#ill just donate it to my local thrift store

[undercoverduggarblog]

beige, cream, porcelain

ok here we go!!

beige: have any pets? what're their names?

i have two that live with my parents! a toy/mini poodle named brownie and a schnauzer/yorkie named riker!

cream: any piercings or tattoos? do you want any?

ive had my ears pierced twice, and the second was meant to be in the same spot as the first holes (lmao anyone remember my american girl horror stories?). ive let them close up and i don’t intend on reopening them because i just don’t like wearing earrings

i have three tattoos, three dog prints for the three dogs i’ve had in my life, “i love you” in my mom’s handwriting, and a bee because i’m auntie bee to my nephews. when i have the spare money i want to combine that bee with a valentine i have from my grandpa who died three years ago. i’m ready to drop a couple hundred on it to have a consulting appointment before so i can make sure it’s perfect. i’d love to get some flowers someday too and some sort of matching tattoo with my husband!

porcelain: an tv show you used to love

i used to be soooo obsessed with ncis. tony/ziva forever. i was so upset after ziva left i haven’t watched it since!!

blue: preferred type of weather?

the weather right now is soooo close to what i love, i just want it to warm up a bit more. i like to have a light jacket or sweater on and be able to spend the day outside without being too hot or freezing

brass: least favorite food condiment

maybe relish? ive grown a bit on mustard, but just to cook with and combine with other things. i still wouldn’t put it directly on a hot dog

fawn: any interesting family stories?

i simply cannot think of any if you don’t already know my family lmao

gold: do you wear your socks mismatched?

yes! it drives my husband crazy. i don’t like wearing socks that aren’t the same type though- i would never do a short sock with a long sock

honey: your thoughts on magic- does it exist?

ive said before that if i wasn’t raised christian i would probably be like pagan or some shit. i love the idea of magic and witchery and potions but i also feel like ill get smited if i say it’s real lmao

green: do you have a favourite flower?

i don’t think i do! i saw some tulips today and those were really pretty. i like roses and daisies too. i like any flower that’s pretty and colorful!

magenta: do you keep your fingernails long or short?

short. i don’t keep them as short as possible but i hate the idea of my nails being bent so i keep them fairly short

aqua: do you thrift?

i definitely donate to thrift stores, but i’m not a big shopper. i’m plus size, so there’s not really clothes for me there, but on occasions when i’ve had to buy furniture i do try and see if my local places have something!

black: would you ever try going vegetarian or vegan?

all love and respect to vegetarians and vegans (my husband is a vegetarian, i’m an ally) but i’m simply too picky and don’t like enough vegetables and love steak too much to do it

maroon: do you care for clothing brands?

not really. like i said, i’m not a big shopper. i do like and support bravissimo though! ive loved everything i’ve ever bought from them

claret: do you play an instrument? do you want to learn to play any?

no :( i wish i could play the piano

ebony: would you ever want to play a game on television? (jeopardy, family fued, etc)

i have no interest in being on tv! but my husband would kill it on name that tune

erin: what was/is your best school subject?

i guess theatre? ive always liked history but i was never academically good at it

fulvous: another name you think would suit you

i was supposed to be named elizabeth and every day i curse my brother for preventing it

jade: ever written fanfiction?

lmaoooo yes and there’s not a lot that i keep private on here but my ff.net account will forever be a secret

umber: do you brush your teeth before you eat?

i don’t want everything i eat to taste like mint but no

rose quartz: rings or necklaces

i guess rings? i don’t wear necklaces anymore and i really only wear my wedding rings

mauve: any unpopular opinions?

utica should win season 13 of drag race

wine: do you have a 'type'

i had a breakdown like a month ago realizing that maxwell sheffield had a severe influence on the type of man i’m attracted to. and for girls i love all curvy brunettes with a big smile (thank you harriet the spy)

#long post #asked and answered

[gluestickcherrybum]

Happy Earth Day peeps! ヾ(@°▽°@)ノ

I haven’t written in a while but I wanted to write something for this occasion, and more posts about environmentalism since its something i’m quite passionate about. Coronavirus is pretty much all anyone’s talking about lately. And as a result , our entire way of living has been adjusted due to the outbreak: Staying indoors, washing our hands, and social distancing has become the new normal.

But just because we’re experiencing difficult times doesn’t mean we should lose sight of the bigger picture which is caring for the earth. 

Thinking about sustainability is even more important now because it connects us to the world at a time we’re told to quarantine ourselves. We’re told now more than ever to purchase single-use hand sanitizers, face masks, gloves, and other products. 

Unfortunately, these items will likely end up in landfills, or worse - the environment. Already, face masks are polluting the shores of Hong Kong. Also, people fear reusable items like never before - some businesses flat out refusing reusable mugs, containers and produce bags. While I understand we want to stay healthy, and prevent the spread of the virus, we should still make a conscious effort to think about how our decisions effect the Earth too. So, with this in mind, here’s how to stay zero waste during the coronavirus outbreak.

Why should we care about zero waste right now?

Sustainability probably isn’t on the forefront of anyone’s mind right now, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still care or talk about it. As I mentioned earlier, thinking about sustainability helps us connect to the world in a time we’re told to bunker down and stay inside. It helps us appreciate things and maybe view the world a little differently. And, as scary and disheartening as all of this is - there is some good news too.

For example, there have been several reports of clearer waters in Venice where fish are now visible. Air pollution has dropped significantly in Italy due to the fact that fewer fossil fuels are being burned from people staying indoors. Even New York, Los Angels, Chicago, Seattle and Atlanta have reported significant drops in air pollution.

I’m well aware these positive changes come at a cost - so they’re bittersweet, at most. However, they can’t be ignored. It would be fantastic if, after the emergency is over, we could remember the beauty we’ve seen reappear in the world and do our best to preserve it.

