#wholesale sweet boxes

[harshimpex]

We manufacture premium-grade confectionery containers, which are widely used by companies storing cookies, chocolates, and other edible items. From candy jars to confectionery items, we manufacture the best-quality plastic jars for all confectionery products.

[kalpanahandmadepaper]

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and the sharing of love and happiness with friends and family. One of the most delightful ways to express this affection is through thoughtful gifting. This year, why not elevate your Diwali gifting experience by opting for handmade paper Diwali gift boxes? These beautifully crafted boxes not only enhance the aesthetic of your gifts but also add a personal touch that mass-produced packaging simply cannot achieve.

[papersgallery]

Papers Gallery Sweets Box Manufacturers, Wholesalers & Suppliers

Papers Gallery is a leading manufacturer and supplier of custom printed packaging solutions based in New Delhi, India. They offer a wide range of products including sweet boxes, luxury paper boxes, custom printed packaging boxes, and many other types of packaging solutions tailored to various industries. Their services include personalized printing options in multiple colors, materials, and…

[buychocolateboxesonline]

Buying Empty Dry Fruit Box Online is Your Ultimate Packaging Solution

If you are the one looking for the dry fruit boxes or empty dry fruit gift box online of high quality we have it covered from you by Gujarat Shopee. We provide boxes in various shapes, sizes and designs to store dry fruits that maintain its fresh quality during packing and transportation.

[verdancepackaging]

𝑬𝙡𝒆𝙫𝒂𝙩𝒆 𝒀𝙤𝒖𝙧 𝙂𝒊𝙛𝒕𝙞𝒏𝙜 𝙬𝒊𝙩𝒉 𝑪𝙪𝒔𝙩𝒐𝙢𝒊𝙯𝒂𝙗𝒍𝙚 𝙂𝒊𝙛𝒕 𝑩𝙤𝒙𝙚𝒔 𝒇𝙧𝒐𝙢 𝙑𝒆𝙧𝒅𝙖𝒏𝙘𝒆 𝑷𝙖𝒄𝙠𝒂𝙜𝒊𝙣𝒈

Bakery products are always a popular choice for gift-giving, and there is no better method to show someone that you care than with a gift box filled with your favorite pastries. Our packaging company specializes in creating custom gift boxes that will delight your clients and boost your company's profits. We offer customization options, including custom-printed graphics and trendy designs to make your gifts stand out. In addition to high-quality packaging materials, Verdance Packaging provides free shipping on all orders, making it convenient for you to stock up on delicious treats for your loved ones. Contact us today for a quote on our gift box services. Our Gift Boxes are the perfect way to elevate your gift brand. Made with high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship, these boxes are designed to make a lasting impression. Verdance Packaging offers various sizes and styles, making finding the perfect box for any occasion effortless. Whether you're looking to impress a client or celebrate a special occasion, our Gift Boxes are the ideal way to showcase your thoughtfulness and appreciation. Each box is constructed with durability in mind, ensuring that your gifts arrive in excellent condition. With attention to detail and superior protection, our boxes are the ideal choice for shipping or transport. Order your Gift Boxes today and give your gifts the presentation they deserve. With Verdance Packaging, you'll get a level of quality and sophistication unmatched by any other.

[customboxesworldsblog]

Custom sweet boxes with free shipping

Custom sweet packaging boxes are an embodiment of creativity and sweetness, designed to captivate the senses while preserving the delectable treasures within. These bespoke boxes go far beyond their practical role; they serve as a canvas for artistic expression and brand identity. Now get Custom printed boxes for sweet at wholesale with free shipping. The design is also free. Must visit us to get more detail. Visit:https://customboxesworld.co.uk/custom-sweets-boxes

[inkdrinkerworld]

Dealer!remus and autistic!reader’s relationship starts off so rocky guys let me tell you!!! Angst to fluff

Remus doesn’t fully get that he can’t just say things- like he’s got to be deliberate and conscious of the words he uses and his tone.

He’s never had to do that before so it’s weird and it’s hard to learn and he slips up sometimes.

One of your biggest arguments happens when he’s frustrated and you’re just trying to help.

You’d seen him so sullen and moody on James’ story so you decided to do for him, what you do for yourself.

You baked.

But then you realized you’re not at the stage where you know his absolute favourite type of cookie so you go a little all out.

You bake chocolate chip biscoff cookies. Chocolate chip toffee cookies, regular chocolate chip and brown butter chocolate chip.

You set them in a cute box and you text Remus that you’re coming to see him. You’re thinking everything’s going to go well, you’re gonna drop the cookies off for him, maybe he’s going to tell you what’s bugging him- maybe not; either way he won’t be alone.

Except you get there and immediately you feel like you’re inconveniencing him.

Try as you might not to take it personally, it’s really hard because he seems particularly peeved at you.

“Why are you here?” His tone is sharp and jagged and it winds you a little.

“I brought you cookies to cheer you up. Saw that you weren’t yourself on James’ story,” you keep your tone even, light- a practiced thing from your days of dealing with people that didn’t quite get you.

“Why would that cheer me up?” At this point everything’s going downhill fast and you try to salvage what little is left of your deflated cheeriness and open up the box to display the array of cookies.

Remus at the same time waves his hand and the box goes pitching across his living room floor and he explodes.

You can’t remember the last time someone had yelled at you like that and honestly, it hurt more coming from Remus who was so normally relaxed and chilled.

You don’t even tell him goodbye, you just clean up all the mess while he’s cursing and yelling and then leave.

What’s twists the bloodied blade in the wound is that he doesn’t even try to stop you or reach out to you for three days.

By which point you’ve already gone mostly nonverbal and you’re in no mood to entertain or fake a personality for the sake of your friends when you do see them.

Remus stops at your house after you ignore three invitations to his place.

“Dove, I know you’re at home. Can you open the door please?” His voice is muffled through the hard wood of the door and you have half a kind to leave it shut- he’d been mean, he’d said things that were very hurtful now that you’ve actually processed what he’s said fully.

