#and I'm sure there's stores that sell it

[the-fibre-stuff]

Have I ranted to you lot about the person who was looking for donations of "cotton" (fabric)?

I'm like sure, I have lots of cotton fabric. What kind are you looking for? I have jersey, I have quilting cotton, etc.

Turns out that she didn't actually know much about fabric (good for her for taking on sewing projects like this anyhow), and as far as I can tell meant quilting cotton specifically. To quote: "I'm honestly not sure what you mean about woven - cotton fabrics are woven, I thought..."

And like, I get it. It's hard to learn that sort of thing. I've read multiple guides on different fabric types and still can't recognise most of them. And the fact that I'm embarrassed that I can't recognise what counts as a shirting-weight fabric, or that a fabric is chambray should help me have compassion for someone who didn't have enough, frankly rather esoteric, knowledge of fabric types to know what they didn't know.

But cotton. Have you never read the tag on a t-shirt and seen what percentage cotton it is? Of all the fibre/weave/fabric type mix ups, cotton?

#For example #we had a Reach for the Top question about what linen was from #I buzzed in faster than my teammate #which was good #because he would have said cotton #because he legit didn't know what linen was #and was thinking of household linens #(he may have known about linen but not well enough to think of it) #and I don't complain about flannel vs flannette #especially since one of those you can buy in stores #and the other is a specialty fabric #and I'm sure there's stores that sell it #but I wouldn't know where #people thinking that silk means silk satin #that sort of thing #but cotton is an every day fibre! #how do you not know that?

[anipgarden]

The Secret Other Thing: KILL

This is my eighth post in a series I’ll be making on how to increase biodiversity on a budget! I’m not an expert--just an enthusiast--but I hope something you find here helps! 

KILL, TEAR, RIP, MAIM. 

You may have seen this sentiment a few times on gardening and wildlife blogs and been incredibly confused. Isn’t killing things the opposite of what you should be doing to protect habitats? In some cases, it really is necessary!

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants can do more harm than good, taking up space and nutrients and providing little in return to local wildlife--while spreading and choking out the native plants that would provide the most to our native fauna. Learn how to identify invasive species in your area and how to properly dispose of them, and do so whenever you have the opportunity! You may even be able to find volunteer groups/events where you can join up with like-minded people to remove a specific plant from an area.

(This image refers to the United States specifically--these plants aren't invasive or native everywhere!)

Pro tip, though; if you take out an invasive species and leave empty soil where it was, it’s likely another quick-growing invasive species will just move in. We don’t want that! Try to plant something in its place! If you’re going out on a mission to take out invasive plants, try to keep some native flower seeds or seedlings on your person while you do this work.

Different plants are invasive in different places, so be sure that the plant you're targeting is actually invasive to where you are. You don’t want to rip out a beneficial plant because it’s invasive somewhere else! Social media sites like Instagram and Tumblr are great for spreading information about invasive plants, but they can often be a bit… US-centric. Even I'm guilty of this, plenty of times! Plants like garlic mustard, kudzu, butterfly bush, Amur honeysuckle, wild radish, and Japanese knotweed are high-profile invasive plants that I hear about all the time here in America--but they came from somewhere, and are a part of the environment in these places! Likewise, many plants that are branded as pollinator-friendly and biodiversity boosters here in the states can be awful invasive species elsewhere. Even plants and animals that aren’t invasive in one part of a country or continent can be detrimental in another--Canadian waterweed is native to North America, but it’s actually invasive in Alaska.

(Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) vs Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) vs the yellow variety of Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens))

Be sure you’re taking out the right plant--be very confident in your ID before you take any action! Amur honeysuckle and Japanese honeysuckle, for example, may be invasive in the US--but coral and northern bush honeysuckles are native and key species in their environments. You don’t want to do harm while trying to do good--double check your IDs. Being certain with your IDs can also prevent you from doing harm to yourself and others--some plants produce toxic smoke when burned. Stay well-read on how to dispose of the invasive plants you’re targeting. 

