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Garden Yard Monthly Flag Subscription Box
There is never a dull moment with Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations always creating something! Shop our Garden Yard Flag Monthly Subscription Box. Everyone loves a decorative garden or front porch!
Each month you will receive a brand new never before seen, one of a kind designed Garden Flag by Granny and Grandpa’s Custom Creations. As a Garden Flag Subscription Member, receive exclusive access to our new designed merchandise and special discounts.
How does Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations Garden Flag Subscription Work?
Each month you will receive a brand new never before seen designed Garden Flag for $13.99 plus shipping. Sign up by the last day of any month and your first t-shirt will ship by the 7th of following month.
Garden stake is not included with the monthly subscription box.
Modify or cancel your subscription at any time, no hard feelings, we’re here if you need assistance, just email us at [email protected]. To cancel your subscription, just email us at [email protected]. Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations are very flexible, we offer the ability to skip a month rather than canceling your membership, just email us at [email protected]. If any changes need to be made, please make the changes 7 days prior to the 1st of the month.
Shipping: We can ship to you or a loved one. To make any changes to your shipping request, the change(s) would need to be made 7 days prior to the 1st of the month.
Returns: In order to keep our pricing as competitive as possible, we do not offer returns. If you are not satisfied with a particular month’s design, we encourage you to gift it to a friend or a family member and stick around for the following month!
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#grannygrandpascustomcreations - #gardenflags - #flag
There is never a dull moment with Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations always creations something…… Garden Flag Monthly Subscriptions.  Everyone loves a decorative garden or front porch!      
Each month you will receive a brand new never before seen, one of a kind designed Garden Flag by Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations.  As a Garden Flag Subscription Member, receive exclusive access to our new designed merchandise and special discounts.   
How does Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations Garden Flag Subscription Work?
Each month you will receive a brand new never before seen designed Garden Flag for $13.99 plus shipping.   Four times a year we will be adding an additional gift, but we are not telling what!  Sign up by the last day of any month and your first t-shirt will ship by the 7th of following month.   
Modify or cancel your subscription at any time, no hard feelings, we’re here if you need assistance, just email us at [email protected].   To cancel your subscription, just email us at [email protected].   Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations are very flexible, we offer the ability to skip a month rather than canceling your membership, just email us at [email protected].   If any changes need to be made, please make the changes 7 days prior to the 1st of the month.    
Shipping:  We can ship to you or a loved one.  To make any changes to your shipping request, the change(s) would need to be made 7 days prior to the 1st of the month.   
Returns:  In order to keep our pricing as competitive as possible, we do not offer returns.  If you are not satisfied with a particular month’s design, we encourage you to gift it to a friend or a family member and stick around for the following month!  
#grannygrandpascustomcreations - #gardenflags - #flag
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helluvaoutlaw · 3 months
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Apology Fool
(closed RP for @ultio-angelus)
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Striker crouched in the shadows beneath Blitzø’s truck, his eyes narrowed with a predatory focus. The blessed knife strapped to his belt glinted faintly in the dim light, a lethal promise of what was to come.
The engine roared to life above him, and the hitman smirked, feeling the vehicle rumble beneath his fingertips as it pulled away from the curb.
He had waited for this moment for months, meticulously planning every step.
Blitzø had always been a thorn in his side, and now, Striker would finally rid himself of the nuisance.
He would never forgive him for what he did to him...
His tail rattled slightly, still feeling his new scars burning beneath his clothes and over his face.
The drive was long and bumpy, but Striker’s resolve did not waver. Every jolt, every turn only fueled his anticipation.
The journey ended abruptly, and Striker heard the distinct sounds of Blitzø’s boots hitting the sidewalk.
Carefully, the cowboy slid from under the truck, his movements as fluid and silent as a serpent. He stayed low, blending into the shadows cast by the streetlights.
"Woooah...like, dude, what the fuck are you? Like, a troll or something?"
A drunken human man dressed as Zorro got close to Striker, pulling his tail.
The imp turned around like a fury, hissing as he launched himself onto the human.
They both ended in the bushes, not far from the house.
A few minutes later, the assassin emerged from the plants, wearing the Zorro costume, a pool of blood forming near the bushes as he walked away.
Blitz was heading toward a large house, its front yard filled with Halloween decorations and throngs of costumed partygoers. Striker’s eyebrow raised, seeing Wally Wackford selling 'I hate Blitzø' merchandise.
"What in the blazes is goin' on in here?..."
He then slipped inside the house, realizing that this was a hate party for Blitzø. Hearing demons talking shit about Blitzø should've given him satisfaction, but instead he felt annoyed and even indignant.
His nemesis, his rival, his equal turned into some kind of joke by a bunch of petty losers.
And all because he broke up with them.
"Pathetic, the lot of 'em..."
He scoffed.
The chaotic atmosphere of the party provided ample cover as he made his way through the crowd.
Striker’s grip tightened around the hilt of his knife. He imagined the look of shock, the flash of fear that would cross Blitzo’s face when he finally struck. It was only a matter of time now. Every second brought him closer to the moment of reckoning.
As the party raged on, the hunter moved with purpose, always keeping Blitzo within sight.
Striker’s breath came slow and steady, his heartbeat matching the rhythm of his steps. He could almost feel the knife slicing through the air, the satisfaction of seeing his nemesis dying.
The night was perfect for his plan, and the anticipation was a heady thrill coursing through his veins.
There! A perfect occasion for him to strike!
Apparently that poor excuse for a Goetia was here too, but that didn't matter.
Yes! There was Blitzø!
Right in front of the stage, covered in a stained tablecloth.
Just a few more steps...
One
Two
Three-
As Stolas began singing, Striker noticed Blitzø becoming...crestfallen.
His usually confident demeanor replaced by a visible sense of vulnerability. The mask of bravado had slipped, revealing a rare expression of genuine hurt and sadness. Blitzo's eyes remained fixed on Stolas, his usual sharp wit softened by a melancholic resignation.
For Striker, accustomed to seeing Blitzo as a target or a rival, this sight was unexpected.
And unexpectedly, he felt a twinge of empathy, a spark of pity for Blitzø.
"...Goddammit, I can't do it."
He groaned and walked away to get something to drink and smoke a cigarette.
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bismuthupmy · 1 year
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Nothing Hurts | Leon X Luis RE4
Chapter 3 | 3.2k
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The story of tragic righteousness where nobody is hurt and everything is perfect. Except nothing is perfect in hell.
A re-imagining of the events of the Resident Evil 4 remake where Luis and Leon get the ending they deserved.
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Ch.1
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“Let’s do some business then, eh?”
The mysterious cloaked man led Leon to a table surrounded by odd trinkets and an assortment of weaponry laying atop boxes and crates and debris of the old factory. The man stepped behind the table and held open his cloak revealing long lines of artillery. 
“I’ll be your merchant for the foreseeable future. Take a look.”
Leon approached the merchant, taking a look at what he had to offer. The merchant pushed forward a rifle not so subtle.
“I'll give you a deal on this one. Plus a free scope. One time offer, friend.”
Leon thought why not and handed over the pesetas and he fixed the scope onto the rifle. The merchant gladly took his money, counting it and sorting it into a pouch. Leon looked around the area. “Hey, uh, you didn’t see another guy come by here did you?” Leon turned back to the merchant. 
“Only way through here is that door you came through, mate. And that was locked.”
The merchant laughed roughly, packing away his merchandise, effectively ignoring Leon now that he had no more money to offer. Leon sighed and moved on. He pocketed some rifle ammo and made his way to another gate. The gate was missing its handle.
“Fuck me,” Leon grumbled following a second path. Any path was a good path right now since he had no clue where the hell he was in relation to when he was last conscious. “Where the hell am I?” Leon eventually found a dead end at the end of the trail. Luckily a ladder was part of the wall so up he went, coming out onto a high platform overlooking a settlement in a valley. A few villagers were lingering around the wooden bridges. Pulling out his rifle, Leon decided it was a good time to try this thing out. He looked through the scope, sweeping the area, taking out villagers as he went. He came across a small tower in the centre of the village. Zooming in, he could see a shiny hexagon shaped plate of metal dangling from it. He very vaguely remembered that the locked gate had a hexagon on it so deciding to just take the chance, he jumped down into the battlefield.
─•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•─
Shaking off the last of the grabby villagers, Leon ran back towards the wall with the ladder which now had revealed itself as a real shabby portcullis made of scrap metal, shiny hexagon in hand. The merchant was still at his little table, feet kicked up. Leon quickly exchanged some of the treasures, making the merchant very happy, before moving on back to the locked gate. 
The hexagon slid easily into place, much to Leons relief, a crank handle sticking out of it which Leon used to manually open the locked gate. Leon heaved the doors behind it open. Up ahead a large tiled roof loomed over the treeline. The forest was less dense here, wherever he was now. He hoped the people from now on were too. As weird as that sounded. Dense as in a lot of them he hoped they were not.
The house was massive upon further inspection. Well, atleast much bigger than the other houses in the village. It was lavishly decorated on the outside; however barrels were hastily thrown against the walls much like how the hunters lodge had looked, weeds twisting through cracks and towering up to the windows. This yard hadn’t seen a gardener in years.
Leon very carefully navigated around the perimeter, spotting multiple bear traps hidden in the overgrown grass. Leon tried the gate across the yard which was conveniently locked as all things seem  to be, an odd looking symbol welded to it like the ones  he had seen around the village. Surely there was a key somewhere in the house for the gate. 
The front door was also just as fancy, large double doors, the wooden planks constructed in a unique pattern. Leon pushed on the door handles, then pulled. The doors were also locked. He didn’t know what he honestly expected. 
He rounded to the side of the house to find an unblocked route to a window or something and found a miraculously unlocked side entrance. The house was warmer and clean on the inside, strangely not left in ruins like the rest of the village. Whichever one of those villagers used to own this house must’ve kept in good shape or still lived here. He quietly stepped into the house, noting that all the furniture was well kept and there was fresh fruit in a bowl on the dining table up ahead. Leon opened a door to his left and peeked inside and was immediately grabbed. He yelped and shoved off the villager’s hands and shot him in the head which, at close range, killed him instantly. The small room under the stairs was an old bathroom which, if the smell didn’t clue you in enough, meant Leon just walked in on a zombie taking a shit. It almost made him chuckle. Almost.
“Sorry ‘bout that,” was all  he said as he ventured further into the house. The afternoon light illuminated the main room. Leon explored the lower floor not finding much of anything besides a locked cupboard. He moved onto the top floor of the house, hoping to find some sort of clue to the lock. Was this someone else’s house? Yes. Was he technically trespassing and committing theft? Yes. But by god if he didn’t get that cupboard open he was going to go insane. Besides, he needed a key for the gate outside. 
The second floor was even more barren of helpful objects, a hallway with one door leading off it which too was locked but with a strange spherical mechanism. Strangely enough there was a clue hidden in a book on the second floor as if the owner has memory issues and can’t remember their own fucking codes. Ridiculous. 
The book itself looked like some kind of bible or religious book which vaguely didn’t sit well with him. It wasn any religion he had heard of but he wasn’t going to judge in the end.The cupboard opened and inside was a crystal ball amongst other mundane objects. A lot of effort just to get the key to your bedroom, in Leon’s opinion. 
Spinning the marble around in his hands, Leon made his way back towards the stairs. Gurgling noises came from behind the staircase and Leon swore under his breath pulling out his gun again. The man from earlier, with half his head blown off, came stumbling out from the hallway but was immediately taken down again by Leons beloved handgun.
“Jesus, I said I was sorry.”
