Olive Garden, so of course I had to turn it into an entire fic)) -------------- “I was going to break up with you anyway, I guess you just sped up the process.”

God, Camille was a bitch. Her words replay in his head over and over as he drives, looking for the first place he can find that’ll serve alcohol. He’ll take a corner store just as quickly as a five-star restaurant at this point, but he absolutely needs a drink. He should’ve known better, should’ve seen it coming the way all of his friends did, warning him constantly that Camille was no good, that she didn’t love him the way he loved her. Magnus suspected that to an extent, but he didn’t think she didn’t care for him at all.

She said she was working late, that they’d celebrate another day over the weekend. Magnus - because he loved her, and what a goddamn fool he was for that - took the day off to go to her apartment while she was at work and cook her a full three-course meal from scratch to have waiting for her when she got back. As a surprise.

The surprise was his when he heard her key turn in the lock and she tumbled in through the doorway with another guy attached to her lips. And her hips. And her--

No, he is entirely too sober to relive that moment. As if on cue he spots the sign for an Olive Garden and pulls off the road towards it. He doesn’t want to be alone and he doesn’t want to tell Cat and Ragnor just yet; they have a night out of their own planned and he doesn’t want to ruin it. He knows they’ll want to know and that there’s no way they’d let him deal with this on his own which is exactly why he decides to wait until tomorrow to break the news. Just because his Valentine’s Day is ruined doesn’t mean everyone else’s has to be, too.

The restaurant is packed. Magnus doesn’t know why he’s so surprised by the number of people who wait cramped in the too-small lobby since the weather outside is far too cold to wait anywhere else. Thankfully the host with the glasses who looks two seconds away from having a breakdown finishes his by-the-book greeting by adding that the seats at the bar are first-come, first-serve.

There’s a single chair open at the end of the bar and Magnus takes it, praying no one he knows will be here to see him. He’s given a polite but short “be right with you” from the bartender that, judging by the length of the paper lined with drink orders coming out of the printer next to her, maybe a bit longer than she’d lead him to believe.

“I’m in no rush,” he assures her. He’s eager to get alcohol in himself but, honestly, the sad truth of the matter is that he has nowhere else to be. He just needs to kill enough time where he isn’t alone, and he doesn’t foresee himself bursting into tears at an Olive Garden bar over the woman who broke his heart so he thinks he’s safe here. Safer than he’d be drowning himself in wine and ice cream alone in his apartment if nothing else.

“Why are there so many people on the wait?” The exasperated voice of a waiter floats over to him, the words directed at the female bartender who only laughs and shakes her head.

“It’s like this every year, Alec. I don’t know why you keep acting surprised,” she points out.

“The surprise is that people aren’t even trying to up their standards from a $9.99 unlimited soup and salad deal for a romantic night out. If one more person tries to get 4 samples of wine out of me to avoid buying a glass I swear to God-”

“Deep breaths, Lightwood. Take your samples, bat your eyelashes, and do what you do best.”

The waiter - Alec - rolls his eyes, and Magnus is left with the distinct impression this cannot possibly be what he does best. The bartender makes a few more drinks before she sighs at the orders still remaining and decides they’ll just have to wait, turning back to Magnus to take his order.

“Sorry about the wait,” she says, and he’s surprised to see she actually does seem apologetic despite clearly being swamped. “I’m Maia, what can I get for you?”

“Whiskey, neat. Make it a double. Best you got.” Because fuck it, he has about $400 worth of jewelry to return the next day so why not splurge a little on overpriced drinks.

“Waiting for someone?” The bartender asks him, and then immediately regrets the question when Magnus opens and closes his mouth wordlessly, frowning. He realizes that he’s been operating in such a daze since he left Camille’s apartment, ordering his heartbreak drink on instinct, that now that it sits in front of him the reality of it all crashes down on him.

“No, but I’m afraid that’s for the best.” He’s quick to recover with a smile, albeit a sad smile. If this were another setting on another day he might actually be the cliche who spills his guts out to the bartender. Instead it’s Valentine’s Day in a busy chain restaurant and the poor girl in front of him doesn’t have time to play therapist. “Thanks,” he adds, taking a very long sip of the drink.

She takes the easy out and turns back to the couple next to Magnus, leaving and coming back with an appetizer for them to share. There’s another bartender on the other end of the bar, Magnus observes as he continues to make quick work of his whiskey, a blonde male who’s doing more winking and theatrical bottle flipping than actual drink making, not that his patrons seem to mind. At least not the women; Magnus imagines he might be making an enemy or two out of the dates they’re there with.

It is a nice distraction, Magnus thinks, being surrounded by people, even if most of those people are couples. The best distraction of all, however, is the frustrated waiter when he’s right back at the side station where the servers go to pick up their drinks from the bar. Magnus has a clear view of him from where he sits and for the first time allows his eyes to dwell on a tattoo barely covered by the collar of his shirt, the scar in his eyebrow, and the way his hazel eyes widen in surprise as he laughs at something the girl next to him says.

“Seriously? A second proposal?” Alec says, shaking his head. “I refuse to believe anyone would want to propose here. There are a million better places! Like literally any other restaurant, for starters.”

“You’re just bitter because you’re still single,” Maia offers.

“No, I just have standards,” Alec counters. “For all the training we get here, nothing could’ve prepared me for the number of guys who think it’s completely acceptable to propose to their girlfriends in Olive Garden on Valentine’s Day.”

Magnus should be offended for probably being roped in with the ‘people without standards’ for spending his own Valentine’s Day here, technically speaking, but that isn’t the part that sticks with him. Alec’s single, Magnus notes - that’s his takeaway. Not that there’s even a hint of the waiter not being straight... and not that Magnus is going to ask out the first attractive person he sees, especially not on Valentine’s Day.

At least not with just one drink in his system.

Magnus gets Maia to refill his whiskey once more with things slowing down just enough that Maia swings back around with a basket of bread despite the fact that he told her he wasn’t hungry. “You’ll thank me later,” she says, eyeing the whiskey pointedly. “The bread is fresh, and I threw in a dipping sauce on the house. Just don’t tell my manager.” She gives him a wink and he wonders how sad he must look for her to be throwing bread and alfredo sauce at him for free.

Magnus finishes the whiskey and, instead of leaving, decides to switch to something a little lighter. It’s with a large glass of sangria that’s more fruit juice than wine, he’s sure, that Alec is back by the bar.

“They’re sitting on the same side of the booth, Maia,” Alec grumbles. “They spent ten minutes making out instead of eating and then complained the food was cold. I swear to God I’m going to commit a felony before the night is over.”

“Tell me before you do!” the blonde bartender chimes in, coming up behind Maia. “I’ll record it and put it on the internet so we can go viral!”

“Thanks for the support, Jace,” Alec says and rolls his eyes again.

Maia turns around, spots Magnus staring, and winces apologetically. “He’s not really going to commit a felony,” she says a bit nervously.

Magnus only laughs. “I wouldn’t blame him if he did. There’s a special place in hell for couples who sit on the same side of a booth.” He intentionally speaks just loud enough for Alec to hear him, and makes eye contact when Alec looks over in his direction to see who said it. Magnus winks at Alec who flushes and turns quickly to leave… too quickly, it would seem, as he runs directly into another server.

Magnus cringes at the sight of spilling drinks followed by the sound of breaking glass, watching a nearby busser spring into action to clean up the mess almost immediately.

“Shit,” Alec curses, looking back over at Magnus with a mixture of shock and mortification before shifting to look apologetically at Maia instead. “Can you-”

“Already remaking them,” she reassures him. “Go clean up, they’ll be done when you get back.”

Alec vanishes from sight and Magnus wishes desperately that he could do the same. Instead, he drenches some bread in alfredo sauce and works on sobering himself up enough to leave before he can do any more damage.

--------------

Alec is drenched. The only plus side is that the black shirts they wear hide the stains of wine and margarita, but no matter how much he wrings it out into the sink the wet fabric clings to him now and he’s pretty sure he’s starting to get drunk off the smell of the alcohol on him.

“What the hell was that?” Jace’s voice sounds behind him.

“An accident, Jace. People make them. You should know, you make plenty.” Alec glares, hoping his tone is enough to convey that this conversation is absolutely over. As if the night hasn’t been stressful enough before he made an absolute fool out of himself in front of the gorgeous guy at the bar-

“I’ve never seen you drop so much as a single fork, let alone an entire tray of drinks,” Jace insists. “What’s wrong?”

And I’ve never seen someone as gorgeous as that guy at the bar, Alec thinks to himself, and feels the hint of a blush creep onto his cheeks remembering the fact that the very same man saw the entire disaster that Alec just became.

Jace peers closer at him. “Are you blushing?”

Alec pushes past him without a response and goes back out to the bar, praying that Maia has his drinks ready so he can take them and leave as quickly as possible. With any luck, the guy at the bar will be gone.

Of course, luck obviously isn’t in Alec’s favor tonight. Maia still has two drinks to finish and the guy at the bar is definitely still there. Alec looks everywhere but at him while he waits, praying the dim ‘mood lighting’ of the restaurant can keep his embarrassment mostly hidden.

Jace goes back behind the bar, eyes glued curiously on Alec, and it doesn’t take him long to realize exactly where Alec is very pointedly avoiding. Jace smirks and Alec feels the panic flare up in his chest, giving him a warning glare and shaking his head, silently pleading with Jace to not do anything with the dots he just connected.

Still waiting on one last drink Alec is forced to watch in silent horror as Jace leans over to Maia and whispers in her ear. Maia looks up at him in surprise at first but then smirks.

“I will tip you out an extra 10% tonight if the two of you mind your own business,” Alec begs.

“I’m offended,” Maia says as she places the last remake on his tray. “When have I ever done anything that wasn’t entirely in your best interest?”

“15%?” He counters, ignoring her question.

“Save that money and buy the poor heartbroken guy at the bar a drink,” Maia suggests quietly dropping her voice low enough that the guy at the bar won’t overhear.

“He’s- why is he heartbroken?” Alec asks immediately, feeling conflicted over the idea. Who cares if he’s single if he’s also way out of Alec’s league?

“I’ll find out,” Maia says, and before Alec can stop her and say he doesn’t actually care enough for her to pry she’s already too far away for him to get her attention without also drawing attention to himself.

Busying himself as much as he can with every other possible thing he has to do, Alec saves his next round of drinks for last. The guy is still there, talking to Maia, and Alec has never been more concerned over a conversation he isn’t part of in his entire life.

“Maia?” he calls from the side station, and both she and the guy at the bar look over at him. His eyes are gorgeous, lined with black and tinted with shadow, and--

--and Alec’s staring. Shit.

Thankfully Maia makes her way over to hand him the two beers he needs, giving him something else to focus on.

“His name is Magnus,” she whispers. “And some coldhearted bitch broke up with him today.”

