#no but to be serious this is such a high quality photo book

[prissygrlsorority]

everything you need to make your own personal beauty binder 🎀

disclaimer: this post is heavily inspired by @tomb-of-ligeia and @daphne-dauphinoise, and early 2010s beauty youtubers. it’s always kind to credit your inspo <3

inspired by the lookbooks and makeup charts used by makeup artists designers at high fashion runways shows and childhood bratz coloring and activity books. the law of attraction is at use heavily with this binder (writing down goals and wishlists)!

you should be keeping diy recipes you find in here.

*you don’t need a physical binder. some people function better with digital mediums. i prefer anything physical and concrete. but you can do all this in something like a notion, or your notes app, etc.

why? 🎀

a cute girly hobby (esp for type A, anal retentive, or analytical personalities/extremely creative, hands on people) to keep track of your routines, motivate you to keep yourself maintained, and figure out what works best for you. it’s nothing too serious, just a girly pastime for people that maybe buy too many products, slip up on routines, or don’t what looks best on your features. have fun!

what to record in your binder? 🎀

an intro sheet 10 different topics divided by tabbed sections: your personal features, makeup, body, fashion, skincare, hair, fragrance, nails, treatments/procedures, salons/spas/referrals/contacts 🎀

intro sheet 🎀

here, you should keep your goals, desired look, and how you want to perceive yourself.

your personal features

a chart of your color season. mine is cool winter. you can use color season for whatever, i choose to apply it to my makeup.

your natural body shape. this will help you choose the best clothes to flatter your silhouette.

a close up, unfiltered clear photo of your bare face. note your skin type, color, undertone, and any other things that stand out to you.

note what you wanna enhance and what you wanna improve. this will help throughout your binder.

makeup

put on a light layer of every lipstick/lip gloss/etc. you have and make kiss shaped swatches in your binder. note the shade, brand, and finish. then the mood/occasion in which you’d wear it.

swatch all your lip liners, again leaving the details of the product.

swatch your foundation shades. note the finish, name and brand.

make a sheet dedicated to all your “holy grail”, essential products.

swatch your eyeshadow palettes. i have all my shimmer pigments swatches and it’s the prettiest thing to look at.

do you have any go to makeup looks? your casual look, going out look, no makeup makeup look, etc.? do these looks and take high quality pics. make personalized face charts by printing them out and noting the steps and products you used.

take c*nty pics of your lashes after trying on all your mascaras/falsies. note the effects and when you would be most likely to wear them.

print out any pics of interesting makeup looks and products you wanna try.

try on lip combos and kiss swatch them. i’m doing this because i do amazing lip combos all the time but i forget which products i used, and it’s hard to replicate the look.

body

take a stick figure-esque picture of yourself and print it out. any outfit you want to buy, print and clip it out first and see if it’s something you’d wear and actually like.

are you experiencing any skin issues on your body and trying any products? keep track of the issue and how the products are doing.

if you don’t already have one, brainstorm workout routines and general wellness/fitness goals.

what are your fav body products? what products did you buy, and hate? TRACK THEM!

any detoxes/diets you’re doing should be recorded in this section.

record “beauty enhancing” foods and drinks here. mine include matcha, lemon water and acv shots.

fashion

outfit planning! take pics of pieces you already have and clip them out. (i’m doing this currently and keeping them all in a little pocket in my binder).

make a moodboard of your personal style(s). how do you want your closet to look? try to see what details, colors, additions are consistent throughout. when shopping, these are what you should keep track of.

print out your signature clothing color palette if you want to have one.

dedicate a page to accessories you have/want, and how you’d style them.

*this can be expensive but the fashion girls will prob love this* go to the fabric store and buy little swatches that you like. take note of what the fabric is and why you like it.

dedicate a page to all your signature details. all the little specific things that scream YOU and NO ONE else! that means do not write pink, girly, etc. here. that is not exclusive to you, hun.

skincare

take a current filter free photo (make it glam! tie your hair up in a ballerina bun and put on some cute earrings) of the state of your skin. if your skin is perfect, i’m jealous and how does it feel to be god’s fav? if not what problems are you experiencing?

log your current skincare routines and how they’re working.

make a page for your skin type, how it feels when you wake up and how it feels and looks by the end of the day and research tips to deal with your personal skin type.

skincare wishlist! list any products you wanna try and what they are for. sample them from ulta or sephora if it’s possible.

dedicate a page to the skincare ingredients your skin loves the MOST! mine are retinol, bha, and vitamin c.

i have a page for all the extra cute little skincare devices i want. on it there’s a stainless steel gua sha, an ice pack, facial steamer, and pink foreo.

hair

what’s your hair type, density, porosity and curl pattern?

write down any hair goals you have. mine is frizz free tailbone length caramel brown hair with honey blonde highlights by the end of this year.

what’s your signature hairstyle? do you have a signature? brainstorm here.

clip out hairstyle inspo from pinterest and insta and try to recreate all the looks!

what are your fav hair products? i keep track of the best curling creams and leave in conditioners for my hair personally.

take note of any trending products you wanna try.

fragrance

make a moodboard of how you wanna smell. after this, research notes and how they work together.

now track your fav perfumes, your most complimented, etc.

note what fragrances go with what occasion and how they make you feel.

make your perfume wishlist! my fav part!

nails

swatch all your polishes. label them and their finish.

what’s your signature/go to nail look?

do you have any pics of your fav mani + pedis? print them out and write the details you loved the most.

write down your at home mani and pedi routine and it’s frequency.

write your fav colors and styles to wear on your nails. mine are glittery pink, pale pink, white, cream, french tip and pink frenchie. a hyper girly twist on the classics.

treatments/procedures

take note of any surgeries or procedures you want done and what they do.

anything you leave the house to have done regularly, keep track here.

don’t limit yourself! forget your budget! what are some high maintenance treatments you wanna experience? manifest it.

references

write down the sources of which you find great info for beauty and fashion

keep addresses of your fav salons and spas.

keep business contacts of your fav estheticians, stylists, nail techs, etc.

use my branding yourself guide to assist in your beauty binder! so much inspo and so many good resources! 🎀

#prissygrlsorority #my posts #beauty binder 🎀

[adissonsss]

PT2: Headcanons(NSFW): How Tokio Hotel(any era) would be like in bed

Notes; I have a couple of Tokio Hotel works coming up, but I'm just having a hard time writing

•I was so close to falling asleep while writing this, it was 2:24 AM when I posted this & I was soo tired

•Just a reminder, none of the photos I use are mine

•Since I already did Bill NSFW, his section is shorter😕

•I tried something different & added a pic every time it was a different person🤗

•Enjoy, much love!💜💜

•I need more people on my taglist😭

Tom Kaulitz

•Bro. He's literally Tom. He's horny as fuck. Now, he won't force you, but he will put you in the mood all the time.

^Y'all can and will go until your too exhausted and overstimulated

•He can go for rounds at a time. He will give you breaks, but he loves sex.

•Honestly, I see him as a both a receiver and a giver. He wants it to be good for both of y'all.

^He's a dom, and can be a receiver, but will always be in control of the situation.

•He can be serious, playful, dominating, loving, it really depends on where y'all are and if something happened leading up to sex.

^Would be real playful during quickies, just chasing y'alls release, not even caring if other people can see or hear.

^He's dominating and serious if he's jealous and angry, needing to prove to you that your his, he's yours, and nobody can be between that.

•He likes to try different things, and will try his best to let him do different things to you, different positions, roles, toys, etc(it's Tom?? Nobody would say no💀)

•Gives you princess treatment, but can and will degrade the shit out of you

•He knows how to use his fingers.

•He will let you take control(maybe, not really), but 90% of the time he likes leading things

•Will not turn down a bj. Ever.🙈

•Dirty talk 24/7. He will also call you all the nicknames in the book.

---

Bill Kaulitz

•He's definitely a softie, but can be sassy and playful.

•A switch. He won't be in control all the time, but neither will you.

•He loves trying out new things, but he will never make you uncomfortable or ignore if you say a safe word.

•He loves dirty talk+praise, teasing you, praising you, any talk tbh

•He loves face-fucking. Or face-sitting. Both tbh

•He loves tits. Playing with them, laying on them(sleeps on them sometimes, there is photos of him sleeping on your upper body)

Georg Listing

Only high quality pic I could find ngl

•Georg wants to control the situation, and will be dominating and serious.

•He will mark you up everywhere with bruises, hickies, teeth marks, and kiss marks.

•He likes to keep it simple, but will try out new toys.

•He doesn't get jealous very easily, but when he does, it's super intense & scary to deal with his questioning and attitude.

•He is overall a relaxed guy, so lazy, calm, and just chasing release is what sex is normally about for y'all.

•He is such a soft and good lover, omg. He puts you first during sex 100%, and listens to your every want and need.

•Body worshipper 100%!! He kisses and rubs every curve and mark.

Gustav Schäfer

•Gustav is soft and nice, but will put his foot down if needed.

•He is so adorable!!! He loves aftercare, and does all of the above(baths, snacks, ointment if needed on bruises+scratches, the whole 9 yards🤗😻)

•He's a switch, he doesn't mind being in control, but he likes when you take the reins sometimes.

•Angry and frustated sex. He will use you as his outlet(sometimes....)