There’s of course negative news as well, single-use items are being disposed on the daily and ending up littering up our community. Worst part is, these gloves and masks are not biodegradable or good for the environment - they’re made with petroleum. They’re also a health hazard because you can’t exactly pick these items up without worrying you’ll catch something.

That’s why it’s so important to think about sustainability right now. And zero waste does figure into all of that. By remaining zero waste during this time, we’re acting on our commitment to bettering the planet as a whole. 

How can I stay zero waste during the coronavirus outbreak?

Thankfully, there are several ways to make an impact during this time. All hope is far from lost.

Make the most of your food by reducing food waste

In this hard time, the food we eat should be cherished. With so many people struggling to put meals on the table due to job loss, we need to make our food last us. One way we can do this is by cooking with leftovers. For example, if you have some leftover rice and vegetables - make fried rice. Or turn boiled potatoes into mash.You can also get creative and make vegetable stock out of food scraps, turn mushy berries into jam, pickle some fruit. Or getting into some good old composting.

Invest in reusable masks and gloves

During this time, you’ll likely see a ton of people walking around with face masks and gloves on. Most of them are single use too. As I mentioned earlier, lots of face masks and gloves are being littered right now. 

It’s bad enough these items are single use only, they should be disposed of properly. Face masks have already started to wash up on the shores of Hong Kong in addition to other ocean polluters. Yikes.

Cloth masks havent been proven to be as efficient as clinical face masks in filtering the air, but for those who are sick and would like to prevent infection to others, the cotton does aid in catching water droplets from coughing and such. Just make sure to wash them regularly.

Instead of plastic gloves, consider using those reusable rubber gloves that people use to wash dishes sometimes. You can wash them with soap or even boil them to disinfect.

Decluttering

If you haven’t yet read Marie Kondo’s book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, now’s a good time to get inspired. Time to go through all of your items and find the items that truly “spark joy” and be rid of the rest. Unfortunately during this time, you can’t exactly donate items to thrift shops. More than likely, thrift shops will be closed. However, you can at least set items aside to be donated once all of this is over. If you’re not comfortable waiting that long, you can always try selling it online like on Depop or Carousel.

That said, don’t be afraid to throw certain things out. I know that may seem kind of counterproductive, as I’m advising you to stay zero waste during this crisis.However, I’m fully aware there are some items we hold onto as zero wasters because we hope to keep them out of the landfill as long as possible. Items that are hard to recycle, or we don’t know how to recycle; items we believe we can fix but never get around to fixing; items simply destined for landfill one way or the other.

I know it hurts to let these items go, but you have to. It’s good for your mental health, and for the sake of your home. Remember: There is no such thing as being fully zero waste. We can get very close, but the truth is, our economy is a linear one. And every living creature creates waste of some sort. Now, this doesn’t mean I want you throwing out perfectly good items. Try to find items homes first! See if your friends or family want items you don’t first. Then, if not, seek to donate or sell. But obviously things like clothing tags and junk mail must go.

Invest in reusable period products

At this moment of crisis, with everyone panic buying basic necessities, menstrual pads and tampons are starting to get scarce so much so, you might have a hard time finding those items these days . This might be a good time to try out some sustainable alternatives. Women spend an enormous price in period products throughout their lifetime, so investing in reusables not only keeps a phenomenal amount of waste from landfills, but also saves the time going to the store and a whole lot of money.

Personally i use a menstrual cup (which i might write a whole post about it later), but for the less adventurous there are a good few other choices like reusable cloth pads and period panties (which sounded like a miracle when i first heard about them, but i haven’t seemed to be able to find any sold locally for now)

Heck, invest in reusable anything…

Its not just pads and tampons with reusable counterparts, if you want to get a little advanced in zero waste, try swapping out any disposable items possible, like stainless steel safety razors for plastic ones (ask your granddad), the infamous metal straw for plastic straws, or even things as simple as bar soap for bottled body soap.

Shop for food without the waste

During this time, please only stock up on what you need. You don’t have to hoard food - there’s plenty to go around. There’s more than enough food for everyone. Just take what you need and leave some for others.

To continue shopping sustainably, you can bring your own reusable shopping bags or produce bags (or you can diy some from old pillow cases)

I understand not everyone will be able to shop in bulk during this time for dry goods. So, you should shop as if you have no bulk food options. This means opting for items packaged in paper, cardboard, glass and aluminum.

If you must get something packaged in plastic, get the biggest container you can afford. Smaller plastics especially cling film are harder to or even impossible to recycle. Less than 9% of plastic is actually recycled so the less we consume, the less will likely end up in the landfill or oceans.

And thats all for today’s post, im sorry if its posted a bit later on Earth day than expected. I hope everyone is safe and healthy during these hard times. And if youre a student, i hope the online classes arent as bad as people say (im conveniently on a special leave of absence this semester (see my last post) so i have no idea how its going down) and if youre interested in more tips and tricks in being zero waste, feel free to hit me up and maybe ill write more posts like these. Thanks for reading ヽ(*・ω・)ﾉ

#zero waste #zero waste lifestyle #gluestickcherrybum #studyblr #earth day #happy earth day #quarantine #coronavirus #covid-19 #outbreak #environmentalism

[justaknightinshiningwhatever]

I haven't posted on this account in AGES.