An ex-girlfriend. Not a total rule out, but not exactly helpful, and- no. No, he’s definitely not considering trying to make a move on a guy who just got dumped. That has to go against, like, every rule in the book.

“Stop. Just… it’s not going to happen. Let the poor guy sulk in peace.” And without another word Alec turns and heads back to his section.

--------------

Magnus ends up ordering an appetizer and another drink. He doesn’t know why… or maybe he does. He didn’t intend on comforting himself with a surprisingly nice conversation with Maia and shameless eye candy in the form of a waiter, but it seems to be helping, so he decides to linger a little longer despite the fact that Alec refuses to look him in the eyes.

Until he does. Magnus doesn’t have to worry about embarrassing himself with staring because now it’s Alec’s turn to be caught surveying Magnus... until Alec realizes what he’s doing and goes back to complete avoidance. Magnus sighs and takes another sip of his drink.

When Maia turns back to Magnus she catches him watching Alec walk away and levels him with a knowing gaze.

“Can I help you?” Magnus asks her when she doesn’t turn away, only continues to watch him in silent consideration.

“Not me,” she says cryptically. “But perhaps there’s someone else…”

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you could possibly be referring to,” Magnus insists, because like hell he’s about to get thrown out of an Olive Garden, borderline drunk, for harassment.

Maia only hums and goes over to whisper something to the blonde - Jace, Alec had called him - before they both snuck a not-subtle look back at Magnus.

Perhaps he should stop lingering after all.

Except Alec is back a moment later with something new to complain about. It seems innocent enough except for the fact Magnus swears Alec keeps glancing over to see if Magnus is looking, or listening. And though he keeps his gaze very intently on his phone he’s definitely listening.

“Can you believe she had the audacity to say they were in a hurry to make an 8:00 movie and then try to order a well-done steak?” Magnus overhears and glances at the time at the top of his phone screen. It’s 7:12, the restaurant is packed, and though he’s never worked in a restaurant a day in his life even he knows that’s never going to happen.

“I suppose we can’t all be blessed with kind, patient… handsome guests,” Maia says, just loud enough for Magnus to overhear, but he keeps his gaze resolutely on his phone, even as he hears Alec’s frantic whisper of “Maia!” in warning before he’s gone again.

--------------

“Just admit you think he’s hot,” Maia says, cornering Alec by the soups in the kitchen. He’s waiting for a plate of lasagna to come up in the window and really can’t leave to avoid her, not if he wants the lady with the ‘I’d like to speak to your manager’ haircut out of here before she can actually ask to speak to the manager.

“If I do will you drop this? Because yes, Maia, I think he’s hot. And that’s the end of it. He’s going to pay, and leave, and I’m going to be stuck refilling soup for at least another two hours, and then we’re never going to see each other again,” Alec snaps. He’s stressed enough with his tables and embarrassed enough from spilling those drinks everywhere that he can’t even humor the idea of flirting just then.

“Not even if I caught him staring at your ass as you walked away?” Maia offers in a sing-song voice.

Alec nearly chokes on nothing but air. “Did he really- no. No, I see what you’re doing, and it doesn’t matter.”

The lasagna comes up and Alec grabs it with his towel, taking the plate into the dining room with a smile that’s a little less fake at the idea that the guy at the bar might actually be a little bit into him, too.

--------------

Magnus is mid-sip when Alec appears to his right again, frantically waving over Maia. He’s so wrapped up in whatever it is he has going on that, Magnus notices with a hint of disappointment he’ll never admit to, he isn’t even ignoring Magnus on purpose this time, he’s just ignoring him.

“This night is my own personal hell,” Alec says.

“What is it this-” “I need two glasses of champagne for, you guessed it, another proposal. This is the third one tonight and I swear I’d have to offer up a blood sacrifice to get someone through the door tonight with the decency to tip even half of what they should for how entitled they all-” but Alec stops abruptly, looking past Maia to where Magnus sits, listening in eagerly.

He can’t help it. He’s just drawn to the sound of his voice, even if Alec is complaining just a tad too loudly about customers around, well, a customer - even though Magnus is certain he’s the only one paying him any attention. And he plans on tipping Maia very well for humoring him the past hour or so, so at least he knows he isn’t personally included in Alec’s rant.

Still, the moment Alec realizes Magnus heard all of that he falls abruptly silent.

“Anyway. Yeah. Two glasses with that stupid strawberry on it,” Alec mutters, suddenly very interested in the little order pad he holds in his hands. Magnus wonders if there’s a particular reason he seems to hate this job, or this holiday, or both, so much. He wants to ask, to get to know Alec a little better the way he had with Maia, and even Jace while the people lingering around the bar for drinks got tables and dispersed, leaving only Magnus lingering behind.

He wants to ask, but instead, he decides he should cut his losses before he gets shot down twice in one romantic holiday. Magnus isn’t sure he can handle that.

Plus, trying to flirt with someone who has to be nice to your face because they’re at work is just asking for trouble - the last thing he wants is to put the poor guy in a position where he feels like he has to act interested just to keep a customer happy. Magnus may crave some validation in his life right about then but he isn’t quite that desperate.

“I should take the check,” he says, loudly enough that Alec can rest assured Magnus will be on his way soon and no longer hovering about to distract him or eavesdrop on his conversations.

Maia nods, printing one out as she pours the champagne, dropping it in front of Magnus on her way past him to Alec. Alec takes a ring out of his pocket to put in one of the glasses and Magnus, against his better judgment, decides to grant himself one last longing glance before he leaves.

Alec decides to do the same, but even with Alec looking at him Magnus can’t help but let his gaze fall down to the ring in the glass, thinking of the ring he has waiting back in his own apartment, the one he was so sure he’d be using soon. He must look really fucking pathetic over those thoughts because the sudden look of sympathy Alec gives him is too much for Magnus to take. Yes, it’s definitely time for him to leave.

Except the moment he stands to leave he sways on his feet, entirely unaware of just how much he actually drank until he tries to move.

“Woah there,” Maia says, coming out from behind the bar to steady him. “Not to be that person, but, well-” it’s obvious she’s trying to find a nice way to say there’s no way she can legally let him go out to his car like this and Magnus spares her the trouble.

“No need. Sitting back down now,” he confirms, silently cursing himself. So much for getting out of their hair. Without another word Maia turns around to get him a water which he accepts gratefully.

There’s a high-pitched squeal of joy followed shortly by clapping. Magnus can almost picture the forced smile on Alec’s face and the exasperated eye-roll he’d seen countless times the moment his back turns to the happy couple. Then he feels a tap on his shoulder, which takes a moment for Magnus to register because he doesn’t know anyone on this side of town besides Camille, so he isn’t sure who he expects to see when he turns around.

....it certainly isn’t Alec.

--------------

Alec knows he crossed a line. Maybe two or three. Between the constant staring, the fact that he’s positive Maia and Jace have been trying to drop hints at Magnus about him all night or pry information out of him to give to Alec to use somehow, he’s positive there’s no way this ends well for him by the time Victor swings around to check in on how everything is going.

Or, worse, until Magnus takes the survey on those little table tablets and writes all about how his experience was tainted by the rude server who kept shit-talking every customer who came in through the doors. He thinks the guy is probably cool with it from some of his initial reactions but by the end of the night he seems less amused and suddenly Alec isn't so sure he can trust that gut instinct.

He has to fix this before it comes back to bite him - or worse, Maia or Jace - in the ass. Those reviews aren’t just for them, they go to corporate, and he’s seen people lose their jobs over less.

“Hey,” Alec starts, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Listen. I, uh, know you heard some of the stuff I was saying. I just wanted to say sorry. It was unprofessional, and I just- we have those stupid surveys and I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t say anything bad about Maia and the service because of me.”

This is, quite possibly, even more embarrassing than spilling an entire tray of drinks on himself, but he owes it to Maia even if she’s been annoying the entire night.

“I wasn’t even considering it,” Magnus says, and Alec’s shoulders slump in relief. “And don’t worry, I tipped your friend at least twice what my entitlement called for.”

Alec winces at the reference to his previous comment, but to his surprise Magnus is laughing. And, realizing he’s laughing, Magnus stops abruptly and looks twice as surprised as Alec.

“Sorry. I was just teasing. Honestly, I wouldn’t have the patience for a food service gig. If I were you I would’ve gotten fired around the second proposal.” Magnus pauses. “Actually, I was having a pretty shitty day and your running commentary made it a lot better. So thanks for that.”

“You’re, uh, you’re welcome,” Alec manages, because it isn’t at all how he anticipated this going. “Sorry you were having a bad day.”

“Thanks.” Magnus says. Alec knows he isn’t imagining the way Magnus’ eyes linger, the way he looks like he’s just on the brink of saying something else.

Alec wonders if he should say something else, anything else, to keep them talking. His voice sounds almost melodic and ALec never wants him to stop talking.

Unfortunately Simon comes running up to him at that exact moment. “Alec, table 34 is getting a dessert on the house and Victor has it waiting for you to take over. He’s been looking everywhere for you.”

“Better get back to the happy couple,” Magnus says instead of whatever else he may have been about to say a moment before. And just like that the moment’s gone, Magnus turns back around in his seat, and Alec is helpless to do anything other than force himself to walk back to the kitchen.

He drops the dessert off, gets coffee for another table, and tries to go about business as usual… but the entire time his mind keeps drifting back to the guy at the bar. He knows it’s stupid after making sure everything was fine to go back and risk crossing a line with a customer but he can’t help it. Alec turns and heads back out to the bar…

...only to find it empty.

Maia sees the disappointment on his face and shakes her head in disbelief. “Don’t tell me you finally decide to ask for his number after he leaves,” she says.

“No. Of course not. I was just… coming to check on you. And Jace,” Alec lies unconvincingly.

“Uh-huh,” Maia replies, sounding equally unconvinced. “So you wouldn’t be the slightest bit interested in the fact that he left his number on the back of the receipt?” Maia dangles a piece of paper up in the air expectantly, and Alec all but lunges for it. Scrawled above 10 beautiful digits is a note:

‘Hoped your friend might want this. If not, toss it and pretend this never happened for the sake of what little dignity I have left. -Magnus’

Alec beams at Maia. “I owe you!”

“After the tip he left? We’ll call it even.” Maia says with a wink.

Alec wastes no time pulling out his phone and pulling up his text messages.

A: Hey, it’s Alec. Your dignity is still very in tact.

M: Good to know.

A: Would it be too soon to ask if you’re free tomorrow tonight?

Alec hears his name being called but it only vaguely registers as he stares at the three little dots blinking at the bottom of the message in anticipation.

M: Unfortunately, I have a grand tour of ‘I-told-you-so’s tomorrow

Alec’s face falls. Maybe Magnus was just hoping for a booty call tonight, or-

M: But I can tell you all about it over coffee Sunday, if you’re free then?

Alec smiles through the breath of relief he lets out.

A: It’s a date.