(Garlic mustard pesto! Can't say I've ever had it, but I've heard good things about it online!)

With that being said! Some invasive species can be eaten. It’s free food! And you’re helping the environment? Win-win! Try looking up recipes that use these plants, or see how you can substitute something else for them! Foraging guides and blogs would likely be extremely helpful for this.

A super easy way to help curb the spread of invasive plants is to not grow them yourself! Double check any plant you’re considering buying or growing from seed--some sold in stores like butterfly bush are often touted as great plants to add to a pollinator garden, but in reality are an invasive species that eagerly displaces native shrubs here in the states.

POV: you're working the garden center at the Blue Big Box Store, you care about the environment, and every day you watch people buy Butterfly Bush and can do jack shit about it asides from try to gently steer them towards something else (but the other next best option was also Invasive Tropical Milkweed because its easier for Big Box Store to sell) I have a personal vendetta against people who grow Butterfly Bush (I live in The States) (If you didn't know Butterfly Bush was invasive in the US before now you're valid but also please god consider replacing it with an alternative ASAP)

Invasive Animals

POV 30 to 50 feral hogs are running into your yard within 3-5 minutes while your small children play

Invasive animals and insects compete for resources, take over habitat, and can even spread disease--all while pushing native species out or dwindling their numbers. Keep track of invasive animals you see and report them. Depending on the severity of the situation, killing them can be necessary and even encouraged. Do be sure it’s an invasive species and not a look-alike. If you’re unsure, take pictures, do research, and take action the next time.

Some high-profile invasive species in the US are spotted lanternflies, cuban tree frogs, hammerhead worms, feral swine, zebra mussels, lionfish, asian carp, burmese python, and others. Again, do make sure you’re targeting species that are invasive in your area; I doubt Asian carp are considered invasive in Asia, for example. Similarly, the American bullfrog is native to the eastern US and Canada, but is quickly becoming an invasive species around the rest of the world. Not to mention, the racoon problem in Japan… 

Some invasive species can be eaten as well! Some of them taste awful, and some can even be dangerous to eat or handle without caution. I would do a good amount of research online before trying to cook up just anything.

Doing it Right

If you’re trying to handle invasive species, you do have to ensure you’re doing it properly. As you do your research, you’ll likely see if the species should be photographed and reported and to what channels. Also in some cases, going about destroying them incorrectly could unintentionally help them spread--some plants spread quickly through rhizomes into disturbed soil, and hammerhead worms can actually regenerate from pieces into fully-developed new worms when you try to cut them up. Some invasive species are even actively harmful to humans, so I cannot emphasize enough that you need to be sure about what you’re dealing with and be careful about it. Giant Hogweed, for example, has toxic sap that’ll cause severe skin inflammation and painful blisters if it contacts skin and is exposed to sunlight. The blisters last for months, and the skin may develop long-term sensitivity for sunlight. 

If you’re unsure about how to handle an invasive plant, or are unsure of it’s identity, try contacting your local university co-op extension service if you’re in the states. They can tell you how to remove it safely and effectively. I can't say for sure what other channels would be the best option for someone living outside the states, so if anyone knows, feel free to chime in!

Pets

POV: ur little outdoor kitty Firestar is destroying the balance of your local ecosystem plz keep him INSIDE

Please keep your pets inside, or at least on a leash. An outdoor cat can do a lot more damage than one might imagine, as well as unrestrained dogs.

That’s the end of this post! And... technically, the last post in the series! My next and final final post is gonna be basically a giant list of all my sources that I used to make this post! I hope this post series was informative, helpful, interesting--anything of value, really! Feel free to reply with any questions, your success stories, or anything you think I may have forgotten to add in!