You don’t know if you can stand to see him. Then he knocks again, “I want to look at you when I apologise, sweet girl. Please open the door.” And the wholesale remorse in his tone shakes your core and you cave.

He steps inside with a box and three tulips. “I figured I’d have had to do it face to face for it to really mean anything and because I realized I was an absolute prick to you when you just came over to help.”

You don’t even hum. Usually, when he was nice Remus- as you’ve differentiated in your head - you’d be able to look him in the eyes every couple of words, but right now you just look over his shoulder.

“I shouldn’t have yelled or sworn at you like that. It wasn’t cool and I never want to speak to you like that- ever. I was an idiot and I just want to make up for it.”

There’s about a minute where Remus thinks he’s just fucked every single bit of progress you’ve both made with each other and then you let out a big breath.

“You can’t say things that you don’t mean just because you’re upset. What you said really hurt my feelings and I don’t like feeling the way you made me feel when you were that angry. If we continue to be friends you can’t do that because it makes it hard for me to trust you and find what you’re saying believable.”

Your voice is hoarse and crackly from lack of use and Remus feels even worse. “I’ll do better, I swear. It wasn’t my intention to hurt you- it’ll never be, but I am sorry that I did.”

You nod once, succinct and definitive. Remus holds out the box to you, showing a puzzle you’d been eyeing for a while.

“Can we build it together?” He asks softly, an ebb of vulnerability given away as you catch his eyes.

“Okay, but we have to do corners first, then work our way in.” Remus nods, his other hand holding the flowers for you. The tulips are a pristine white.

“The lady at the shop said they’re good for conveying apologies.”

You smile a little, “These ones are also for condolences.” Remus shakes his head,

“Not this time,” he watches you put them in a vase of water. “Also, ‘if we continue to be friends’, thought we were a little closer than friends, sweet girl?”

He relishes in the way you bite your lip to hide your grin as you take the puzzle box from him and set it up on your coffee table.

“Well I wasn’t sure if you wanted to acknowledge it or not.”

Remus says very seriously as he sits opposite you at the coffee table, ducking down so he can catch your eyes as you take out the numbered bags. “I’m always acknowledging it, we’re more than friends dove. When everything’s not so fucked, I’ll take you out and do it with pink and red lilies.”

[thebearer]

no but i love your writing! ever since i watched s1 and 2 last weekend because of a youtube ad, i peaked in the carmy tag and was a surprised to see the amount of stories carmy had! would love a scenario where he’s married to a sassy, take no shit type of reader sim to natalie. his wife legit could work with him for all i care. but for whatever reason he does something w/o checking in— he prolly just forgot. she finds out and confronts him hella pissed (could be at family or during restaurant prep idc) and she says “oh, if carmen said it was cool.” not even carmy the full government name bro 😭. p much how natalie articulated it 🤣. can’t remember the ep but in early season 1 when marcus blew the fuse you can also include slick commentary from richie (and fak) if you’d like! tysm in advance 🥰. also if you don’t me me asking, do you have name/alias on this blog? what we can call you? enjoy your week

- 🥣

yes yes yes ahhhhh! he definitely needs someone who keeps him in line but walks that fine line where he can also keep them in line (bc dom!carmy is living in my heart rent free forever lol). also you can call me e if you'd like :) thank you for your sweet words! i hope you have a good week, and hope you enjoy this!

"What's this?" You ask Sydney, looking at the new box being unloaded from the truck- big and bulky in a crate, far too large to be a produce shipment.

"Uh, I think it's the new glassware for the bar." Sydney looked at her clipboard, back at you carefully.

"Glassware? What new glassware. We haven't picked that out yet." You frowned, looking at the crate carefully.

"Oh, well, it was in Carmen's notes for the day, so... I think that's the only shipment we have. Unless the hostess stand came early, which would be amazing, but you-" Sydney stopped her ramblings, seeing your soured expression. "You know what? Never mind, uh, ignore me. I'm just...Carmen's with Sugar and Richie in the back if you want to ask him."

"Thanks, Syd." You muttered, ripping the bell open with a shrill before bounding towards the back. You could hear them before you saw them, a familiar chorus of chatter and rising voices.

"Hey, so what's the delivery out front?" You ask, not bothering to wait for them to acknowledge you. If you did, you'd never talk, they all talked over each other.

"The new glasses for the bars." Sugar turned, smiling softly at you. "How are you doing?"

"Good." You muttered, eyes cutting to Carmen. "We haven't ordered new glasses yet."

"Uh, well, I thought you liked the ones from last week, angel." Carmen's eyes were bulged, clearly flustered.

"I said I liked them for basics, but I needed you to confirm a drink menu." You glared at him, arms crossing over his chest.

"You can't put the drinks in that?" Carmen asked, hand flying out towards the hall.

"Not if you want the specialty, no." You huffed. "Carmen, I told you to wait just a few days and we could get them at the wholesale market. The textured ones for the signature at least."

"Uh-oh," Richie muttered, snickering to Fak.

"Can you not use the glasses I got?" Carmen sighed.

"I can, but did you get enough? And did we decide if the signature is going in a whiskey glass or a cylinder one? Did you order double of those?" You lifted a brow, taking a step towards him. Richie and Nat watched, heads turning from you and Carmen like a tennis match.

Carmen paused, running a hand down his face. "N-No, but-"

"-So what are you going to do when we open and you run out of drinks, huh? When everyone orders the signature and it comes in different glasses? You think those travel groupie influencers won't notice? Won't post about it and make it a big fucking deal?" You countered.

"Then we'll figure it out!" Carmen huffed. "Look I gave the order to Richie, and-"

"-Hey, no fuckin' way cousin. You gave me your order." Richie held his hand up. "Sweetheart, Carmy said it was good so I just placed the order."

"Well, if Carmen said it was good, then it must be, right? He's the fucking boss." You snarl, glaring at Carmen furiously. "Seems like you've got it under control, Carm, so I'll leave it to you." You turn on your heel, furiously stomping away.