[hallsp]

Ramadan Diary

Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection for the world’s two billion Muslims. The observance of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, a central tenet of the faith. The holy month itself commemorates the start of the recitation of the Qur’an to Mohammad, culminating in Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, which celebrates the very first revelation.

The date for Ramadan varies from year to year, as the Islamic calendar is based on the movements of the moon, not the sun. This year, it began on the night of Sunday, May 5th, when the religious authorities glimpsed the thin crescent of a new moon.

I decided, after some encouragement from my students, to fast for all of Ramadan as a kind of personal challenge. This is a diary of my progress.

Monday, 6th May

Today was long, and hungry. I didn’t eat a morsel, nor drink a drop, all the livelong day. It wasn’t easy. I thought about food quite a lot. Bron, my roommate, is also fasting so we can do iftar together. An app tells me that the evening call to prayer, called maghrib, is at 19.27, but it began a small bit later — an agonizing two minutes — at about 19.29. Maryam, my other roommate, and raised Muslim, told me we have to wait until the prayer is finished, bless the food bismillah, and then eat. I broke the fast with some water and some dates, as is the custom, then devoured a chicken curry.

Tuesday, 7th May

Small bit easier today. Didn’t think of food so often. I was noticeably more tired though. I slept for an hour when I came home. Some strange reactions from some of the teachers to my fasting, but a lot of encouragement from fellow-fasters. Advice from other fasters includes waking at 3 or 4 AM for suhur, the pre-dawn meal, and easing into the iftar in the evenings with soup and salad. I decided against suhur, for reasons of laziness, so my fast is actually more extreme, having one meal, as opposed to two meals, per day. Broke the fast with some dates, a lot more water, and the last part of my chicken curry.

Wednesday, 8th May

Getting into the swing of things now, the hunger isn’t so obvious throughout the day, but much less energy. I’m in a very good mood, though. I’ve decided to make a fattoush salad, with the help of my Syrian friend Majd, who’s Christian and thinks I’m crazy for fasting. He also helped make lentil soup, another staple dish, with Bron, my roommate. So, this was a proper iftar: dates, soup, salad, and bread.

Thursday, 9th

Talked with the Biology teacher, who’s also fasting. He tells me that people ought to re-orient their mind towards other people during Ramadan, and that it’s not about feasting once the sun goes down. Look out, not in, essentially. More advice received: do not eat an even number of dates. Mohammad used to eat three. Broke the fast with (three) dates, and water. I made my own fattoush, which worked out very well. We also had leftover soup from yesterday, and I bought chicken tawouq, which I ate with bread.

Friday, 10th May

Today is International Day at school. The worst event for people fasting. There was food from every country on the planet. I had to borrow a tupperware container to bring the food home. Worse, today is Friday. The weekend is here. I have to go on a trip to Batroun for a bachelorette party with my friends leaving Beirut at about 5pm. Drink will certainly be taken. I can’t avoid it. Anyway, I’m not doing the fast for religious reasons, so once the sun goes down, I can eat, drink, and be merry. The hangover will be tough without a lot of water to compensate, though. We arrived in Batroun at 19:30 so I hopped out of the van, chugged some water, had a few dates, then started into the champagne. I managed to squeeze in a chicken burger in between the drinks.

Saturday, 11th May

The hangover wasn’t so bad, actually. In spite of this, I broke the fast for the first time — to drink a small bottle of water. As sins go, not so heinous. I was just so thirsty day after the night before. Religiously, you can break the fast if you’re pregnant, or menstruating, or sick. Maybe a hangover is a type of sickness? Anyway, spent the day on the beach, mostly under cover, and rested. Broke the fast back in Beirut with dates, some tuna fish, and pasta.

Sunday, 12th May

Apparently there’s an exemption on fasting if you’re traveling. I could’ve done with this on the road to Batroun! It also excuses my breach the day of my return to Beirut, I reckon. Broke the fast with dates, water, tawouq, bread, and pasta.

Monday, 13th May

People are always giving you advice when they hear that you’re fasting. Some of it contradictory. Bron was told not to drink so much water before eating at iftar. We decided to try it. Broke the fast with dates, no water, and chicken curry. Then copious amounts of water after. No obvious difference.

Tuesday, 14th May

Bron makes a strong point. Those who alter their body clocks by sleeping during the day and eating all night are cheating in a way. They’re just moving their day around, and sleeping through the hunger. It’s not a proper fast if you can’t feel the hunger. Broke the fast with chicken curry, round two, and lots of water.

Wednesday, 15th May

I feel hungrier today, not sure why. More advice with recommendations for iftar. The mindfulness coach thinks I ought to break the fast with some warm water, not cold, perhaps herbal tea, as this prepares the stomach better for eating, to be followed by three dates. He’s also of the opinion that people should be humble during Ramadan, no talking about their fast, no feasts at iftar, certainly no Instagram pictures. Broke the fast with a chicken burger from Smoked Bun, post-dates. Ridiculously nice.

Thursday, 16th May

I have a day off school today, for the funeral of Patriarch Sfeir, a Lebanese Maronite Cardinal. It was more difficult being home, actually. At work, even though I’m much more active and using more energy, at least I’m kept busy. Today, I caught myself watching cooking videos on YouTube. Broke the fast with (three) dates, and beef fajitas, but made with Lebanese bread.

Friday, 17th May

Broke the fast with a gorgeous mujaddara, a spicy mix of lentils, rice, and onions, made by a chef friend of Bron’s. Eaten with some of his delicious homemade bread, and some 961 Red Ale. Today is my good friend Enzo’s last night in Lebanon so drink will have to be taken again. What choice do I have?

Saturday, 18th May

Asma, Maryam’s friend from the UK whose working with a medical NGO in the Beqaa Valley, came for iftar. She’s a practising Muslim, so we had to lend her a Qur’an and find the Qibla, the direction of prayer. It was nice to get some more insight into the traditions. Apparently we can eat as soon as the call to prayer begins. We ate three dates, some ripe peach, and drank water, followed by mint tea. Dinner included pasta, fattoush, and more mujaddara. We also had ayran, a traditional kind of sour yoghurt drink. After dinner, we drank some Turkish coffee, then some Indian desi chai, made with ginger and milk. Finally, we had some traditional sweets, heloweyat. A proper iftar!

Sunday, 19th May

No hunger pangs at all today. I think my body has fully acclimatised to fasting. A small group of us went to see some childrens’ theatre in Tripoli, directed by a friend of ours and starring some kids from a Syrian refugee camp. It was really entertaining. The boys put on a production about a couple of swindlers selling dodgy seeds. The girls had a modern take on Cinderella. I could understand most of it, so I’m happy. We rushed back to Beirut for iftar. I decided to order a Ramadan Combo from Malik al-Tawouq: lentil soup, salad, and chicken tawouq platter, and a date cookie called ma’moul. Plus, a Miranda tamarind soft drink. The guy who delivered it was fasting and so forgot to take any money! We also ate some traditional Ramadan cheese sweets, heloweyat al-jibn, made with clotted cream called ashta, which we bought in Tripoli. They were spectacular. There’s a beautiful full moon tonight, which means: we’re half way through Ramadan! Ramadan Kareem!

Monday, 20th May

I genuinely don’t feel hungry during the day any more. Intellectually, I know I need to eat, but there are no hunger pangs. It’s not an obvious hunger. My sense of smell is more active, that’s about it. I decided to make chicken biryani today, which worked out really well. No big communal iftar today, as the final episode of Game of Thrones is available. Some things are more important.

Tuesday, 21st May

Bron invited two work friends over, a Syrian Muslim and a Jordanian Christian, and we also invited Dennis from downstairs. Bron made another batch of lentil soup, which was nicer even than the last one. She made fattoush as well. I contributed the remaining biryani. We had a huge variety of ice-creams with cones for dessert.

Wednesday, 22nd May

I didn’t eat so much today. I think my stomach is getting smaller. Broke the fast with three dates, some of the leftover lentil soup, a Mexican bean and tuna fish mix, and some fried haloumi. Fried haloumi is my new favourite food. Also, had a little pot of yoghurt.  

Thursday, 23rd May

The routine now is to break the fast with three dates, and follow this with warm tea, usually mint tea. This really helps the transition to eating. Today, I had a big plate of pasta, some fried haloumi, and a yoghurt.

Friday, 24th May

It’s 38° today. It’s so hot that the cold tap runs warm. It’s at times like these that you appreciate the true value of something as simple as a glass of water. Tonight we’re hosting iftar on our balcony. Maryam made a Palestinian vegetarian maqluba, meaning upside-down, which is made with layers of fried vegetables, potatoes, and rice, which is then flipped before serving, and topped with fried cashew nuts. It was delicious. I made fattoush for seven people, complete with fried pita bread, and it was my best one yet. I was relieved, as I was serving Arabic food to Arabs. My friend Shadi brought his fiancé all the way from Damascus. We eventually made our way to Mezyan in Hamra, where I was rewarded with a free drink for boldly asking for one. It’s Ramadan, after all, the season of good will.

Saturday, 25th May

Myself and my house mates, Maryam and Bron, went to the Beqaa Valley to meet with Asma, who had invited us to iftar with her boss, Doctor Fares, and his extended family. It was such an amazing evening. Typically Syrian. First, we sat around half-talking, half-watching Arab dramas, like Al-Hayba and Khamsa Wa Nos, while the family cooked. People were coming and going all the time. We then went for a short walk with the good doctor’s kids, who were adorable. His eldest daughter, Lamar, had very good English. Then we moved to the garden where we played cards, a version of Trumps. I managed to cheat a bit with help of the kids. Finally, as the sun went down, we ate in a big group in the garden, sitting on cushions around a selection of dishes. There was soup and salad, alongside three different meat dishes: chicken, lamb, and fish. The flavours were superb. The family were a lively bunch. At one point, Doctor Fares insisted on feeding us from his hand. I also discovered that they knew one of my colleagues in Eastwood. Lebanon is a very small place! We sang happy birthday to one his kids and topped it all off with cake. It was the best iftar experience so far.

Sunday, 26th May

Went to Souq al-Ahad, the Sunday market, with Bron. Such a crazy place. We bought some spices, some olives and maqdus (baby aubergine stuffed with chilies, and then pickled) from Aleppo, and salvaged an old backgammon board. It’s a great place to wander for a couple of hours. At one stage I was offered a taste of something, and when I said I was fasting he immediately said (in Arabic): “Me too, I’m Muslim. Are you Muslim? Are you Sunni or Shi’a?” I had to disappoint him by saying neither. It was at this point that he said, with utmost confidence: “It’s only a matter of time.” We broke the fast with a vegetable curry, alongside some maqdus and some Lebanese bread.

Monday, 27th May

I was a small bit busy with work tonight so I had three dates followed by a simple pasta with pesto rosso, onions, and tomato. Naturally, had some mint tea and gallons of water.

Tuesday, 28th May

Today, I had the least amount of food yet. I just had a simple pasta with spicy tomato sauce and cheddar cheese. I couldn’t even finish it. I think my stomach has shrunk over the course of Ramadan. I’m definitely losing weight.