•He has really strong muscles, and can go for rounds and hours!

^He knows how to use his fingers.

•He loves kissing on your neck and face.

•He doesn't whimper, but will groan deeply.

•I feel like he'd be into filming it and watching it back later when he can't be near you or just doesn't have time.

^The pictures he has of you also help him jack-off when he can't be near you

-

Taglist;

@ilovebill-and-gustav

@spx-der

•I tried my best. I'm so tired writing this wtf

#adissonssswrites #tokio hotel #2000s #tokio hotel imagine #bill kaulitz #georg listing #bill kaulitz x reader #georg listing x reader #tokio hotel smut #tokio hotel fanfic #tom kaulitz #tom kaulitz x reader #gustav schafer x reader #gustav schafer

[doll-elvis]

What does Reeca Smith look like? I tried looking up photos but nothing seems to come up..

I got a few asks about Reeca Smith so I thought I would combine them here <3, thank you guys for the questions !!

As for the first ask: sorry some of these are aren’t the best quality 😩 but all these pictures of Reeca in 1974 were taken from the documentary “Elvis: Heartbreaker” also called “Elvis’ Women” or “Loving Elvis” depending on the country where you are streaming it

Reeca is on the right in this group photo

And this is Reeca pictured with the Trans Am that Elvis purchased for her ⬇️

If you’re in the North America and unable to watch the documentary, here is a tutorial that I posted awhile back, it still works and I use this method myself !! ⬇️

Second ask: As for any intimacy, this is all that Reeca has said on the subject ⬇️

Since she didn't mention kissing or any other form of intimacy in her most recent interview, I'm assuming it wasn't something that played a major role in their relationship. She has stated that Elvis and her would mostly just talk, and that he especially enjoyed just reading the Bible to her. I think Reeca’s dynamic with Elvis was exactly the same as girls like Heidi, Frances, Gloria and Arlene. All of those girls have only ever talked about Elvis in high regards, and I think that really does speak volumes

However, although these girls don’t see themselves as victims, and while I do truly believe that Elvis never took advantage of them, it still doesn’t justify the kissing. Like you said this is obviously a very hard pill to swallow for any Elvis fan but it personally helps me to try to understand Elvis’ intentions and his mindset when he involved himself with those girls. And so when they all say that it was very innocent, I believe them, and I can honestly say without a doubt, that I think Elvis had good/pure intentions and that the situation wasn’t as black and white as some people try to make it seem

As for the third ask: In terms of Reeca overstating her importance, that very well could be possible, but to give her the benefit of the doubt, Elvis invited a lot of people on tour 😩 and they weren’t always girls that he was dating, for example Jeanne Lemay Dumas who was Linda’s friend and the Alden sisters (Ginger’s family)

If she was invited by Elvis like she says, that doesn‘t mean that Reeca would have been his main girl or anything like that on the tour, it’s likely that he still would have had either Sheila or Linda with him as his girlfriend. Also Reeca was good friends with Ricky Stanley who accompanied Elvis on tours, so that could have been another factor

Infact the very first day that Reeca hanged out with Elvis, Linda, Ricky and David Stanley accompanied them. And in that amazon documentary Linda acknowledged Reeca and also referred to her as one of Elvis’ “dalliances”, so she was at least aware of Reeca’s friendship/relationship with Elvis

** also I saw you mentioned Elvis possibly dating Maggie Smith and I got another ask about her that I am currently researching for (desperately trying to find a copy of this book written about her 😩) and so hopefully I will have more info on her by then

quote from Maggie (Magnolia) Smith 💗

but just from the little research I have done so far, it’s looking like it’s unlikely that they ever dated. Maggie Smith herself hasn’t said that she dated him, Marty Lacker said she was someone Elvis felt sorry for and therefore given a job, and Nurse Tish and Mary Jenkins also only referred to her as one of the maids/employees. Only Nancy Rooks has said that she dated Elvis so I’m still trying to figure out who is telling the truth 😭 like why would Nancy just make that up?

As for Elvis possibly wanting to pursue a serious relationship with Reeca, I don’t think he meant to do so until she was much older

Reeca said this about Elvis wanting a possible future with her ➡️ “He said ‘I know you’re are young but when you’re older, maybe in a couple years, maybe we can go places and have more of a relationship’”

I don’t believe their relationship ever became “serious”, especially since Reeca has never said that they formally dated. He only saw her September and November of 1974, and then for the last time in January of 1975. He was probably preoccupied with Sheila Ryan, Linda Thompson and Ann Pennington etc etc 🤧

I hope this helps anyone who wanted to know more about Reeca, I would love to hear what you guys think, or if you have any info yourself on Reeca or Maggie that you want to share 💗!!

#elvis presley #elvisaaronpresley #elvis #elvis history #elvis documentary #elvis fans #elvis asks #reeca smith #maggie smith

[junosmindpalace]

i am really really obsessed with timeskip!osamu and yukie as a couple and i truly think more people should talk about them so here are my headcanons for them:

their primary love languages are acts of service and quality time

they like to watch stuff together in the evenings and they’re curled up on the couch entranced by the tv or dead to the world at 10pm

usually when either of depart from each other they give one another a goodbye kiss

a little bit of a stretch maybe but though they’re close in age yukie’s socials look like a mom’s insta (think georgia tennant) and osamu doesn’t know jack about current trends. she’s trained him to just comply with her photos though

osamu sometimes refers to yukie as boss. he’ll go “i gotta check in with the boss” and everyone knows it’s yukie. atsumu once called him a wimp for it and yukie put him in his place

osamu admired yukie’s patience and how well she handles their arguments and difficult people and then later found out she uses tricks from a parenting book she read back in high school that she’s been using since her fukurodani days. she still reads psychology books sometimes cause she finds them interesting

though for the most part she handles serious things maturely, she doesn’t always give into her good conscious. she’s a gossiper and usually osamu knows her true feelings about everyone

yukie either gets her poofy hair by blow drying it which means she has a bunch of products in their bathroom that she has a bad habit of forgetting to put away and it annoys osamu or her hair is naturally frizzy and she does everything in her power to tame it resulting again in the bathroom mess. or she doesn’t do anything and her hair is naturally poofy or frizzy and osamu loves it

yukie’s profile says she’s insecure about her voice and being misunderstood when she’s upset because of it but osamu over time learned her tells and can tell when she’s down or irritated or happy and whatnot

osamu’s friends give him shiiit for liking an older girl even though she’s only a year older. similarly yukie’s friends give her shit for liking a younger guy (maybe because she has a preference for older men)

bokuto is either the first or last person to learn about yukie and osamu getting together

#i just. love them so much…. #haikyuu #haikyuu!! #hq #yukie shirofuku #shirofuku yukie #osamu miya #miya osamu #inarizaki #fukurodani

[nimmee]

Being the kento Nanamin simp I am here's a part 2 of headcanons

Enjoy ❤️

Continued from previous part :

12. He likes jazz. Strangely enough knows how to play saxophone. Loves romantic music too. Loves Classical music especially Cello has a soft corner in his heart. But jazz is his all the time mood freashner. He puts on light jazz or songs that feel jazzy enough when he cooks. ( a bit cliche but it feels right)

13. Even though he likes expensive things, but our man has got taste, which is irrespective and irrelevant of the price tag. He would absolutely buy cheap things if he finds them to be good quality products with elegant style. Which brings me to the next point.

14. He doesn't waste money. Kento is a very mathematical and logical person, he keeps track of all his financial transactions however minor they might be. He researches a lot before buying something expensive. (most probably researched a lot before he bought his watch). Our jjk finance guy knows his finances.

15. He once read "No longer Human" during his emo phase and was scared to death because he related too much to the protagonist. However stern and logical Nanamin looks he's a softie who hates watching movies belonging to genres like psychological horror, or just plain horror. (he hates horror movies because either it annoys him or irks him too much, the only genre that actually scared the life out of him psychological horror)

16. Let's talk about bread. Nanamin lives off bread. Period. Kento loves food from different cuisines but bread is a staple for him. Since he was 3 he took bread bento to school most of the days. His mom knows a million different ways to make sandwiches and hence Kento is our bread baking, bread loving average handsome office guy who is also a jujustsu sorcerer.

17. He has reading glasses. Even though his eyesight is perfect sometimes he needs reading glasses to focus on the book he is reading. Also he really likes the way he looks so mature and serious in those glasses.

18. He journals. He writes about the tiniest of the moments that made him believe in humanity a bit. He started journaling after Yu died. He had spiralled into a horrible bout of depression when he did take some overpriced therapy sessions that didn't really help him. Sometime around this time his Dad gave him his grandmother's handmade journals (which were blank because she had especially made those for Kento before she passed away. Kento and his grandma were pretty close). He used these journals to write down one thing that reminded him of Yu. And slowly he grew around the grief. Yes, he did write about the cute Baker girl. Also he did take a quick look at her name on her name pin so that he can write her name when he wrote in his journal.

Ps : this is just a headcanon so I'm pretty much making a lot of stuff up that feels right based on Nanamin's character.

19. He also has newer group photo of the Tokyo jujustsu tech kids (Yuji , Nobara, Maki, Toge , Megumi, Yuta, Panda) sitting on the fireplace mantle beside his old group photo, because he absolutely loves these kids. He would do anything to save their lives and childhood.