Richie and Fak wait until they hear the slam of the office door, to release their cackles. "Oooh! Cousin, you are in the fuckin' dog house now." Richie laughed, Fak's chorus of barks emphasizing his statement.

"Shut up, ok? Just shut the fuck up." Carmen growled, running a hand through his hair.

"Carmy, why wouldn't you ask her before you ordered? She's your mixologist." Nat sighed, shoulders heavy with disappointment.

"Also your girlfriend." Sydney added, poking her head in. "I told you to wait. Just saying."

"Thank you, alright, thank you all for your fuckin' helpful words." Carmen snapped. "Just... Nat, make sure they get all that shit set up right, ok? Make sure the dishwasher fucking works before we're open, please."

The office door was shut, and Carmen hesitated, reaching for the knob anxiously. He wasn't sure if he should knock- I mean, fuck, this is his office but... you were already so mad at him. Knuckles rapping on the door, he didn't wait for the invite in- knowing he'd never get one.

Carmen found you, sniffling in a furious pout in the corner, body angled away from the door. "Baby-" Carmen started with a sigh, shoulders falling gently at your upset state.

"-Don't." You snap, wiping your eyes. "Don't even start with me, Carmen." The way you say his full name sounds so bitter, too formal and full of malice to be from you.

"I-I'm sorry. I thought we agreed on it, and-and Richie was pressuring me and... And you're right. I shouldn't have made that decision without you, and I'm sorry." Carmen said slowly, waiting for your gaze to meet his, angry, wet, waterline.

"Yeah, you shouldn't have." You agreed bitterly, wiping your eyes. "I get this is your restaurant, Carmen, but don't ask for my help if you're just gonna do what you want anyways. That's-That's not nice."

"I know." Carmen nodded slowly, approaching you with the caution he would a wild animal. "I want your help. I do, and-and I like your idea that the house drink goes in the special glass. Makes it stand out."

You lifted your gaze up to his. "Yeah?" You asked, he nodded, sitting next to you. "Did you blow your budget?"

"No," Carmen shook his head, not a total lie. Fak had been able pull some strings with the new stoves, turns out he did have a guy. It left a little over five thousand left over.

"We could go to that place, if you want to. Go look and see if they have the glasses. Get a rough estimate of about how many we'd need." Carmen offered, his hand cupping your thigh gently, thumb rubbing over your leg in soothing circles.

"As long as Sydney or Nat does the numbers and not you." You snorted lightly, rolling your eyes at him.

He laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I'll get Sugar to run 'em, alright? Then we can go. Call it an early night."

You beamed at the idea, letting him slide in next to you, melting into your side. "That sounds good." You hummed, letting your head fall on his shoulder.

"I-I'm real sorry I didn't as you ." Carmen muttered. "That was shitty."

"Yeah." You sighed in agreement. "I just... I want to be included in things." You asked, looking up at him sweetly. "Not everything, but-but at least the things that apply to my area."

"I know." Carmen nodded, his hand catching your cheek softly. "I'll let you handle it next time, alright? I trust your opinion."

"You don't have to do that-"

"-No, you're right, I don't. But-But I want to." Carmen nodded. "I know you're lookin' out for the best in this place just like I am."

[cicaklah]

Oooh! If I may, for the ficlet with gloves: watching the other prepare and enjoy a mango. I leave the ship and whether the execution is messy or precision-clean up to you.

Being in such close quarters for an extended time was maybe a mistake, Diana thought. Twenty years of knowing someone, however strangely and intimate it was between her and 47, there were still things that could surprise her.

Olivia had been to the morning market, waking the whole house up at 4am as she muttered and swore under her breath as she extracted herself from her mess of a lair. She had returned when Diana had been standing bleary eyed in front of the kettle with three boxes of fruit straight from the wholesalers.

"if I don't have some vitamins I'll die," she said bluntly. "Unlike the three of you, I can't live on spite, cigarettes and black coffee, and that disgusting bottled protein slop," she indicated grey, Diana and 47 in turn. "Humans are supposed to eat the rainbow, guys, didn't you learn anything at spy school?"

The three of them exchanged looks and then mutually decided to let it go. Olivia prepared a bowl of fruit, added some yoghurt and then a full two servings of her usual super sweet imported cereal, and then went back to her lair.

The fruit sat on the side, judging Diana every time she made a fresh v60, but other than a small apple pressed on her under duress, it continued to sit there.

The mangos were the only thing to disappear. They were good ones, smelling incredible as they rotted slowly in the cool berlin autumn. It turned out grey had a taste for them. Still though, it wasn't enough.

Dianas insomnia absolutely wasn't related to her consumption of coffee, oh no, but still she finds herself awake at 2am. Perhaps a camomile would help, she reasons, despite knowing better.

Getting up, she doesn't pull her robe on around her, letting the cold do it's tricks and make her miss her bed. She pads down the hall as quiet as she can, and rolls her eyes; Olivia had left the kitchen light on again.

She steps in and is startled by the sight of 47 instead. He's in what must be his sleepwear, a t-shirt and a pair of scrub bottoms. Her analytical brain notes the gama logo embroidered on the hem.

He has a large knife on the table, but that isn't the thing that surprises her. It's the remains of three mangos, inexpertly hacked up, sitting on a towel.

47 has a fork in his hand and is eating tiny cubes of the flesh from a bowl, but it makes dianas heart hurt how little he's removed from each fruit.

"first time?" She asks, and 47 looks at her.

"yes. Olivia stated they needed eating or we would get flies."

Diana takes a seat, and grimaces at the mess. "far be it for me to argue,"she says, and takes the knife and an intact fruit, and begins to cut.

She has seen many methods, but with fruit this ripe, you can't chip the skin off or even try and peel from the outside. She finds the stone and makes a deep utilitarian cut, following the curve until it's hairy husk is exposed. The neat half falls into her hand, and she begins to score it into cubes, before then flipping it inside out. It's messy, sure, but at least there's no waste. She takes her first bite, and groans; these are good. Still a bit sour despite their advanced ripeness.