Wednesday, 29th May

Today was a tough day. I was in a bad mood for some reason. I think it’s to do with not having enough energy. Usually, during the whole of Ramadan, my mood has been positive. I think I need to eat enough to maintain my energy levels. Tonight I made chicken vindaloo with egg noodles.

Thursday, 30th May

I had more energy today, back to my normal self. I broke the fast with the remainder of my chicken vindaloo. Also, the requisite number of dates and some mint tea.

Friday, 31st May

Another Friday is upon us. The last, in fact, of Ramadan. Tonight is a big night for Muslims around the world. No-one is quite sure exactly when Laylat al-Qadr is supposed to fall, but most believe it’s the 27th day of Ramadan, which is tonight. It’s also a Friday, so it’s a big deal. We had our last group iftar in the apartment. This time we had three Syrians with us, so we had plenty of help with the food. We had a rice and aubergine dish, a water melon and feta salad, a tabbouleh salad, and some fried haloumi. Later, I nipped downstairs to say goodbye to some friends, before moving to Strada 51, a local bar, and winding up in a swimming pool in a club at 4am. Your typical Laylat al-Qadr.

Saturday, 1st June

I had Arabic class with my friend Majd, from about 2pm. He spent half the day preparing a chicken and rice dish to break the fast with at 7.45. Bless him. I broke the fast with this and some delicious Ethiopian soup made by our friend Jodie, called shiro. It was spicy, and the perfect match for the chicken. I followed this with a few drinks with an Irish guy visiting Lebanon for a week.

Sunday, 2nd June

I broke the fast with three dates, some water, and pasta, alongside some fried haloumi. The end is nigh.

Monday, 3rd June

I had to work today, but I’ve been given the rest of the week off work to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Fast Breaking. Today might well be the last night of Ramadan, but we’ll have to wait for the religious authorities to check on the phase of the moon. It will end either tonight or tomorrow.

If Eid begins tomorrow, Muslims will gather for special prayers called Salat al-Eid, which is usually followed by a small breakfast, the first daytime meal in a month. Eid is usually celebrated by visiting relatives, where gifts are exchanged, and zakat is given to the poor. The kids will get a tidy sum of money. Unsurprisingly, food is very important. After a whole month of fasting, all sorts of delicacies will be eaten.

It’s official. Eid begins tonight. The fast is over. I broke the fast by going to Tariq al-Jadida, a busy part of the southern suburbs, with Bron. We then went to Dahieh, where we had some saj with jibneh and zataar, before walking through the market in Sabra and Shatilla. We ended up back in Tariq al-Jadida looking for heloweyat. We weren’t very successful, but we were given free street food: foul with lemon, and seasoned corn. Tomorrow, I’ll go for breakfast in the morning, and then hit the beach.

Epilogue

This month has been really amazing. I’ve learned so much about the traditions of Islam, I’ve met so many different people, I’ve tasted lots of new foods, and I’ve had some great experiences.

It was trying at times, but the effort was definitely worth it. Ramadan really focuses the mind, and makes you very thankful for what you have. It’s also helped me to think more about portion size and also about my own health. Lastly, it’s helped me bond with others who are fasting, and brought me closer to my Muslim friends and students. I can now say with pride that I made it through the full month of Ramadan.

[notimetoblog]

Not The Time (Pt.2)

Summary: After not seeing Bucky Barnes in what felt like forever you find yourself with him in the middle of a chaotic situation. Definitely not the time to reminisce about your past with him. 

A/N:  A bit of background on reader and Bucky’s weird dynamic lol. I am really enjoying writing! I really thought nobody would read the first part but thank you so very much for your likes and your reblogs! i am seriously over the moon! So I’m entering this fic to @violentlybarnes nes 3k challenge! The prompt I chose will appear soon!!

PART 1

You had lost track of the hours that had passed by. Had it been days? Hours? You couldn’t tell as the only thing racing through your mind was helping the maximum amount of people as possible. You had called many of the victims here to attend your health fair. At the time calling this fair had seemed like the right thing to do; to serve an underprivileged community and provided basic health services that they might not otherwise receive. You were so proud of the way your team had come together to organize the event to the very last detail. You were sure that you would be making a positive impact in their lives and yet now here you were treating victim after victim for wounds that would have not been inflicted on them if only you hadn’t called them to this hotel. If only you had just decided on another date or another place.

You had been under pressure before. You were a doctor, so of course you had dealt with pressure. You had never dealt with guilt as a doctor, though. How could you treat the very same people you had basically summoned to this damn explosion? It was hard not to focus on this. So hard to look into the eyes of those wearing those little buttons your team had prepared for them to wear during the fair. Those brightly colored buttons that Maya, good friend of yours and surprisingly talented graphic designer, had so proudly designed. How could you come up to them and treat them for wounds they wouldn’t have received had you simply not organized the fair?

You felt your body drain from all energy as these thoughts just kept going through your head. You had no energy left to hold them at bay.

“Doc? Maybe you should take a break. We can handle this while you rest. There’s plenty of us here,” you heard Josh, a member of your team, say. He looked at you with worry in his eyes that grew as the time passed by and he saw you running from one patient to the next without stopping. His brow furrowed as he tried to keep his voice low and almost calming, like he was actively trying to lull you to sleep.

You turned to him and smiled weakly, “No, I’m good. I can keep going.”

“Oh, trust me I know you can,” he chuckled, “but you shouldn’t force your body like that. Trust me. Go rest for a bit. It’ll be ok.”

“You sure?” you asked.

“Yes, come on! Have some faith in us,” he laughed.

“Ok, ok! I’ll go. I’ll be back in 15 minutes, though, so start your stopwatch because I won’t be gone for more than that!” You turned to walk away as you heard his quiet laugh. Hoping to find some place to sit down and close your eyes for a while you scanned the area you were in. There were rows of victims laying down or sitting down. As they waited to be taken to a proper hospital you and your team had been administering first aid on the wounds they had on their bodies.  You continued to scan the area and then you caught sight of a far away corner where an almost fort had been created as people had pushed away some unneeded medical supplies and machines to create room for more victims. You hopped onto what seemed like the comfiest chair you had ever sat down on, leaned back on the wall, and finally closed your eyes.

You HAD woken up 15 minutes later like you had promised Josh but he had formed an alliance with the rest of your team. They worked together basically blocking you from returning and instead sent you off to get some food. Annoyed, and secretly very grateful, you had left the triage and walked to whatever store you could find that was open.

You walked a bit until you found a little deli that seemed to sell very appetizing sandwiches. How long had it been since you’d eaten? Time was still fuzzy. As you went into the store you heard the little bell over the door and saw the cashier turn to you. He greeted you quickly with just a nod of his head and he turned back to look at a tv that hang on the wall beside him. The news was playing and they had images flashing on the screen of the explosion and what seemed to be interviews with witnesses and authorities. You froze as you realized what other images the news was displaying. The Avengers were here, you’d almost forgotten, so of course the news played images of them entering the hotel and helping victims out. You watched as Sam flew across the screen with Tony. Then you saw as Bucky appeared on screen, carrying wounded victims out and towards safer grounds.

I’ll come find you when this is all over.

He had promised and you let yourself think about him for the first time since he had uttered those words.

It seemed the Avengers were still figuring it all out. They were probably chasing down leads on the possible culprit. You walked up to the cashier and handed him the sandwich you had picked out, with a few others and some snacks for the people back at the triage. You handed him some money and he hurriedly handed you back the change wanting to get back to the news as fast as possible. You thanked him and walked out of the deli.

On your way back to the team you couldn’t help but have your thoughts wander off to Bucky. Was he ok? Had he rested? Had he eaten? He was a super soldier but that had never stopped you from worrying. Even after all this time you couldn’t stop worrying about him.

You kept walking and your mind wanted to make sure you couldn’t think of anything other than him. You hadn’t let yourself freely think of him in a while so when your mind noticed your wall had come down it flooded you with thoughts of Bucky.

Your mind flashed to the time you met him. He had come into a tiny restaurant back in New York with Steve and Sam in tow. You frequented the restaurant as it reminded you very much of the food your mother made. You had heard Sam’s loud laugh and had looked up from the book you were reading.  You couldn’t help at becoming starstruck at the trio that stood in front of you. Of course, you had immediately recognized them. Who hadn’t heard of Captain America, The Falcon, and the Winter Soldier? People under rocks, that’s who.

“Quiet down guys! Come on!” Steve chastised them. “People are trying to enjoy their food.”

You had secretly hoped they took the table next to yours because, who are we kidding, they were gorgeous and a delicious meal with a nice view wouldn’t hurt anybody. To your incredible luck, they did! They pulled out their chairs and a waitress, who obviously had the same reaction as you, handed them their menus.

You sat at the table beside them waiting on your food and subtly observed them by peeking over your book.

“My name is Sasha and I’ll be your server today,” the waitress introduced herself as she blushed, “Let me know when you’re ready to order.”

“Thank you,” all three of them replied.

They began scanning over the menu while quietly talking amongst themselves. You saw as they all looked over the menu bouncing options off each other.

“I think I’ll get the steak. Simple, easy, can’t go wrong with that,” Sam announced.

“Uhh, I’m leaning more towards the salad,” Steve said, “Look this one comes with apples!”

“Barnes, what about you? Any idea?” Sam looked over at Bucky who sat across from him.

Bucky shook his head, “No, I’m not sure yet. Nothing sounds good.”

“Well hurry up! Sasha will be back soon,” said Sam.

Just then your waiter arrived with that glorious bowl of soup you had ordered. A simple bowl of chicken noodle soup had sounded so delicious and you couldn’t deny yourself that small treat. The waiter placed your bowl down and the aroma quickly filled your senses. You put down your book and took a deep breath. It smelled amazing! This soup was never bad to you. It always hit just the right spot. You thanked your waiter as he began walking away.

“That looks good,” Bucky whispered to Steve as he subtly pointed to your bowl, “But where the hell is it on this menu?”

“Ask her, she ordered it she has to know where it is.”

“No, its fine. I’ll find it myself.”

“Dear Lord just ask the girl! Sasha is coming!” Sam butted in.

“Fine!” you heard Bucky’s loud reply.

You turned towards them at this loud response and Bucky cringed a bit. Sam could be overwhelming sometimes, and he couldn’t help but yell at him sometimes.

“Sorry, ma’am?” he shyly asked you as he leaned to close the distance between you a bit, “Sorry to bother you but your soup smells amazing and I can’t seem to find it on the menu.”

Steve looked like a proud dad. Bucky talking to strangers was a marvelous accomplishment and he looked at his friend with a smile on his face.

“Oh, yeah!” you laughed, partially out of nervousness because OH MY GOD SERGEANT BARNES WAS TALKING TO YOU. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t almost swoon at his voice. He was so handsome, and your heart ached for everything he had been put through. “Its actually not on the menu. You can just ask for it, though, and they’ll make it for you.”