20. He wanted to be an Architect when he was younger. He loved to look at magnificent buildings and tried to make miniatures of those buildings with paper or cardboard. His maternal grandfather had bought him a proper miniature set after he had shown him that he had tried to build the Colosseum with cardboard. He was 8 years old.

21. Owns a guitar. Doesn't know how to play. Has the same problem as all bibliophiles have. Buys too many books. Doesn't have time to read. Has a descent fashion sense. Most probably has a suit and tie collection along with shoe collection because his high end work kinda demanded it. He loves art although there are some things he doesn't understand he is curious but won't show it.

22. Nanamin is a pretty heavy sleeper when he is on his own. Given how stressed he is with his work all the time his home is a safe space for him. His apartment is spelled or rather veiled to ward off most cursed spirits (every jujustsu sorcerer gets this kind of protection).(Lowkey the apartment is blessed). Hence he can sleep without thinking about his own protection but if he has to sleep the night along with some one in the house he sleeps lighter.

Bonus : 23. Kento actually likes shopping. He might not readily accept the fact and most probably would deny it for the rest of his life but this man loves shopping and researching before he goes shopping. Kento is a very domestic and independent person hence shopping has become a necessity for him which he has gown to enjoy as he grew older.

Bonus 2 : 24 He has a lot of similarities with Elijah Mikaelson. But not as dramatic as Elijah.

#jjk manga #jjk imagines #jjk fic #jujutsu kaisen nanami #jjk au #jjk #jjk 0 movie #jjk angst #jjk fanfic #jjk nanami #jjk gojo #jjk smut #jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen fanfic #jujutsu kaisen fluff #jujutsu kaisen headcanons #jujutsu kaisen smut #jjk headcanons #kento nanami fluff #kento nanami #kento nanamin #nanami x reader #kento nanami headcanons #nanami angst #nanami headcanons #nanami kento #nanami x reader fluff #nanami x fem!reader #nanami smut

[a-libra-writes]

Quick question, but where would you suggest to start researching? I’ve never really done it before, but I want to, but I’m worried I wouldn’t get a reliable resource and only realize it later. Any suggestions?

So Im gonna guess this is gonna refer to historical events and such (bc I mentioned that), BUT I think it can be applied to most research? This is how I go about it!

First, wikipedia article! Obviously they have the sources that you can dig through, but I use it to skim over the general idea (like if it's a war or a type of fashion), and make notes on what I want to focus on. Earlier I was researching how the Ottoman Empire was split up by France and Britain after WWI, and the interesting/turbulent decades of Syria as an independent state following the fall - that's A LOT of complicated shit to go through. So, from there I make a list of what's most interesting to me.

(This may be tough depending on how broad your subject is! "American Civil War" is really broad so maybe pick a very specific aspect that's interesting you the most. The battles? How a specific part of the US was affected? The history of black Northern soldiers vs Southern soldiers? etc etc)

Narrow it down - from "History of the Ottoman Empire", focus on "Post-WW1 Fall of Ottoman Empire and Creation of Turkey" and then what events, documents and people were important to that? Pick like two from each category. More examples - I love queer history, but maybe I want to focus on Queer terminology from 1920-1960. Narrow it down further - "Queer Slang from the 1920s", "History of Queer Clubs In the 1920s", "History of Queer Clubs in Harlem in the 1920s", "and so forth.

I google and use credited websites; it's great when you find the website of a museum that specializes in that or a special article put out. Sometimes what I need is so specific that I'm digging through any link I can find. Again, that gives me more details, but like you said, is it reliable? And even if these articles or websites can get detailed, it may not be exactly what you want.

So! Depending on how deep you wanna get. I love love love non-fiction and if I'm really passionate about the subject, I look into non-fiction books that audible or my library might have. Audiobooks work best for me personally. Auto-biographies are fantastic as well. And if the book has several revised editions, you can be sure it's regularly updated and accurate (usually), as well as check for reviews on the accuracy of the book and author.

Also, documentaries! I went on a kick about the rise of nursing as a proper profession in France from 1900-1950 - very specific! - and Netflix actually had a French-made documentary with english subtitles about it. So interesting! You can find documentaries online and on Youtube. Sometimes Youtube has really interesting videos, and if you're lucky you can get a deep-dive on your chosen subject... but most of the time it's just a 10~20 minute overview video (avoid the videos that are like, "History of This Complex Historical Event or History of X Country in 1-3 Minutes", just. Trash.) Sometimes I get a video that a museum made; they aren't the best production quality but you can tell they're very passionate.

Oh! And ofc Im focusing on historical things, but I also looove to research fashion for specific decades in the US. That's fun because there's quite a few websites where you can get lots of photos of what every day people wore, what was high fashion, esp if it's after the 1900s! Vintage Dancer is one of my favorite websites for the sheer detail of 1920s fashion, with descriptions and photographs.

By this point you probably have a lot of notes and things to cross-reference! So if you get a feeling that something may not be correct or biased, ideally you'll have multiple sources (docs, videos, books) etc to pull from. Again when I'm very serious about a subject I really prefer non-fiction books because they're (supposed to be) rigorously researched and the authors typically spent years on them. I think Youtube and Wikipedia is like your start, documentaries and specific websites/blogs are the middle, and tons of non-fiction or going out to do your own research (look for local museums, ask librarians, etc) is getting deeeeep in that rabbit hole! It's all so interesting and very very fun and just. Gah. I love how terrible and fascinating history is.

#im working on a Lackadaisy Thing (tm) so im back into the 20s research i did for Peaky Blinders stuff #but more intense bc it's US-based #so easier for me to find stuff bc thats where I live! #anyway good luck anon! !! #I hope this made sense Im v sleepy from work haha #not writing #libra says

[pcttrailsidereader]

Top Ten PCT Books

There is an overwhelming abundance of books in the pantheon of PCT literature. I have read many over the past 40+ years (often in the process of developing the three anthologies . . . see #2). I have given some thought recently to my Top Ten PCT books. It is a rather arbitrary list certainly influenced by my own preferences and the reality that many of the early voices were male. I am confident that I have missed some worthy choices and would invite readers to submit their favorites.

RH

The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail by Mark Larabee and Barney Mann

My rationale for putting this beautiful coffeetable book at the top of my list is that it captures the spectacle of the PCT in photos, includes essays about the history and culture of the trail, and rounds things out with profiles of the people of the trail. I never tire of flipping through and relishing the photos. There are other excellent books of photos from the PCT, but this is a comprehensive resource under one cover.

2. The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader: California; The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader: Oregon and Washington (Edited by Rees Hughes and Corey Lewis) and Crossing Paths: A Pacific Crest Trailside Reader (Edited by Rees Hughes and Howard Shapiro)

While I admit to a certain bias, the 150 short stories captured in this trilogy reflects the full range of PCT people and experiences in, for the most part, their own words. It really is a 'must read' for those interested in a full appreciation of the PCT. It also draws from many of the individual accounts of walking the trail that would otherwise dominate your bookshelves.

3. The Great Alone by Tim Voors

Of all of the many accounts of walking the PCT, why did I elevate this particular account? I have read countless memoirs written by PCT hikers. They are all deeply personal accounts of hiking the same 2,650 miles, generally with a few variations here and there.  Most are enjoyable, a few are tedious or self-important, but virtually all suffer from following a similar formula.  Any of you who have read even a handful know the formula – preparing for the trail, physically and mentally adjusting to trail life through the desert and the High Sierra, marveling at trail culture, persevering through the monotonous Northern California and Oregon stretch, and the race to the end through the wet and often white spectacular North Cascades.  It is delightful to find a memoir that carves its own unique path.  Tim Voors in The Great Alone has done just that.

Throughout his time on the trail, Voors spends some serious time devoted to reflection that he gracefully weaves into the story of his walk north.  He manages to share his introspection in a way that never seems tedious and rarely seems forced.  What if I die tomorrow?  Quitting.  Restructuring your life around your dreams.  Do I believe in God?  Much of what he learns comes from the wisdom of hikers a generation younger than him. I believe his honesty and candor makes his reflections engaging as does his self-deprecating humor.  It may help that Voors shares my own belief that walking the PCT is richest when it includes a spiritual experience where hikers think about themselves and the world around them and their role in the world.

Voors, who is Dutch, demonstrates his command of English throughout the book.  In addition, his simple watercolor paintings (he is aptly known as ‘Van Go’ on the trail) and the photos he has included enrich the total experience of reading the book.  I would rarely comment on the choice of paper used in printing the book, but I really liked the thick, textured paper (which seems to be a trademark of the publisher, Gestalten).  The graphics throughout the book are exceptional and add measurably to the quality of the reading experience.

4. Wanderlust: A History of Walking by Rebecca Solnit or On Trails: An Exploration by Robert Moor

Pick one of these two books. Although Moor talks about the PCT in On Trails, both Solnit and Moor offer the best homage to 'walking' among the many philosophical treatments available. They are the books I wish I had written about pedestrianism.

5. The High Adventure of Eric Ryback by Eric Ryback

Ryback's account of his 1970 hike from Canada to Mexico on a trail that was often just a concept elevated the profile of the PCT. Read by dreamers like me (and thousands of others), Ryback's book was my first exposure to the PCT and the impetus for me to walk the PCT. It captured the spirit of adventure that has drawn hikers to the trail in the decades since.