They eat in silence, 47 watching her watching him. Then, he moves to get up and throw the rest in the trash, but Diana stops him.

"there's still the best part," she says, and as he watches, picks up the stone and sinks her teeth in.

It's sour and juicy and so so good it makes her make a noise. 47 sits again, but it's with an emotion; the chair clatters slightly under the sudden weight.

Diana finishes it, but doesn't meet his icey glare. This is a situation emerging, and must be played correctly.

"your turn" she says, after she places the stripped pit on the mess below. "Use your teeth."

47 picks up the fattest and juiciest pit in both hands. He holds it to his face, and with his eyes locked and burning on hers, he digs his teeth in. Juice, so much juice, runs down his face. He huffs a small noise, and chases it, letting it pool on his tongue. Then, with incredibly inexpert but extremely arousing skill of another kind, he proceeds to sensually, strip the pit down to the husk with his teeth, lips and tongue, his eyes on her the entire sopping time.

[shonenkun309]

Koga's Birthday story card 2024 :

[Translation] (not an accurate translation)

@just-somehuman @the-bird-and-the-flute @kogasimp1 @colourless-hydrangeas @randomf2p @blackmond11 @girlinthetardis04

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Part 1 :

...May 7th is the birthday of an important person.

Futaba : "Happy birthday, Koga."

Koga : "Oh, thank you."

I came to Koga's house and enthusiastically handed him the lunch box I had brought.

Futaba : "I made this. Please try it if you like."

Koga : "Oh, it looks delicious."

Futaba : "I've included the side dish you said you liked before."

Koga : "I'll take it then."

Koga happily eats my lunch.

(Tonight is Koga's usual party with the rest of the Ayakashi)

Until then, I had come to Koga's house in the afternoon so that we could spend some time together.

Futaba : "Is there any place you want to go after you eat your lunch? Shopping, going for a walk, anything?"

Koga stopped using his chopsticks and looked at me.

Koga : "let's just stay at home."

Koga's hand gently rested on mine, his eyes suddenly narrowed as he looked at me.

Koga : "I just need you."

Futaba : "Koga..."

Just hearing those words fills my heart with joy.

Koga : "Futaba..."

I looked back at Koga, and my face gradually got closer to his...

(I feel happy...)

I closed my eyes at the premonition of a sweet kiss, and at that moment I thought our lips would touch.

Masanobu : "Koga-niichan! Happy birthday!"

Futaba : "...!"

Koga : "...!"

We suddenly pulled away from each other when we heard a voice coming from the front door.

Masanobu came to celebrate Koga's birthday.

Masanobu : "Oh, Futaba-neechan is here too. Hello!"

Futaba : "Hello, Masanobu."

Masanobu entered the living room and happily turned to Koga.

Masanobu : "I made this, it's a gift for Koga-niichan."

Koga : "These seem like a sturdy looking menko*, thank you, I'll cherish it."

Koga smiled as he accepted Masanobu-kun's gift.

Masanobu : "niichan, are you busy lately? Please train me in kendo again."

Koga : "Okay, next time."

(Masanobu really likes Koga...)

As I watched the interaction between the two with a smile on my face...

Kanji : "Hello, this is Kanji from Kanemotoya."

Another voice came from the front door. The person who came was Kanji, the current owner of Kanemotoya shop, a glass wholesaler in Asakusa.

Kanji : "I happened to be nearby for a delivery...and there I heard that it's Koga's birthday, congratulations."

Koga : "Thank you, how are businesses going?"

Kanji : "Thanks to you, I managed... You look like you're doing well."

Koga : "Yes, I'm glad you're doing well too."

Kanji, who I met through a small incident a while ago, is also familiar to me.

Kanji : "More importantly, you like sake, right? If you like this, please."

Koga : "This is good sake. Sorry for the trouble."

As Koga received the sake, another voice came from the entrance.

Visitor : "Excuse me."

(Wha- again!)

After that, guests continued to come in one after another-- Before I knew it, many people had gathered in the living room.

(In the blink of an eye, the number of people had increased. Gifts came one after another...!)

Kuya : *Yawn* ...Huh?

Kuya, who had apparently been sleeping in his room, wakes up and tilts his head as he looks at the living room.

Kuya : ...I thought the party was gonna be at night?"

Futaba : "That was the plan, but..."

People came one after another to congratulate Koga, and it had already turned into a party.

Visitor : "Congratulations,Mr. Koga! After all, the Capital needs someone like you, young Kitamikado."

Koga : "Haha, I'd be happy if you're serious about it."

(I'm happy that so many people are celebrating with Koga. I guess this means our plans to spend time alone together are over)

I was looking forward to it too, so I'm a little sad about that.

(Koga is really popular, isn't he?)

Kuya : "Well, I guess this is normal, but..."

Kuya seems used to it, and turns his back to the living room with another yawn.

Futaba : "Eh, Kuya, where are you going?"

Kuya : "The house is too noisy, so I'm gonna take a nap somewhere else."

Futaba : "Wa... wait!"

In a panic, I grab the edge of Kuya's kimono.

Futaba : "At least, Kuya, please stay here."

Kuya : "Why?"

Futaba : "Because I don't know many people here... I'll feel lonely."

Kuya : "It'll be fine if you just act casually, right?"

Futaba : "It's not fine...!"

As I was desperately trying to hold back Kuya, Koga came over to me.

Koga : "Sorry, Futaba."

Futaba : "Koga..."

Koga : "I didn't mean to leave you alone. I'm really sorry."

After saying that, Koga faced the people in the living room.

Koga : "Sorry everyone, that's it--"

(!)

(Koga, you're trying to send the guests home for me...)

Suddenly, I grabbed Koga's hand to stop him.

Futaba : "Koga, it's okay!"

Koga : "...?"

(That's right, I'm not the only one who wants to celebrate Koga, we've always celebrated like this with the people of the Capital)

I held Koga's hand and stared at him.