“Why don’t they have soup on the menu?” Sam asked, “Its not like some super-secret food nobody knows about. Cool foods go on the secret menu, not soup!”

You laughed, “I don’t know, actually. I come here a lot and wanted soup one time and noticed it wasn’t on the menu. I just asked, and they made it for me.”

“Weird,” Sam added.

“Thank you. Sorry for bothering you,” Bucky said.

Sasha arrived back at their table and you heard Bucky order for the soup you were eating. A little smile threatened to appear on your lips. The Winter Soldier had just asked for a bowl of soup after timidly asking you about it. The whole thing just seemed adorable for some reason to you. You picked up your book again and continued to read it. A few minutes had passed by when you heard whispers from the table next to you.

“My god, ask her!” You heard Sam say again. You turned back to them again and this time Steve cringed a bit.

“Sorry ma’am, I know we bothered you before and you probably just want to eat in peace but your book,” he pointed, “ I heard a bit about it,” Steve asked with a hint of a blush on his cheeks.

“Yes, it’s called Homegoing, I think it was on the New York Times Best Sellers list a while ago. My name is Y/N, by the way” you replied with a smile hoping to keep him from calling you ma’am again. This could not be real! You could not be talking about an amazing book with Captain FREAKING AMERICA just after talking about soup with BUCKY BARNES AND SAM WILSON! What was this day?

You spent the rest of your time talking to all three about books. They all shared their favorites and you also recommended a few of your faves. Bucky spoke a bit, but he mostly observed. He noticed how kind you were and how fondly you spoke about books. He saw how your eyes seemed to light up when you shared your book recommendations and how they seemed to exude warmth as you looked at him and his friends. Their food arrived, and he felt the soup you had recommended pulled him towards you even more. It had been a while since he had felt a connection with another person that was not Steve or Sam. He couldn’t deny he thought you were beautiful and loved the sound of your voice. He had just met you and barely knew your name, and couldn’t understand why, but he knew he felt there was something there. Maybe, if he just hoped it enough, he could have you feel it too. He couldn’t get his hopes up, though. He was still overcoming his past and it was not the time to think about anything else. He wouldn’t think about it, but maybe he could hope for it. It wasn’t the same thing, right? He looked on to you as you laughed at something Sam had said. He replayed what you had said earlier, “I come here a lot” and stored it in in his hope chest.

Not the time, but maybe someday.

——

PART 3

My very first tag oh my god! Thanks for asking! 

@buckysmusculararm

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Best Chinatown Restaurants: Top 10Best Restaurant Reviews

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Best Chinatown Restaurants: Top 10Best Restaurant Reviews

Home to the largest population of Chinese people in the Western hemisphere, Manhattan’s Chinatown can be daunting. Hurried shopkeepers peek out from windows while children play ball in the streets. In terms of food? Well, buckle up. To find the good stuff takes a little time and a whole lot of patience. If clean and tidy floors are on your list of musts, well…let’s just say you may be better suited to grab grub somewhere else. 

But if you’re open for culinary adventure and looking for it on the cheap, there’s few better places in the city to get your fill. From old-standbys-turned-neighborhood-hotspots like the dim sum restaurant Nom Wah Tea Parlor to fresh fusion newcomers like Japanese-Hawaiian-Korean-inspired Chikarashi, Chinatown is brimming with possibilities old and new. 

If it’s simply low costs and high value you’re after, you’d be remiss to visit New York and not pass through Chinatown for a bite at Tasty Dumpling, or swing by Canal Street Market for a mini-food tour all under one roof. Another option that’s not as often documented are the food carts dotting the streets, so you can forget halal and skip right to the rice noodles. 

Below, we dive into the 10 best restaurants in Chinatown. 

Photo courtesy of Mason Wilkes/CSM

Due to inflated rents and high fail rates for new restaurants, food halls are quickly replacing singular brick-and-mortar joints. Sometimes this is good, sometimes…not so good. In the case of Canal Street Market, this is very, very good.

Effortlessly chic and cool with clean lines and boundless natural light, CSM is the antithesis to the rest of grungy Canal Street. And the food vendor game? It’s strong.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Ilili Box and the Boba Guys have all set up shop here, among a smattering of others, including a juice bar, sushi stand and a rotating cast of pop-ups. One word to the wise: “seating” is mostly standing room only in the back.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: It’s the best newcomer to Canal Street in decades.

Andrea’s expert tip: Sign up for the newsletter to find out when events are happening in the adjoining space.

Read more about Canal Street Market →

Chinatown isn’t often associated with high-quality ingredients or a focus on sustainability. The newest player on the block, Chikarashi, hopes to change that. Inspired by Hawaiian cuisine like poke (fish salad) and Japanese chirashi (essentially a rice-based mish-mash of goodness in one bowl), this spot is elevating Chinatown’s reputation.

Helmed by Chef Michael Jong Lim who’s done time at hotspots including Marea, Aldea, and Aureole, this is Asian fusion taken to the extreme — and at a price point that won’t come close to breaking the bank. If you’re on the hunt for a taste of the East, with the innovation of the West, Chikarashi should be on your list.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: It’s combining interesting flavor profiles in the most unlikely of ways.

Andrea’s expert tip: Take note that Chikarashi is only open for lunch.

Read more about Chikarashi →

The stylish, contemporary digs at this ever-popular Chinatown joint are a refreshing departure from the other, more ho-hum alternatives in the area. As the name suggests, the star of the menu here is the delicious duck.

Prepared by pumping the fowl full of air, soaking it with boiled water and then slowly oven-roasting it until it’s perfectly crisp, this main is served and carved table-side with the speed and flair of a chef at Benihana – but better.

If duck doesn’t do it for you, the restaurant also delivers a number of other tasty morsels including salt and pepper prawns, Peking-style lobster, fried sea bass and orange chicken.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: Rarely does Peking duck taste as good as it looks.

Andrea’s expert tip: Request to take home the duck bones – they’re perfect for making stock.

Read more about Peking Duck House →

French-Malaysian may not sound like it belongs in Chinatown, but this neighborhood gem is worth a serious look if you’re in the area. With great lunch specials and counter service (they also offer dine-in), Aux Epices nails the cheap-delicious criteria that makes Chinatown special.

Regulars say you can’t miss the curry puff with potatoes and minced chicken, or the seafood laksa, a medley of shrimp, mussels, salmon, squid, tofu and eggplant in a coconut curry broth. This is also one of the only spots in the ‘hood that serves up a curated selection of wines with drops from France, Argentina, Italy and Germany.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: French-Malaysian food in Chinatown that’s actually worth eating just seems like an oxymoron.

Andrea’s expert tip: Probably your best option for a date night on the list.

Read more about Aux Epices →

Dim sum minus the push cart might seem like a crime to some, but Nom Wah Tea Parlor has perfected push-less patronage. Famous for its homemade lotus paste and red bean filling for moon cake, in addition to its almond cookie, you’ll find bakery treats here alongside more traditional and savory dim sum offerings. You’ll also find gluten-free designations on the menu, which is typically unheard of for this type of cuisine.

The restaurant saw updates in 2010, but the food here has remained the same for decades. While it’s true that this is a tourist haunt in every sense of the word, the history makes it a don’t miss if you’re in this part of the woods.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: It’s one of the first dim sum restaurants in the city.

Andrea’s expert tip: To beat the crowds, go during off times.

Read more about Nom Wah Tea Parlor →

Though not much to look at on the outside, this Vietnamese restaurant remains popular thanks to its excellent dishes and reasonable prices. Among the regulars, favorites include staples like banh mi cary ga (curried chicken), the steamed fish for two, fried spring rolls, and barbecued pork chops.

And of course, what Vietnamese hotspot would be complete without a decent version of pho? You’ll find that here, though aficionados will tell you it lacks a bit of the je ne sais quoi of the pho in Queens. Make sure you head here early at lunchtime, as they tend to pack quickly.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: It’s Vietnamese cheap eats served quickly and popular with the lunchtime crowds.

Andrea’s expert tip: If you find it’s too crowded, walk over to the sister location at nearby 146 Centre Street.

Read more about Nha Trang →

There’s a bit of debate amongst dumpling aficionados about where to best indulge around Canal Street, but plenty of people hand over their hard-earned cash to Joe. Long lines often form in anticipation of stuffing these steamed soup dumplings with pork or crabmeat into hungry mouths. And while the decor and ambiance isn’t anything special, Joe’s Shanghai makes up for it with their other food, warranting high marks for their Hong Kong-style delicacies, such as shredded turnip shortcake, braised duck and spicy yellow fish. Our advice? Go early or prepare to wait, as the crowds can get thick during prime times.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: It’s a Chinatown staple and a favorite for soup dumplings.

Andrea’s expert tip: Go early or prepare to wait, though tables turn quickly.

Read more about Joe’s Shanghai →

Photo courtesy of Xi’an Famous Foods

The original location is in Flushing, but the guys running the show recognized that if they wanted to get Xi’an cuisine out to the masses, they needed a Manhattan-based location. Enter the Bayard Street outpost of this mini-chain, which was one of the first New York restaurants to serve food from the Xi’an region of China.

Specialties include spicy & tingly beef and “burgers” on flatbread, though regulars swear by the hand-pulled noodles with cumin lamb. While purists argue that Xi’an lacks a certain level of authenticity, culinary royalty and media (including Anthony Bourdain and Zagat) have crowned Xi’an a shining star in New York’s Chinese food scene.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: Xi’an Famous Foods is a staple among many Chinese loving foodies.

Andrea’s expert tip: On jury duty? This is where to go for lunch.

Read more about Xi’an Famous →

Photo courtesy of Taste Trekker

Aptly named for their bite-sized morsels of doughy goodness, Tasty Dumpling has amassed a steady flow of regulars. A hole in the wall joint of epic proportions, don’t expect to find pristine conditions or top notch service inside.

But we’re in Chinatown – chances are you came for the cheap eats, not for the Michelin stars. The thing to order here are the fried pork and chive dumplings, which pack a good meat to dumpling ratio for a nominal fee ($1.25 for 5 of these bad boys).

Unlike some of the other spots around, you’ll also find a few tables, so you can sit back and relax instead of scarfing down your goods on the go.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: It’s a regular contender along with Prosperity and Vanessa’s for best dumplings in Chinatown.

Andrea’s expert tip: Tasty Dumpling is cash only.

Read more about Tasty Dumpling →

Photo courtesy of Lalito

Lalito is Mexican food. Kind of. It’s also vegan. Kind of. One thing it’s certainly not is Chinese, though they do fry whole fish, which could fall into nearly any ethnic category. Regardless of how it’s classified, all you need to know is that it’s good. It’s even better if you have vegan friends but don’t want to eat at a vegan restaurant. Alongside a vegan caesar salad with dulse and vegan chicharrones, you’ll find juicy pork carnitas, birria-style chili cumin lamb, and baby steak, a 30-day dry aged NY strip with salsa macha and cilantro. They’re also open for weekend brunch, where you can load up on goodies like coconut grits and bread pudding French toast.