The crystal marble easily slipped into the door on the second floor. And so begun the period of  awkwardly leaning over to see whatever the fuck orientation the marble was supposed to sit in the door. It took longer than Leon would like to admit. 
The bedroom was just as lavish as the rest of the house but had more of a thick layer of dust. He searched through side tables, purposefully ignoring what looked like a shrine on one of the side tables, until he eventually pulled open a drawer which contained a key with the same shape as the symbol on the gate. Finally having what he came for he set out for the exit.
Large, heavy footsteps approached the bedroom sending a chill down Leon’s spine before that very large man from the lakeside basement blocked the doorway, cornering Leon in the bedroom. He pulled out his gun but none of his shots phased the giant and he was sent flying across the room from one kick. He reached for his gun which he dropped but he was quickly stepped on before he could grab it and hoisted up by the neck into the air. He grabbed and scratched at the hand that was around his neck as he was raised into the sunlight, the man’s eyes staring into his own menacingly.
“Your blood has accepted the gift,” he muttered as Leon kicked and squirmed in his grasp, mind beginning to itch on the side of fuzzy.
Absently, to the side, Leon heard the sound of gunshots before he was flung once again, landing against the frame at the end of the bed. He coughed and choked trying to get oxygen back to his brain, stumbling back onto his feet and watching as the man left. What the fuck?
“Gift? In my blood?”
At that moment, Hunnigan decided to patch through, the  ringing from his earpiece piercing through his head. Perfect timing. The sarcasm was real.
“Roost to Condor One. I’ve got that intel you requested on Luis Serra. It seems he used to be a researcher for Umbrella.”
“Umbrella?” Leon croaked, his vocal cords getting used to not being squeezed, heading back out of the bedroom. “I should’ve left him in that bag to rot.”
Hunnigan laughed as if she didn’t believe Leon could have done that if he tried, “I’m sending you the details. Take a look, but Baby Eagle is your priority.”
“Copy that. Making my way to the church. Condor One out.”
Leon contemplated his meeting with Luis, walking down the stairs. Surely would’ve been better for humanity if he had stayed in that sack in the basement but Leon knew he really wouldn't, couldn't have left him there. Leon exited the house, opening the doors to the sounds of whimpering. In the yard, caught in one of the bear traps was a wolf, struggling at the claws clamped tightly around its ankle.
“You too huh?” Leon sighed as he approached, kneeling down behind the wolf just in case. “You’re not gonna turn around and bite me are you?”
He grasped the claws of the bear trap and pushed down just enough so that the wolf could pull it leg free. The wolf looked back at Leon as if acknowledging him before scampering off into the bushes. 
“Take care of yourself, buddy.”
Leon unlocked the yard gate under the purpling sunset, following down the path, drawing back the lock and pushing through another one of those heavy wooden gates around the village. He emerged at the other end of the village centre, finally getting his bearings on his location. He heard growling from around the corner of the buildings and as he got closer, gun held up, a black wolf lunged out of the shadows, mutated jaw snapping at him. A quick reflex and a bullet to the head, the wolf was shot out of the air, Leon quickly swooping in to roundhouse kick it dead. 
He pushed further into the village and a loud explosion stopped him in his tracks. The large bell tower crumbled at the base and fell over, blocking off the direct path to the other side of the village square, which conveniently was where he needed to go. 
“What!?”
Frustrated and increasingly perplexed, Leon navigated around the village, fighting off a couple more mutated wolves and ended up on the other side, in front of the town hall. That building where the villagers had all retreated to earlier that morning had the same insignia attached to the door. Leon slipped the key into the lock on the door and passed through the town hall. A large skull, much much bigger than a humans, sat atop a table in the side room. Leon decided to ignore it. The merchant greeted him as he came out the other side.
“Hello, Stranger! End up finding who you were looking for?”
Leon immediately was set on edge. How did the merchant know…
“How’d you know about Baby Eagle?”
“Baby Eagle? That what you’re calling him? Ha ha, you’re not too subtle, friend.”
Right. He’d asked about Luis last time. Leon shook his head at the merchant's scruffy giggling.
“Looking for a young girl. Not that other guy,” Leon felt like he needed to  clarify. Not like there were many sane people for the merchant to tattle to about his mission anyway. The merchant still snickered.
“Ah, right. Anyways, I got some new items that might interest you. Care to take a look?”
Leon shrugged and got to business, selling various stolen items in return for repairs and upgrades. The merchant was for sure underpaying him for the treasures he’d collected but in a place like this there wasn’t room to complain. Leon left with a wave from the merchant and continued onwards.
─•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•─
Up ahead Leon found the church. The whole place was tightly locked up. Suspiciously tightly locked up. Ashley must still be shut up inside. Luis’ info had been correct then. He patched through to Hunnigan for the update.
“Condor One to Roost. The church is sealed up.”
“And Baby Eagle?”
Leon rounded the side of the old building, noting every detail, not finding a single alternative entrance to the front door, “Negative, nothing yet. But they sure do have this place locked up tight.”
“I see. I can think of one reason they’d want to do so.”
“Oh she’s here, thats for sure. I’ll find a way in. Condor One out.”
The wooden gate to the side of the church didn’t budge so Leon entered a small store room on the side of the church. There was a picture of Ashley tied up on the table confirming that she must be in there. On the far wall, next to a trap door, was a map detailing the location of the key to the church. They made this information too easy. He refrained from commenting on the journey to get there, however.
Leon descended through the trap door and followed a makeshift tunnel out to the other side of the gate, quickly unlocking it for later. The path he turned onto had a sign labeling the route to the lake. Passing by your average group of villagers, Leon ran through a weirdly open area, a very large hammer abandoned off to the side, and he didn’t refrain from commenting on this one.
“Good luck finding someone big enough to use this thing.”
Passing the arena and into an underground boathouse, Leon met the merchant again, the merchant settled there at a small counter giving him a wave as he passed. Leon made it to a small dock on the lake just outside.
The place was weirdly serene, the sound of the lake water gently lapping at the docks, the sun dipping towards the tree line. Rumbling in the distance caught his attention and he turned his gaze to the centre of the lake where a speed boat with two villagers stopped. Leon pulled out his binoculars, watching as the two villagers hoisted up a man, dumped him into the lake, and sped off. Was that one of the police officers? The water around the dead body began to ripple and suddenly a giant overgrown looking tadpole leaped out of the water and swallowed the body whole.
“What the hell was that?”
Besides the obvious problem with Leon's route across the lake, there was a boat house on the other side which marked his next destination. He also took a look at the castle above the lake, the massive building looking rather magnificent actually.
Leon dropped his binoculars and headed down to the docks. Leon trusted the old wood to hold his weight as he inspected the boat left there. There was a stack of fishing harpoons tucked away but the fuel was empty. Groaning, Leon explored  the area, finding a note revealing the location of spare fuel in the fish farm. Assuming that the only other path that he hadn't taken over here led to the fish farm, Leon followed the decking, clearly having too much trust in the wooden walkways as he promptly fell through. Hearing the alerted cries of villagers, Leon sighed.
─•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•─
He ran past the pursuing villagers, boat fuel tucked under his arm.
“I don't have time for this.”
A bull headed man chased him and swung for his head but Leon jumped back down for the returning platform, out of the villagers’ reach. The boat fuel was thankfully left in a shed as described and Leon made it back to the boat with not too many scratches. He filled up the boat’s motor and jumped in, setting course for the boat house across the lake.
About halfway across the lake, the motor sputtered, burning out, causing the boat to slow to a stop in the middle of the lake. Leon pulled at the motor to try and get it up and running again before something nudged the bottom of the boat, jolting him to the side. The lake was quiet, eerily so considering that a giant unseen monster was circling him at that moment. The only warning he got was the rapidly approaching wave of upset water that sped towards him. 
The lake monster leaped out of the water, and over the boat, narrowly missing it. Leon managed to take up one of the harpoons in an instant and lodged it in the head of the beast. There was silence again until the boat jolted forward, the monster dragging it through the water. The ride was bumpy, the monster jerking from side to side. Leon pulled himself together, grabbing another harpoon and chucking it at the monster's head where the other one was seated. This got  the monster's attention and it submerged itself, popping up on the other side of the boat, gliding, mouth open towards him. Another well-timed harpoon was thrown right into the monster's throat. It wailed, diving under the boat before picking up where it left off, dragging the boat around the lake. 
Leon threw the harpoons at it, trying to lodge one deep enough to kill it. His last toss must’ve hurt more as the lake monster roared and dove beneath the surface again. It didn’t resurface for a while. Surely it had died. Surely that was it. He was on one harpoon now. Leon sat back on the boat, eyes scanning the lake, still alert. He turned around just as the monster swam right for the boat, mouth wide open again, angry. Leon nearly missed the last harpoon, snatching it up but just a second too late. The monster brought its jaws together around the boat and Leon, ready for its second meal. Leon braced himself for the impact, the harpoon held above his head as the monster bit down. Its jaws never touched, however, as the force of the bite impaled its top jaw on the harpoon, digging into its brain. The monster became dead weight, dropping into the side of the boat, nearly causing it to capsize, Leon jumping backwards to get it to steady. Blood pooled around the surface of the lake, turning the water crimson rather than brown from mud. The lake monster was finally dead.
Leon dropped to his knees in the boat, heart pounding in his chest and his ears as he felt a tingling sensation deep in his throat. He doubled over suddenly, one hand gripping the edge of the bought, one covering his mouth as he coughed up a mouthful of blood over the side of the boat. His ears rang, eyes widening at the blood on his hand, slipping backwards and collapsing in the centre of the boat.
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Things from here are going to pretty much diverge a little bit from the actual story so now I can start to get creative >:)
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writtenonreceipts · 1 year
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First time really writing Emerie and first CresseidaxEmerie, so I’m not sure about this…but here we are…
On mobile, so no tag list <3
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The Girl With the Shop
Bright sunlight filtered through the wide windows of the shop illuminating the set of tables full of merchandise and a small couch pushed up against one wall for casual seating.  It wasn’t anything special, Emerie knew.  She’d spent the last few weeks scouring thrift shops and yard sales for unique decorations that would give her own venture its own style.  Given the fact that her own merchandise was a bit lacking right now, she worried that the shop would fall apart before anything began.
 It was only the second day of being open, but it was easy to get caught up in thoughts of failure.  Emerie glanced at the potted plant resting on the register counter.  Nesta brought it by on opening day, the small cactus was a surprising source of strength to her at that moment.  According to Nesta, the cactus was a symbol of endurance, though she wasn’t convinced.
“It’s going to be a good day,” she told herself.  
The door opened for a young woman to enter.  She had white blonde hair that hung in loose curls well past her shoulders and framed a slim face.  She was beautiful.  Her flowy sundress danced around her lean form as she swept into the shop.  
She was the first customer of the day and Emerie had to push aside her own doubts for the day.
“Welcome in!” She greeted, suddenly self conscious about the simple braid she’d put her hair in.  Like she did every day. “Can I help you find anything today?”
The woman flashed her a smile. “Hi, you know, I’m trying to find a present for my cousin.  He likes collecting books…I don’t know if you’d have anything that might work?”
“Yeah,” Emerie said, she stepped away from the counter and immediately went to one of the back displays she’d first set up.  “Just back here.”
The table in question was full of leather coverings she’d outsourced from another local business that processed both real and faux leather.  Emerie purchased the covers and decorated them herself with special carving equipment or she did some burn art into the leather.  She might not be the best artist, but there were a few designs she was proud of.  Feyre, Nesta’s sister, had even volunteered to design a few.  Though, Emerie was already thinking she’d completely outsource the actual artwork.