#biodiversity #solarpunk #gardening #invasive species #ani rambles #out of queue #the biodiversity saga #i wasn't sure where to add this in on the post but not all non natives are invasive and some native plants have sorta invasive-y habits #i dont remember the proper term that isn't just 'invasive-y' but yknow. #with that being said I tend to do a quick google search to make sure a plant I wanna buy isn't invasive before I add it to my garden #with that being said fuck big box stores STOP SELLING INVASIVE PLANTS I SWEAR TO GOD I DONT CARE IF THEY'RE POPULAR STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT #someday I will go on an entire unhinged rant about tropical milkweed #ive already done it before but I'm willing to do it again fuck it #anyways!!!! this is the last post if you don't wanna read Collection Of Links: The Musical so uh #hope this was a nice series with helpful information!! love yall byeeee

[rawliverandgoronspice]

words pale to express how much I hate macron at this point

#thoughts #my grandmother was sent home with an unexamined broken bone #because she is old so not a priority and the public services are fucking drowning #then obviously she fell again and broke two more and got open wounds #then she was taken in and stored in a *corridor* for days #and the operation on her shoulder is being stalled because they have zero openings #AND THIS BITCH is out there speaking of cutting 10 billion more funding for hospitals #you are selling us to private US interests like there is no tomorrow #forbidding us from protesting for our rights and maiming and killing your own citizen when we try #gassing up the far right to try and win by comparaison EVEN THOUGH you do the EXACT same thing as them AND criminalizing the left #pussying out of saying you 100% support Israel when this is actually what's happening because you're a coward #AND prepping us for a war with russia that I'm fairly sure has nothing to do with genuine solidarity with ukraine #but far more with the european political chessboard and your own mark upon history because that's the kind of person you are #and doing your little ego parade for the olympics as though this should in any way shape of form be the priority right now??? #as if it's not unbelievably dangerous given the current state of the world?? #I want to eat a wall every time I see him on my screen #I am. very angry about many things at the moment. :)

[piduai]

#golden kamuy #dios mio i had to fight for my life for this. first it was sold out in my local book store so i had to search for a different one #and get on a goddamn train. then my scanner usb died and i had to set up a wireless connection and drivers #and sell my fucking data to hp. like was it necessary #sure it doesn't sound like a big deal (and it isn't) but a) i'm a busy woman and b) i'm very lazy #anyway that's it gk is over for good forever and we're stuck with ice hockey now. fun!

[aggressionbread]

i miss num noms :(

#its probably for the best they dont sell them anymore bc my collection was getting out of hand #but it was fun to get a little Thing(tm) every time i went to the store #hooked on those mini make it food things rn #num noms would go so hard as like a resin kit toy #but i'm seeing listings popping up on aliexpress now it looks like they're selling off new old stock? #ive never seen a bootleg of num noms stuff so im pretty sure its just old stock

[sweet-rabbit]

maybe it's the heat (so miserable...), but i'm already thinking about xmas specifically if i want to sell any holiday fandom merch stuff. probably GW related and most likely like these:

i'd make for sure our boiz, and maybe either/or relena and/or zechs though the main question would be what color combinations for their itty bitty snow hats~

#gundam wing #i enjoy making these little hats they're just yarn and toilet paper rolls #very soothing and mindless #not sure about interest considering it's an old fandom #but at the very least i'd be happy to make them for myself <3 #side note if a person wants to sell xmas stuff they gotta start in the summer so they can start in november #all due to time management #that's why i'm cool with the craft stores having super early holiday stuff since crafters need to get started early #ONLY CRAFT STORES #everywhere else NO #not saying i won't still buy your reeses halloween pumpkins that are already at my grocery store #because they're fresh and delicious #but i will still judge them and myself

[lycanqueer]

i am actually Really Good at Projects as long as i have the ability to manage my own damn self while also being accountable to someone else. the balance is so delicate but when its right? ohh it's so good.