Recommended for Chinatown’s Best Restaurants because: It’s a non-Chinese delight in a sea of Chinese delights.

Andrea’s expert tip: Take your vegan friends.

Read more about Lalito →

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Up to date Ocean Isle Seaside Information

Breaking News Today -

Good morning, mates!! I wished to share an *up to date* Ocean Isle Seaside Journey Information at the moment (together with all of the outfits I wore whereas I used to be there). My household has been visiting Ocean Isle since earlier than I used to be born – so I’ve actually been going there each summer season my whole life! It appears like my second house – and it’s one of many solely locations on the planet the place I’m actually in a position to chill out. I’ve such good reminiscences from our summers there rising up, that it appears like such a secure, comfortable place after I’m there.

I additionally wished to notice that I’m not encouraging anybody to journey proper now resulting from COVID. Nevertheless, if you have already got a visit to OIB deliberate, otherwise you need to journey there subsequent summer season, I hope the following tips will assist you to out!

pom pom gown, additionally is available in purple and white

Brixton straw hat // Rayban sun shades // “Discuss to the Palm” T-shirt // AGOLDE Parker denim shorts

Brixton straw hat // Amazon coronary heart necklace // striped one piece swimsuit

Brixton straw hat // Amazon swimsuit (these are oranges!) // AGOLDE Parker denim shorts // related straw bag

Crimson Costume Boutique white eyelet gown // Cella Jane store headband // Amazon coronary heart necklace

The place to Keep

A RENTAL! My household all the time rented a home for per week each summer season. We rented by a number of completely different firms all through the years: Sloane, Cooke and McClure are the perfect. You must also take a look at VRBO! Chris and I personal a seashore condominium and we do lease it out by VRBO, nonetheless it’s not in the marketplace this summer season resulting from renovations (I’ll you should definitely share the hyperlink with you guys subsequent yr!).

A HOTEL: In a pinch (or if there aren’t any leases out there), then take into account reserving a room at one of many two oceanfront inns, The Ocean Isle Inn and the The Islander Inn. They’re proper beside one another and very related, and situated proper subsequent to the pier in a simple and handy location. The one draw back is that, like a typical resort, the rooms are fairly small. However they do provide a buffet breakfast each morning, and boast a pool and sizzling tub!

The place to Eat

BREAKFAST/LUNCH

59 CAUSEWAY: Our new favourite breakfast place in Ocean Isle! 59 Causeway is situated proper alongside the canal with a tremendous view and affords all kinds of bagels, cream cheeses and breakfast choices like cinnamon buns and donuts. We picked up bacon, egg and cheese bagels FOUR instances whereas we had been there final week – they’re among the greatest bagels I’ve EVER had!! In addition they devoted a whole part of the restaurant to a “espresso bar,” and provide a number of completely different espresso and espresso drinks, in addition to wholesome smoothies. Plus the ambiance is tremendous cheerful and beachy.

BREAKERS PIZZA AND GRILL: At the very least as soon as per go to we head over to Breaker’s for some mouth-watering sizzling canine and french fries. (We attempt to restrict our journeys because it’s not very wholesome – BUT SO GOOD!) Breaker’s additionally has a bunch of various Hershey’s ice cream flavors, and I personally love thier banana splits. Situated subsequent to the pier, Breaker’s additionally has an arcade within the again and a surf store situated upstairs.

DRIFT COFFEE & KITCHEN: We looove Drift Espresso for each breakfast and lunch! They’ve wonderful avocado toast (known as an “Avocado Smash”) and a Market Breakfast Bowl that’s tremendous wholesome and scrumptious with egg, avocado, candy potato, greens, quinoa, child tomatoes. Plus their espresso is AMAZING. It’s good to both stroll or experience your bike right here for breakfast!

THE PURPLE ONION: This can be a native secret that we found a few years in the past The Purple Onion serves wonderful pastries and conventional breakfast objects, in addition to burgers, sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch. My favourite is the Purple Onion Cafe Salad with a facet of candy potato fries! For those who go right here for lunch you HAVE to order a slice of cake. Take a look at the “cake fridge” whenever you stroll within the door – there are tons of various sorts, all mouthwatering.

OIB SURF AND JAVA: Situated throughout the bridge, OIB Surf and Java is well worth the drive in case you are a real coffee-lover. Half surf store and half espresso store, they provide nearly each espresso drink possible (critically, simply check out their menu), in addition to baked items like their well-known monkey bread. And the HUGE plus is that they’ve a drive-through, so that you by no means even have to go away your automobile in the event you don’t need to.

DINNER

BOUNDARY HOUSE: This is among the nicer restaurant close to Ocean Isle Seaside… its a bit pricier than the encompassing eating places however 100% value it! It’s sooo good – they serve buttery recent honey croissants with each facet salad and people are all the time my favourite a part of the complete meal! They’ve wonderful appetizers, seafood and my dad says their steak is phenomenal!

CAPTAIN JOHN’S SEAFOOD HOUSE: Captain John’s is my household’s favourite place in Calabash for fried seafood! My dad and mom and brother all the time get the seafood platter with deviled crab (I normally get a salad topped with coconut shrimp). You need to eat right here in the event you like seafood – then cease at Callahan’s subsequent door to buy groceries – they’ve a HUGE number of trinkets, jewellery, decor and items. Even in the event you don’t purchase something, it’s a lot enjoyable to peruse!

INLET VIEWBAR & GRILL: We love this place as a result of it has nice meals and it’s dog-friendly! Chris and I like taking Winnie, sitting on their outside patio and eating whereas looking over the water. I all the time get the mahi mahi with a baked potato on the facet as a result of it’s mmmm good!

MARIA’S PIZZERIA: We bought takeout a number of instances from Maria’s final week (we simply found it, due to some mates of ours!). Their actual specialty is the “Maria’s” pizza – I might eat the entire dang factor on my own!!

OCEAN ISLE FISH COMPANY: Often known as OIFC, Ocean Isle Fish Firm is a good place to seize a drink earlier than dinner. They’ve a Tiki Bar situated on the highest with superior views of the sound! My mother and I all the time order enjoyable drinks in a coconut. We additionally love their retailer – they promote a bunch of cute T-shirts, children toys and have a big number of Yeti cups. For those who keep for dinner, we expect their meals is simply “okay” however we love the ambiance and it does have an superior view!

OYSTER ROCK: I really haven’t been right here however all of my mates RAVE about Oyster Rock. It’s a brand new restaurant situated proper on the water in Calabash and serving up inventive cocktails and all kinds of dishes, from seafood to pasta. Their menu seems to be actually mouthwatering and we’ll for-sure be stopping by on our subsequent go to!

PROVISION CO.: This restaurant is definitely situated in Holden Seaside, however we drive in yearly for his or her wonderful meals! This was my favourite place for hamburgers and cheeseburgers in the complete world. Attempt their onion rings – they’re OMG so good.

SHARKY’S: Sharky’s has been an Ocean Isle Seaside staple for greater than 30 years! Tucked beneath the Ocean Isle Seaside bridge, the restaurant has a big indoor eating space in addition to outside eating that overlooks OIB’s lovely waterfront views. My household loves any of their seafood, and their pizza as effectively! The Tropical Shrimp Salad is BOMB, and I all the time order it with a beer adopted by a slice of key lime pie.

What To Do

THE BEACH: The obvious factor: benefit from the seashore! The seashore at Ocean Isle is very nice, we deliver our personal chairs and umbrella and arrange camp for hours at a time. Typically we pack lunch in a cooler, different instances we’ll head again to the home for an hour to eat and take a break from the solar. Our journeys all the time contain getting as a lot seashore time as potential!

BIKE RIDE: Bikes are very easy to lease in Ocean Isle, and you may experience everywhere in the island wanting on the fairly homes! We wish to experience our bikes to Drift Espresso within the morning for breakfast.

PUTT PUTT: There’s a cute little putt putt place proper subsequent to the pier in Ocean Isle (you possibly can’t miss it – you will notice it in your left whenever you drive onto the island!). Our household loves pleasant competitors, we all the time play no less than as soon as throughout our week on the seashore.

YOGA: Yoga on the seashore is the proper method to get up within the morning (together with the dawn). It’s $10 per class, and you may see the schedule right here. You don’t even want a yoga mat, simply deliver your seashore towel and also you’re good to go.

FARMER’S MARKET: There’s a extremely cool little Farmer’s Market that units up store subsequent to the Museum of Coastal Carolina each Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m. in the course of the summertime. Though they don’t have a lot produce, they do have a ton of native paintings, pure soaps, honeys and jams, and even some cute seashore towels and seashore baggage. (Notice: this may be on pause this summer season resulting from COVID.)

CONCERTS & OUTDOOR MOVIES: For those who’re into music, you might be in luck! OIB affords FREE live shows each Friday night time from 6:30 to eight p.m. All live shows happen within the lot subsequent to the Museum of Coastal Carolina on the island. Carry a seashore chair and your individual drinks and prepare to benefit from the music (and do some dancing!). For teenagers, OIB additionally has free outside film nights each Wednesday in the identical lot. You’ll be able to test the film schedule right here. (Notice: this may be on pause this summer season resulting from COVID.)

What To Pack

A lot of the eating places in Ocean Isle are fairly informal, however my mother and I like to decorate up so we normally put on attire and wedges to dinner each night time. You definitely don’t have to try this, although – we’re normally the dressiest ones there! For a visit to Ocean Isle, you’ll undoubtedly have to pack a number of bathing fits and cover-ups, in addition to a seashore bag, towels and sunscreen. For journeys to Drift Espresso and bike rides across the island, pack a cute tee and a few denim shorts. A pair of good sandals can also be a should!