Futaba : "Please don't worry about me. They've all come all the way here to celebrate you."

Koga : "Yeah, but..."

Visitor 2 : "Excuse me."

While Koga was hesitating, a new voice came from the entrance.

Futaba : "Come on, go!"

Koga : "Ah...ha"

I pushed Koga's back and sent him off with the guests.

(I'd be lying if I said I wasn't lonely...but this is fine.)

Kuya : "..."

Kuya, who was watching us from the door, muttered softly.

Kuya. "...You're having a hard time too."

Futaba : "Eh?"

Kuya : "Nothing."

Kuya : *Yawn*

Kuya yawned again, as if it's nothing to do with him.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Part 2 :

That night, after all the guests who had come to Koga house had left.

The six of us, Koga, Kuya, Aoi, Ginnojo and Yura, were at a restaurant in the entertainment quarter.

Aoi : "...Eh, so you were partying just now? Does that mean this is your second banquet today?”

After I told him the story, Aoi put his hands on his hips in exasperation.

Ginnojo : "When you're as well-known as Koga, even your birthday is a big deal."

Ginnojo pours sake into Koga's sake cup.

Koga : "Well, I'm grateful for that."

Koga gulps down the sake with gusto.

Yura : "I can't ignore the feelings of the people celebrating... By the way, this is a gift from me."

And with that, Yura unfolds the furoshiki cloth he brought with him.

Kuya : "Oh, kintsuba.*"

Yura : "Recently, I've really liked Eitarou's kintsuba**. This is delicious. I can't stop eating it."

Kuya : "Well, let's get started."

Aoi: "Hey, this is a gift for Koga, not you."

After scolding Kuya, Aoi glances at me and Koga.

Aoi : "Well, birthdays are important days for both the person celebrating and the person being celebrated."

Kuya: "..."

Kuya, who had been listening to this, swallowed his kintsuba and looked at me.

Kuya : "What about you?"

Futaba : "Eh?"

Kuya : "Did you celebrate with Koga?"

(Ah...)

Somehow, I could tell what Kuya was trying to say and that he was trying to give me a push.

Koga : "Of course. She was the first one to--"

Futaba : "Um... Yes!"

I boldly interrupted Koga.

Futaba: "But... please, give me some time to celebrate again later."

Koga: "..."

Ginnojo & Aoi : "..."

Yura : "..."

Kuya : "..."

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

Aoi : "Ah, yes yes."

Eventually, Aoi spoke up as if he understood.

Aoi : "In other words, you two didn't have time to celebrate alone, right?"

Yura: "In that case, you should celebrate again just the two of you. I'll eat this kintsuba."

Ginnojo: "Don't worry about us."

Futaba : "Well, I don't mean right now..."

Koga: "Guess I'll do that then."

Koga stands up, looks at me and holds out his hand.

Koga : "Come on, let's go."

For just a moment, I looked back and forth between Koga's outstretched hand and Kuya and the others-

Futaba: "Yes!"

Savouring the joy, I took the hand.

After leaving the restaurant, we returned to Koga's house by carriage. In stark contrast to the daytime, the living room was completely silent.

Koga : "I'll go make some tea, so you can go to my study."

Futaba : "Yes, thank you."

As instructed, I came to Koga's study by myself.

(...what should I do? I'm starting to get anxious now)

As I was alone in the quiet room, a sudden feeling of guilt overwhelmed me.

(I know Koga was worried about me earlier, but I'm sure he likes lively places too, I guess I said something unnecessary after all...)

It started to seem wrong to have cut everyone's time short.

Koga: "Futaba?"

When Koga came back, he saw me with my head down and called out to me.

Koga : "What's wrong, Futaba?"

Futaba: "...Koga... I'm sorry."

I apologised to Koga without being able to lift my head.

Koga : "Sorry... what do you mean?"

Futaba : "Well, I think everyone wanted to celebrate you, Koga. I was being selfish..."

Koga: "..."

Futaba : "--Wah"

Then, before I could finish, I was grabbed around the waist and lifted up.

Futaba: "K... Koga?!"

Koga: "Hey, don't move."

Koga makes me sit at the desk and bends down so that our eyes are at eye level.

Koga: "So, who's being selfish?"

As he looks at me from so close, my heart beats sweetly.

Futaba : "Me..."

Koga: "They were okay with it, so it's not selfish at all, I'm happy I can finally enjoy you."

Futaba: "..."

Koga's gentle voice made my heart lighten a little, and I smiled.

Futaba: "Hehe, Koga, you're so popular it's a bit of a problem."

Koga: "It's a great birthday to hear such a cute line from you."

Koga smiled as well, and we gazed into each other's eyes.

Soon that wasn't enough, so I gently grabbed the edge of Koga's kimono.

Futaba: "Koga..."

Koga: "...Oh, that reminds me, I was going to have to put it off."

As if remembering, Koga gave me a light kiss.

I feel a little sad as he lightly touches me and then quickly leaves me.

(Is that it...?)

His words had shown on his face...

Koga : "...Ha, haha..."

Koga laughed out loud and leaned in close again.

Koga: "Hey, that face is sneaky."

Kouga: "When did you get so good at begging?"

Futaba: "N-no, that's not true."

Suddenly feeling embarrassed when he said it out loud, I quickly denied it.

Futaba: "But..."

Noticing my cheeks getting a little warm, I stare intently at Koga again.

Futaba : "If that's the case, then it's your fault, Koga. It's because you're so mean to me."

Koga : "Okay, okay, let me try again."

Futaba: "Hmm..."

Koga smiles and covers my lips with a kiss again.

Futaba : "Koga..."

Koga: "Yeah, I'm here --Now, I'm yours alone."

We kissed each other countless times, spending a sweet night together–

{The End}

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Menko : Is a Japanese card game played by two or more players. It is also the name of the type of cards used to play this game. Each player uses Menko cards made from thick paper or cardboard, printed on one or both sides with images from anime, manga, and other works.