A few years back, around the time that the Supergirl and Wynonna Earp shows started gaining traction, I opened a whole new account, new email address, the whole 9 yards, it is, @supergirlspurgatory. I did that because I didn't feel like I was doing this blog justice by primarily posting and reblogging content for those shows. This blog was always about talking about me, talking about my life as a young woman coming into the world and thusly coming out of the closet and coming to terms with my sexuality as a lesbian. Over the last several years while I've been neglecting JustAKnightInShiningWhatever, I've grown and changed as a person, a lot. I've found love, I've lost love, I've broken hearts, I've had my heart broken, and most recently, I've had an incredible woman come into my life who I have fallen hard for and who accepted me despite my bent and broken soul, and has managed to heal my heart. Now, I just want to say, the last 11 months that she has been in my life, they have been a journey, an incredible voyage. I've learned so much, I've grown so much, I've become acquainted with what true happiness is. I am finally at a point in my life, where even when I go through tough times, I can't help but thank the heavens for the beautiful life I have been gifted. Now, all that being said, as I write this, at 6.30 AM on Friday, the 17th, of April, 2020, the world has fallen into turmoil and chaos. I think we were all hopeful that 2020 was going to be a new, beautiful, and amazing chapter in our lives. Now, I'm not saying it isn't, or in the very least, it doesn't still have the potential to be. But as it stands now, things are difficult. The world is overrun by a pandemic that I don't think the majority of us saw coming. The United States is being ran by a president who doesn't seem to know what he's doing, and I believe the majority of us are still wondering, how he managed to get elected into office. Many of us are ill, many of us have lost our jobs, many of those who are still working, are having to do so from home, and those who are still able to go to work, are risking their lives everyday, as they could be exposed to the virus at any time. Personally, I was laid off from my job. The first job, I think that I have ever truly enjoyed, with a team that I loved and miss dearly. Before being laid off, I had a close call with the virus. I had many of the symptoms in mid-March, and had to fight to get tested. Fortunately, the test came back negative. But I was still required to quarantine for a full two weeks. As of today, I have been home for 33 days. I was lucky, and was able to see the special girl in my life, right before I got sick. But I have not seen her since, because she lives 7 hours away, and lives on her family ranch with her mom, who is immunocompromised. This is the longest we have gone without seeing each other since meeting. It's hard, I miss her desperately, but we're doing what we need to do, to not only protect ourselves but to protect our loved ones as well. As the pandemic continues, the days get longer and lonelier. I find it more and more difficult, each day, to find things to keep my mind busy. I've had to stop following the news because it just gives me more and more anxiety and fills me with more and more fear. I choose instead to rely on my family and friends who I am in regular contact with, for daily updates on the important things and I avoid all the rest. But I have read and heard a few amazing things in this time. I've heard that the hole in the ozone layer is getting smaller and at a rate quicker than we've ever seen. Large cities across the world, like Los Angeles, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and many others, are seeing huge improvements in their air quality and pollution levels are incredibly low. I read an article about thousands of sea turtles laying eggs on a beach that they hadn't done much laying on in many years because of pollution, littering, and human interference. Companies like General Motors, Ford, and Dyson have switched their factories around so they can start producing respirators to help with the mass shortages that hospitals in the United States are facing. Many clothing companies have halted production and started instead, making face masks, to help protect not only health care workers, but also the general public, who still have to go out for work and groceries. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amazing stories that I've heard and I hope to continue to hear more. I think that it is important, to look for these positives right now. It's all about finding the small things in each day to bring you joy. Reach out to an old friend that you haven't spoken to for a while, and have a phone call or video chat to catch up. Make your favorite meal to enjoy. If you're at home with family, friends, or roommates, take some time to learn something new about them. Pull out a board game, from the back closet, and play it together. Read that book that you've been putting off. Watch a new movie that sparks your interest or watch your favorite movie again. Go through your closet and put together a pile of clothing to donate to your local thrift store. Get online and do some research on a topic that's always interested you. Make an effort to learn something new. The world is going through a tough time right now. Please, please, please, try to find things to bring you at least little happiness, everyday. On that note, I'm going to end this post. I hope it brings at least one person some sort of comfort. I'm going to make an effort to post regularly on this page from now on. So you'll be hearing from me. -M

#just a night in shining whatever #Megan talks #the world #lesbian #guy up in here #covid19 #caronavirus #pandemic2020 #find the small things #simple joys #love

[consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis]

21 Easy (and Cozy) Self Care Ideas to Practice this Winter

New blog post! Now that winter is making days shorter, colder and darker, it's more important than ever to make self care part of your regular routine. And I'm not talking about the Instagram #selfcare that requires fancy bath bombs or expensive lotions. I'm talking about 21 easy ways that you can get cozy and relaxed this winter, whether you're a college student like me, a busy mother of two or a full-time worker with a demanding job schedule.

Some of these self care ideas may seem obvious, but others may surprise you - and many of them are scientifically-backed ways to tackle stress. So regardless of how busy you may be this holiday season, check out these 21 ways you can add more self care into your holly, jolly life.

1. Make yourself a warm, welcoming drink.

On cold winter days, it probably feels natural to reach for something cozy to warm you up. If you're really looking for help relaxing, though, fill your mug with tea. Research has found that drinking tea can help lower people's stress levels. Plus, it can be pretty dang delicious! (If you have celiac disease, just make sure it's gluten free).

2. Watch a sappy holiday-inspired show or movie.

Sometimes, we don't need an award-winning movie or TV show to enjoy ourselves. At least a few times this winter, embrace your silly or sentimental side by watching a bad Hallmark movie or bingeing your favorite holiday baking show. (And if you eat chocolate while doing it, that's obviously worth bonus points).

3. Go thrifting for cute and comfy winter clothes.

Updating your wardrobe for winter doesn't have to hurt your wallet. Instead, make looking for comfy hats, mittens or scarfs a fun adventure by hitting up your local second-hand store.

4. Be your own masseuse.

Massage has been shown to reduce people's physical tension and mental stress - and if you have a chronic illness or chronic pain like me, a good massage is always a good idea! You don't need to hire a high-end masseuse to reap some of these benefits, either. Give yourself a massage instead by rubbing your own muscles while lotioning up after your shower or using a tennis ball or foam roller to break up any knots and tension. Pair this massage with a relaxing bubble bath and you have the makings of a perfect self-date night.