“These can be used as protective covers for books or journals,” Emerie said as she grabbed one of the covers.  She’d done this one, inscribing the Adriata coastline along the front and adding some embellishments along the spine.  It was one of her favorites. “Or, these journals can be used as reading trackers here.  And then those display blocks there.”
Emerie had always loved reading, it was the one thing that had connected her to her two best friends and led her to finally opening this shop.  
The woman reached over and took the leather covering.  Her slim fingers traced the careful lines Emerie had carved.
“Adriata?” she asked looking up.  Delight danced in her warm, brown eyes as she eyed Emerie.
“Yeah,” Emerie admitted with a small smile, “I went there once, briefly, but I loved it.  I’ve always wanted to go back.”
“You designed this?” the woman asked.  When Emerie nodded the woman practically glowed as she smiled. “It’s beautiful.  I’m from Adriata actually.”
“Really?” Emerie felt a foolish little spark in her chest at that.  
“Yeah, I came up to Velaris for a work opportunity.” The woman nodded as she continued to run her fingers along the different markings over the cover. She glanced to the window where the sun continued to slant through the windows. “It’s not the same though.  Are you from Velaris?”
“My whole life,” Emerie said, “I’ve never been able to do much traveling.  Other than that one trip.”
Between the way she grew up, catering to her father, and then trying to get back on her own two feet--Emerie had been pulled in so many different directions she sometimes didn’t know which was up.  The only reason she’d gone to Adriata was to celebrate her father dying.  It was the one thing she could do for herself that she knew would make her the man spin in his grave.
“Well,” the woman chuckled, “I’d say you have excellent taste in travel destinations.”
Emerie felt a bit of heat rush to her cheeks at that comment.
“I think I’ll take this and one of those bookmarks,” the woman said.
“Perfect,” Emerie took the requested items back and gestured to the front. “I can ring you up.”
“I’ve never noticed this shop before, how long has it been hiding here?” the woman asked.  She brushed an errant strand of hair over her shoulder.  She leaned across the counter as Emerie wrapped the leather cover and bookmark in tissue paper.
“I actually just opened yesterday,” Emerie admitted.  “The space used to be a record shop.”
The piqued the woman’s interest.  She raised a brow. “Owning your shop?  That’s pretty incredible.”
“I guess,” Emerie laughed. “It’s strange…I mean, this isn’t what I was expecting to do, you know?  But now that I’m here…”
She let herself trail off, not sure why she was talking so much about things that she’d never really spoken about before.
“I think we’re our own worst enemies when it comes to stuff like that,” the woman said.  She passed over her credit card without a second thought. “It’s so easy to doubt ourselves that we don’t see all that we’ve accomplished.”
She shrugged a delicate shoulder.
It made sense, really made sense.  And if Emerie were being honest, helped offer her a new perspective in her situation at the moment.
“I can see that,” she said, the thought made her smile, if a bit.  She walked around the register with the bag of purchased items. “You’re all set.” She paused a beat. “I’m Emerie, if you ever find yourself coming back.”
“Cresseida.” Another bright smile that could rival the Adriata sun. “There’s a lot you have to offer here.  I’ll see you around, Emerie.”
Cresseida took her purchases and with a glance over her shoulder, left the shop.
Exhaling slowly, Emerie leaned against the counter and watched as Cresseida passed the front window before disappearing again.  
She glanced at the cactus.  Well.  Maybe she could endure just a little longer.
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twomanyideas · 2 years
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Santu Claus is Coming to Town (Chapter 3)
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A collaboration by @mdelpin and @oryu404
@becausewritingshouldbefun February 2023 Challenge Prompt: Secret Pairing(s): Gray x Natsu AO3 | Ch 1 | Prev: Ch 2 | Next:
Chapter Summary: An oncoming blizzard is no match for Natsu when he's determined to get home for Christmas.
Chapter 3: Here Comes Santu Claus
𝅘𝅥 On Natsu’s last day in Rivera, the universe gave to him…  𝅘𝅥 
Raging blizzards Flight cancellations Passenger outrage One mopey boyfriend  Sleep deprivation Horrible indigestion Nasty public bathrooms Four crowded buses Three and a half train rides Two ferry trips One bumpy flight
𝅘𝅥 And a staggering credit card debt 𝅘𝅥 
BUT… he'd made it back to Fiore in time for Christmas, despite everyone telling him it was impossible!
Suck on that, Universe, Natsu thought as he got into the smelly Uber that would take him the rest of the way home.
Should he have waited for the blizzard to blow over and taken his chances with flights? Probably. That’s what his dad did, but there was no way in hell Natsu was going to bail on Gray for Christmas. Not after the way ol’ droopy drawers had looked the last time they’d talked. 
Natsu loved his new job. It let him travel with his dad in search of merchandise for their business, often to exotic locations. But the downside was, he was gone so often that he and Gray didn’t get to spend much time together. And while that had been fine when Gray was away at school, now that he was home, it was a completely different story.
So he’d taken the last week of December off from work, determined to spend the holidays together like they’d always done. For weeks he’d thought of nothing but the things that made Christmas special to him: stolen kisses underneath the mistletoe, impromptu snowball fights followed by long nights sitting in front of the fire, meals shared with family and outings with friends. 
And now, after two long days of traveling, he finally passed the Magnolia city limits sign. He was so close he could almost taste Mika’s jalapeño poppers. 
Natsu arrived at his house ten minutes later, stopping only long enough to freshen up, and gather all his presents. Wendy had been kind enough to wrap them while he was gone, putting them all into a big sack. He added the ones from his carryon luggage, being extra careful with the present Sting had ordered for Rogue. Then, it was finally time to celebrate Christmas Eve with Gray and his family.
He spotted Ur's Christmaspalooza front yard the second he turned the corner of her street, and it brought a smile to his face. It was exactly what he needed to get into the spirit of things, and he spent a few minutes checking out all the displays. There was really only one thing more exhilarating to him than all the decorations, lights, or even the dancing dragon animatronic, and that was the thought of everyone's faces when they saw him. Especially Gray's. 
He couldn't wait!
With a spring in his step, and a twinkle in his eyes, Natsu dragged himself away from the crowd of spectators, being careful not to hit anyone with the sack. He made his way around the house, wanting to sneak in through the back. After everything he'd gone through, he refused to announce his arrival by doing something as lame as ringing the doorbell.
No, he had a much better idea. What if he just walked into the kitchen, called out a greeting to Gray, and headed straight for the food? 
Just thinking about Gray's stunned expression at seeing him waltz in like he wasn’t supposed to be thousands of miles away set him off into a fit of giggles that lasted until he reached the gate.
If he wanted that plan to work, though, he’d have to make sure no one saw him until he was ready to make his entrance. With that in mind, he put the sack down and removed his scarf from around his neck, carefully wrapping it around his head until only his eyes were visible. 
“Nin nin,” he giggled once again, putting his hands up in front of his face, ninja style. 
Satisfied with his disguise, he grabbed the sack and draped it over his shoulder before opening the gate and slinking through. 
The backyard wasn’t as decked out as the front, but it still gave off a festive air. Ur had decorated her gazebo with lots of lights and garlands, while cheerful images of snowmen, reindeer, wreaths, and Santa Claus flickered and danced on the walls of a large tent Natsu recognized from other parties he’d attended over the years, although he couldn’t remember her ever setting it up for Christmas before. 
The rest of the yard was empty except for Ur’s grill, which sat close to the deck. Not the best of hiding places, but it would have to do. At least it would give him a good view of the kitchen. 
He dashed towards it, crouching low to the ground as he moved to make himself less visible. Once safely hidden, he took a moment to catch his breath, and then it was time to peek.
To his right sat a group of snowmen in a mishmash of shapes and sizes, along with Lyon’s obligatory snow creature, a bear this time. Natsu didn’t know how the bastard did it, but his creations always looked like they could come alive at any second.
Seeing it fired him up in anticipation of the snowball fight they would surely have after dinner. And speaking of dinner, he really hoped that was soon. Nobody cooked better than Mika. Hell, just thinking about her food made his poor, empty stomach growl in agony. Just a little longer…
He peered into the kitchen and watched as Lyon set up a makeshift bar on the kitchen island like he did every year, grabbing bottles from a box and adding them to the ones he’d already lined up. Looking past him, he soon found who he'd been looking for: there stood Gray, not too far from Lyon and looking about as mopey as he had during that video call two days ago.
Christmas had always been Gray’s favorite holiday. The one time of year when you could catch the bastard smiling, often for no reason Natsu could figure out. And while Gray had always been handsome, he was absolutely dazzling when he smiled. Which meant Natsu used every trick he could think of to tease one out of him as often as possible.
He was ready to do just that when the sound of footsteps crunching in the snow somewhere to his right distracted him. He turned his head to see who it was, but soon turned his attention back to the kitchen when he didn’t see anyone.
He looked on as Lyon grabbed a metal cup from the counter and tossed it in the air, picking up a bottle and twirling it in his other hand as he waited to catch the cup. It looked pretty cool, right until the bottle slipped out of his hand and he had to lunge to catch it before it smashed to the floor, causing the cup to land on his head like some sort of bizarre birthday hat. 
Natsu couldn’t help but snort at the wounded expression on his face, but it was Gray’s reaction that gave him the greatest pleasure. He laughed at his cousin, picking up the cup and attempting to show him up with some tricks of his own.
And there was that smile. The one that had lingered in Natsu's mind, beckoning him home and refusing to let him give up, even when it seemed like he’d be spending Christmas by himself in Alvarez. He couldn’t help but stare in awe. 
“Ugh, I should have known. I can’t believe you’re still pulling this shit!”
Natsu instinctively flinched as he recognized the fury in Ur’s voice, and he was glad that for once it had nothing to do with him. 
The sound of more crunching drew his attention to the tent, and sure enough, he could see a shadow moving back-and-forth inside it.
“No! You tell her! I’m through making excuses for you!” 
An angry shriek pierced the night air, interrupting his thoughts and almost making him fall on his ass from his crouched position. Thank God he didn’t, though. He’d been so careful with the presents, especially the ones he’d carried throughout his hellish journey back home. It would suck for them to get damaged now. 
What the hell, Ur? 
Natsu bit his lip, looking from the kitchen where Gray was still playing around, to the tent where Ur was apparently having a meltdown. As much as he wanted to go inside and pretend he hadn’t heard anything, he knew he could never do that. He gave one last wistful look at the kitchen and made his way to the tent. 
He entered quietly, finding Ur standing near the center, her eyes closed as she took deep breaths. She held her phone in a crushing grip, and worried he might end up the same way, Natsu decided it might be wise to give her a moment to compose herself before announcing his presence. 
The tent was set up differently; rather than the usual tables and chairs, she’d set up a sitting area next to a Christmas tree, with oversized chairs and a rug that looked comfortable enough to sleep on. It was all very cozy, but it wasn't edible and Natsu soon lost interest.
He grew more and more impatient as Ur showed no sign of opening her eyes, so he cleared his throat loudly before greeting her.
“Hey, Ur.” 
He somehow kept from laughing at her puzzled expression when she opened her eyes to find him there waving at her.  
“Natsu?” Ur blinked at him. “Is that you?”   
“Of course it’s me,” he said, crossing his arms in front of his chest with a pout. “I haven’t been gone that long, you know.”
“No, it’s just,” She gestured at her face, making circular movements as if to tell him there was something on his–oh! Duh!