Let me know in the event you’ve ever been to Ocean Isle and when you have any favorites! I’d additionally like to know in the event you’re planning a visit there sooner or later – it’s my favourite seashore of all time, in spite of everything

The post Up to date Ocean Isle Seaside Information appeared first on Breaking News Today.

source https://daily247.net/updated-ocean-isle-beach-guide/

[wanderlearn-blog1]

The 2-Minute Rule for nailart

Fall an alternate shade into the center of the 1st shade. Continue on adding drops in the exact same way, at the middle with the circle of shade, alternating the colours till the thing is a bulls-eye form. Before the base coat dries, make use of a toothpick or other apply to position dots in A different shade or two along with The bottom coat. There’s a thing about a five o’clock shadow which is undeniably attractive. Probably it’s that it provides an air of toughness and hyper masculinity. No matter what it really is, it is possible to’t go Incorrect with incorporating a little bit of stubble into your shorter hairstyle for men. Marble hair just isn't only for ladies, hop around the dye craze bandwagon using a smoky gray hair coloration. Holding it darkish at the roots and lighter for the finishes adds depth and thickness to medium hair. Treat your nails with treatment — use gloves when gardening or accomplishing other function, and training warning when executing jobs for instance opening soda cans, as They might hurt your nails. As we are acquiring more mature, we critique our fashion in apparel and hair ‘dos that is pretty typical, because seeking the same for decades is very dull, dated and unstylish. A girl doesn’t prevent staying a woman with age. Shifting seems and experimenting with styles is in her character. more info reduced fade acts as an incredible foundation to the thick, complete waves. Though a substantial fade generates a press release glance, a minimal fade is usually a subtler take on the craze. To style the very best, use mousse on washed hair and scrunch the longest sections serving to the texture to reveal. neutral graphic nail art design featuring new wild nudes selection shades that results in an enjoyable damaging Room seem. Produce a watercolor outcome. In this instance You will need two or even more shades: white, and Yet another coloration or two within your choice. Use the white polish as The bottom coat. Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s haircuts and hairstyles absolutely are a wealthy source of inspiration. The British actor has attempted different lengths, coming inevitably towards the stylish small haircut with undercut and temple fade. This is the amazing haircut thought for men with curly hair. The most effective male haircuts are all about form. Proficient barbers understand how to perform with the shape of the head and deal with to produce a masculine design. Squared haircuts produce stability and accentuate the jawline. Expert barbers usually consider these features when crafting a different Minimize. These are definitely multipurpose and stunning on African American Adult men. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/category/dinner-ideas-0 will need to go to a braiding salon to acquire any variation of cornrow types. If you prefer to your braids shaped into waves, spikes, letters or quantities, this can be completed by a highly trained braider. Pick up the jewel or sticker with a set of tweezers and drop it on to the gel or glue. Use the tweezers to gently press it into put. Enable https://beautyholo.com to dry. You can find nail pens at grocery and local shops to assist you to draw your models. They're super inexpensive.

A Simple Key For home decor Unveiled

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[consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis]

6 Delicious Restaurants to Eat Gluten Free Near San Diego

New blog post! If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I spent part of my winter break visiting my boyfriend, Chris, in San Diego. So it only seems fitting to share a post about my favorite gluten free restaurants near San Diego from this visit!

Now, I only visited for a week and I didn’t eat out every day. However, I did manage to revisit some of my old favorite restaurants for eating gluten free and find some new ones. So whether you live near San Diego and want some new gluten free restaurants to try or are visiting soon and want to know about the best gluten free restaurants near San Diego, keep reading to find out.

1. Snackin’ Free

Snackin’ Free is a dedicated gluten free restaurant in Murrieta, California. But even if it’s a little out of your way while you’re visiting San Diego, Snackin’ Free is definitely worth the drive! Besides being gluten free, all of Snackin’ Free’s foods are grain free, dairy free, soy free and free of artificial ingredients and preservatives. They offer some vegetarian and vegan options as well. I actually reviewed Snackin’ Free on the blog years ago and it was such a treat to visit the restaurant and meet the owners in person! (And they are crazy sweet, by the way, and even remembered me!).

Me, Laura and fellow celiac (who I met at the shop) Faith

The boy and I were both craving sandwiches, so I ordered the Cuban (featuring black forest ham, sauerkraut, dill pickles, mustard and soy-free mayonnaise) and Chris got the Fall Sammich (with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, soy-free mayonnaise, mustard and greens on pumpkin bread). And ohhhh my goodness. Our sandwiches came out super fast, the bread was still warm and I just about died on the first bite. All of Snackin’ Free’s gluten free breads that I’ve tried are dense and chewy, which was just fine with me. The ham was fresh, the sauerkraut added a nice tang and crunch, and I just about moaned over that warm bread. Chris also loved his sandwich and gave me a bite to try. The turkey was a little thick for me, but I loved the addition of spinach for some crunch and freshness, and the pumpkin flavor of the bun was present but not overwhelming.

Of course, we also had to get some desserts to go. I ordered the dark chocolate paleo and vegan scone, which had chocolate chips and icing on top, as well as a snickerdoodle cookie. Chris loved the cookie, which was soft and chewy and sweet without tasting sugary. He wasn’t as big of a fan of the scone, but I loved the dark (almost bitter) chocolate flavor. I also enjoyed its firm, almost cookie-like texture. Laura was kind enough to also give Chris and I samples of their dark chocolate cake and German chocolate brownie. And oh my gosh, guys. Although the brownie was tasty, if you go to Snackin’ Free, you MUST order the dark chocolate cake! The cubed slice we tried was melt-in-your-mouth soft, and the dark chocolate frosting had the perfect level of sweetness.

Compared to many gluten free restaurants, I thought Snackin’ Free’s prices were reasonable, and the sandwiches were an ideal size for a quick lunch. Snackin’ Free also offers soups, breadsticks, pizza and other gluten free entrees in the restaurant, along with gluten free snacks like house-made plantain chips, graham crackers and more. They also do ship, so you can try their gluten free and paleo food even if you aren’t in the San Diego area.

2. Gaia’s Gelato 

Who doesn’t want gluten free and dairy free ice cream - OK, technically gelato - on their vacation? Chris surprised me with a mid-morning gelato run while we were walking around The Village in Carlsbad, and it was one heck of a delicious snack! One of our friends actually works at Gaia’s Gelato, so I was able to check the risk of cross-contamination with her. All the gelato is made in-house, and the sorbets are made in a clean machine before any gluten-containing flavors, so I felt safe eating those. Most of the gelato is also made before gluten-containing flavors as well, so I also tried a few bites of my boyfriend's gluten free gelato (which did contain dairy).

Even eating gluten free and dairy free, I had plenty of options to choose from. Hannah (our friend) let us sample all the sorbet flavors, including Raspberry, Triple Berry, Dark Chocolate, Blood Orange, Strawberry, Mango and Lemon. I ended up going with a small serving of Raspberry and Dark Chocolate and it was heavenly. The gluten free sorbet is insanely creamy for being dairy free, and I was amazed at how much thicker gelato is than ice cream. The dark chocolate tasted rich and paired deliciously with the more refreshing, tart raspberry. I also tasted Chris's Belgium Chocolate and Honey Lavender gelato, which are gluten free but contain dairy. And oh my golly gumdrops. If I could eat dairy, I’d be allll over that Belgium Chocolate, which tasted a bit sweeter than the Dark Chocolate sorbet.

Because cross-contamination is more of a risk at this restaurant than others (like, obviously, an entirely gluten free restaurant), I'd highly recommend talking to the workers before ordering to learn more about their cleaning policies and which flavors that are made the earliest in the rotation (i.e., not after gluten-containing flavors, and therefore less likely to be cross-contaminated). As always, it is up to you to determine what gluten free food you feel safe eating. Every celiac's comfort level is different - and that's totally OK.

3. Red Robin

I didn’t actually take any pictures of my meal at Red Robin’s since I was meeting the boy’s parents for the first time that dinner...but it looked somethin’ like the picture below, only I ordered their new salmon filet!

Like always when eating out gluten free, I let the waiter know when we sat down that I had celiac disease and would need a gluten free meal free of cross contamination. He said he’d let his manager know, and the manager brought all my food out separately. I ended up ordering the salmon filet with a gluten free bun, tomato, pickles, lettuce, ketchup and mustard. Because I’d already eaten fries earlier that week, I went with the bottomless broccoli. Most Red Robin’s locations do have dedicated fryers for gluten free fries, though. My salmon came out super tender and flaky, and the bun was warm and soft. The broccoli was steamed well and I liked having some greens with my burger. All in all, another solid trip to Red Robin!

4. Chick Fil A

This is another gluten free restaurant option that might not be super exciting, but it is really dependable. Chris and I needed a quick lunch, and since a Chick Fil A was nearby, that’s what we went with. We both ordered gluten free (Chris likes to do this so he can kiss me without worrying about me getting glutened), and ended up getting a side salad, a Grilled Market salad and a serving of waffle fries. (I’d also brought some leftover food from the night before in my lunch box, and had that along with my side salad. I hate wasting food, and it’s definitely more affordable to supplement eating out with leftovers!).

I let the cashier know I have celiac disease while ordering, and he made sure my fries were made in a dedicated fryer. Before this visit, I hadn’t had Chick Fil A in forever, but this meal reminded me how good their gluten free food can be. The salads were fresh, the fries were hot and Chris and I both left with happy tummies.

5. Starbucks 

I know Starbucks doesn’t really count as a gluten free restaurant, but it is one of the places I bought food during this trip (along with Sprouts Farmer’s Market and Aldi) so I thought I’d include it! The boy got tons of Starbucks gift cards for Christmas, so he treated me to some gluten free snacks while we walked around town.

I was amazed at how many gluten free snacks were available at Starbucks, including Bare Snack’s banana and strawberry chips, Emmy’s Organics coconut cookies, various Kind Bars, Perfect Bars and more. I got a caramel dark chocolate Kind Bar and it was just as delicious as it sounds! Starbucks definitely isn’t the cheapest place to buy gluten free food...but in a pinch, you can definitely find some tasty gluten free snacks!

Eating Out Gluten Free in San Diego: The Takeaway

If you’re visiting San Diego and its surrounding cities, I hope this list gives you an idea of all the gluten free restaurants you can enjoy while there. You can also check out my more comprehensive list of the best gluten free restaurants in San Diego here, and I’m sure I’ll post another review of gluten free restaurants the next time I visit. As always, this list is not comprehensive and there were many gluten free restaurants I wanted to try but didn’t have a chance to visit. I highly recommend using the Find Me Gluten Free phone app if you visit San Diego (or anywhere else) to help find safe places to eat out gluten free, and that app actually helped me find all of these restaurants. (Learn about all the gluten free apps I love here). And if you have any recommendations of gluten free restaurants in or near San Diego that I should try next time...please tell me in the comments!

And if you’d like more posts about what it’s like dating with celiac disease, feel free to comment about that too. Until then...I hope you’re eating some delicious gluten free food, and I’ll talk to you again soon! via Blogger http://bit.ly/2Ru4xhP

[lotsofdogs]

Mother’s Day Weekend 2018

Hi friends. How are you guys doing today? I definitely did not mean to go dark on the blog yesterday but my Monday had a bit of an unexpected start. I woke up feeling okay, but the minute I stood up and stepped out of bed, I felt like the whole room was spinning. I couldn’t walk a step without holding onto the wall or a dresser. It freaked me out and the intense dizziness lasted for a few hours and only dissipated when I closed my eyes and laid down. It was also coupled with nausea and vomiting.

I am so grateful Ryan was able to take the day off work to help with Chase and take me in to see my doctor. Thankfully the dizziness got better throughout the day and everything seems to be okay with our baby and my health. (My blood pressure was a bit lower than normal and my doctor thinks I was slightly dehydrated.) I was sent home with instructions to rest as much as possible, drink lots of fluids and eat some salty foods and come back in if the dizziness worsened.