6. A T'hru-Hikers Heart: Tales on the Pacific Crest Trail by Ray "No Way" Echols

Ray Echols collection of essays, compiled following Ray's tragic death along Deep Creek by his widow, Alice Tulloch, is also not your typical PCT account. I have kept this book in my collection because I find the depth of Ray's experiences, the strength of his feeling, the wisdom of his writing so exceptional. In it all, he manages to capture why I return to the trail year after year.

7. Seven Summers (and a few bummers) by Bob Welch

As I mentioned before, I am disinclined to include accounts of walking the Pacific Crest Trail that begin in the desert south and proceed linearly and predictably. However, I found Bob Welch’s account of completing the PCT with his brother-in-law, Glenn, refreshingly bumpy (and very real).  Written with self-deprecating humor, Seven Summers seems part Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, part Barney Mann’s Journeys North, but all uniquely the Oregon Boys (Bob and Glenn’s trail name).  The Oregon Boys dealt with hypothermia, fire, quitting (and starting again), the realities of work and family, snow, injury, and more, but in the course of 11 years they finished the PCT.

The book captures the special challenge of being a section hiker. As Welch observes near the end of the book, section hiking necessitated thirty-two travel days,“ just getting to and from that trail, that encompassed more than 17,000 miles, just so I could hike 2,650 miles.” He continued, “Some 180 miles of extraneous hiking miles [were] needed to get to and from trail heads; to follow “workarounds” because of fire closures; to get off-trail water and food; and to return to points that we overshot”.

Welch, a lifelong journalist and author of a number of other books, makes the book an enjoyable read. By the end of the book you feel a special connection with Bob and Glenn and their spouses. Seven Summers touches on the changing nature of the PCT, profiles a number of hikers on the trail, captures the essence of trail culture, and the PCT experience. In addition, it is a pleasure to read a well-crafted book. And only a few times did I tire of Welch’s humor.

I appreciated the inclusion of photos, maps, special charts (“Breakdown of the 17 Section Hikes”, how he put everything in his pack, his equipment list, a best and worst list, the PCT experience by the numbers, etc.), and some delightful illustrations by Don White.

8. The Pacific Crest Trail: A Visual Compendium by Joshua M. Powell

This is another unique and very entertaining treatment of the PCT. I loved his collection of lists and notes of every possible (and some I never would have thought of) aspect of a thru-hike on the PCT. Powell shows us the various flora and fauna he discovered along the trail. Everything from pileated woodpecker to lupine. Paintbrush to rattlesnake and many, many more. He goes on to create illustrations of notable buildings found in trail towns and illustrates an alphabet from scripts seen along the trail. He describes his mental struggles, landmarks, weather, and specific trail notes. There are numerous easy to read charts and graphs and stunning graphics.  Everything from elevations of various sections to traits shared by thru-hikers and characters in Steinbeck novels.

9.Journeys North by Barney 'Scout' Mann

Scout's treatment of his PCT thru-hike experience is the most traditional of those included in my top 10 list. He has the advantage of a long and rich association with the trail . . . as a hiker (along with his wife Sandy . . . aka 'Frodo'), as a long-time devoted trail angel, as a PCT board member, as an advocate for the PCT and for the national trail system. That history gives his account additional 'heft' often missing in other accounts.

10. Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart by Carrot Quinn

Carrot Quinn authored one of my favorite PCT blogs/journals; one I followed religiously on her trek north. Cleverly written and insightful, I think I appreciated it even more because Carrot's take on the experience was so different from my own. Written with humor and, at times, a biting insight, I think that Carrot's writing helped me take my own PCT experience a little less nobly and self-importantly.

Other Contenders: I really like Suzanne Roberts's Almost Somewhere: 28 Days on the John Muir Trail, but did not include it because it is limited to the JMT. Roberts is a wonderful writer. I also enjoyed Gail D. Storey's I Promise Not to Suffer: A Fool for Love Hikes the Pacific Crest Trail. It is clever and fun but did not make the cut because, like Cheryl Strayed, Gail walked less than half of the PCT. I also tend to discount books written about fast-walking the trail because, while I admire the tenacity and strength for such an achievement, I am biased against those that don't savor the PCT experience.

#Carrot Quinn #Suzanne Roberts #Gail D. Storey #Barney Mann #Mark Larabee #Tim Voors #Rebecca Solnit #Robert Moor #Bob Welch #Rees Hughes #Eric Ryback #Howard Shapiro #Corey Lewis #Joshua Powell #Ray Echols

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Photographer!Phil Masterlist

A Model Relationship (ao3) - JenCollins

Summary: Model!Dan and Photographer!Phil. After yet another session Phil have a serious question to ask Dan.

All i ever wanted was the world (ao3) - Furud

Summary: Photographer phil x Model dan with Dan being a prick who would only do his usual right side poses.

all the light we cannot see (ao3) - uselessphillie

Summary: “Hello, we met for two minutes at a party last weekend and I left because I assumed you were a twat but I’ve been stalking you online and have realized the error of my ways. I’m entranced by your portraits and am desperate to know what it’s like to be photographed by you also you have nice eyes and the memory of your smile helps calm me down so I think I might like to get to know you better would you also like that?”

or, the one where phil is the only person to have ever really seen him.

Aesthetics - flowers-and-colored-hair

Description: Funded by Phil's family money, Dam runs a pretentious aesthetic porn blog. One day, he gets an idea for a photoshoot, and he needs Phil's help to do it, or more specifically, Phil's mouth.

Black Velvet (ao3) - Nefertiti1052 (Succubusphan)

Summary: Phil is a successful photographer who just landed a photo shoot with his muse: Rupaul’s Drag Race winner, Obsidian Rose. Will he be able to win a place in her heart as well?

Camera Cliche- yolohowell

Summary: phil’s a photographer, dan’s a model. phil needs a muse and dan just so happens to be one

Class a Klutz (ao3) - bokeae

Summary: Dan’s an asshole who stars in high quality films and Phil’s just a clumsy idiot who has bad timing.

Double-Booked - hqcharbon

Summary: It’s finals week, and the university’s art and photgraphy studio just so happens to be double booked.

Flashes of Innocence (ao3) - Yiffandquiff (paradisobound)

Summary: Phil Lester was an aspiring photographer, trying to fine tune his skills in a black and white photography class. Cue Daniel Howell, the attractive male that walks in one day and captures Phil’s eyes. But Dan has a small secret, he needs help. He runs a Tumblr blog and he needs someone to shoot his photos for him. But there’s a catch that Phil doesn’t know right away. Dan runs a NSFW porn blog and he’s asking Phil to help him recreate authentic photos.

Forever Frozen Still (ao3) - jestbee

Summary: Phil is a wedding photographer, capturing the beauty of people’s weddings day after day even if it’s beginning to wear a little thin. Then he meets Dan, a cynical and irritating wedding planner who doesn’t believe in love and finally, he finds something that inspires him.

I Love You (ao3) - softsocks

Summary: Dan and Phil are in a relationship, but neither has uttered those three infamous words.

Until Dan goes away for a few days, and they both realise just how much they really do care for each other.

In a Matter of Polaroid Pictures - mairieuxes

Summary: (Model!Dan, Photographer!Phil AU) Dan’s a model who loves branded clothes and Phil’s a photographer who realised that he was the beautiful man he’s ever laid his eyes on.

Love Through A Lens (ao3) - bakingphaninmymind

Summary: Dan is a poor barman and Phil is a student of photography. Entranced by Dan’s punk style and desperate to change his own perfectionism, Phil offers Dan a good payment for modelling. Dan hates perfectionism as it doesn’t exist in his eyes but he has no other choice but say yes. After all, he has someone else he needs to take care of except for himself and money isn’t that easy to find.

My Neighbour from the Floor Above - fiction-phan

Summary: Phil is an unemployed photographer who, even after years of separating from his wife, is still upset about it. Dan is the CEO of a very important company and tends to care only about his work. They both live in the same apartment building but they can’t stand each other. Phil failed to pay his rent for two months and so Dan buys his apartment, with the intent of creating a two storey apartment for him and his fiancé to live in after their wedding. Too bad Phil has no intention of leaving.

oh you got me shaking (ao3) - chickenfree

Summary: Usually if the models talk to him, it’s just – them asking questions, Phil joking about how he doesn’t really know what he’s doing, even as he directs them.

They don’t try to argue with him, usually.

Painted Constellations - botanistlester

Summary: Dan is a painting major at uni who needs someone to paint on for his art project and Phil is a photography major who needs Dan to be his model.

Photography has Nothing to do With Cameras - crescendohowell

Summary: Dan gets transferred into Phil’s photo class and while asking Dan about how to use photoshop, Phil realises that Dan knows sign language.

Picture Perfect - dxnhowell

Summary: Phil Lester is a big time photographer and has just been offered the opportunity of a life time for his company. He needs a model, so he asks his pastel, fashion lover boyfriend, Dan. The only problem? Dan is extremely shy around strangers and has anxiety. Phil hopes to finally help Dan out of his shell.

Pictures Of You (ao3) - CanDanAndPhilNot (enbycalhoun)

Summary: Punk Phil and (softish) Dan find out they are roommates after a couple stressful encounters.