Eitarou : a neighbourhood located in the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

Kintsuba : Kintsuba cake is a traditional Japanese cake that originated in the Edo period (1603-1868). It is made from a sweet and fluffy sponge cake, filled with a rich and creamy custard filling, and then covered with a layer of smooth chocolate or caramel glaze.

[sidewalkchemistry]

advice for letting go of addiction to junk food? /:

I find that attachment to junk food is often due in part to not really ever falling in love with nourishing whole food ingredients. You're only gonna ever find joy in turning away from junk food when you're just as, or more, attracted to the whole food alternatives you're giving yourself. It shouldn't be about punishment or self-denial. It's about satisfaction, excitement, and self-love. Don't beat yourself up about your current situation. Simply, step forward into this new journey with patience & self-compassion.

💚So, first things first is really developing a longgg list of whole foods that you enjoy. Different fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, seaweeds, foraged plants, seeds, nuts, herbs & spices, and so on. I recommend mostly purchasing what's in season (the taste, texture, and price points tend to be way better!), and visiting farmer's markets when possible (in my state, they take food stamps and have tons of discounts, to make the produce more accessible to all. I hope it's similar where you are). You may have to do some learning about how to identify fresh & ripe produce, determine how to identify good quality, comparing the tastes depending on food preparation methods (boiled vs roasted vs fresh vs pickled), and little things like that. Don't be afraid to try new things. You will likely find that you grow to like things you would've formerly disliked.

💚Next is to get into finding alternatives for your previous favorites. Especially snacks or quick meals. So, let's say that you are super into potato chips and instant noodles...swap that for homemade chips or wedges (you can make them in the microwave, air fryer, or oven - with little to no oil) & a simple noodle soup (packed with herbs, some miso and/or seaweed, a few veggies of your choice, and anything else you might like).

💚It's critical as well to really develop a rolling menu of recipes to make yourself. Your meals don't have to be complex or take ages (something like a taco bowl is great). Focus on simple but flavor-filled meals by highlighting the fresh flavors and spices, and by creating a well-rounded flavor profile in your dishes (for savory dishes: umami/salty + sour + sweet + optionally herby, spicy, and/or bitter). An accent flavor (or something to make the dish pop) is also great, such as citrus zest, liquid aminos, coconut, paprika, sesame seeds, green onion. Have ideas for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, desserts, sauces & dressings, drinks, and snacks & dips.

💚Notice keenly how much better you feel when you reduce the junk food. Choose that good feeling over some really short-lived gratification. Notice, too, how poorly junk food can leave you feeling.

💚Learn to journal or tap into a hobby when your emotions get high and you want something unhealthy to "drown out your feelings." It's not about the fact that those foods aren't great for you. It's about paying attention to your feelings instead of stuffing them away.

💚Eliminate the misconception that it's cheaper eating junk food. You're less likely to feel the natural satiation point when you're eating low nourishment foods, so overeating is quite normal when you eat lots of processed foods. Also, the processing of such foods often is less kind on the earth compared to whole plant foods. So, it's expensive in that larger scale too. And you just aren't your best self - less energy, motivation, and stuff are likely when junk food is your primary fuel. The most affordable foods worldwide are typically satiating whole plant foods (grains, legumes, potatoes, etc).

💚Don't keep junk food around all the time. It turns into an 'out of sight, out of mind' thing.

💚Change the way you grocery shop. Spend time in the produce section especially. Always leave with things like greens, seasonal fruit, frozen fruit/veg, root veggies, etc. Discover which stores have the best options and actually stock quality produce. Wholesalers/big box stores & ethnic markets tend to do pretty good.

💚Create new habits. When you get home from work, you might be used to eating a certain snack. Interrupt that habit with a new one.

💚Stay hydrated. Water-rich produce (like cucumbers, oranges, leafy greens, berries) and drinking water can both help. Sometimes, we seek food when we're actually thirsty.

💚Start your days on a good note with fresh flavors. I recommend fruit for the sweetness and energy. And make sure your meals are satisfying and nutrient-dense, so you aren't starving and looking for energy drinks or anything an hour later.

💚Don't be all-or-nothing in your approach. This helps you to avoid that punishment mindset. It's just about choosing the food that really makes you feel good and happy and content.

💚Try out flavors from around the world. Get into ingredients and flavor profiles you've been missing out on. For example, rosewater, tomatillos, various mushrooms, berbere spice, different curries, dragonfruit, pandan. I just love traveling via my plates. It's an easy way to romanticize your life.

💚Learn to make a good, hearty, interesting salad. Smoothie bowls are a good thing to learn too. These are low-effort meals that are great when the weather is hot, you're busy, and/or your energy is low.

💚Get into making your own condiments. These can add an extra kick of flavor and interest for your dishes. For example, herb infused vinegars and oils, hot sauce, pickled veggies, rich sauces, etc.

💚Avoid food waste. Often when people are trying to eat better, the produce they purchase often goes bad before they can incorporate it into meals. Store items properly to extend their shelf life. Buy some fruit somewhat underripe (if they're a kind that ripens off the tree). Freeze things before they can go bad. Make soup broths, pickles, kimchi, jams, sauces, etc. Make meals around what is ready to be used. Also, don't be overly adventurous and buy too many unfamiliar ingredients at once.

💚And I'll end on an unexpected one. Spend more time outside in nature. You are typically become appreciative all those colors and scents and intrigue in simple/slow food meals when you do.

I wish you the best & I apologize for taking a while to respond.

Lili

[fly-chicken]

TORONTO friends! My coworker introduced me to the cheapest produce box! All locally grown produce delivered right to your door. It’s a weekly or biweekly box so you basically always get whatever is in season rather than selecting specific items, I got my first one yesterday;

For 35$ TOTAL (after tax and shipping, right to my door in an apartment building too!) we got the following;

In it

-bag of onions

-bag of carrots

-7 apples

-bunch of bananas

-cucumber

-broccoli floret

-2 sweet potato

- 8 purple potatoes

-head of lettuce

-jar of honey from local bees (beekeepers are also unionized; bonus local honey helps increase antibodies to the local pollen, lessening spring allergies too!)