#i'm not sure if i've mentioned it here or not but i'm helping a woman move out of the house that used to be her mom's #so it's a lot of sorting through years and years of Stuff figuring out what to donate or sell or throw away #then doing what needs to be done with it. hauling clothes and stuff to the thrift store and collecting the trash and throwing it out #not to mention photographing and listing items for sale #so like im so busy but it's so satisfying #and i'm getting paid for it so that's also nice lol

[sga-owns-my-soul]

hey i heard you like to hype people up! im putting my art stuff in a new store and im really nervous about it and could use some hype 😊

!!!!!!!!! omg anon holy shit that's so cool!!!!!!!! i'm so proud of you that's amazing!!!!! i hope people love your art (which i'm sure they will) and that you sell lots of art!!!!! good luck, you're gonna absolutely crush it!!!!!!

(and even if you don't sell much or anything that's still okay bc it's huge that you're putting your stuff in a store!!! that's so cool and i'm so proud of you!!!!! it takes so much work to do something like that and you should be so proud of yourself for putting yourself out there!!!!!)

#seriously though that's SO cool!!!! #artists are so incredible y'all have so much talent and deserve so much recognition #good luck anon!!!!! #i hope it goes amazing!!!!!! #(feel free to let me know how it goes!!) #don't mind my excessive use of exclamation marks i'm just really excited for you!!!!! #selling art in a store seems terrifying to me and it's so impressive that you're doing it!!!! proud of you!!!!!! #asks #professional hype man #(i think that'll be my tag for these but idk for sure we'll see) #not stargate

[aroaessidhe]

bookmark collection 3/?

snake bookmark by glaciars, with a snake falls to earth, girl serpent thorn, & the unspoken name

#bookmark collection #I'm pretty sure they still sell this one! their store is closed at the moment tho #booklr

[kelkilou]

⚠ I know it’s sudden but I'm going to have to temporarily close my store on May 31st as I have a lot of Cons in June!

 I'm still very new to managing & maintaining Store Stock and Con Stock, so apologies everyone - I should re-open again around July, but for now I hope you understand 🙏🧡

Orders made before then will still be fulfilled, so if you want anything, be sure to get your orders in before the store closes!

#To be totally honest I'm not used to people buying from my store I kinda expected nothing to sell #but then I got orders in and I was happy until I realised it left me with no stock for Cons and my restock might not arrive in time aaaaa #teaches me not to slack off with my store backlog... #how do people do this man its so chaotic for me lol #store #update #I'll get the hang of it eventually I'm sure??? #I hope

[victorluvsalice]

-->Sales continued above as Alice continued baking below -- though maybe not as smoothly as I'd hoped either activity would go. Smiler had to take a quick break to suck down a plasma fruit and then clean some of the produce stands midway through the day; one of Victor's customers tried to scare him, but did it so incompetently that they both just ended up embarrassed; and Alice's attempt to make a fruit cobbler ended up in an excellent cobbler but also a broken stove jetting flame. *grimaces* Not good! I decided it was about time Alice did her thing on the sales floor instead and directed her upstairs --

-->Only to discover that she couldn't actually greet any customers. She only had the option to tell them to leave. Baffled, I had her go shovel some of the snow in front of the store instead (only right to clear the drifts, and anyway she can always use the Fitness) --

And then, as sales started piling up on the floor, I tried clicking on a customer with her again and discovered she was perfectly capable of ringing up customers. Can't say hi, can help them check out. O.o No idea what was going on there, honestly. Maybe Alice just wanted to keep the social interaction to a minimum. :p

-->Anyway, despite this weirdness, the store remained hopping -- well, whenever it wasn't lagging, that is. I swear, there is SOMETHING about this lot that makes Sims just idle in the middle of their activities for no apparent reason. It wasn't like this when the trio first bought it! Which, of course, leads me to believe that it was filling the store up with products that has made it so freaking laggy. It's not UNPLAYABLE, it's just annoying -- we'll have to see if the situation gets better as they sell more stuff. And then, if it IS a case of too many things on one lot, we'll see what we can do to remedy that. (Though their home lot has LOADS more stuff and never lags like this...)