Polaroid (wattpad) - everythingisstaged

Summary: Phil is a working class, geeky, lonely boy toddling through life with his camera. When his family falls on hard times, he is forced out of his bubble and into the real world.

pretty boy (wattpad) - snazzylester

Summary: photographer!phil and model!dan.

Smile Even Though You're Sad (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: dan is the son of a rich man, unwillingly studying business in London who wanders into a gallery looking for some quiet, and instead finds the happy-go-lucky owner with a camera around his neck, the nicest smile he’s ever seen and a knack for knowing exactly what to say.

so damn pretty (ao3) - silentdescant

Summary: They’ve got a sort of partnership.

It mostly consists of Dan looking beautiful and Phil snapping photos while trying to keep his drool inside his mouth and therefore unnoticeable.

superimpose (ao3) - howellesterfics

Summary: Being in his early thirties, Phil thinks he should have more to show than a minimum wage job and the amateur photography skills that rarely earn him any pay. Suddenly he's given the opportunity to display his pieces in a gallery down the street. He ultimately leaves with more than just a new sense of pride in his work when he gets caught up with the snarky and neurotic gallery assistant, Dan.

syzygy (ao3) - dantiloquent

Summary: Phil Lester, an amateur photographer trapped in a monotonous life, is the last person to see Toby Stanford’s killer before they disappear into London’s crowds. He decides to keep that a secret - alongside the photos of them he has stashed away in his backpack. In a matter of hours, he is flung into a new life: one of clues and murders and lies. In a world swarming with surveillance, it’s a battle against time and the police. But Phil will find this killer, and he’ll get his story - or will he? Sometimes, not even a camera can capture exactly what is living beneath the surface.

the boy from singapore (ao3) - larry_hystereks

Summary: phil hasn’t taken a decent picture in years, but after meeting dan, a struggling artist halfway across the world, he finds himself inspired and completely, utterly enamored.

Three Words Amongst Thousands (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Basically the first time Phil says I love you to Dan

Until You Love Me - pianodan

Summary: (80s AU) dan howell, a nineteen-year-old model with an ego bigger than his wardrobe, is the hottest thing to come out of the UK since The Smiths. Phil is a twenty-two year old photography student who prefers to be behind the camera rather than in front of it, but upon landing himself a six month placement with River, the biggest modelling agency in Britain, he finds himself in the company of the younger boy more often than he’d like to be. (alternatively the one where dan’s a bratty ass model and phil has to take pictures of him all the time)

We Keep This Love In A Photograph - philhcwell, analester

Summary: Phil is a photographer and single dad Dan likes to flirt with him during his children’s photoshoots.

We made these memories for ourselves (ao3) - jestbee

Summary: An epilogue for Forever Frozen Still

Work It, Baby (ao3) - alphapavlikovsky

Summary: “Could you please do me a favour, Phil?” Dan asked, taking his eyes away from his phone for a moment to look at his best friend. “I was thinking of doing a photoshoot, would you mind being my photographer? I can pay..”.

“Sure Dan, I have time tomorrow if that’s good for you?” Phil replied, entering it into his work diary. He enjoyed having Dan as a model so he would love doing a photoshoot specifically where he could take photos of Dan without seeming weird.

Except maybe Phil should have asked what kind of photoshoot it would be. He was about to get a shock.

#phanfictioncatalogue #phanfiction #phanfic #phan #masterlists #au #photographer #photographer!phil #photographer!phil masterlist #work

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning!  I hope you slept well and feel rested?  Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day.  Happy Hump Day!

Penultimate week of term and my three Tuesday classes were in a high state of excitement, or was it panic?  Yes, term is almost over, and now the assignments have to be written and handed in!  The moment of truth!  In the middle of my 2.00 lesson, one guy blurted out, “I shall miss this!”  It was his way of saying he had enjoyed my class.  All I could say was, “Thank you.”  No more lessons with Lindsay but they all know they can contact me directly to seek some guidance.   

On Saturday, The Trouble is hosting a Christmas Bazaar (with a dozen different stalls) at St. Margaret's & St. George’s Church, 67 Nicoll Road (off Craven Park Road), London NW10 9AX from 12.00 – 5.00.  Admission is free and Harlesden’s Finest a.k.a. @DiGreeneyez is playing the music.  Come & get some beautiful, unique, handmade goodies.  If you’ve never seen The Trouble’s amazing crystal jewellery, come & check it out. 

My amazing friend @EdwardAdoo posted a photo on his X (Twitter) feed of a book entitled ‘How To Poo At Work’.  No, not a joke.  A serious book.  Trust me, I get into some bizarre conversations but I don’t think I have ever discussed this matter with anyone!  Almost makes you want to read the book to find out what the author says!

Almost as amusing was my learned colleague @DerekKing, who asked a question underneath Too Much Information Tuesday.  “What do you call a man who posts a hell of a lot of information about penises!?”  My suggestion was, “A penisist,” which I think works!  Needless to say, my informational nuggets about the male member are posted merely for comedy value.

Pleased to say I have a four-hour show on Saturday.  ‘The A-Z Of Mi-Soul Music’ will run from 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm.  My beautiful friend @KerryMcMilne will be executive producer on The Letter S (Pt. 3) from 1.00 – 3.00, and then I will fill 3.00-5.00 with quality artists from the huge Letter S catalogue.

Have a wonderful and well-endowed Wednesday.  I love you all.  Yes, a crazy, bald man loves and cares about you.  

#mixcloud #mi soul #dj #music #new blog #lockdown #coronavirus #books #weekend #democracy

[aethxr-ash]

Hello, I came across your page and found that your matchups are open so I hope it’s alright that I request a Genshin and Bungou stray dogs personality matchup? Please take your time with this. I don’t want to rush you.

Pronouns: she/her

Sexuality: heterosexual

MBTI: INTP or INTJ (unsure if I’m Ni-Te or Ti-Ne) 5w6

Zodiac: Scorpio 

Likes: Fluffy objects, sweets, cafes, psychology, stationary, anime, quiet places, music, milk tea, coffee, random facts (as long as I find it interesting), books ( I’m more interested in non-fiction and Japanese literature nowadays) and neuroscience

Dislikes: Spicy food, people that are close-minded, crowds, chores, people who are superficial and materialistic, being useless, people who betray others, beliefs I find to be unnecessary, the sun, insects, sugarcoating things, and rules that I find to be too restricted or inefficient.

Personality: I’m introverted and I struggle in socializing. I’m alright if it has something to do with work or school but if it’s just having, I’m at a loss. People see me as hard-working and responsible but my close friends know I can be a menace at times since I can be playful and mischievous. In my friend group, I’m seen as the cunning but mature one. I’m always rational but I bottle up my feelings and invalidate it. It may take time for me to open up but once I do, I always want to have deep conversations as long as the other person is okay with it. I’m very open-minded when it comes to ideas but I’m also realistic when considering it. I have high expectations for myself and lazy which makes results in self-loathing. I’m distant and have a hard time maintaining connections with people. I overwork but I still would remember to take breaks. I’m sarcastic and have a dry sense of humor, I also can be witty at times too. I kin Keqing and Albedo so I guess that says a lot.

Love language: quality time (it can be physical touch as well but I would need to trust the person.)

Hobbies: drawing, researching, reading, walking, listening to music, singing (when alone), watching anime or k-dramas, painting (rarely)

Goals: I want to live a comfortable life and be able to achieve the career I want. I also want to be fluent in a couple of languages and be able to work in other countries.

I hope I provided enough information! Sorry if it’s too much hahaha-

Hope you have a good day!

⊱┊personality matchup for @sleepdeprived-pomii !

hi! i'm so sorry for the extreme delay on this. i hope you like it ^^"

⊱┊genshin impact

kamisato ayato !

✧ he strikes me as an entj, which goes well with intp and intj

✧ milk tea dates, you know it

✧ he loves your company, and doesn't force you to do any socialization you don't want to

✧ he'll let you attend meetings if you want though

✧ after all, you're kind of his co-commissioner now

✧ he really likes it when you lean your head/body against his shoulder/side while he does paperwork

✧ enjoys walking around inazuma with you

✧ ayaka and thoma trust you a lot, too

✧ the perfect group

✧ he loves whatever side of you he sees, whether shy and quiet, calm and mature, or playful and mischievous <3

⊱┊bungou stray dogs

(i wish there were better photos of him but alas he had like. two minutes of screentime)

mark twain !

✧ entp! good match for intp and intj

✧ he can be playful (some would even say childish or immature), but he can also be serious and focused when the time calls for it

✧ so you two balance each other out very well

✧ don't worry, he doesn't like spicy food either

✧ he's white after all lmao /lh

✧ he's a very good motivator whenever you're stuck

✧ i feel like he gives really good hugs too? so that's a bonus

✧ the rest of the guild sees you as family

✧ all in all, a very balanced match <3

#aethxr's matchups #anons welcome #requests open #matchups #matchups open #genshin impact #bungou stray dogs #genshin impact matchups #genshin matchups #genshin ayato #ayato kamisato #bungou stray dogs matchup #mark twain #bsd mark twain

[brisbanecar]

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Car for Cash

In today's fast-paced world, selling your car for cash can be a daunting task. Whether you're upgrading to a new vehicle or simply looking to declutter your life, selling your car is a significant financial transaction that requires careful consideration and planning. At [Your Company Name], we understand the importance of getting the most value out of your vehicle, which is why we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process with ease.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Sale

Before you list your car for sale, it's essential to ensure that it's in prime condition to attract potential buyers. Start by giving your car a thorough cleaning inside and out, paying special attention to areas like the exterior, interior, and engine bay. Consider investing in professional detailing services to give your vehicle that showroom shine.