5. Set aside extra time to read a book, just for fun.

I know that winter can be a busy time with friends and family, but don't forget to set aside some alone time in your schedule. Add a good book into the equation, and your quiet night in will be extra enjoyable.

6. Bake yourself something festive!

Besides getting to eat a delicious pumpkin or apple inspired treat, you'll feel nice and cozy when your kitchen is warm from the oven and smelling like the holidays. (And if you need some ideas for gluten free pumpkin desserts or baked goods, try out this recent round up of mine!).

7. Walk it out (outdoors or at a local gym).

Depending on the weather where you live, going for a walk outside might not be an option. Even if you have to go for a walk inside, though, your brain will still thank you. Research has found that exercise can drastically improve people's mental health, and even just walking will lower how often people have "bad days."

8. Take up a new, indoor hobby.

And if being outdoors is realllly not an option, starting a new hobby that takes place indoors is ideal. Start putting together puzzles, learning how to cross-stitch...or even practicing rock-climbing, like I did last year! Who knows - you may end up finding a hobby that you love doing year-round.

9. Try out hot yoga.

Because there's no better escape for winter weather than a relaxing, mantra-and-stretch filled session of hot yoga.

10. Light one of your favorite candles.

More research still needs to be done on the benefits of aromatherapy, but science seems to suggest that certain scents can help us chilllll out. Find a scent that you enjoy, like lavender or peppermint, and experiment with burning different candles and seeing which smells work best for you!

11. Purge your social media feeds.

You've heard of spring cleaning, but winter is another great time to set yourself up for a fresh start in the New Year. If you find yourself spending more time than ever on social media since it's too cold or dreary to go outside, pay attention to how each account makes you feel and ditch the ones that aren't doing you any favors.

12. Get crafty and let out your inner child.

Create a wreath to hang on your door, use colorful pens and papers to create homemade cards or just doodle in a notebook. These kinds of creative activities have been linked to improved mood and creativity the next day...plus, you might end up with some very cute gifts to give this Christmas. Win-win!

13. Pamper yourself with a face mask.

I've only started using face masks this last year, and the hype is worth it. My favorite is a simple mix of honey with cinnamon that I apply on "problem areas" for around 10-15 minutes before washing it off, but there are tons of safe (and even delicious!) face mask recipes you can find online. No fancy or expensive ingredients or products required. Plus, dry winter skin will definitely thank you for the extra TLC.

14. Dust off your crockpot and experiment with a new yummy recipe.

I know I've certainly been lax in using my crockpot lately, and it can be hard to feel motivated to start cooking dinner first thing in the morning. But your future self will definitely thank you for the little bit of prep you do earlier, and winter is the perfect time to whip up something warm and gooey. May I suggest my crockpot stacked enchiladas or vegan mac and cheese?

15. Throw a pajama party.

Whether you have a solo party or invite friends, spend a whole, blissful day hanging out in your PJs.

16. Do something nice for someone else. 

Acts of kindness have actually been scientifically shown to improve people's physical and mental health, so passing it forward this winter is actually a win-win. Donate to a local toy-drive, send a care package to a solider or pay for the next person's coffee in Starbucks. Little acts can have a big impact.

17. Start a gratitude practice.

If you're the journaling type, you can start writing what you're grateful for every day in a notebook. Otherwise, sticky notes or just thinking about two things you're grateful for each morning or night will still give you a positivity boost!

18. Set aside time to play your favorite "pointless" game.

Whether it's Sudoku, Words With Friends or a video game that you used to play for hours every day in high school, give yourself permission to just sit back and play for a little while. I know that during most of the year, I'm a major multi-tasker and anytime I do get to play a game, it's because I'm traveling or waiting to start another chore. So chillin' (pun intended) with my gamer self during winter is one of my favorite ways to relax.

19. Declutter at least one part of your house.

Along with purging your social media feeds, on days when cold weather keeps you in the house, you might try purging cluttered corners as well. Decluttering can not only improve concentration, but it can also improve your mood, lower your stress levels and give you a better night's sleep. And if you play your latest Netflix binge, favorite podcast or an epic holiday playlist in the background, you can make decluttering feel a lot more fun too.

20. Stretch yo' body.

At least for me, finding the motivation for a hard workout feels a lot harder when it's cold, dark and dreary outside. So on days when you feel like you're in a funk but don't feel up for a full workout, do some gentle stretches (even in the comfort of your own bed!) instead. It will loosen up your muscles, slash your stress and might even help you be more productive at work.

21. Choose a mantra for the upcoming year.

Obviously, you shouldn't spend all winter pining for spring...but it can't hurt to spend a little time reflecting on what you want from the upcoming months. In 2018, my word or mantra of the year was "discomfort." In 2019, it was "open." And while I haven't decided exactly what word I want to keep in mind during the start of a new decade, I think something similar to "change" will end up winning. What do you want to get out of this Spring? You still have some cold weeks to help you figure out your answer!