“Oops, totally forgot about that! I’m trying to surprise Gray,” he explained as he unwrapped the scarf and let it fall around his neck.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” she squeaked, wrapping him up in one of her big hugs. “I thought you were stuck in Alakitasia.”
“I was, but did you really think a little thing like a blizzard was going to keep me from coming home for Christmas? I just had to get a little creative.” 
“Creative, huh? Now, there’s a terrifying thought.”
Natsu tittered but didn’t give her any details, knowing she’d give him a good scolding if she knew half the things he’d done to get home.
She looked past him to the tent entrance. “Isn’t your dad with you?”
“No, he’s still in Rivera.” 
“Wasn’t feeling creative?”
Natsu shook his head and laughed, “He said he was too old for that, but he’ll be back as soon as he can get a flight out from Rivera again.”
“Oh. Well, it's a shame he won’t be here tonight, but I’m glad you made it!”
“Me too. Your front yard looks pretty amazing, by the way. That dragon!” Natsu chuckled. “No way Santa skips this house.”
Ur’s face immediately fell at his mention of Santa.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No, no, it’s just my ex promised he’d dress up as Santa Claus for Jellal, and he just called to say it no longer fit into his plans,” she said, all but spitting those last words.  
“I don't even know why I’m surprised,” she laughed bitterly. “Breaking promises was all he was ever good at.” 
Natsu clenched his fists. What a jerk! It was a good thing he didn’t know where Mr. Milk Sandwich lived, because if he did, he would’ve gladly unleashed forty-eight hours of pent up travel rage on his face.
“Jellal’s been waiting all day,” Ur sighed, her gaze falling on a Santa suit that was draped over one of two armchairs he’d noticed earlier. “He’ll be so disappointed.”
Oh right, the Santa thing. Gray had mentioned it at some point, mostly to make fun of Rogue, but Natsu knew it was important to Gray’s family. It had sounded like a fun tradition too, one he didn’t want Jellal to miss out on. 
“No, he won’t,” Natsu declared, putting down the sack, “because Santa Claus is still coming to town. Give me the suit.”
“Oh sweetie, no. I couldn’t ask you to do that. You look exhausted.”
“Don’t be silly, this will be fun! I mean, come on, Santa is practically in my name,” he pointed out, doing his best to sound cheerful as he peeled off his scarf and Christmas sweater, draping them over the other chair and holding his arm out for the suit.
Ur hesitated, but it didn’t take her long to give in. “Thank you for doing this,” she said, grabbing the suit and handing it over.   
The suit’s material was heavier than he’d expected, and he soon realized he’d have to strip down to his underwear to avoid overheating. 
“Oh!” 
The way Ur turned around as soon as he began shedding clothes amused Natsu, since she could be just as bad as Gray and Lyon at taking off random items of clothing. Not Rogue, though, which was something he’d always found interesting.
Ur busied herself with her phone, and soon Christmas music played from a set of portable speakers. 
Natsu hummed along to I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus as he grabbed the suit’s pants and pulled them up to his hips. “These aren’t going to stay up,” he said, showing Ur how far the waistband stretched away from his body.
“That’s because there has to be room for the padding. There should be some suspenders in one of the pockets.” 
Natsu found the suspenders and tried to attach them, but ended up just turning in circles. 
“Oh, honey, no. Here, let me.” Ur said, taking the suspenders from him and clicking them into place. Next thing he knew, she was on him, giggling like a schoolgirl as she plumped him up with the padding while he tried his best not to squirm. After what felt like forever, she put the jacket on, fastening it with a wide black belt that had the biggest buckle Natsu had ever seen. “Is there anything I’m supposed to do or say?” 
“Not really. Just the usual. Have you been a good boy? Stuff like that.” 
Ur gave him Jellal's letter and pointed to the lone present that sat under the tree while she secured the fake beard and eyebrows. She handed him a pair of costume glasses before finally putting on the Santa hat, which had a built-in wig. “Is everything alright, Ur? Gray said you got a phone call…” Natsu whirled around at the unexpected voice, and was delighted to find Gray’s mom standing at the entrance of the tent. Until she looked at him, that is, with eyes narrowed into slits and arms crossed in front of her chest. “Oh, so you finally decided to show up, huh?” He raised his arms in surrender, having never seen her this angry before. “I’m sorry! I did my best!” Ur laughed, while Mika blinked a few times in confusion before hurrying to give him a hug. “Natsu! I'm so glad you made it home safe!”
Well, that was better than her being mad at him for making Gray unhappy, at least, but it sounded like she’d been expecting him. Did that mean Gray was, too? 
“You don’t sound very surprised,” he whined, not bothering to mask his disappointment.
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe,” Mika assured him. “Your dad just wanted to make sure someone was expecting you, and that you had a place to stay.”
That was Igneel for you. It didn’t matter that he was the one by himself; he was still worrying about him. The man had a big heart, probably almost as big as these damn pants!
“So I take it Asshole isn’t coming?” Mika turned to Ur, looking more than a little relieved.
“No, he was busy,” Ur fumed. “Can you believe the nerve of that man?! I could just scream.”
“You did,” Natsu reminded her.
“Oh, heh, I guess you're right.”
“Well, it’s lucky for us you came when you did, Natsu, and I just know Jellal’s going to love your Santa,” Mika said, grinning impishly as she added, “Kids can always recognize one of their own, after all.”
“Ouch. That sounds like something Gray would say.”
“Who did you think he got it from? Silver?” she laughed before taking a picture with her phone and showing him the results of Ur’s efforts. “You look amazing, don’t you think?”
“That’s wild!” Natsu couldn’t believe his eyes, he looked absolutely nothing like himself. 
Hell, he was pretty sure not even Gray would recognize him. 
And just like that, he came up with a great idea. If he could pull it off that was…
“Hey Mika, do you think you can get Gray to come out here?” 
“Oh, I like where this is going.” Mika giggled. “He’ll never see it coming! Ooh, maybe we can even get him to sit on your lap?” Mika almost pleaded. “I’d kill for that sort of photo op! We haven’t been able to take any pictures with Santa since… well, you know.”
Yep, he knew, and while the idea of messing with Rogue a little was extremely tempting, he knew better than to piss off Mika like that. No, messing with Gray would be plenty satisfying. Natsu could just picture the scowl on his face when his mom made him sit on Santa's lap for pics. 
This was going to be great!
“Alright! Let’s do this!” He pumped his fist in the air.
“Aren’t your feet cold?” Ur snickered, handing him a pair of boot covers with fur trims.
"Oh, yeah." Natsu looked down at his socks and wiggled his toes.
“I’m so relieved everything worked out, after all!” Mika sighed, hugging her sister. She then set about collecting Natsu’s clothes, folding them and placing them in a neat pile behind an armchair. 
“Me too. Just need to go talk to Ultear and get Jellal.”
“Alright, I’ll send Gray out after Jellal’s done with Santa.”
“What are you going to tell him?”
“I’m sure I’ll think of something.”
Natsu left them to their conversation. He collected his sack of presents and shoes and took them back to the sitting area. After hiding his sack behind the chair, he sat down to slide the covers over his boots.
He sang along to the music softly as he pulled on his boots, smiling to himself as he messed with the lyrics like he always did. It was something Gray absolutely hated, which was all the more reason for Natsu to do it. 
"You better not cry, You better not frown, You better not strip, Gray, I'm telling you why Santu Claus has come back to town!"
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jedi-bird · 8 months
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Got to go to Joann's today and spend the gift card my family sent me and use my birthday coupon for the first time in years. Finally bought a yarn bowl that should work with my big hobbii skeins, though I'll need to do some work to it. It's wood on the outside with a plastic smooth lining and the cutout needs to be sanded a bit before I can use it; it was on sale plus with the coupon discount I didn't want to pass it up.
Also bought some new cotton yarn to try and some star wars buttons, because one can never have enough yarn apparently or enough princess Leia merchandise. And a resin cat yard decoration that's holding a book and wearing glasses. Because I can.
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july13th2004 · 2 years
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Year of the Snow Bunny
Characters/Relationships: Kratos Aurion, Anna Irving, Kratos/Anna, Kranna, Lloyd Irving, Noishe
Genre: Family Fluff/Romance/Light Angst
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Word Count: 5940
Mirror Link: AO3 | Pixiv
Summary: “Snow hare… Hmm…” Her husband replied, continuing to stare at the merchandise in front of him.            
Anna shifted her gaze from him to the merchandise he was currently still staring at. This stall was selling nothing but snow hare or snow bunny merchandise, and included a variety of products such as plush toys, charms, and statues that ranged in size from miniature to giant room and floor decorations. The bright, stark white minimalist bunny shaped products all featured crimson colored round and beady eyes. She glanced over at her husband again, and gave him a soft smile.
----------
“Snow hares are a well known symbol in the city of Flanoir, a snow covered city situated on its own island on Tethe’alla.” Kratos explained to his wife, “Possessing a charm of one is supposed to bring good luck and good fortune. How they ended up on Sylvarant is what is so baffling to me.”
----------
The Aurion family attends a festival with an interesting theme and ancient origins behind it...
*Written for the Tales of Symphonia Remaster Countdown Event*
Author’s Note: So here’s the fic I wrote for @tosrcountdown! I am both excited and quite anxious for you all to finally read it! This was just going to be a winter themed Kranna fic at first, but then I wanted to incorporate this year’s Lunar New Year animal, the Rabbit, with the theme surrounding the snow bunny charm Colette gives to Lloyd during her Flanoir scene. Hope you all enjoy reading this one!
          Bitterly cold winter winds whipped around Anna as she trudged through the snow back to the cabin, all while holding onto her large, burlap bag of groceries for dear life. Blowing snow lined her field of vision, and she was grateful she was only about a hundred yards away from the cabin. The weather in Palmacosta, while still bitterly cold, was calm and beautiful compared to the conditions she was trying to slog through now. She knew she should have asked someone in town about the weather before she left, yet she also knew how much Kratos worried about her if she was gone for more than a few hours, so there would be no point in her staying in town until the snowstorm subsided.
           With the cabin now in sight, she broke out into a run as the cold winds whipping around her calmed down a bit, all while still holding onto the bag of groceries tightly. A few moments later Anna swung open the front door of the cabin and quickly closed it behind her. Kratos rapidly turned his head towards her the moment she stepped through the threshold of the door. He immediately stood up from where he sat on the couch and made his way towards her.
           “Welcome back, my dear.” Kratos said as he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss while taking the bag of groceries from her, “I was beginning to worry about you.”
           Anna sighed as she met his gaze and gave him a knowing smile, “I knew you would be, but I’m fine, just a little cold from the wind, that’s all.”
           He glanced at her snow covered poncho and coat with a look of skepticism on his features. Her reddened cheeks also betrayed her statement, and he frowned slightly at her in concern with his brows furrowed. Noticing his skepticism, she sighed again as she took off her snow crusted hat and mittens and shoved them into her coat pockets. She took a couple steps towards him and placed her hand on his arm.
           “I’m fine, Kratos. Really. I think I just need to warm up in front of the fireplace a little.” Anna spoke in a reassuring tone before kissing him on the cheek.
           “Then go warm up in front of the fireplace, my dear. I’ll take care of the groceries.” His frown and brows softened as he met her gaze again, a dusting of pink now permeating his features from her kiss.
           She nodded and gave him another reassuring smile. He quickly turned and walked away from her and into the kitchen, where he started to sort out the groceries. After letting out a relieved sigh when he was out of earshot, Anna took off her poncho and coat, and shook off the snow that covered both pieces of clothing onto the doormat in front of the door, before hanging both articles up on the coat rack that was mounted on the wall by the door. She then gently stomped down on the doormat to shake off the snow that had caked on her boots, before taking them off and leaving them there to dry. Then she made her way over to the fireplace and knelt in front of it, immediately feeling the heat of the bright and inviting flames wash over her.