-loaf of bread made from repurposed barley (barley was used for beer, local baker reuse it to make sourdough)

Notice the limited packaging too! I’ve repurposed the box into a cat hideout too! Such a better deal than getting it all at the store and since it’s all local farmers, you also reduce the transport costs and fuel to ship as well.

The box is called FoodShare and the link is below. This isn’t a paid advertisement, I’m just genuinely flabbergasted that more people don’t know this exists since it’s such a steal and for good local produce.

[buychocolateboxesonline]

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[doublebattled]

worldbuilding headcanon; I really need to make a banner for these. Anyway. Let's talk about pokémon leagues! We're going to discuss the general responsibilities of regional pokémon leagues, and then we're going to discuss the concept of the International League. Onward, unto the wall of text!

Regional Leagues

Note that all of this comes with a big asterisk as the precise details vary dramatically from region to region. Obviously, Alola, for example, is quite different from the rest, but that's neither here nor there. Broadly speaking, we can assume this applies to MOST leagues, and we can identify the exceptions and weird cases later.

So—the Pokémon League as an institution is more than just the gym challenge. I, of course, am not the first person to hold this headcanon, nor the first to write it out. Multiple generations of games have even begun to imply this now! Sweet, sweet validation! Now, the actual structure of the league as far as who's in charge and oversees what (is it a chairman like in Galar, is it a Top Champion like in Paldea, is it something else entirely like in Alola, etc.?) varies WILDLY from region to region, so we will not be getting into the particulars of that. But at the end of the day we can assume there's multiple levels involved in the whole thing, and we can assume going forward that when I say "the league" from here on in I mean the administrative part, not the front-facing parts.

So, broadly speaking, most leagues have some association with their regional government. It's not like you have to pay to do gym battles or anything, so we can probably conclude that it's publicly funded to some degree. In many cases, the league can best be described as its own department within the government, just as the FDA or DoJ would be. (I understand this probably sounds silly to many of my fellow Americans, but given how rooted pokémon are in society, it doesn't seem that far-fetched, at least for a world that broadly seems to have its shit slightly more together than we do.) That all said, yes, the league is—if not a governmental organization, then a private one that works closely with the government because Galar does appear to be alarmingly more American in that respect and handles quite a few things associated with that. So let's go through the list.

First, and most obvious: Trainer Cards! The league is responsible for issuing trainer ID cards, which are what permit folks to battle, trade, and breed pokémon (with some exception), and use the PC system. Now, battling and capturing pokémon without a Trainer ID isn't strictly illegal, but there are limitations. Possessing many pokémon without a Trainer ID is (typically, most regions define the upper limit as 2 per person, or one per person per household). And while engaging in trainer verses trainer battles without ID is technically illegal, usually punishable by fine, most regions will just look the other way as long as it's not actively harmful, disruptive, dangerous, or otherwise breaking any other laws. There's really no need to enforce it on the two six year olds having their caterpies fight on the playground. Trainer IDs can, of course, also be revoked for numerous reasons relating to past offenses. It is EXPLICITLY illegal to breed pokémon without ID, however. In addition, unsurprisingly, gym battles and other "formal" pokémon battling facilities cannot be participated in without a Trainer Card.

The PC System. Broadly, the PC system's servers are managed and operated by the Pokémon League. Since every trainer has their own set of boxes, these are associated with trainer ID. Basically, if you don't have a Trainer Card, you can't use the PC, wholesale. I could dig into this more but that's a WHOLE other headcanon so let's just not.

Setting and Enforcing Regional Battle Standards. Why do some pokémon "not exist" in certain regions? Why can a pokémon's moveset suddenly change between generations? Why are battles strictly turn based in the mainline games when they had additional speed components in Legends? Regional Battle Standards! The League is in charge of setting what pokémon, moves, items, etc. are permissible in official battle, which is the format used in gyms, e4, and to some degree in most battle facilities. They set restrictions on battlefield size, legal movesets, legal pokémon, and so forth. So if any of these things do or don't exist in a given region's game, it's not that they aren't present*, it's just that you're not allowed to use them in League-Sanctioned battles there. So you can technically own a Tepig in Paldea, you just can't use it at the gyms or league. Failure to follow these standards isn't a huge deal, at worst mistakenly breaking the rules may render a league battle invalid or failed and require a trainer to repeat a challenge. Taking a league battle outside of a designated field, for example, may result in automatic forfeit or a penalty of some kind. Knowingly breaking these standards by using unapproved, potentially dangerous moves or entering battle with unsanctioned pokémon can earn a fine or even a strike towards having a Trainer Card revoked, in extreme cases.

*Some leagues do restrict this further and forbid any battling with certain pokémon, including wild battles outside of emergency circumstances, largely due to ecological reasons. Galar is known for being heavily restrictive in this respect.

Public Research and Battle Safety Standards. Overlapping slightly with the above, publicly funded pokémon research is technically overseen by the league. The "Regional Professor" is typically the head of this particular division and assists in setting battle standards and battle safety regulations based on ongoing research, among other things. Of course, independent researchers still very much exist, as do researchers employed by specific organizations, and so on and so forth. You get the picture. Mainly, this feeds into the next one:

Enforcement of Battle Safety and Pokémon Care Standards. Again, a bit self-explanatory, but as the League sets the standard for regional law regarding safe battling, pokémon well-being, and so forth, they also ensure that their own facilities are following this standard and have sub-departments dedicated to investigating private organizations or other groups that may be violating these standards. Failure to meet these standards can be anything from having a trainer card revoked and fines to jail time if the case is extreme enough. By and large this is typically where a lot of a league's time, effort, and funding goes towards, as pokémon are critical to many aspects of life. Like. There are, presumably, pokémon labor standards. This is like OSHA for pokémon.