The Bottom Line of Self Care During Winter

As the days get colder and our social schedules get busier, it's easy to let self care fall to the bottom of our to-do list. I know from personal experience, though, that you can't run on empty...and when you better yourself through self care, you're also empowering yourself to be a better friend, family member, and personal overall! So this winter, give yourself the gift of self care rituals...and if you need even more ideas, feel free to check out my previous roundups: How to Create Your Own Self Care Retreat in 5 Easy Steps; 15 Self Care Activities You Can Do Without Leaving Bed; and 21 Self Care Activities You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less! How are you taking care of yourself this winter? Give me more of your own self care ideas in the comments below! via Blogger https://ift.tt/2OKlqR3

#Blogger #college #celiac #gluten free #coeliac #celiacs #paleo #primal #foodporn #foodart

[joplayingjaks]

i am not very active on social media lately except for liking stuff because ive had a lot going on and everything just feels overwhelming but hello im still alive

(long life update for venting purposes ope)

ive been in such a funk, anxiety and depression kickin my butt a lot lately but i still have some good days now and then. still on a low dose for meds and trying cbd oil and not seeing much improvement. nightmares are happening a little less but thats honestly because i smoke a bit and stay up until i physically cant stay awake any longer and pass out from exhaustion, so i guess ive just traded nightmares for insomnia again, hense me writing this at 4 am lol. i got a referral from my dr to check out a local clinic for therapy and a family member donated a bit to me to be able to afford a few appointments, but i have felt so stuck and busy that i havent gone and checked it out yet.

physical pain has been weird. at this point idk how much of it has to do with mental stuff and how much is caused by a physical issue. joint pain every day in my shoulders, elbows, hips, knees. pinched nerve in my elbow causing my hand and fingers to go numb, my dr pretty much said to just take more pain killers and hope it stops being irritated. i bought compression sleeves and they help a little bit, but its too hot to wear them rn in summer, especially at work. i told my mom that since she can afford it, she should get some genetic testing done for things like lupus and arthritis to see if we can figure this thing out, because the same symptoms affect her, her sisters, and her mom. she doesnt seem like she’s going to do it any time soon.

i still work at the pizza place, but im looking for anything else that will pay a bit more and hopefully be a little less stressful. one of my coworkers is unbearable to work with and shes decided she doesnt want to work on any of the days we need people but she also is complaining about not having enough hours. and shes mad that i got her hours and am training people now and that people tip me because im not an asshole to everyone. so the last two weeks ive been working both her and my shifts because she decided not to show up because she wanted to go to the fair and crap for the 4th. i doubt she’ll be fired or disciplined because shes pregnant and the company doesnt want to look bad by firing a pregnant chick. sorry, she just is so mean it gets me worked up... anyways, ive applied at 3 bakeries, a candy shoppe, barnes & noble, edible arrangements, a doggie daycare, a grocery store, and a thrift store. and ive only gotten one response from one of the bakeries whom i have an interview with on wednesday. i just want to be able to do a little more than barely scrape by each month, and i absolutely do not want to put any sort of pressure on cody emotionally or financially or anything. also speaking of cody, he works at a delivery company now in the warehouse, but still picks up some hours at the pizza place on occasion. its really hard work but it pays well and he is striving to eventually become a driver for them, im proud of him.

i havent been doing much for music or art or anything unfortunately. i probably should, it would probably help with the stress i feel. but i just feel empty most of the time, like sleeping and working and doing the minimum takes up all of my energy. idk, i just need to try a little harder i think and i can get the help i need to crawl out of this.

ill get there. goodnight for now. i really hope everyone is well.

#jakaaron is a dork

[slipteesdam]

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And we got every kid in the neighborhood, too, because with rare Bluebirds Bird Matching Santa Bluebirds Christmas Sweater T shirt Sweater , my dad was the only father who’d come out and play (he DID read the paper a bit while he ate, and we wondered why he ate a little slowly). And he was between 6 and 20 years older than the other fathers, too. Barring illness he NEVER…MISSED…A…NIGHT. In the winter, we had a little (3/4 size) pool table), and we’d sometimes play (carefully supervised) darts or cards. It was always something, and he didn’t miss a night. This is from maybe age 4 until mid-teens, and even then, my dad and I always concluded the evening “having a catch” (I still can’t watch “Field of Dreams” without bawling my head off; I’ve seen it 20 times). We would play catch when I came home weekends from college, and he was pushing 60 by then. Still, he NEVER told me “No”.

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My first time was a mixed blessing. I was checking out at my local thrift store and the cashier looks up at Bluebirds Bird Matching Santa Bluebirds Christmas Sweater T shirt Sweater and loudly asks, “Are you over 60?, I can give you the senior citizen discount?” Yes, I took the discount and yes, I was bummed that I am now being offered it. My mother wore her senior status as a badge of honor and never hesitated to ask what kind of discount she could get. This is the woman who raised me with the mantra, “never pay retail”; so offer me a discount and I’ll take it. Just don’t have to be so loud asking the over 60 question. Note, our thrift store is a training center for mentally challenged, the cashier knows me from my years of shopping and donating there.

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Hompage: Teejeep Cataloge

[gothamade-archive-blog]

COMMISSIONS ARE OPEN ONCE AGAIN. (includes theme backgrounds, icons, promos, and aesthetics). some of y’all might know, but i’ve been dealing with an un-diagnosed, painful chronic illness for about seven years now. anyways, it’s progressed to the point where i’m unable to work a normal job. i’ve applied for disability, but it might not go through for another 5 months BUT i still have rent to pay AND i can’t get any financial help from my family. SO commissions are open once again to help ! i’ve also kind of opened my own “business” of customizing/hand-painting shoes from thrift stores for my fellow nerds who can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars on them. anyways, i won’t be taking donations because i like to work to make a living, but commissioning me/buying a pair of shoes would help me out so much. please reblog to spread the word even if you decide not to purchase anything ! i’m kind of in desperate need right now.

details below the cut ! 

ICONS: 

icons can be tailored to your desires: shapes, colors, borders, etc. if you have your own psd, i can include that instead of creating a new one for you. if you don’t have screencaps of your faceclaim, i would also be happy to cap things for you.

100 base icons - $7

200 base icons - $13

300 icons - $20 + psd included for free with every purchase of 300 or more icons !

**Creating a new, tailored PSD will be an additional $1. Screencapping is an extra $2 per movie/episode.**

see examples here. if you’re interested in commissioning icons, please send me THIS form in my submit box !