           As Anna extended her arms out closer to the flames to warm up her cold hands, she glanced over at Noishe, who was curled up and fast asleep against the side of the fireplace. She made a mental note to take the large, protozoan creature with her the next time she had to go shopping in inclement weather. Kratos returned to where he had sat on the couch earlier about ten minutes later, with Anna tearing her gaze away from the dancing flames to look over at him.
           “So is it still snowing outside?” He asked as he leaned forward towards her.
           She shifted her gaze back towards the flames as she rubbed her hands together, “No, it’s mostly the bitterly cold wind blowing all the snow around now.”
           “I see… How was the weather in Palmacosta?”
           “Lots of snow, just like around here, but no blizzard. Just bright and clear but cloudy skies. The city looks quite beautiful covered in snow.”
           Kratos gave her a small smile, “Interesting… I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen snow in Palmacosta before. It’s rather unusual for a coastal city to have winter weather like that.”
           “Yeah, I can’t recall seeing this much snow during all of our other trips to this part of the continent. What do you think could be causing it?” Anna questioned inquisitively.
           She looked back at her husband as he took a moment to think and placed her now warm hands onto her knees.
           “Perhaps it could be caused by the ocean. A large body of water normally affects the amount of snow that falls onto the region nearby. You have heard of lake-effect snow, right?”
           He watched as his wife tapped her chin in thought for a moment.
           “I remember some of the farmers using that term whenever there was a bad snowstorm back home. They said the lake on the outskirts of town was the cause of all the snow piles in and around town.”
           “Ah, so Luin would receive a large amount of snow in the winter as well, then.” Kratos nodded as he gave her another small smile.
           Anna averted her gaze from his and let out a soft, somewhat melancholic sigh, “Well, not always, or not every year. But I can remember a couple of very cold and awful snowstorms when I was little. And there was usually feet upon feet of snow around town that sometimes wouldn’t melt until mid-July or even later.”
           He gave her an apologetic look before averting his gaze to the wood floor at his feet.
           “Despite that,” She said as Kratos brought his head up to look at her again, “I’ll always remember how beautiful and dazzling the town looked coated in fresh, powdery snow.”
           Kratos’ smile grew until he was nearly grinning from ear to ear as he listened to his wife animatedly talk on and on for a few more minutes about her hometown during the winter season. And he was quickly brought back to reality by the sound of her changing the subject.
           “Oh, I almost forgot!” Anna gasped as she reached into the right pocket of her beige colored jeans and took out a folded up piece of paper, “Take a look at this!”
           He reached out and took the folded up piece of paper from her while wearing a puzzled but curious look on his face. When he unfolded the piece of paper, he realized it was a flier for a festival in Palmacosta. The flier read:
                                    Lunar New Year Festival 4023
         Come celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in Downtown Palmacosta!
                           When: January 22nd – February 12th, 4023
                           Where: Palmacosta’s Main Square
   Festival Highlights: Food stalls, Merchandise stalls, Fun for the whole family!
                                                 Price: Free
           “On my way to the market, there was a man handing out these flyers to anyone who walked by. Do you know about the cultural origins surrounding this festival, Kratos?” She inquired as she stood up from her kneeling position on the floor and made her way over to sit next to him on the couch.
           Kratos took another moment to read and analyze the flier more thoroughly. The flier’s heading was printed in gold lettering, while the rest of it was printed in black. A large, red silhouette of a rabbit was printed behind the gold and black lettering to emphasize the meaning and focus of the festival. He had to admit that he hadn’t heard of a festival like this before, or of the cultural origins behind it either.
           “I’ll admit that I don’t know anything about this, my dear.” Kratos replied as he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him.
           Anna briefly looked up at him and gave him a gentle, knowing smile before shifting her gaze down toward her clasped hands in her lap. “That’s what I figured. It seems like something that the people of Mizuho that you told me about some time ago wouldn’t celebrate. Though, it seems like you also don’t know much about their culture either.”
           He sighed before letting out a soft laugh, “That’s also true… But in my defense, the village of Mizuho is well guarded and secretive, so most people outside of the village wouldn’t know anything about their cultural norms and values. Not unless you were to find any historical records or books written about them.”
           She looked up at her husband again, “Well, have you read any records or books about the village then?”
           “Back when the two worlds were still one I most likely did, though I have since forgotten.”
           Anna tore her gaze away from his to look down at her still clasped together hands, “Then I hope someday, when the worlds are reunited, that you’ll show Lloyd and I around every city, town, and village in Tethe’alla.”
           Kratos met her gaze as she looked back up at him while wearing a soft, gentle smile on his face, “I would love that, my dear.”
           He wrapped his other arm around her and pulled her into a hug while he moved his head down to plant a kiss on top of her head. She wrapped her arms around him and returned his embrace. When the two parted moments later, she took his hand in hers and looked up at him again.
           “Anyway, I think we should go to the festival once the snowstorm subsides, since it goes on for a couple more weeks. Plus, it’s been a while since we’ve had a family outing, and I think Lloyd would have lots of fun now that he’s a little bit older.”
           Kratos merely nodded in agreement and gave her another gentle smile before leaning down to plant a kiss on her forehead. The couple would spend the rest of the afternoon cuddling on the couch in front of the fire until Lloyd and Noishe woke up from their naps.
                                                       ----------
Three Days Later:
           “No!” Lloyd raised his voice defiantly, “I don’t wanna!”
           “Lloyd…” Kratos said sternly, “It’s cold outside. You need to put your hat and mittens on.”
           “No!” Lloyd crossed his tiny arms in further defiance and glared at his father, “I said I don’t wanna!”
           Kratos sighed heavily, briefly covering his face with his hand before pinching the bridge of his nose. He was absolutely bewildered as to why Lloyd didn’t want to wear his hat and mittens. Lloyd was normally so agreeable when it came to either him or Anna telling him what to do or wear. Meanwhile, Anna stood at Noishe’s large food and water bowls across the living room from where father and son were having their little standoff about wearing certain winter attire. She was completely unaware of the disagreement going on between her husband and son as she filled Noishe’s food bowl with fresh meat and vegetables, and his water bowl with cold water.
           “Anna, could you come here?” Kratos asked, exasperated, “I need your help…”
           Anna turned to look over at her husband from across the living room. He was currently kneeling in front of Lloyd behind the couch and looking over at her while wearing a pleading expression on his face. She gave him a knowing smile before quickly heading into the kitchen to put away the container that stored Noishe’s food along with the empty pitcher of water.
           “What’s going on?” Anna inquired as she immediately made her way over to her husband and son.
           She heard her husband let out another sigh before responding, “Lloyd refuses to wear his hat and mittens. He won’t put them on no matter what I do or say. I’ve tried everything, my dear.”
           Anna knelt down on the floor next to Kratos and made direct eye contact with their son, who was now staring at both of them with his tiny arms still folded in defiance and wearing a frown on his face.
           “Lloyd-” She began.
           “Mommy, I don’t wanna wear them!” Lloyd interrupted, “You and daddy can’t make me!”
           Kratos let out another exasperated sigh as Anna continued to look at Lloyd, now giving him a gentle, knowing smile.
           “I know Lloyd, but we’re going to be outside all day, and your father and I don’t want you to be cold. You need to wear your hat and mittens so you won’t be cold. Can you do that for mommy?”
           Lloyd looked at his mother for a few more moments, the stubborn frown on his face beginning to soften as she gave him a bright, expectant smile. The near toddler aged boy then unfolded his arms and nodded, ending the momentary standoff between father and son.
           “Alright, mommy…” Lloyd replied as he looked up at his mother and smiled back at her.
           Anna nodded then softly clapped her hands together, “Well, now that that’s settled, Kratos?”
           Kratos let out a relieved sigh as he handed his wife Lloyd’s hat and mittens. He watched as she gently placed them on their son’s head and hands. The couple then stood up to their full height and watched as their son waddled over to hug and say goodbye to Noishe.
           “Lloyd has never argued with me before.” Kratos stated as he turned his head toward his wife, “And he was more than willing to put on his coat, but not his hat or mittens. I just don’t understand, my dear.”
           Anna looked up at her husband and gave him a knowing smile while she took his right hand in both her hands, “Well, he’ll be two in August, so for the next couple of years he’s probably going to be stubborn about certain things at times.”
           “Then that stubborn streak appears to be starting early.” He commented as he gave her hand a squeeze.
           “We’ll just have to deal with those moments as they come then, won’t we?” She questioned rhetorically as she grinned up at him and released his hand.
           The two then retrieved and put on all of their appropriate winter attire, coat, hat, gloves or mittens, boots, and scarves. Kratos secured a harness around his neck and waist before putting his coat on. He always placed Lloyd in this harness whenever the three were out of the house for prolonged periods of time, especially during the winter months. Lloyd waddled back over to his parents after saying goodbye to Noishe and reached up toward his father with tiny, outstretched arms and hands.
           “Up! Up!” The boy exclaimed excitedly.
           Kratos gave his son a soft, gentle smile as he reached down to pick him up, quickly placing and securing him inside the harness before buttoning his coat a little over halfway up. The three then exited the cabin, into the still bitterly cold winter air, as Kratos locked the front door behind them. Lloyd snuggled up against his father’s chest, and closed his eyes and fell asleep as Kratos buttoned up more of his coat. With Lloyd now safely secure and warm inside his father’s coat, the three headed off along a path now mostly cleared of snow towards Palmacosta.
           The couple held hands as they walked along the snow covered dirt path that led to the hugely populated coastal city. Kratos mentions along the way that he did his best the past two days to clear out a path from the cabin so it would only be about an hour long walk to the main square of the city. Lloyd continues to quietly nap against Kratos’ chest inside the harness as his parents talk about everything related to the festival they’re traveling to. About an hour after they headed out on their walk, the three finally make it to the main square of Palmacosta where the festival is being held.
           Rabbit statues of all various shapes, sizes, and colors, lined the cobblestone walkways of the main square and in between each food and merchandise stall. Large vases filled with plum blossom branches also lined the walkways, with two of them being placed in front of the information booth. Anna could only stare in awe at all of the detailed and colorful statues and other decorations as the three slowly walked through the entrance to the festival, her hand still holding onto Kratos’.
           “We should head to the information booth first, then we can look at the rest of the festival.” Anna stated as she looked up at her husband and gestured toward the information booth a few yards from where they had stopped to look around, “I’m especially excited to see what the food offerings are!”
           “Then lead the way, my dear.” Kratos smiled at her softly as he let go of her hand.
           Kratos and Lloyd, who was still sound asleep in the harness against his father’s chest, followed closely behind Anna as the three walked towards the information booth. When they arrived, a peppy young woman with long black hair held up in a ponytail was there behind the counter to greet them.
           “What can I help you with today?” The woman asked as the family approached the counter.
           “We were wondering if you could tell us what this festival is all about. We want to know what its origins are and what exactly it is celebrating.” Anna answered as she glanced up at her husband.
           Just as the young woman launched into her speech about the festival, Lloyd woke up from his little over an hour long morning nap. Kratos glanced down at his son as the boy let out a yawn and rubbed his eyes with his tiny hands that were currently curled into fists. He unfastened him from the harness and momentarily removed him so he could turn him around and face both the counter and Anna, who was listening intently to the young woman’s explanation of the festival. After fastening his son securely back into the harness, Kratos watched, with a soft and gentle smile on his face, as Lloyd took a good long look at his surroundings. The boy appeared to be mostly enamored with the variety of rabbit statues placed along the walkways by the food and merchandise stalls. Lloyd outstretched his tiny arms toward a couple of the statues nearby, babbling and giggling incoherently in excitement.