Ranger Unions?. While the regional Ranger Union usually isn't directly within the League, they are very intrinsically tied institutions and work closely with each other, to the point where most people assume that they are the same. This is not true, however! Ranger Unions deal with wild pokémon, conservation, and public safety. There is considerable overlap—both Ranger Unions and Leagues help to maintain the routes between cities, for example, and ensure that trainers passing through them are safe, but the Ranger Union is the one that actually dispatches rangers to regularly conduct searches and handle any particularly dangerous pokémon. The league deals with the trainers themselves more directly. The head of a region's league and the head of their Ranger Union are ostensibly partners and work very closely with one another.

Other Battle Facilities and Alternative Battle Styles?. Officially speaking, facilities like the Battle Subway, Battle Tree, Battle Tower, et cetera are usually overseen by the League in some capacity, though many are private facilities that are not necessarily owned by the League. They're subject to League Standards, but can enforce their own rules on top of them (such as further restricting permissible pokémon usage). Additionally, non-battle or battle-adjacent matters like Contests are considered to be part of the League, and typically have their own sub-departments for unique rules and standards applied there.

The International League

The International League, as it sounds, is an inter-regional organization that meets once a year. Representatives from each region—typically, league officials and champions (if they aren't the same person—so in Galar, both Chairman Rose and Leon would presumably be present), as well as the Regional Professor—meet and discuss regional standards, research, and other such concerns. The International League is a large part of why "new" regions appear—a new generation of games marks an introduction to the International League.

While International League standards do not necessarily apply to every region on a regional league level, and regional leagues have the right to enforce their own standards as they see fit for various events, tournaments, and so forth within their own regions. However, large-scale world tournaments typically follow International League rules. Likewise, Trainer Cards, PC systems, and so forth all carry over between individual regional leagues that are a part of the International League. So if you're a trainer in Kanto, you can go catch pokémon and challenge gyms in Unova without having to file for a new trainer card and all that jazz. Some leagues also have special provisions for challenging champions and elite 4 if you have the necessary badges from another league (or leagues), but this is usually a rare case, if only because it's much more common for trainers of that caliber to not bother with the official route and just do casual matches.

[redhillconfetti]

Blog Post 06-01-23

Confetti

Well, another week has come and gone, and as the working hours of Friday float away, my mind goes to think of Confetti fluttering on the wind.

The act of throwing confetti comes from Northern Italy in the middle ages, however it was far from pleasant, with anything from old leaves to rotten eggs launched at noble folk as they made their way through town. Over time this changed to the nobles tossing small sweets from their carriages at the common folk, many of which were Sugared Almonds or Coriander Seeds. The almonds are known as ‘Confetti’, and this is how the name came to be. In the late 1800s the first recorded instance of throwing paper confetti came into place in Paris on New Years Eve, and from there the tradition of throwing paper confetti during a celebration stuck.

Confetti is what started it all for Redhill Confetti. Ten years ago when I was planning my own wedding, I knew I wanted a vintage style theme for decor and such, and having seen some mass produced paper confetti online for a considerable price I knew I could not only make it myself, but do it much more economically. So armed with an old romance novel and a heart shaped hole punch, I spent many an evening in the run up to our big day simply punching paper hearts out of the torn sheets of the novel.

With the wedding over and the honeymoon a long and distant memory, we were still left with a large box of confetti, and rather than throw it away I bagged it up and put it on Ebay. Within a couple of days it had all sold, with people messaging me to ask if I had any more. An idea formed in the back of our minds and at that point the starting blocks of Redhill Confetti were set into place.

Our very first made-to-order product was actually Fifty Shades of Grey confetti, with the book series at the height of its popularity, people loved the idea of delicate small paper hearts fluttering down around them, only for Great Aunt Maud to spot a rather salacious word or two as they settle. With all our copies sourced second hand from charity shops or just given to us where people had heard of us through word of mouth, for a good 18 months we were inundated with those books, before expanding into other titles with everything from fairy tales to golf manuals. Sheet music was another very popular design, with this being very easy to get hold of and always looked beautiful with its aged paper.

When the time came to start a family, the business had been quietly ticking by in the background and in the summer of 2014 I quit my full time job as a logistics coordinator and made a go of the business full time. At the same time I discovered I was pregnant, and in a huge leap of faith I stuck to my plans and finished at the shipping company to work full time in the wedding business. This was by far the scariest but also the best decision I have ever made. With the time and clarity that came with that resignation, I was able to source a UK manufacturer for our Seed Paper, and found the oldest mechanised papermill in the world right here in the South of England.

The seed paper confetti was a huge hit. Handmade from recycled paper pulp, with wildflower seeds actually in the fibres of the paper, we soon found this product so popular we were sourcing at wholesale levels, all whilst hand punching every single piece individually. It certainly gives our arms a workout, though we haven’t yet considered any arm wrestling tournaments.

In 2018 we were offered the chance to stock Forget-me-not seed paper in addition to the wildflower, which has become very well known in the Funeral trade, with the idea of planting new life whilst remembering those that have passed being a timely reminder of how much we miss our loved ones. We now supply numerous charities and NHS Trusts with these seed paper shapes so they can include these small tokens in memorial boxes.

Throughout the pandemic with the restrictions in place for gatherings, many people came to us for seed paper memorial pieces, and I can now imagine there is a new crop of flowering blooms that appear in the memory of those no longer with us.

Now with the pandemic a long way behind us (hopefully), I look to the future to where we can develop confetti supply and what we can offer. At the tail end of 2022 I was lucky enough to be contacted by a local family whose music teacher Aunt had passed away after over 70 years of teaching piano to local families, and with that had amassed a huge collection of sheet music. They were going to simply send the whole lot to the recycling centre before someone put them in touch with me, and three full car loads later my workshop is now full floor to ceiling with music books dating back to the 1930s. With this we are looking to ramp up production of sheet music confetti, with new cutting tools arriving this week.

Well that’s it for another week, the new year settles into place with lots of exciting new things in the works for 2023.

Enjoy your weekends!

Simone