PROMOS:

promos will be charged on the number of pictures and gifs. anything can be written on these promos, any picture can be used (please make sure it’s high quality).

1 picture promo - $5

2 picture promo - $7

3 picture promo - $9

4 picture promo - $11

**gifs are an addition $1 each**

see examples here. if you’re interested in commissioning a promo, please send me THIS form in my submit box !

THEME BACKGROUNDS: 

theme backgrounds can be used with ANY theme. you’ll just have to let me know which one you’re using. any picture/color can be used. please make sure your picture is high quality. 

i can also help you code your theme, but i cannot create one. if that is needed, i would be happy to help you. 

Theme / no gif - $14

Theme / with gif - $16

**coding help will be an additional $1**

see examples here. if you’re interested in commissioning a theme background, please send me THIS form in my submit box !

AESTHETICS: 

aesthetics are a beautiful thing, especially if there is little content to your character. it represents who your character is, or who the ship is about. i’m happy to do any sort of aesthetic (character, ship, mood, show, etc.)

6 picture aesthetic - $5

9 picture aesthetic - $8

see examples here. if you’re interested in commissioning an aesthetic, please send me THIS form in my submit box !

SHOES: 

i’m offering customized, hand-painted shoes. instead of buying new shoes and charging more, i’m purchasing them from my local thrift stores, cleaning them fixing them, and painting them to your liking. shipping is free until next friday (december 1).

flats - $25-$35

tennis shoes/sneakers - $30-$50

heels - $30 - $50

boots - $45 -$65

see examples here. if you’re interested in purchasing shoes, please send me THIS form in my submit box !

**note, i’m asking people to put things in my submit box to help me stay organized. payment will also be recieved through paypal only!**

#haley's commissions #commissions #icon commissions #theme bg commissions #aesthetic commissions #promo commissions #customized shoes #❛ ❪ ɴʏssᴀ ᴀʟ ᴄᴏᴏʟ. / OOC. ❫

[floraexplorer]

Ten Eco-Friendly Products for the Traveller in Your Life

“Single-use plastics are the devil!”

I stood in the pharmacy aisle and staring at the dental floss picks in disbelief. Twenty different brands, all with plastic handles wrapped in cellophane, all supposed to be used once then thrown out.

I’d just come from a visit to the dental hygienist who’d told me to I needed to floss. She’d even recommended these picks because they’re easier to use than regular floss – but I couldn’t bear the idea of wilfully buying something so environmentally wasteful.

Five minutes of deliberation later, I eventually had to turn around and walk out of the store, my vow to improve my dental hygiene melting away.

It got me thinking about the choices I make when it comes to eco-friendly products. A lot of factors in my regular life at home are chosen on the basis of their environmental impact: I shop in charity shops and thrift stores for clothes; I recycle plastics and organic waste — and clearly I’m growing increasingly conscious of how much plastic I buy.

But how do I manage to be eco-friendly when I travel? 

Travelling is, in essence, an environmental problem – from a plane ride’s damaging carbon emissions to the excessive amount of waste generated by millions of tourists in countries ill-equipped to dispose of it.

Luckily, there are countries combatting the tourism crisis with bans on single-use plastic and aims to become entirely climate-neutral – but we still have a responsibility as individuals.

When travelling, we can be more eco-conscious by turning off the lights, picking up our rubbish, using public transport, and being conscious of the amount of water we use. In short, all the things we (hopefully!) already do at home. We can eat locally, travel more slowly, and buy from independent retailers.

But the biggest personal change we can make is to simply stop using so much. If single-use items grow less popular, eventually we’ll see a marked difference in our efforts to combat waste.

Over the years I’ve amassed a selection of products which make my travels a bit more eco-friendly. I know from personal experience that they’re all affordable, durable and worth the money you’ll spend – and each of them helps the environment in their own way.

Read more: Ethical mistakes I’ve made while travelling

Reusable bag

When I was younger, I used to watch my mum carrying multiple bags everywhere she went. I used to joke and call her ‘a bag lady’ – but now I remember that her newspapers, groceries and extra layers were always in tote bags, never plastic.

A brand she particularly loved was Onya. In an effort to challenge our disposable culture, Onya use yarn made from recycled plastic bottles to make reusable bags. Mum gave me a blue Onya bag over a decade ago, and despite it getting increasingly stained and worn out, that same bag is still going strong fifteen years later.

The silky material means it’s super light and folds up to barely anything: as a result, it’s been stuffed into my pack throughout long-term travels in Asia and South America, has visited dozens of other countries and is always in my bag even when I’m in London. There’s nothing like the ‘internal-high-five’ I feel when I successfully avoid using a plastic bag in a shop!

Onya now only sell their products in Australia, but there are plenty of other reusable bags out there – like Baggu bags and these foldable totes from Bee Green.

Price: from £8 on Amazon

TOMS slipon shoes

I first discovered TOMS shoes when living in San Francisco in 2009, when I put them on and immediately felt like I was walking on clouds.

I virtually wore out that first pair while traipsing the SF cement, the bright lights of Vegas, the Chicago cityscape and the muggy air of New Orleans – and when I brought them back to England, I continued wearing them around my university town until my toes got too cold (alas they’re only really suitable for warmer temperatures). Eventually TOMS were stocked in the UK and now I find myself buying a pair every summer.

The classic TOMS are lightweight which makes them easy to pack, they’re comfortable for a full day of walking around, and they look casual-smart enough to wear in a range of different scenarios. They’re made from natural hemp, organic cotton and recycled polyester, while their shoeboxes are made from recycled post-consumer waste.