           “Kratos!” Anna called out to her husband, “Come over and take a look at this with me!”
           He glanced from his son, who was bouncing up and down inside the harness, still giggling and babbling, to his wife with the same soft and gentle smile on his face. When he made the short distance to where Anna stood at the counter, he noticed her intense focus on a thick, leather bound book placed in front of her. The paper and text appeared to be worn and weathered from countless years of use.
           “Every year, this festival celebrates the start of the new year in the lunisolar calendar, which is different from our own.” Anna explained to Kratos as she glanced up at him from the book in front of her, “Each year is symbolized by one of twelve animals, so it repeats every twelve years. This book explains what the twelve animals are and when those twelve animals’ ‘year’ has been in years and decades past. This festival is also a celebration of spring arriving soon, and that’s what the plum blossom branches represent. We should look at which animal ‘year’ our birthdays are listed under.”
           Kratos nodded as he and Anna leaned in closer to the book. Lloyd fell silent and stared wide-eyed with curiosity at the book in front of him.
           “Oh, it looks like Lloyd was born during the Year of the Ox!” Anna piped up as she excitedly pointed at a line of text in the book.
           “Hmm… Interesting. What about you, my dear?” Kratos asked as he continued to skim through the text.
           “Well it looks like I was born during a previous Year of the Rabbit.” Anna responded as she pointed at another line of text on the second page of the book, “See?”
           “I see… What is this supposed to mean, my dear?” He inquired as he began slowly and delicately flipping through more pages in the book.
           “Apparently it depends on which animal ‘year’ your birthday falls under, that determines what your personal attributes like personality, temperament, or even your romantic compatibility with someone born during another animal ‘year’, will be.” She explained.
           His eyes widened a little as he began quickly flipping the pages to try and find the year he was born near the back of the book.
           “Are you sure you’re going to be able to find the year you were born, honey?” Anna teased and let out a soft giggle while covering her mouth with her hand.
           Kratos glanced sheepishly at her for a brief moment before continuing to search for the year he was born inside the book. Much to his surprise, he was able to find the year he was born, and he also found that the earliest date written inside the book appeared to be from about five thousand years ago. The book was so ancient that he was a little shocked it didn’t look more worn and weathered than it already was.
           “It looks like I was born during the Year of the Dog…” He spoke while his lips curled into a small smirk as he pointed at a line of text on one of the final pages near the back of the book.
           Anna was about to make a comment when Lloyd tilted his head back to frantically glance at Kratos, then turned his head to look at Anna, and interjected with, “Mommy! Daddy! I’m hungry!”
           The couple then heard their son’s stomach let out a growl, causing Anna to burst into a fit of soft giggles, while Kratos wore a look of mild surprise. When Anna regained her composure mere moments later, she cleared her throat and turned to face her husband.
           “We should eat then! I’m starting to feel hungry, too!” Anna exclaimed as she took Kratos’ hand in hers.
           Kratos nodded as he allowed his wife to gently pull him and Lloyd over towards the variety of food and merchandise stalls that lined the cobblestone streets to the left of the information booth. The couple spent a total of about ten or fifteen minutes deciding what foods they wanted to try.
           “I can buy the food for us, Kratos while you go and find a place for us to sit nearby.” Anna said as she took off her burlap backpack and began rummaging through it for her bag of gald.
           “All right, my dear. Did you also pack the blanket for Lloyd?” Kratos asked.
           “Ah, yes, it’s right here.” Anna replied without looking up at him.
           She took out the blanket and her bag of gald and handed the blanket to her husband. He nodded at her in thanks before making his way over to one of the picnic tables not too far away from their choice of food stall. Anna stepped up to the counter of the food stall to order their food while Kratos sat down on one side of the picnic table and placed the folded blanket on the unoccupied spot to his right on the bench. He then unfastened Lloyd from his harness and took him out and placed him on the blanket. The boy began to babble and giggle again in excitement, lightly smacking his tiny, mitten covered hands on the table.
           “Sit still now, Lloyd…” Kratos gently chided.
           Lloyd stilled his hands against the table’s surface and turned his head to look up at his father while wearing a grin, “Okay Daddy!”
           Anna made her way over to the picnic table where her husband and son were sitting about fifteen minutes later, holding a tray with an array of plates and bowls of hot food placed on it. She gingerly placed the tray on the table and then sat down across from Kratos. The dishes she purchased included a variety of steamed and grilled fish, a couple bowls of noodles, a plate of dumplings, and a bowl of soup that appeared to contain rice balls that floated on top of the liquid base.
           “Is there any symbolic meaning behind any of these dishes, my dear?” Kratos inquired as the couple began to cut up small, bite sized pieces of fish and dumplings for Lloyd.
           “The fish symbolizes good luck and good fortune in the new year, while this dish,” Anna explained and then pointed at the bowl of soup containing the rice balls, “represents a completed family gathering together.”
           Kratos looked at her with a small smile on his face and commented, “…I suppose that’s not entirely true since Noishe isn’t here.”
           She nodded in agreement as the two went back to making the plate of bite sized food for their son. When they were finished, they placed it in front of him, and he immediately began eating with his tiny hands. The three spent close to an hour eating, chatting, and enjoying each other’s company in the cold winter air.
                                                        ----------
           “Ah, this food was so delicious!” Anna exclaimed, letting out a contented sigh.
           “It was, my dear…” Kratos stated, smiling at his wife’s excitement and happiness.
           “The rice ball soup was especially good, since the base had a slight sweetness to it,” She went on, “I would love to learn how to make it so we can have it again sometime!”
           Kratos could only let out a soft chuckle at her enthusiasm as his wife stood up from the table and picked up the tray with their now dirty plates, bowls, and utensils.
           “I’ll go return this tray of dirty dishes while you and Lloyd head over to the merchandise stalls. I’ll meet you over there in a little bit, okay?” Anna stated as she turned and made her way over to the food stall she had purchased their food from earlier.
           While Anna went to return their food tray, Kratos placed Lloyd back into the harness that was still strapped around his chest, and securely fastened him in before he stood up from the table. After retrieving the blanket that his son had sat down on earlier, the two made their way over to the merchandise stalls, where he stood around and patiently waited for Anna. She returned to his and Lloyd’s side moments later, and the three began to slowly peruse each of the five merchandise stalls placed next to the food stalls. Kratos abruptly stopped in front of the third merchandise stall and stared at it with a completely bewildered look on his face.
           “Bunny!” Lloyd exclaimed excitedly, bouncing up and down inside his harness.
           “Is everything all right, Kratos?” Anna asked in a slightly worried manner as she returned to his side.
           “Snow hare… Hmm…” Her husband replied, continuing to stare at the merchandise in front of him.
           Anna shifted her gaze from him to the merchandise he was currently still staring at. This stall was selling nothing but snow hare or snow bunny merchandise, and included a variety of products such as plush toys, charms, and statues that ranged in size from miniature to giant room and floor decorations. The bright, stark white minimalist bunny shaped products all featured crimson colored round and beady eyes. She glanced over at her husband again, and gave him a soft smile.
           “They are adorable. But what about them has you so puzzled?” Anna inquired.
           “Snow hares are a well known symbol in the city of Flanoir, a snow covered city situated on its own island on Tethe’alla.” Kratos explained to his wife, “Possessing a charm of one is supposed to bring good luck and good fortune. How they ended up on Sylvarant is what is so baffling to me.”
           She took his hand in hers, causing him to break his bewildered stare and look down at her, “Well, some of the food we ate earlier was a symbol of good luck and good fortune, so maybe that’s the reason why these snow bunny products are here, too. It also fits with the whole theme of the festival celebrating the Year of the Rabbit.”
           He averted his gaze from hers and stared at the cobblestone floor beneath his feet, “…Yes, but that still doesn’t explain how it made it to this world.”
           Anna gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, causing him to look at her once again, “Don’t worry about it, Kratos. Let’s just leave it at this being part of the festival, okay?”
           Kratos slowly nodded and gave her another soft, gentle smile, “All right, my dear. We’ll leave it at that.”
           Meanwhile, Lloyd nearly squealed with delight as his eyes landed on a snow bunny plush toy that was just the perfect size for him to hold. The couple looked at their son as he began bouncing up and down inside his harness while babbling and giggling incoherently once again.
           “What is it, Lloyd?” Both Kratos and Anna asked in unison.
           “Mommy! Daddy! I want bunny toy!” The boy excitedly exclaimed before bursting into a little fit of giggles.
           The couple smiled at each other knowingly, and they both agreed to purchase the toy for their son, along with a charm and a mini statue as a table decoration for the cabin. After purchasing the three items, Anna hands the plush toy to Lloyd before placing the other two items, along with the blanket and her bag of gald back into her backpack. Lloyd hugs his new snow bunny plush as tightly as he can before suddenly letting out a long, drawn out yawn. Kratos and Anna briefly look up at the sky, realizing it’s late in the day and the sun behind the grey clouds is going to set soon.
           “We should probably head back to the cabin now, my dear. Lloyd didn’t have his afternoon nap, so he’s probably quite tired.” Kratos stated as he looked at his wife.
           Anna hugged herself as she nodded in agreement at her husband, “It’s also gotten colder since we arrived here. Let’s hurry back!”
           With the couple agreeing to finally head home, Kratos takes a moment to unfasten Lloyd from his harness to turn him around and face him. Once the boy was safely secured back inside his harness, Kratos buttoned up his coat most of the way again. The three then made the hour-long journey back to their cabin, with Lloyd quickly falling asleep against his father’s chest, still holding onto the snow bunny plush in his tiny arms. When they finally arrived home, the couple quickly closed the door behind them and removed their outer layers of winter attire before hanging them up or placing them in the designated spots where they belonged.
           “I’ll go put Lloyd to bed, my dear. You go get the fireplace ready.” Kratos spoke softly as he gave his wife a chaste kiss.
           Anna nodded before gently removing Lloyd’s hat from off of his head so she could plant a goodnight kiss on his temple, “Goodnight, my sweet boy.”
           While Kratos went to put Lloyd to bed, Anna made her way over to their stash of firewood and took a few large logs from off the pile. She gently tossed each log into the fireplace, then took the flint stone and some kindle from off the mantle. After rubbing the flint stone and kindle together, the kindle burst into a small flame that she quickly tossed into the firewood. Within moments, a warm and inviting fire illuminated the entire living room. Anna then went to retrieve the snow bunny charm she had placed inside her backpack before leaving the festival, then made her way back over to sit on the couch.
           Once Kratos put Lloyd to bed, he made his way back into the living room and sat down on the couch next to Anna. The couple briefly glanced at Noishe, who was curled up and asleep in his spot next to the fireplace, before leaning back into the couch, both letting out soft, contented sighs. Anna snuggled up against her husband and laid her head on his shoulder while he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. He then leaned down to plant a lingering kiss on the crown of her head. She looked down at the snow bunny charm in her hands, slowly twirling it as she thought about the symbol’s meaning that Kratos told her about and how it relates to the festival they went to earlier in the day.
           “I wonder if this means we’ll have good luck and good fortune the rest of this year,” Anna wondered aloud as she continued to twirl the snow bunny charm in her hands, “What do you think, Kratos?”
           She looked up at him, and he leaned down to give her a chaste kiss on the lips.