Next, address any maintenance issues that could detract from its value. Schedule a tune-up with a trusted mechanic to address any mechanical issues and ensure that your car is running smoothly. Replace worn-out tires, brakes, and other components to present buyers with a well-maintained vehicle.

Setting the Right Price

Determining the asking price for your car is crucial to attracting interested buyers while maximizing your profit. Conduct research to evaluate the market value of similar vehicles in your area, taking into account factors such as make, model, year, mileage, and condition. Websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds can provide valuable insights into pricing trends and market demand.

Consider pricing competitively to generate interest and encourage quick sales. While it may be tempting to set a high price in hopes of maximizing profit, an overly inflated asking price can deter potential buyers and prolong the selling process. Be realistic about the value of your car and price it accordingly to attract serious buyers.

Marketing Your Vehicle

Once your car is ready for sale and priced competitively, it's time to market it effectively to reach potential buyers. Start by creating a compelling listing that highlights the key features and benefits of your vehicle, including its make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any notable upgrades or modifications.

Utilize online platforms such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Autotrader to reach a broad audience of potential buyers. Include high-quality photos of your car from multiple angles to showcase its appearance and condition. Write a detailed description that highlights its unique selling points and addresses common buyer questions.

Negotiating the Sale

As interested buyers start to inquire about your vehicle, be prepared to negotiate the terms of the sale. Remain flexible and open to offers while firmly advocating for your desired price. Be transparent about the condition of your car and willing to provide additional information or documentation upon request.

When negotiating, focus on finding common ground with the buyer to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Consider factors such as payment method, timing, and any additional services or warranties you're willing to offer. Avoid engaging in contentious or adversarial negotiations that could sour the deal and prolong the selling process.

Completing the Transaction

Once you've reached an agreement with a buyer, it's time to finalize the sale and transfer ownership of the vehicle. Arrange to meet in a safe and public location to conduct the transaction, such as a bank or police station parking lot. Verify the buyer's identity and ensure that payment is secured before handing over the keys and title.

Complete all necessary paperwork to transfer ownership of the vehicle legally. Provide the buyer with a bill of sale and release of liability form to protect yourself from any future liabilities or legal disputes. Contact your local DMV or licensing authority to notify them of the sale and cancel your registration and insurance.

Conclusion

Selling your car for cash can be a lucrative and rewarding experience when approached with careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maximize your profit and minimize the stress and uncertainty often associated with selling a vehicle.

At brokencarcollections, we're committed to helping you achieve your financial goals and make the most of your automotive assets. With our expert guidance and dedicated support, you can sell your car with confidence and get the cash you deserve.

[anthonyphotography]

Headshot Tips for Actors Looking for More Auditions in LA

If you’re on the hunt for more auditions in Los Angeles, you’ve come to the right place. As a headshot photographer here in LA, I’ve worked with countless actors like yourself, helping them land auditions and book roles. In this post, I’m excited to share some insider tips on how to nail your headshots and stand out in a competitive market.

THE POWER OF A KILLER HEADSHOT

First things first, let’s talk about the power of a killer headshot. In LA, where first impressions are everything, your headshot is your calling card. It’s the first thing casting directors see, and it’s your ticket to getting noticed in a sea of talented individuals. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in high-quality headshots that truly capture you and showcase your versatility as an actor.

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND NATURAL

When it comes to headshots, simplicity is key. Stick to solid colors and avoid busy patterns or distracting accessories. You want the focus to be on you and your expressions, not on flashy clothing or props. Natural light is your best friend, so opt for outdoor shoots or well-lit indoor spaces. My headshot studio in Los Angeles has the perfect gear and settings to achieve the perfect lighting for your headshot session. And don’t forget to bring your A-game when it comes to facial expressions. From a subtle smile to a serious gaze, each expression should feel authentic and engaging, giving casting directors a glimpse into your range as an actor.

VARIETY AND VERSATILITY

Next up, let’s talk about the importance of variety in your headshot portfolio. As an actor, you’re often called upon to play a wide range of characters, so your headshots should reflect that versatility. I always recommend my clients to have a mix of looks, from commercial-friendly smiles to more dramatic, intense expressions. This allows casting directors to envision you in a variety of roles, increasing your chances of landing auditions across different genres and projects.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

In addition to variety, consistency is also key. While it’s important to showcase different sides of your personality, you also want your headshots to feel cohesive and representative of who you are as an actor. This doesn’t mean every photo needs to look exactly the same, but there should be a common thread that ties them all together, whether it’s your energy or your unique vibe. Let’s say you’re looking for an antagonist role, you can have different looks for the same role. 

INVEST IN A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Now, let’s talk about the importance of working with a professional headshot photographer. While it may be tempting to save some cash and have a friend with a decent camera take your photos, investing in a professional photographer is well worth it in the long run. A skilled photographer knows how to bring out your best features and capture you in a way that amateur photographers simply can’t replicate. Plus, they have the technical expertise to ensure that your headshots are high-quality and industry-standard, giving you a competitive edge in the audition room.

When choosing a photographer, do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Look for someone with experience shooting headshots for actors and check out their portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision. And remember, it’s not just about finding a talented photographer – it’s also about finding someone you feel comfortable with and who understands your goals as an actor.

KEEP IT FRESH: UPDATE REGULARLY

Last but not least, let’s talk about the importance of updating your headshots regularly. As you grow and evolve as an actor, so should your headshots. Aim to refresh your portfolio every 1-2 years, or whenever you undergo a significant change in your appearance or career trajectory. This ensures that your headshots always feel current and relevant, giving casting directors an accurate representation of who you are as an actor in the present moment.

READY TO SHINE?

So there you have it, my top headshot tips for actors looking to land more auditions in LA. Remember, your headshots are your first impression, so make them count! If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, I’d love to help you capture the perfect headshots that will get you noticed. Reach out to me at Anthony Mongiello Photography and let’s make some magic together. Here’s to your success in the entertainment capital of the world!

#headshots #headshot tips

[customhome-builder]

Custom Home Builder

Several well-known structures were built by Greyton Construction. Connecticut's beach houses are reminiscent of those on Block Island and Watch Hill. Why? Greyton Construction provides high-quality services to both commercial and residential clients. Because of its adaptability, Greyton Construction has been successful in a variety of building endeavors. At Greyton Construction, working late is more the rule than the exception. Your new home will be built promptly and affordably, and that's a promise custom home builders ri Some advice is about to be offered to you, and it will be very useful. No amount of money can buy you the sophistication that comes from elegant design.

Please write us an email with your thoughts, whether positive or negative.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make Greyton, South Africa, your permanent home. Greyton is in urgent need of support right now. Follow-through on management directives is more probable if workers think doing so will boost their standing with upper management. Mystic, Block Island, and Watch Hill are among the most popular tourist destinations in Connecticut and Rhode Island, respectively.

Before making any decisions, gather as much data as possible.

If you're ready to start building your ideal home, don't hesitate to get in touch. Everyone pitches in to get the house ready for the new renters. A child's entire potential is realized when his or her physiological and cognitive needs are met. If you make these adjustments, your level of living will increase dramatically. If we don't give up and strive for change, there is still a chance. We have to do what we can to improve our prospects. A "hybrid solution" is becoming increasingly necessary. Without this information, we are unable to assist you at this time.

The term "green building" has entered the vernacular with a vengeance in recent years as news of its economic and ecological benefits spread like wildfire. It's great that you're trying to cut down on your energy usage. The use of eco-friendly "green" construction practices and supplies has skyrocketed in recent years. The construction shouldn't substantially disrupt people's daily lives. Kind people who did things for others out of the goodness of their hearts were viewed in the highest regard.

There is equal wonder in the statues.

Our longevity in the market is proof of the superiority of our products and services. Know that getting what you want won't be easy. If you take these precautions, you may unwind safely at home. We are able to boast the superiority of our products since we use state-of-the-art manufacturing procedures. The following information will completely astound you.

Experts help people with less experience.

Sometimes it's necessary to step away from your busy life. The conversation is getting quite intricate. No matter how big or little, your own house is always the safest place to be. Pin and nail your photos wherever you like. Since its initial release, this book has sold well enough to warrant further printings. Don't stay in bed all day. Until further notice, we will maintain our regularly scheduled programs.

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Your prompt action in this urgent matter is greatly appreciated. If you hire us, the cost of your ideal home will be contained within a fair range. If you ask nicely, people are more likely to comply with your request. The achievements of the past serve as a solid basis for the achievements of the future. You shouldn't have any problems getting started if you can follow the instructions as they are written. In experiments, timing is everything.