But most importantly, TOMS operate under a ‘Buy One, Give One’ model: for every purchase you make, they donate a pair of shoes to a child in poverty. As of today, TOMS have given away 86 million pairs of shoes to children – and most recently the founder, Blake Mycoskie, has donated $5 million towards ending gun violence in the US.

NB: If you’re a US citizen, you can go to TOMS.com and send a physical postcard to your Congress representative urging them to pass universal background checks.

Get them from £13 on Amazon

LUSH solid shampoo and conditioner

Travel-sized toiletries, though somewhat adorable in stature, have always felt like a huge waste of plastic. Despite only washing my hair twice a week I still run out of travel sized shampoo on long trips – and if I travel with carry-on only, there’s no way I’m using up my liquid allowance with a full sized bottle of shampoo!

Enter: solid shampoo. This stuff can take some getting used to at first, but it’s an undeniably useful product to travel with. A single LUSH Solid Shampoo Bar can last for about 80 washes and is made from natural ingredients and essential oils.

I store mine in a silver tin which doubles as somewhere to place the bar when showering (if there’s a ledge available). Simply run the bar a few times over wet hair to create a lather. Make sure you don’t pack the bar away when still damp though, as it can melt away a bit. I’ve patted mine dry with toilet paper then had to pick tiny specks of paper off it again – so any tips aside from air-drying are welcome!

Available on the LUSH website from £7.50

Go-Toob squeeze bottles

If you’re like me and have really dry hair, sometimes you have to use a particular brand of liquid shampoo – which is where Go-Toob comes in handy.

Most refillable bottles are hard plastic, making it really difficult to shake out whatever substance you’ve got inside. Go-Toobs are soft, squeezable, reusable bottles made from silicone, with a wide lip for easy filling and a no-leak valve. They’re small enough for airline carry-on, easy to wash out before reusing, and there’s even a designated space on the cap to write what product is inside.

I first picked up a trio of Go-Toob’s reusable bottles when I was packing for South America, and now they’re a requisite element of my travel wash bag. One holds shampoo, another has body moisturiser, and the third is a spare for suncream or whatever else I might need.

Available from £16 for a set of three bottles on Amazon

Reusable water bottle

Reusable water bottles are one of the easiest eco-friendly switches to make: they’re cheaper than buying bottled water and they greatly reduce wasted plastic. 

I have a few in my collection: two different sizes of Ion8 bottles made from BPA-free plastic, and two metal bottles from Klean Kanteen – one with a wide lip and one with a sports cap. I find the latter easiest for travel because although a wide-lipped bottle is aesthetically appealing, it has the ability to jolt against my teeth if I’m not standing perfectly still. After an accident in the school playground where I broke my front tooth, I’m now really cautious about possible teeth-related accidents!

A word of warning when travelling: always check whether the tap water is safe to drink. If you’re unsure, you can use water purification tablets or a LifeStraw.

Price: from £18.95 on Amazon

Mooncup

After years of worrying about developing Toxic Shock Syndrome from tampons, I started using a menstrual cup when I went to South America and I’ve never looked back.

For female travellers, menstrual cups are a no-brainer: gone are the days of using up precious backpack space with tampons, or running the risk of not being able to buy them in your destination. But they’re really eco-friendly too. The average person goes through approximately 11,000 pads and/or tampons in their lifetime, all of which end up in landfill: in comparison, you only need to replace your menstrual cup every few years.

A Mooncup is made of soft medical-grade silicone which you fold and put inside yourself, where it then pops into its original shape and creates a seal with your cervix. To remove, you simply pinch the base of the cup and pull on the stem, then empty it out and clean before using again (a tip: it’s handy to take a water bottle to public toilets for this part!).

It’s understandably a bit nerve-wracking to use a menstrual cup the first few times, but you get the hang of it pretty quickly. And again, Mooncups give you longer lasting protection than other sanitary products so when you’re travelling and don’t have constant access to a toilet, there’s no panic about changing it in time! If you’re someone like me, who often suffers from thrush (which once happened after using a tampon for too long on an 18 hour night bus ride from Poland to Lithuania with a locked on-board toilet and no stops…), the non-absorbency of a menstrual cup means no dryness, which is also a lifesaver.

There are two sizes of Mooncup: choose A if you’re aged 30 or older or have given birth vaginally at any age, and B if you’re under 30 and haven’t given birth.

Price: from £21.99 on Mooncup’s site

[Image: Mama Loup’s Den]

THINX underwear

The second element to my eco-friendly period game are THINX: period underwear which are made with various absorbent materials to prevent any leaks. I ordered two pairs of these babies all the way from the US. Shipping costs were a bit of an annoyance, but nonetheless they’re bloody fantastic. Pun intended.

THINX are only slightly thicker than normal underwear, and come in six different styles with various levels of absorbency, including bikinis, boy shorts and thongs. I wear them along with my Mooncup for maximum peace of mind on the first few days of my cycle, but they’re also great to use before your period arrives so you can avoid spotting in regular underwear.

Cleaning THINX is pretty easy: just soak them in cold water first and then either handwash or chuck them in a cold washing cycle without fabric softener (as it can affect the antimicrobial materials). They do take a while to air dry, so it’s worth having more than one pair.

As with menstrual cups, using period underwear saves you using non-recyclable one-use sanitary products which end up in landfill.

(NB: If you’d be interested in an honest review about my experiences with THINX, let me know in the comments!)

Prices start from £27 at THINX (get £8 off your first purchase!)

Ethnotek backpack

My favourite backpack brand is Ethnotek, an ethically responsible social enterprise which use handmade textiles from artisans all over the world, from Vietnam and Ghana to Indonesia, Guatemala and India. 

I’d been following Ethnotek for a long time, but I was finally able to meet the two founders, Cori and Jake, in Bali earlier this year. We had brunch in an Ubud cafe and chatted about their passion for keeping traditional handcraft practices alive.