           “We’ll just have to patiently wait and see what the rest of the year brings us, my dear.” He replied and gave her a warm, gentle smile once they parted, “Would you like some hot chocolate?”
           “Sure!”
           Kratos smiled at her again and then stood up from where he sat on the couch and made his way into the kitchen to prepare the hot chocolate for them. About ten minutes later, he returned to his spot on the couch, and handed her one mug of piping hot chocolate. The two sipped their hot beverages as a comfortable silence fell between them. Anna cuddled up against her husband again once she was finished with her hot drink and listened to the sound of the crackling fire inside the fireplace. She let out a yawn a few moments later, her eyelids beginning to feel heavy whenever she blinked. He glanced down at her and smiled before offering to take her mug from her.
           “I suppose we should head to bed shortly, my dear. I can take your mug for you.” Kratos said as she handed him her empty mug.
           He then went back into the kitchen to place the two empty mugs into the sink, making a mental note to hand wash them in the morning. Moments later he returned to his place on the couch next to Anna. She looked up at him again, and he leaned down to kiss her on the lips once again. Kratos reached up to cup her cheek as he let his lips linger on hers for a few moments longer this time. When they parted from each other, Kratos went to retrieve the bucket of water that was placed on the floor next to the fireplace, and quickly put out the fire.
           The living room fell dark as Kratos reached out to take his wife’s hand. He took a moment to lift her hand up towards his lips and kiss the back of her hand. They then made their way in the dark to their bedroom door while holding onto each other’s hands tightly. Anna silently hoped and prayed that not only would the snow bunny bring the three of them good luck and good fortune throughout the rest of the year, but that it would bring those same blessings to Lloyd’s life once he was older, and little did she know that one day she would be right.
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cindybanksteam · 2 months
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Staging Tips for Selling to Specific Target Markets
For so long, we’ve been told to keep everything neutral when selling our home to appeal to the widest base. But what if we don’t need to?
To differentiate your home today, you may need to think like a model home interior designer. When you walk through a model, it’s very clear who they think their buyer is. One home features a train theme in the bedroom that screams little boy. Another is merchandised for a millennial couple through and through. In yet another model, there is no sign of children; instead, there’s a wine room where the play room would be. And the downstairs bedroom has been decorated as a warm and inviting guest space.
You can apply these ideas to your own home to get it sold.
Millennials
When trying to attract millennial buyers, “This shouldn’t be your grandma’s house,” said Zing by Quicken Loans. “The knickknacks, flowery wallpaper and dust need to go. Staging is a must, specifically when marketing to the millennial home buyer. For many of this generation, this will be their first time buying a home. Staging will give them a visual on how they could live in this space.” According to Paige Elliott, a real estate agent at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate in Park Cities, Texas, millennials “want that glamorous, this-could-be-a-movie-set look,” said the Minnesota StarTribune. “They like that because they’re young and they want the lifestyle.” That means clean lines, a modern color palette, and a de-cluttered space.
Young families
A tricycle in the yard. A stylish high chair pulled up to the kitchen table. A crib in a themed bedroom. They’re all signs that a home is family-friendly. If you’re in an area with lots of young families or that’s who you’re trying to attract, but your home is not giving off that feeling, there are some steps you can take.
Start with that tricycle, the high chair, and the crib (borrow if you need to!). Then take a cue from those model homes and get out the paint brush. Create a nursery or young child’s room that brings the “Awww,” and you’re halfway there.
It also helps to have a handout of local school info including area preschools and recommended daycares. While buyers can do their own research to find some of this information, they will surely appreciate having it handed to them—and it will certainly make your home memorable.
Retirees/Multigenerational
“Baby boomers are either retired or reaching retirement age, and they are quickly becoming empty nesters,” said HGTV star Christina Hall on Irish Realty & Cooreman Properties. “These aging Americans are looking to downsize because they no longer want or need their five-bedroom, two-level homes. A home that better fits their current lifestyle is much more appealing, especially if it means they don’t have to make the move to a retirement home.”
That gives you a golden opportunity to stage your home as a magnet for this target. A first-floor master suite is key, but if you don’t have one, maybe you have a guest bedroom that could be turned into a master. A first-floor guest bedroom could also be staged as a mother-in-law suite to appeal to a multi-generational household, which is a growing trend across the country.
While making updates to attract baby boomers, concentrate on low-maintenance features. “Boomers love modern appliances that they won’t have to repair, a yard that’s easy to maintain, energy-efficient windows and doors to save on their heating bills, and a large, open floor plan that provides lots of space and natural light,” said El Moussa.
While your home may not meet that standard 100%, there are things you can do to make it more appealing, particularly in the yard. Changing out grass to turf or changing it to pavers to “cut down on yard work” is a good start.
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noisycowboyglitter · 2 months
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Personalize Your "You Missed Trump 2024" Gear for Maximum Impact
This provocative design concept plays on the nostalgia and longing some voters may feel for Donald Trump's presidency, while simultaneously promoting his potential 2024 campaign. The phrase "You missed Donald Trump" serves as both a statement and a subtle dig at the current administration, implying that things were better under Trump's leadership.
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Visually, the design likely features a prominent image of Donald Trump, possibly in a classic pose such as waving to a crowd or standing at a podium. The image chosen would aim to portray Trump in a strong, presidential light, reminding viewers of his time in office. The color scheme would likely stick to the traditional red, white, and blue associated with American politics and Trump's campaign, with red potentially dominating to align with Republican Party colors.
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This design could be applied to a wide range of products, including:
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The overall tone of the design balances between nostalgia, defiance, and optimism. It's crafted to make Trump supporters feel understood in their sentiment that the country is worse off without Trump, while also giving them hope for the future.
This type of messaging is likely to be polarizing. For Trump supporters, it serves as a rallying cry and a way to publicly express their political views. For others, it may be seen as provocative or divisive.
From a marketing perspective, this design taps into powerful emotions - longing, hope, and a desire for change - which can be strong motivators for political engagement and merchandise purchases. It encourages Trump's base to stay active and involved in the political process, keeping enthusiasm high for a potential 2024 run.
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The "You missed Donald Trump 2024" concept encapsulates a narrative of loss and potential redemption that's central to Trump's political brand. It suggests that by supporting Trump in 2024, voters can reclaim what they feel they've lost, making it a powerful message for his base and a clear statement to political opponents.
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Artie's out of doors furniture is highquality and longlasting, designed with sustainability in mind. Their merchandise are created using recyclable materials like recycled woods and ecofriendly fabrics; additionally they employ green producing processes that have minimal environmental impacts an excellent manner to feature fashionable contemporary decor into the home.
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Chaise lounges are a vital addition to public pools, resort swimming pools, water parks and apartment complex pool areas. We supply an assortment of chaise lounges to enhance any style scheme. Plastic outside furniture is a perfect answer for industrial pool areas thanks to its longevity and flexibility. On the market in a very vary of colours, textures, and designs you're sure to search out one thing appropriate for your house it comes in chairs, chaise lounges, dining tables and patio furniture from leading brands and accessories such as umbrellas that will guarantee guests stay relaxed.
Homecrest stands out among US brands giving outdoor furniture by combining design and durability into their product. Homecrest provides an intensive range of styles and sturdy pieces using prime quality materials with rigorous testing processes to confirm long lasting furniture pieces. Additionally, they promote inexperienced living through using recycled aluminum, steel and wrought iron components with recycled wood pieces in all their wood furnishings.
Resort Life Extendable Table made from premium Eucalyptus Wood with a lightweight aluminum frame is another fantastic choice, that includes natural organic features together with cracks and color variations that enhance its beauty. Treated with Duragrain waterbased finish to safeguard its surface whereas displaying natural grain features of wood surface.
Shopper spending power and willingness to savours leisure experiences is driving an increase in outdoor furniture purchases; however, many key points must be kept in mind before creating a decision on this purchase.
Resort out Florida Seating Restaurant Furniture of doors furniture created of ecofriendly synthetic wicker is additionally an ecofriendly alternative, mimicking the design and sturdiness of natural wood with less maintenance requirements and maintenance necessities. Synthetic wicker conjointly stands up well in humid climates as it won't become moldy or mildew prone.
Homann's AH Outdoor Series boasts an elegant combination of rigorous aesthetic and soft forms chairs and tables will even be stacked to save lots of house!
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Upcycled and Recycled Mingja Omega
Out of doors furniture will add style and luxury to your home, but before getting any piece it's necessary to require several factors into thought.
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Business pool furniture provides guests with a convenient manner to gather, dine and unwind comfortably round the poolside space. From chairs and loungers to benches and bar stools, business pool furniture permits guests to assemble, dine and unwind comfortably. When choosing poolside items build certain the fabric will stand up to harsh environments Wicker wood and aluminum are fashionable decisions due to both affordability and aesthetic appeal.
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Choosing Outside Furniture For Your Hoa. Contemplate how residents and guests can use your hoa's out of doors furniture when purchasing it for them. Weatherproof tables and chairs bring indoor comfort outdoors while rockers or Adirondacks provide relaxing lounging choices.
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Outdoor Furnishings for Beachside Lounging
Wood remains the top material selection for outside furniture thanks to its ecofriendliness, durability, and aesthetic worth. Woodbased outdoor furniture sales are expected to experience compound annual compound annual growth rate exceeding 4.5p.c over the following 5 years.
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The durability of your outdoor furniture is mostly determined by the materials used and the development style. It�s vital to settle on durable materials which will stand up to harsh weather like rain, wind, and snow. Additionally, these furniture items should be proof against rust and corrosion, fading and stains, also mildew or mold growth.
Grosfillex Furniture for Fall and Autumn
If you've been on the explore for out of doors furniture, Outer might have caught your eye lately. From targeted ads on Facebook to #sponcon on Instagram, the complete has created quite a bearing with its sleek modular and luxuriously snug sustainable outdoor sofas. We tend to decided to place their Wicker Out of doors Sofa through its paces in order to work out what all the hype was concerning and let us tell you, Outer undoubtedly lived up to its hype.
Omega Chaise for Large Patios
We love this toptier brand for their unimaginable quality and a focus to detail in every piece they manufacture, together with their in depth expertise in furniture business that leads to highend patio furniture meant to square the take a look at of time.
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Pool Furniture Provide offers topgrade commercialgrade pool furniture at reasonable prices, created to withstand even the harshest environments and keep wanting its best year when year. Their selection includes lounge chairs, dining tables and umbrellas Gar Furniture all at reasonable costs furthermore outdoor accessories like citronella candles and string lights plus they provide many shipping options! Blu Dot is wellknown for his or her eyecatching trendy styles, and their patio furniture is no completely different. Their extensive line of outside seating includes lounge seating, dining chairs, bar carts that job inside or outdoors and bar carts to serve drinks on outdoor terraces or bar carts that job each inside and outdoors. Their eight totally different outdoor collections enable customers to purchase items individually or as sets and there is also an wonderful come policy with dedicated customer service groups behind it all!
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Teak wood could be a in style alternative for patio furniture as a result of it can be left outside yearround in all environments and requires terribly little maintenance. The wood incorporates a high oil content that protects against pests, minimizes rot and resists weather injury. Another sustainable choice is shorea, a reddishgold Southeast Asian hardwood. This sturdy hardwood is sourced responsibly and has similar qualities to teak.