-->ANYWAY -- despite all that, they ended up having a very solid grand opening! Smiler handled the customers on their own for a bit so Victor could get a quick dinner in the break room and Alice join him for some TV, then they all pitched in to do some cleaning both upstairs and down before shutting the doors at 7 PM! Having sold eleven items (including the stuff I mentioned before, a box of cheese, another box of canned tomato sauce to Agnes, a box of apple jam jars, a “Rosey Disposition” flower arrangement, and a deodorizing scent) for a total profit of $3,807! Though again, it's not about the money -- they have plenty of that. It's about providing San Myshuno with good fresh food off the farm, and themselves with a way to use up all the produce from said farm! I mean, that greenhouse alone produces a LOT...

#sims 4 #the lazy save #victor van dort #alice liddell #smiler always #running a store be stressful yo #especially with the weird lag #not sure if it's because I have too much stuff #or just too much stuff FOR SALE #maybe I should take the tags off a few items and see what happens #the lag issues only started happening recently so it's got to be the result of something I did recently #hmmmmm #we'll figure it out eventually #in the meantime not a bad day! #yeah sometimes hard to keep track of everyone #especially with customers coming in and out in a pretty steady stream #but I'm happy with what they've sold and the profit they made :) #as stated it's not for the money #it's just to have something to do with all this food XD #beyond just selling it direct off the vine as it were #we'll see how things progress from here #queued

[sassyhazelowl]

One of my local invert shops is selling jumping spiders for pretty ridiculous prices:

and all I can think is, well, a free one fell on my housemate's head a few days ago...

#cw spider #granted the free one was an adult male bold who I'm pretty sure is dying #I decided to keep him inside with offered food and honey water neither of which was accepted #he's probably just old - males don't live long #also very suspicious the store is selling WC P Regius #when there's no reason to do #they breed readily in captivity and are easy to raise

[barrykoeghan]

shopping list

#beach boys says there's 7k but that sounds like a lie i feel like they're gonna make it a permanent pressing #that's the only one i'm worried about #selling out #nobody cares about sparks but me and like 5 other people so it's fine i'm 100% sure my stores won't even HAVE them so

[ricoka]

I had a sketchbook with great paper where alcohol markers didn't bleed through if used in moderation, the paper wasn't too thick but not to thin either and it was a bit bigger than A5 (I love my moleskines but they're really testing me format wise). But I bought it when I was still thinking about making cosplays, so.....probably in 2015 or 2016 and I had no idea where I got it from and couldn't find it anywhere. WELL a few days ago I was at my local most beloved art supply store and I FOUND IT AGAIN 🥹

#there was no brand attached because it's from the supply store #they sell some off-brand stuff that is slightly cheaper #I'm so happy 💕🥹 #now i can do my gesture drawings in it again without any issues because i know where i can pick it up again #but i have this weird thing where I'm scared of using up things I'm not sure I'll be able to replace lol

[battywitch]

🥲

#i should have ordered 3 pounds of candy corn instead of 2 lmao #i haven't had any since 2020 or 2021 because the one store that sold the one for sure gluten free kind doesn't sell it anymore #so i finally broke and ordered directly from jelly belly during the sale last month #and candy corn is my favorite nanowrimo snack to have between sprints or while I'm mulling something over #my intention had been to eat one bag from late October through all of November and freeze the other for cravings throughout the next year #but. uh. i think i underestimated how much I'd missed it #if they have another sale soon i might order another bag. just to be safe. #(I've never been a huge fan of a ton of sweet things but I've always loved candy corn)

[jedi-bird]

It's been a less than great day, so enjoy some baby yuzu fruit, slowly growing on the tree I spent four years looking for.

Proud of my little babies but I can't wait to eat them.

#adventures in gardening #my yuzu is the only happy citrus right now #it's also one of the plants I'm most protective about #since I'm not sure i can ever replace it if anything happens to it #there are no stores or nurseries left in our area that sell citrus #and only the one ever had rare fruit trees