Sadly many local artisans are seeing less and less demand for their work, with handmade products being replaced by factories and machines which leads to loss of jobs and ultimately the disappearance of handicrafts. That’s why it’s so important to see Ethnotek creating new demand for these traditional practices by featuring tie-dye, batik, block printing, embroidery and handloom weaving on its bags.

Available from $89 at Ethnotek. Use the code ‘FLORA10’ at checkout for a 10% discount!

Reusable cotton rounds

Once I realised how wasteful it is to use disposable face wipes, cotton balls and cotton pads, I spent ages searching the internet high and low for reusable alternatives. It took a long time to find a stockist who wasn’t in the US and could deliver to England, but eventually Etsy came to my rescue.

A set of organic cotton rounds easily replace other single-use products: simply pop your cleanser or toner on the pad and use as normal, but then put them in the wash afterwards (courtesy of the thoughtfully included laundry bag!). Mine are made from two layers of cotton, along with a layer of antibacterial bamboo towelling on one side: as it’s slightly rougher, it removes more makeup!

My only issue with reusable cotton rounds is that some of them have stained slightly from over use, so I’d recommend handwashing them with some soap and warm water sooner rather than later.

Price: from £9 on Amazon

Bamboo toothbrush

You know there’s a global crisis when a company willingly gives away their product for free in the hopes of changing people’s minds for the better. 

When I saw an advert from ‘Giving Brush’ on Facebook I didn’t believe them at first – but when my free bamboo rainbow toothbrush arrived in the mail a few weeks later, I suddenly realised how irresponsible it is to use plastic toothbrushes which need to be changed every few months.

The handle is made from bamboo, a natural plant-based material so it will eventually biodegrade, and the bristles are made from nylon – not super recyclable, although some companies use the biodegradable ‘nylon4’.

Available from £8.99 for a pack of four on Amazon

What eco-friendly products do you travel with? Is there any product you wish could become more environmentally conscious?

Disclaimer: this article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links I will earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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[fellowshipparents]

Moved with Compassion

In Scripture, you see Christ moved with compassion for others.  In Mark 1, Jesus is moved with compassion, and he reaches out to touch a leper and heal him.  In Mark 6, Jesus is moved with compassion for a group of people because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  So he fed them and taught them….thousands of them.  His life was about loving the broken, the hurting, the outcasts, the wealthy, the poor, the worst of sinners, those who were young and those who were old.  Luke 6:36 tells us, "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."

I don't know about you, but I feel like this broken world we live in needs compassion and kindness.  As a mom of three, I want my daughters to express Christ's love and compassion towards others so that they can also express His truth in a way that others are receptive.  And, if I'm being honest, I need to grow in compassion too.

So how do we cultivate compassion in our hearts and in the hearts of our children?  We ask Jesus to let us see others through His eyes.  We do life with them and we try to put ourselves in their shoes.  We serve with no strings attached.

So let's link arms with our children, no matter what age, and serve others around us.  With spring break upon us it might be the perfect time to get started, but hopefully it will be a life-long pursuit to cultivate compassion and serve others around you. Here are some easy ways you might like to serve in our community:

1. Contact the church and see if there is an elderly couple or a widow that you could visit, do yard work for, spend an hour visiting with or running errands for.

2. Connect with the Samaritan Center.  There are lots of ways to serve.  You can sort through items for their thrift store, pantry, pack snack packs for children who are food insecure, work in their community garden, etc.

3. Check out Laundry Love.  You can serve once a month building friendships with others who are often living in poverty.  Serve a meal to them and help provide money for them to wash their clothes at the laundry mat.

4. Bake cookies and make cards for your local fire department or law enforcement and deliver.

5. Work with your children to collect clothing, toys, toiletries for a shelter and then serve together.

6. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter, or make bags filled with items a homeless person would need and keep them in your car to pass out as you drive by someone on a street corner who is in need.

7. Make a meal and deliver it to a new neighbor or a family who is being effected by cancer or another long-term illness.

8. Draw pictures, write notes, and send to missionaries overseas (you can contact the church and do this on a regular basis) or send to servicemen and women overseas.

9. There are quite a few apartments that have a large number of immigrants living in them.  The church can help direct you to them and offer ways for you to connect with people who might need a friend.

10. Call a local nursing home and set up a time to come visit with people, playing games, painting fingernails, talking, singing, reading to them.

11. Serve in the Village on the Fellowship NWA campus.  Clean an apartment, stock the pantry, etc. for missionaries arriving home on furlough.

12. Contact Arkansas Children's Hospital, Hope Cancer Resources, etc and see what needs you can help with or what items can be donated to people facing serious illnesses.

Compassion always comes a little easier when we've built a relationship with someone who is hurting. The more you can build a connection with others, serve together as a family, and then ask good questions, the easier it seems to be for the Lord to grow His compassion for others in us.  Don't be afraid to ask your children ahead of time what ways they'd most like to serve.  If you have a connection to a certain need, such as a family member who has or is battling cancer, a friend who has served in the military, a grandparent who is getting older or lost a spouse, or even a fascination with firetrucks, let that guide where you first serve.  Once you serve together, ask…"how do you" questions, such as, "How do you think you would feel if you didn't have enough food to eat?," "How would you feel if God called our family to move overseas to a country without any friends or family?" "How would you feel if grandma or grandpa had to move to a nursing home and didn't have anyone visit them?"

May we be compassionate, just like our Father is!

Today’s #TipTuesday is provided by Kim Mills. Kim is a K2 Town Coordinator at Fellowship NWA. She lives in Rogers, AR, with her husband Jason and 3 daughters.

#tip tuesday #tiptuesday #kim mills #serve #serving #serveothers #serveoneanother #nwa #northwestarkansas