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Cedar is an excellent wood for outside furniture as a result of it resists moisture, decay, insect injury and extreme climate, creating it an wonderful selection in wetter regions. Cedar could need to be treated Gar Restaurant Furniture with sealants or finishes in order to remain weatherproof, while different species like cypress or teak conjointly create glorious choices that need staining or sealing to safeguard from the weather. Other in style woods used for out of doors furniture include eucalyptus, redwood and ipe. Eucalyptus could be a highly durable rotresistant wood that is easy to figure with and even left alone it can age superbly with time, adding rustic charm. Redwood offers another sturdy material option that works in various designs while boasting its unique hue that'll enhance any backyard.
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Omega Chaise for Yoga and Exercise
One Everyday Restaurant Furniture amongst the various blessings of out of doors furniture crafted from recycled resin is that it can withstand all varieties of weather it resists rusting, staining and mildewing whereas being able to stand up to extreme temperatures and daylight without warping or rotting over time. Recycled resin furniture makes an excellent different to wood outside furniture that typically desires regular upkeep for best performance and delight. Recycled plastic furniture offers another advantage over its counterparts: it's entirely recyclable itself. Several makers utilize this material in the production method, guaranteeing ecofriendliness. By recycling this material and continuing production with quality furniture items from it, manufacturers cut back oilbased polymers which will contribute to pollution issues.
Transform your outside area with quality patio furniture, available in a very big selection of materials and designs. Work with native home furnishings professionals to create a space that meets your specific purposeful and aesthetic wants.
If you like ancient aesthetics, consider teak wood patio furniture sets. Their natural patina can age to an engaging grey over time or they will be given protective coating. Unfortunately, though, such pieces of patio furniture can be quite significant.
Jensen furniture is wellknown for his or her premium outside furniture, designed with care to produce most comfort and longevity. Their chairs and sofas boast gentle curves for optimal seating comfort while their 197seven out of doors sofa has been transformed for out of doors use with its modular design that allows you to rearrange every module as desired. Coated in Element fabric that resists staining and water harm because of solutiondyed acrylic threads, its vibrant colours remain intact even beneath direct daylight or temperature changes.
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When searching for metal styles, look for those treated with anticorrosion chemicals to provide further protection from the elements. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it's impenetrable by rust and proof against salt spray corrosion.
Outdoor Furnishings Materials and Durability
Garden furniture is usually created of weatherproof materials that make it appropriate for out of doors use, as well as tables and chairs for dining, relaxing rockers or Adirondack chairs, lounging sofas or cloth sofas with big selection of colours and textures to match any decor such as solutiondyed acrylic and spun polyester materials that resist moisture buildup, mildew growth or staining cushioned throw pillows can any enliven out of doors seating or living areas.
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When buying patio furniture, it's wise to appear for items that can stand up to adverse weather conditions. If you reside in an space prone to frequent rainfall, choose weatherresistant fabrics or furniture with protecting umbrella bases and canopies as this can provide more rain protection. Similarly, considering galvanized steel is also an choice as this material provides further sturdiness against corrosion or rusting. Additionally to tables and chairs obtainable from Costco, Costco also offers patio furniture covers which feature fitted designs to allow air circulation thus mildew does not develop; these covers return in numerous colors/ sizes creating this an invaluable addition for any patio space!
Choosing the right balcony furniture for your condo is key to making it really your own house. Your choice ought to replicate each your style and personality while simultaneously increasing its value. Outer furniture offers trendy and sturdy patio items made with highgrade materials and come complete with lifetime warranties and money back guarantees, creating them a sound investment.
It's also less expensive than several acrylics, that can be more pricey than different textiles. This is thanks to the very fact that olefin features a wider selection of styles, textures and weaves, opening up a world of design prospects for luxury out of doors furniture. It's heat sensitive, however, and should not be exposed to direct sunlight or a heater. It should be laundered using cold or warm water, and tumble dried on low or no heat when laundering.
Cedar is an excellent wood for outdoor furniture because it resists moisture, decay, insect harm and extreme weather, creating it an excellent choice in wetter regions. Cedar may would like to be treated with sealants or finishes so as to stay weatherproof, while other species like cypress or teak additionally build wonderful choices that require staining or sealing to guard from the elements. Alternative popular woods used for outdoor furniture embrace eucalyptus, redwood and ipe. Eucalyptus is a highly sturdy rotresistant wood that's straightforward to figure with and even left alone it can age fantastically with time, adding rustic charm. Redwood offers another sturdy material option that works in varied designs while boasting its distinctive hue that'll enhance any backyard.
RentToOwn Out of doors Furniture in Mississippi. Create your backyard the final summer destination with highquality outdoor furniture from renttoown patio dining sets or 2 outsized lounge chairs from renttoown patio dining sets, perfect for hosting huge barbecues with all of your family, or rent two to make the best spot on your condo porch for relaxation with your partner.
An interior bird bath liner can help cut back water loss from evaporation and create cleaning less complicated, and should also be placed near trees or shrubbery therefore birds have perches to rest upon while bathing, providing protection from predators in the world.
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chenaramwe2 · 6 months
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Declutter Your Space: 10 Clever Strategies to Quickly Get Rid of Overstock Merchandise
Is your home or business overrun with excess inventory? Whether you're a retailer with surplus merchandise or an individual with too many belongings, clearing out overstock items can be a daunting task. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can efficiently get rid of overstock merchandise and reclaim your space. In this article, we'll explore 10 clever strategies to help you declutter and dispose of excess inventory fast. From selling and donating to repurposing and recycling, these tactics will help you clear out your space and make room for what matters most.
1. Host a Clearance Sale:
One of the most effective ways to get rid of overstock merchandise is by hosting a clearance sale. Offer steep discounts on items that are taking up valuable space, enticing customers with irresistible deals. By slashing prices and clearing out excess inventory, you'll not only make room for new merchandise but also generate revenue in the process.
2. Utilize Online Marketplaces:
Take advantage of online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist to reach a wider audience of potential buyers. List your overstock merchandise for sale, providing detailed descriptions and clear photographs to attract buyers. With the convenience of online shopping, you can quickly connect with interested customers and move inventory out the door.
3. Partner with Liquidation Companies:
Consider partnering with liquidation companies like Merchandise USA to sell your overstock merchandise in bulk. These companies specialize in purchasing excess inventory from retailers and reselling it to other businesses at discounted prices. By selling your surplus inventory to a liquidation company, you can recoup some of your investment and free up valuable storage space.
4. Donate to Charity:
If you have overstock merchandise that's still in good condition but unlikely to sell, consider donating it to charity. Many nonprofit organizations accept donations of clothing, household items, and other goods to distribute to those in need. Not only will you be decluttering your space, but you'll also be making a positive impact on your community.
5. Offer Bundle Deals:
Entice customers to purchase overstock merchandise by offering bundle deals or package discounts. Combine complementary items into sets or kits, offering them at a discounted price when purchased together. Bundle deals not only help you move inventory faster but also provide added value to customers, encouraging them to make larger purchases.
6. Host a Pop-Up Shop:
Create buzz around your overstock merchandise by hosting a pop-up shop or temporary retail event. Set up a temporary storefront in a high-traffic location, showcasing your excess inventory and offering special promotions to attract customers. Pop-up shops are a great way to generate excitement and urgency around your merchandise, leading to faster sales.
7. Organize a Yard Sale:
Take advantage of the warmer months by organizing a yard sale or garage sale to clear out your overstock merchandise. Advertise your sale in local newspapers, online classifieds, and social media to attract shoppers. Price items to sell quickly, and be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers to move inventory out the door.
8. Repurpose or Upcycle:
Get creative with your overstock merchandise by repurposing or upcycling items into new and unique creations. Turn old clothing into quilts or tote bags, transform surplus electronics into art installations, or repurpose furniture into stylish home decor. Not only will you breathe new life into old items, but you'll also reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact.
9. Host a Flash Sale:
Create a sense of urgency around your overstock merchandise by hosting a flash sale or limited-time promotion. Offer deep discounts on select items for a short period, encouraging customers to act quickly to take advantage of the deals. Flash sales are a powerful marketing tool for driving sales and clearing out excess inventory fast.
10. Recycle Responsibly:
For overstock merchandise that can't be sold or donated, explore recycling options to responsibly dispose of the items. Many materials, such as paper, plastic, and electronics, can be recycled and repurposed into new products. Contact local recycling centers or waste management companies to learn about recycling programs available in your area.
With these 10 clever strategies, you can quickly and efficiently get rid of overstock merchandise and reclaim valuable space in your home or business. Whether you choose to sell, donate, repurpose, or recycle your excess inventory, taking action to clear out clutter will help you streamline your space and focus on what matters most. So don't let overstock merchandise weigh you down – use these strategies to declutter your space and make room for a fresh start.
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floraldecorimports22 · 8 months
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Finest Indoor Planters
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If you would possibly be purchasing ceramic doors plant pots then look no further. Coated in a high-lustre end, this pot will shine like a model new penny in the sun, bringing sparkle and lightweight to your yard. Measuring in top, it’s the proper size to carry a dwarf tree or tall shrub. Once you've picked out the foliage you want, you want the best pot to point it off in. There's not much to worry about when it comes to indoor pots — as long as your plant suits inside and it sits properly with your house's decor scheme, you have to be good to go - ceramic indoor plant pots manufacturers.
If looking for a DIY project, ceramic planters can be created from a range of re-purposed items corresponding to troughs and saucepans for a distinctive, classic look.  Whether you are in search of a novel present for a pal or need a delicate plant pot on your kitchen windowsill, this beautiful pared-back design from our online pottery store will let the plant do the talking. Made from ceramic, this fashionable ridged planter has been carefully hand-finished for a unique look. It could be security and peace, leisure, a temper for creative activity or focus at work.
Group outside planters collectively as table-top decorations, or on a step by your entrance porch. These are temperate crops, so search for varieties which have been bred to suit your local weather use for shadier corners and hold containers well-watered. Then you should know that yow will discover the perfect indoor or outside plant to convey your own home to life without inflicting harm to your domestic animals. For something a bit different, give this ceramic hanging planter a try. A lot of outdoors plant pots are more neutral in colour, however this Habitat quantity, with its minty base and enjoyable beachy stripes, will convey a splash of joy to your patio - pottery manufacturers near me.
Ceramic planters are nice for creating a contemporary or industrial look in your home or garden. Opt for materials like ceramic, plastic, fibreglass, or frost-resistant clay for sturdiness outdoors. Make positive you lookout for the potter stamp on the underside of your merchandise so you probably can see which of our potters made it. We are an expert group of many years, we produce entirely handmade terracotta planters which are beautiful, sturdy and filled with character. For more information, please visit our site https://floraldecorimports.com
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n3xtstop · 10 months
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Coach and Kate Spade
During our study tour, we had the opportunity to visit the Coach and Kate Spade's store located in Hudson Yards. Before I dive into the study tour aspect, I just want to show y'all how beautifully decorated Hudson Yards was.
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The stud tour was a great chance for me to learn more about both brands and their most popular products. As I don't usually visit these stores, it was fascinating to see the wide range of merchandise they offer. I was particularly impressed by Coach, who provided a service to embroider or stamp a logo onto one of your bag tags.
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During the tour, I visited Kate Spade's store for the first time and got to learn about the brand. I was impressed by the merchandise and loved the way they used fun fabrics with tailored silhouette. I wish I had taken a picture of the taxi shoes they had on display, which were inspired by New York.
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Overall, the learning adventure was great. I enjoyed interacting with the actual store while being informed about the brand.
Until next time,
xoxo
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retailtherapyxpress · 10 months
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Christmas Decorations For Outdoor, Merry Christmas Metal Stakes,Santa Claus Christmas Ornaments Yard Signs Holiday Decoration For Front Door Garden Yard Lawn Outdoor Decor
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