I am relieved to be feeling much better today and hope that is a good sign for the rest of the week. Ooph!

I worked on what I hoped would be Monday’s blog post a bit over the weekend, so now I want to dive back into it and share a recap of our weekend with you guys this morning!

Friday

Our weekend kicked off on a great note with a date night out!

For my birthday two weeks ago, Ryan surprised me with dinner reservations at Heirloom, a local farm-to-fork restaurant we’ve been dying to try, and tickets to see an improv comedy show. We booked a babysitter (the one I creepily approached at the park last Friday) and headed off to dinner soon after Ryan arrived home from work.

Heirloom was fantastic and we decided to splurge and each do the tasting menu as both a birthday and before-baby treat. Everything was so fresh and flavorful but the duck entree and s’mores-themed dessert stole the show for me! Oh… and the complimentary hot-from-the-oven roll that came with our soup was unreal. Is that weird to say? I don’t know but so often the pre-dinner bread restaurants serve is stale but man oh man this roll was warm, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth GOOD. (And yes, my affinity for refined carbohydrates is goin’ strong over here right now!)

After dinner, we headed off to the main event of the night: Whose LIVE Is It Anyway?

Ryan booked tickets to this live-show take on the improv comedy television show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and we were both looking forward to a night of laughter. The show absolutely delivered (I even got called on out of the audience and immediately started sweating!) and we loved every second.

We arrived home late but sacrificing a little sleep in favor of such a fun night out was more than worth it.

Saturday

Chase had all of us up bright and early on Saturday and we spend the morning hanging out around the house. Since Chase and I did a massive grocery shopping trip at ALDI on Friday morning, we had a bunch of food on hand and prepped some brown rice and slow cooker salsa chicken before heading off to a Mommy and Me Boot Camp class at Burn Boot Camp.

Since we loved this Mother’s Day weekend event at BBC so much last year, I really wanted to make sure we attended again this year and to say Chase was in heaven would be a huge understatement. He gave the workout 100 percent effort 100 percent of the time and was running and jumping all over the place.

We spent some time chatting with friends after the camp and ate a snack on a bench outside before heading home. Unfortunately getting Chase into the car was a bit of a beast – we’re talking a major car seat battle – and I could tell he was completely exhausted from no nap on Friday, an early wakeup on Saturday and a very active morning. We went from super happy and joyful to cranky and weepy in 2.5 seconds, so Ryan and I scrapped our morning plans and laid low at home before we put Chase down for an early nap.

He fell asleep within 5 minutes and while Ryan went to work on our boat, I tackled thank you notes! I managed to finish the notes for my family from the baby sprinkle my aunt hosted and it felt good to check something off my to-do list.

Ryan arrived home an hour or so later and while Chase snoozed away, we dug into salads for lunch.

They came together quickly thanks to morning food prep!

Once Chase was up, we headed out on the boat and spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening swimming and playing at a local sandbar. It was so fun and got me way too excited for summer even though I know I’ll be on a bit of a swimming hiatus after our baby arrives.

And yes, you better believe we brought Chase’s potty on the boat with us.

We weren’t taking any chances! Also, huge thanks to those who messaged me about this portable potty option on Instagram stories after I shared that pic! I immediately ordered it and think it will be a great travel potty option for us as we’re still mastering potty training around here.

Sunday

Sunday was Mother’s Day and the definition of a family day through and through! Since temperatures were supposed to eclipse 90 degrees for the second day in a row, we took advantage of the semi-cool morning weather and took Sadie on a family walk after breakfast.

We managed to cover around 3 miles which felt like a victory since Chase rarely tolerates more than 30 minutes in a stroller these days. Thankfully pointing out every bird we saw on our walk coupled with a variety of snacks, books and a few truck toys kept him stroller-bound and happy!

When we arrived home, we ate another snack and headed back out on the boat!

Spending time on the water with my family was high on my list of Mother’s Day activities, so it was a great way to spend our Sunday.

As we were splashing around, Ryan and I heard the familiar tinkly music of an ice cream truck and were shocked to see an ice cream boat floating along in the water. What a genius idea, right!?

We arrived back home ready for lunch and dug into sandwiches before Ryan settled Chase down for a nap and sent me off to get my nails done!

Apparently making an appointment to get your nails done on Mother’s Day is a good idea because I ended up visiting three different salons before I found one with an opening. I don’t get my nails done often and have never had any issues with drop-in appointments but I quickly learned Sunday is “nail day” for many women and that, coupled with Mother’s Day, meant nail salon overload!

I almost threw in the towel after my second visit but really wanted the SNS nails I had done for my birthday taken off professionally since I peeled two off myself and could tell it was a horrible idea for my nail health to manually remove them. Once my manicure was done, I headed back home and spent the rest of the evening relaxing with Ryan, Chase and Sadie… and plenty of ice cream!

I hope you all had a great weekend and that you’re enjoying the week so far. Thanks so much for stopping by PBF today!

[Read More ...] https://www.pbfingers.com/mothers-day-weekend-2018/

[viralhottopics]

Moroccan street food: 10 things you’ll want to try

(CNN)There are two things you can be sure of when it comes to your taste buds in Morocco:

1. You’ll drink enough sugary mint tea to send your dentist into a spin.

2. After a couple of days, you’ll be sick to your back teeth of tagine (if you have any left).

What’s a hapless (and hungry) traveler to do?

As most locals will tell you, the best Moroccan food is found at home, not in restaurants.

Unless you can wrangle an invite to a local’s home, your best bet is to dive into the maze-like medinas and head to the food souks.

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Vendors gather in guild-like fashion, so you’ll find honey sellers in one area and a row of butchers down another alleyway.

The best cities for street food include Fez (head toward the Achabine area), Marrakech (in Djemaa el-Fna and surrounding streets) and Essaouira (near the port end of Place Moulay Hassan).

“A lot of visitors miss out on street food because they go back to their hotel between 6 and 8 p.m. for dinner,” says guide Gail Leonard, who runs food tours of Fez, the culinary capital of Morocco.

“This is when Moroccans promenade and snack, before dinner at home at around 10 p.m.

“It’s also the time when you get to connect with Moroccans, because that’s when they’re out eating.”

Street food is also popular for breakfast and lunch and draws on Morocco’s mix of Berber, Arab and European cultures.

Best of all, it’s fresh, filling and yours for a few dirhams.

Morocco guide: 10 things to know before you go

1. Bread

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Crusty bread (khobz) baked in communal wood-fired ovens is a Moroccan staple.

The souks also serve an array of pan-fried, waistline-busting loaves.

Particularly good is beghrir (spongy bread, a bit like crumpets), harsha (buttery bread made of fine semolina) and rghaif (flaky, layered flat bread).

Topped with honey or goat cheese, they make a good snack while you’re out exploring. Expect to pay from MAD 2-10 ($0.24-1.18), depending on the topping.

2. Bessara

A bowl of hearty fava bean soup, mopped up with the ubiquitous khobz, is a popular workers’ breakfast and costs just MAD 5 ($0.59).

Hole-in-the-wall eateries also dish it up for lunch with a glug of lemon-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin and chili.

The soup is made with loads of garlic (about a kilogram per large vat) and the stallholder will simply shut up shop once he’s sold out.

The Atlas Mountains: Morocco’s hidden travel gem

3. Crumbed liver

Moroccan’s are big on nose-to-tail eating.

You can chow down on cow udders, tongues, tripe, even feet.

Too adventurous? There’s the Moroccan version of a wienerschnitzel: smooth and buttery calves’ livers, crumbed and fried.

Food in souks is sold by weight and a decent portion costs around MAD 10 ($1.18). The vendor will chop it up and serve it in a sandwich or with a handful of fries.

4. Steamed sheep head

This delicacy is usually eaten for breakfast after a home slaughter during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

In the souk, sheep heads are steamed for about five hours and ready by lunchtime.

“They’re sold as a half (MAD 15/$1.77) or whole head (MAD 30/$3.55), with or without eyes, although the brains are sold separately at another stall,” says Gail.

To eat a head, wait for the vendor to scrape off the fur. Then sprinkle it with cumin, salt and chili, and scrape out the tender cheek meat and tongue.

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5. Spicy sardines

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Morocco is the world’s largest exporter of sardines, making the little fish a street food staple.

Sardines are stuffed with a spicy chermoula paste made of tomato, coriander, chili, garlic, paprika, cumin, olive oil and lemon juice.

They’re coated in a light batter, fried until crisp and often served with a fried green chili. Again, they’re sold by weight, but MAD 15 ($1.77) will buy you a tasty sandwich.

6. Aubergine fritters

Vegetarians can happily scoff their way through the souks, too, with plenty of fresh, organic produce for sale.

Sliced aubergine dipped in sweet smoked paprika batter then deep-fried go for MAD 1 apiece ($0.12).

The silky, smoky slices are served with spicy lubia (white haricot beans stewed in tomatoes, cumin, paprika, garlic and ginger) or fresh salad.

7. Brochettes

Follow the billowing clouds of smoke and you’ll find mini-chicken kebabs cooking over charcoal.

The meat is rubbed with salt and spices, such as paprika and cumin. Spiced ground lamb or beef (kefta) is formed around a skewer and grilled.

Brochettes are served with khobz, harissa (red pepper sauce), red onion, cumin and salt and cost around MAD 20-30 ($2.36-3.55).

8. Snail soup

Stalls selling steaming vats of snail soup are popular across the country. A bowl costs between MAD 5-10 ($0.59-1.18).

First you pluck the snails from their shells with a toothpick before slurping the soup.

“The snails have an earthy flavor, a bit like shitake mushrooms,” says Gail.

Flavored with a concoction of around 15 different spices, Moroccans believe the broth is good for digestion and fever, so some drink it without snails.

9. Stuffed camel spleen

For an alternative take on sausage, how about tehal (stuffed camel spleen)?

Stuffed with ground beef, lamb or camel meat, olives, spices and a little bit of hump fat, the spleen is sent off to be baked in a communal bread oven.

It’s sliced, griddled and served up in a sandwich (MAD 15/$1.77). The texture is soft and creamy, like liver, and tastes gamey.

Or you can pop into Caf Clock in Fez for one of their famous camel burgers served with fries and salad (MAD 95/$11.23); 7 Derb el Magana, Talaa Kbira; +212 535 637 855; www.cafeclock.com.

10. Desserts

Super sweet pastries and biscuits are big in Morocco, especially during Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

Each evening, they celebrate breaking their fast with succulent dates, pastries and savory harira (lentil and tomato soup).

Some of the most irresistible (and calorific) goodies include briwat (deep fried filo pastry triangles stuffed with almonds) and shebakia (flower-shaped, fried sesame cookies).

Both are dipped in honey and go for around MAD 1-3 each ($0.12-0.35).

Plan-It Fez offers a half-day souk tasting trail in the ancient Fez medina for MAD 960 ($113) per person; +212 535 638 708; www.plan-it-fez.com.

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