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[kwikpic]

Top 10 Best Photo Sharing Apps for Capturing Memories

Are you in search of the perfect photo sharing apps to immortalize your precious memories? Look no further! In this article, we've curated a list of the top 10 best photo sharing apps that will not only help you capture those unforgettable moments but also simplify the process of sharing them. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply looking for a convenient way to share life's highlights, these apps have got you covered.

Instagram - Visual Storytelling at Its Best: Instagram needs no introduction. This iconic platform allows you to share photos and short videos, apply filters, and engage with a massive community of fellow photographers and friends. It's the go-to app for capturing and sharing memories with style.

Kwikpic - The Ultimate Photo Sharing Platform: Kwikpic stands out as one of the best photo sharing apps. Its features include high-resolution photo and video uploads, easy sharing options, privacy controls, a user-friendly interface, and additional perks like business branding, group invite links, and QR codes, making it the ultimate solution for effortlessly preserving and sharing your event memories.

Google Photos - Unlimited Storage, Unparalleled Convenience: Google Photos offers the ability to store an unlimited number of photos and videos for free (in high quality), making it an excellent choice for those who love to extensively document their lives. The powerful search feature ensures you can find your memories with ease.

Snapchat - Capturing and Sharing Fleeting Moments: Snapchat specializes in ephemeral content, making it perfect for sharing candid, in-the-moment photos and videos. Add fun filters and geotags to make your memories even more memorable.

Flickr - A Paradise for Photography Enthusiasts: Flickr is a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts. With its robust photo management features and vibrant community, it's an ideal platform for showcasing your photography skills and discovering new talent.

VSCO - The Ultimate Creative Toolkit: VSCO offers a wide range of editing tools and filters that can transform your ordinary photos into stunning works of art. It's a must-have for those who love to experiment with their images.

Shutterfly - Print and Share Your Memories: Shutterfly allows you not only to share your photos but also to turn them into beautiful prints, photo books, and personalized gifts. It's the perfect app for preserving memories in a tangible way.

SmugMug - Secure Photo Sharing for Professionals: SmugMug provides a secure and customizable platform for professionals and serious photographers to showcase their work. It's a fantastic option for sharing your portfolio and high-quality images.

500px - Discover and Share Incredible Photography: 500px is a community of photographers, both amateur and professional, who share their work and provide constructive feedback. It's a great place to find inspiration and share your own photographic journey.

WeChat - Socialize and Share with Friends: WeChat is more than just a messaging app; it's a versatile platform that allows you to share photos and moments with your friends while staying connected.

Conclusion:

Regardless of your photography skill level or sharing preferences, one of these top 10 best photo sharing apps is sure to meet your needs. Capture your cherished memories and share them with the world or keep them close to your heart. With these apps, preserving and reliving the moments that matter most has never been easier. Happy photo sharing!

#photo sharing app #photo sharing #photography #image sharing #photographer #wedding #wedding sharing app #image #images #image sharing sites

[viesanterieures]

𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬

Robert Fischer [Inception] x Reader

note: Welcome to my Robert Fischer (Inception) fanfic :) This is a short story & it's published in one chapter

Hope you enjoy it :) (you don‘t have to watch the movie to understand the story)

! English is not my first language, but I try my best :))

summary: The reader meets a mysterious man in a café who starts to visit her in her dreams.

warnings: mention of death, fire, injuries

supernatural themes based on Inception, like invading someone else's dreams.

+ it also has a sort of open ending and leaves room for interpretation.

word count: 2.000 +

It was warm and the air smelled of coffee. Exhausted, I reached for the cup and placed it under the coffee machine. I glanced at my golden watch. It was five minutes after seven. In less than an hour, my shift would finally be over and I could go home.

I had been up since six in the morning and by now every bone in my body was aching. Working at the Sydney Opera Café was far more exhausting than I had imagined. But I had no choice. I had to somehow finance my life and as a self-employed, somewhat unsuccessful author, I had to make compromises. More than anything, I hoped that one day the times would change and I would be successful. After all, writing was my passion, something I really cared about, unlike serving coffee to sometimes grumpy and and unfriendly customers.

"Look who's back. Mr 007." I heard a familiar voice next to me. Startled, I turned round, almost scalding myself with the coffee. Somewhat annoyed, I looked at my colleague Patricia. "Oh my god, do you have to scare me like that?"

"Sorry, dear," she replied, but I wasn't really listening, my eyes wandering around the cafe until they settled on a familiar face. There he was again. He came to the cafe almost every evening and Patricia and I would often see him sitting at one of the tables, enjoying his coffee and reading a book. He was a very handsome and elegant man. His hair was dark and neatly combed, his eyes were strikingly blue, and he always wore a stylish dark suit and a tie. Patricia had secretly given him the nickname 007, as he bore a slight resemblance to James Bond. My colleague used to joke that he must be some kind of secret agent. To me, he looked more like a successful businessman taking a break at the cafe after a long day at work. I could have sworn I had seen him in the newspaper before.

I watched him as he slowly stirred his espresso. "Did you serve him?" I asked Patricia. She looked at me and grinned. "Oh, I did. Should I have left him to you? Maybe he would’ve finally proposed to you."

Annoyed, but slightly embarrassed, I looked at my colleague. "What are you talking about? We're not in kindergarten anymore. And I've never even spoken to the guy." Sometimes I just couldn't stand her comments. But she was one of the best colleagues you could ever have, and we got on well from day one. Dry humour was part of who she was.

“Do you think I don't see you staring at him all the time? Admit it, you like him," she replied, now a little more serious. I pretended not to hear her and lowered my head as I poured another cup of coffee.

The café began to empty and I saw Patricia finally approach the unknown gentleman's table. He paid and she wished him a pleasant evening.

"I know you'll be leaving soon, but would you be so kind as to clean this table quickly?" she called to me.

I nodded and grabbed a cloth. Sighing, I leaned over the table. I suddenly noticed something small and black on the chair. A wallet. Curious, I picked it up and turned it over in my hands. It looked incredibly expensive and high quality. It must belong to him. With trembling hands I opened it and took out an ID. Indeed, the person in the photo was unmistakably the unknown man. With bated breath I read the name next to the photo.

Robert Michael Fischer.

Without another thought, I turned on my heel and left the café. My legs carried me through the evening streets of Sydney. Straining my eyes, I scanned every pedestrian, but none of them looked like him. I hurried along with quick steps, almost bumping into an elderly lady who complained loudly about me. But I ignored her, for at that moment I had spotted a black suit and dark hair in the crowd. Fischer. I gathered all my remaining strength and ran across the zebra crossing. "Sir!" I shouted, "Please wait a moment!"

Fischer finally turned around, looking confused. "Ma'am, are you okay?"

"Yes," I gasped, completely out of breath. My heart was beating so hard against my chest that I thought it would jump out at any moment. "Your... wallet... in the café... you forgot it…“ I held the wallet out to him.

His questioning look turned into a grateful smile. I could see his strikingly bright blue eyes light up as he examined me curiously. "Thank you, Ma’am, that's very kind of you."

I felt my cheeks flush. Why was he making me so nervous? "No problem," I murmured softly, barely loud enough for him to hear.

"No, Ma’am, I'm really grateful. The wallet alone costs $500," he said, chuckling softly. I took a deep breath and chuckled too. "I'm glad there are still honest people like you around. I owe you one," he said. Then he turned on the heel of his expensive looking shoes and disappeared into the crowd. I stood there paralysed, watching him go.

Late that night I fell into bed, completely exhausted, and replayed the day's events in my mind. The crowded cafe, Patricia's comments, the wallet, Fischer, and especially the phrase "I owe you one". What did he mean by that? It was strange how connected I felt to this man, even though I hardly knew him.

He was just a stranger I had a brief conversation with on the busy streets of Sydney.

Suddenly I saw the scenario before me again. The sounds of cars and voices filled the air. People crowded around me. As the images became clearer, I recognised Fischer in front of me. Dressed in his dark suit, his briefcase tucked under his arm, his bright blue eyes fixed on me. I was about to open my mouth to say something, but he grabbed my arm gently with his free hand and pulled me behind him. I followed him through the familiar streets of Sydney, past the famous Opera House and towards the small park where I had spent much of my childhood. Fischer led me to a small bench under a weeping willow. I sat down beside him. For a while we sat there in silence, gazing at the trees before us, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. "Who are you? Why are you here?" I finally broke the silence.

But Fischer avoided my gaze. "I come here often. It's one of my favourite places. Right after your café," he said quietly.

I bit my lip. Why wasn't he answering my questions? "I used to feed ducks here when I was little," I said finally. "With my grandmother. Unfortunately, she passed away twelve years ago."

Why did I tell him all this?

Fischer nodded slowly. "We often learn to appreciate things only when we've lost them."

I held my breath for a moment and looked back at Fischer. He was right.

"Why are we here?" I asked again.

He remained silent.

I gave up. He wouldn't answer anyway. But suddenly I felt Fischer grab my hand again, and the contours of our surroundings blurred and changed. It was suddenly darker around us. Unconsciously I moved closer to him.

I held my breath, trying to make out anything around me. I blinked frantically, turning around but all I could see was a dark void surrounding me.

The only thing I felt was Fischer's warm hand in mine.

Suddenly I could feel the air around us getting warmer and warmer until it became unbearable hot.

Terrified, I gasped for air and tried to shout Robert's name, but the words got stuck in my throat as towering flames suddenly erupted around us, bathing everything in an eerie orange light.

Despair filled my eyes as I looked into Fischer's, where the flames were reflected.

"Help me! Why are you showing this to me!", I cried in a hoarse voice, tears streaming down my face.

But he remained silent again, just watching the flames right in front of us.

Suddenly the ground began to shake and I clung to the man who held me in his arms. Then it went dark and I fell.

I fell into a deep, black abyss that seemed to never end. I reached out anxiously to grasp something, opened my eyes to see, but all I could see was emptiness. But then I saw a small, bright streak in front of me. I reached out for it as it came closer. Slowly I could vaguely make out things around me. A wardrobe. A table. A window.

My bedroom.

Trembling, I sat up. I was in my bed. The clock ticked quietly beside me, and a narrow band of light shone through my curtains, brightening the room. I yawned and stretched.

What a strange dream.

I reached for my alarm clock and my heart almost stopped when I saw it. It was just after half past eight! My shift at the cafe had started half an hour ago. I must have slept so deeply that I didn't hear the alarm go off. Abruptly, I threw back the blanked and turned on my phone. Five missed calls from Patricia. Just then the phone started ringing again. I answered it.

"Oh my God, are you okay? Has something happened to you?" her worried voice echoed from the other end of the line.

"I’m fine. I just overslept. What's going on?" I asked, confused.

"Thank God! You really did have a guardian angel! I saw on the news this morning that the train you usually take has caught fire. The news mentioned dozens of injuries and several deaths.“

I jumped in shock and my knees gave way and I fell back on the bed. How could this have happened?

"Are you still there?"

"Yeah... I'll call you back later, okay?“ I hung up and buried my face in my trembling hands.

He had saved my life. Fischer.

An overwhelming sense of gratitude and confusion washed over me. Who was this man who had mysteriously come into my life to protect me?

How could he know? And how could he invade my dreams?

Slowly I got up and made my way to the bathroom. I had felt a connection with this man from the beginning. And he seemed to have sensed that something bad was about to happen.

Was there such a thing? Two souls destined to be together?

Days went by and I couldn't stop thinking about that encounter with the mysterious man. But he never returned to the café and seemed to have vanished without a trace.

The mystery of the man remained unsolved and I returned to my daily life. I didn't say a word to Patricia about what had happened. She wouldn't believe me anyway. But I still felt that Robert Fischer had mysteriously entered my life to protect me.

Every time I passed the table where he had sat, I still felt his presence in the air. I had learned that life sometimes holds secrets that we can never fully understand.

Eventually I returned to my writing. The inspiration from that strange encounter drove me to continue. My book "Man In My Dreams" was finally completed and published. It was surprisingly successful. Of course, I had changed all the names, but the core of the story remained the same.

I ran my fingers carefully over the pages of my book and sighed. I could still see him in my mind's eye. I missed him, even though I hardly knew him.

We often learn to appreciate things only when we've lost them.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

A/N (edit): thank you for the likes and rebloggs, that means so much to me 🩵

#cillian murphy #cillian #robert fischer #cillian murphy fanfiction #cillian murphy x reader #inception #inception x reader

[whennnow]

Late 1890s Corset Part 1 - Research

January 28, 2021

[Image ID: a flat-lay photo of two loose leaf pages of notes and four mini paper mockups of corset patterns on a wooden background.]

As I mentioned in my 2021 goals post, my big, year-long project is a late 1890s corset! Given that my last (and so far only) foray into structural garments was my Regency short stays - which I started about 5 years ago and are of questionable quality and are technically stays, not a corset - I figured I'd better do some serious research before I jumped in.

Hence this post! I wanted to compile my research into one place to serve as both a reference to myself and to help anyone else who is starting their corset making journey. You can come chat with me on Instagram @whennnow about it if you'd like. (There are a lot of links in this post, but I'm not promoting or selling anything or being sponsored or affiliated.)

Inspiration

Let's take a moment to get inspired and remind ourselves of the end goal here. On Pinterest I have a sub-board for 1890s corsets, and here are two more boards (Late Victorian Corsets and 1890s Underwear) for your viewing pleasure.

The Symington Corset collection has an official Tumblr blog where they post photos of Victorian and Edwardian corsets. (And we'll be back to them in just a moment...)

Patterns

There is no shortage of available 1890s/late Victorian corset patterns! There's Ladies' Victorian Underwear from Laughing Moon Merchantile, Hour Glass Silhouette from Past Patterns, Corset for Stout Figure and more from Ageless Patterns, several from Atelier Sylphe Corsetry on Etsy, and the list goes on (especially if you extend your search to all late Victorian corsets).

The Symington Corset Collection offers one of their patterns for sale along with a replica corset box and offers FREE instructions for constructing this particular corset on the Tumblr blog I mentioned earlier, which is very cool of them.

If you, like me, are filled with confidence (or is that hubris?) about your ability to construct a corset without specific instructions, then I'd turn your attention toward the rest of the Symington Collection. The collection includes high-resolution images of 109 patterns (!!!) from the original Symington Corset Company, all of which can be viewed online for free or ordered as a digital file or a print (at least when there's not a pandemic on).

And all of this doesn't even touch on the patterns found in books! We are spoiled for choice or 1890s corset patterns, especially if you're willing to do a bit of extra work to adjust a pattern to your size.

If you're using a pattern diagram like the Symington patterns, I'd suggest using this tutorial on how to make initial size adjustments to your pattern from Wicked Rain Studio.

Materials

Corset fabric can be divided into three sub-sections - the base structural layer which provides strength and durability, an optional fashion fabric which provides extra prettiness, and an optional lining layer.

Cotton coutil is a very strong non-stretch material which makes it a go-to base fabric choice for corset makers. Suppliers include Corset Making Supplies, Sew Curvy, Richard the Thread, and Vogue Fabrics. Unfortunately for those of us on a budget, coutil is also very expensive.

Less expensive options for the base layer include cotton drill, cotton canvas, duck canvas, and maybe also cotton twill. The point is to find a sturdy, non-stretch fabric that will hold up to the strain corsets are often under.

There's a lot more freedom with fashion fabrics! Silk is a popular choice, especially silk satins, taffeta, and brocades. Silk-like polyesters are a more budget-friendly alternative, or you can use a second layer of your base fabric. Depending on your construction method (and whether or not your pattern includes cording) you may not need a fashion layer, but you can use one anyway!

Linings aren't really seen in Victorian corsets and aren't necessary, but if you'd like a lining, a plain cotton or even linen will do nicely.

Other Supplies

Corsets require many different supplies. Aside from fabric, you need a busk (straight busk or spoon busk), bones (synthetic whalebone, flat steel, or spiral steel), grommets, lacing cord, a waist stay/waist tape, tape for boning channels, binding for the upper and lower edges, thread for construction, thread for flossing (cotton embroidery floss or silk if you're fancy), and whatever lace or ribbon you want for decorating.

Corset Making Supplies and Sew Curvy are good places to look for just about everything on that list, as they are both dedicated corset making websites. Burnley & Trowbridge has some boning, plus cotton tapes perfect for waist stays and boning channels, silk thread for flossing, and silk ribbon for decorating.

Lace and ribbon for decorating can also be found in most fabric and craft stores and in many Etsy shops.

Construction

Once you've got everything you need and you've settled on a design, it's time to put it all together. Books on corset making - Victorian or otherwise - are great resources. Foundations Revealed hosts a wealth of knowledge on the subject - a free membership grants you access to some materials, but you need the paid membership to access all of it. Sidney Eileen has several articles on corset making, covering construction for multiple kinds of corsets and individual skills and details. Sew Curvy, one of the suppliers mentioned above, has curated a great list of tutorials and tricks.

YouTube is a great resource too! Prior Attire has a video on lapped seam construction, and Morgan Donner has a video with three more corset construction methods. Not tutorials, but educational nonetheless are Enchanted Rose Costumes' Symington corset construction video, and Cat's Costumery's late Victorian corset video. Starkers Corsets has a corset sew-along playlist which goes in-depth in each step of the process, from making and fitting mockups to setting grommets (but right now it is missing videos on binding and flossing). AraneaBlack also has a 12-part playlist that covers her entire corset making process (though unfortunately the video titles don't say what is being covered in each video - you have to look in the description), plus other playlists full of great corset making info!

Steam Ingenious has a tutorial for the folded seam method, which similar to Prior Attire's lapped seam method except that here the seams become bone casings and the edges of those seams aren't finished, resulting in the need for a lining. The Sempstress has a tutorial for a single layer corset where the seam allowances are covered with bias tape and become boning channels (her casings end up on the outside, but this method could easily be adapted to put the bone casings on the inside). I'd also direct you back to the free instructions provided for the Symington pattern.

As long as this post already is, it's not exhaustive in the slightest. Because of that, I intend to update this post with more resources as I work on this project!

There will be at least two more posts in this corset making series - one on mockups and pattern adjustments, and one on actually constructing the corset. Those are at least a few months down the road, though, as I have a lot to do and so much of it is new to me! There will also be other posts between these, as I have plans for less intense projects and a new book to review.

Stay warm. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

#wnn projects #wnn misc #wnn 1890s corset #1890s sewing #1890s fashion #1890s wardrobe