It's a lot of fun to experiment with different types of Japanese noodles. You can always eat as many noodle meals as possible whenever you visit Japan since they are tasty and enticing.
This page will provide important information about some of Japan's most famous noodle dishes. In Japan, macaroni is a staple cuisine.
There are thousands of varieties of noodles that differ from those found in the West, both in terms of pasta composition and dish ingredients. We'll look at various types of Japanese noodles in this article.
Despite mentioning several noodles, Japan is known for manufacturing its pasta in restaurants. Thus the flavor and type vary by location and restaurant, providing unique and inexplicable varieties.
Furthermore, if you love good meals, read on as we talk about some of the different types of Japanese noodles.

1. Ramen

Ramen is a clear noodle soup with various ingredients and flavors. Restaurants typically produce their pasta for the meal, similar to ramen noodles (only in appearance).
There are hundreds of distinct types of ramen, and some chefs spend their entire careers perfecting their original recipe; some ramen, also called lamen, can take up to 12 hours to prepare.
You can find thousands of ramen restaurants throughout Japan. We have diverse preparations such as tsukemen and tantanmen in addition to the traditional shoyu lamen, shio lamen, and misso lamen.
Furthermore, Some chefs take it further and make ramen with black stock, on fire, or packed with meat; the sky's the limit!

2. Soba- Buckwheat Noodles

Under the is a typical Japanese buckwheat noodle that you can eat cold or heated. They are widely available throughout Japan, and they are a popular dish that replaces the traditional rice and meat lunch.
There are various sorts of Soba, ranging from the most consistent industrialized to the most delicate artisanal Soba prepared from pure buckwheat. Also, the pasta frequently blends with the dish's sauce, resulting in a delicious flavor.
Furthermore, Soba's crunchy texture, the noodle, and sauce mingle and meet on the tongue, and its aroma is all features.
Kakesoba, tenpurasoba, zarusoba (cold noodles), sansaisoba, and many more are among the most traditional. This is one of the different types of Japanese noodles.

3. Okinawa Soba

Okinawa Soba, which originated in Okinawa Prefecture, is another type of Soba. On Okinawa, it's simply known as "Soba." The origins of this Soba variant remain a mystery.
However, you most likely made it before 1902. It was initially known as "Chinese Soba" (Shina Soba).
Okinawa Soba uses flat noodles that are nearly as thick as Udon. People make them with flour instead of buckwheat, for example. The accompanying soup is similar to Ramen noodle soup.
Pork, Konbu (seaweed), and Katsuobushi flakes make up the broth for this Soba. Scallion, stewed San-Mai Niku (pork belly), Kamaboko (fish cake), or Soki are popular toppings (boneless pork ribs).

4. Udon- Macaroni Grosso

Udon is a wheat flour-based thick pasta. This noodle is thicker and whiter than risotto, and it comes with dashi, mirin, and shoyu broth. The same meals are usually served with Udon noodles in a Soba restaurant.
Just as there is soba, there are zaru udon, kake udon, kamaage udon, chikara udon, kare udon, kitsune udon, and many others. Udon has a milder flavor influenced by the sauce and the ingredients used to prepare it.
However, Udon noodles are dazzling white, spherical, and thick, whereas soba noodles are brown, silky, and thin. Also, the flavor and density of udon noodles vary depending on where you eat them in Japan.

5. Somen- Cold Noodles

When you look at the name of this noodle, you can probably predict how it's served. It was always a hit with the crowd, whether it was served chilled or frigid. It's a fantastic summer dish.
Some folks, however, serve it heated in the winter to stay warm. "Nyumen" is the heated form of Soba. This is one of the different types of Japanese noodles.
Wheat flour is used to make something. It's light and airy. The strands are first boiled and then cooled in ice. They then dip them in a traditional sauce known as "Tsuyu." Myoga, onion, Katsuobushi, and ginger are all present in this sauce.
Furthermore, Nagashi-Somen is a well-known variation of Somen. It's a summertime delicacy found in select Japanese restaurants. Also, the strands are placed on bamboo fumes, which are very cold water.

6. Harusame- Transparent Noodles

Harussame, often known as glass noodles, is a type of transparent starch and water noodle. They're customarily sold dry and utilized in soups, fried foods, and spring rolls.
Bean sprout starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, tapioca starch, and canna starch are common ingredients in harusame. In the case of the Japanese variant, potato starch is generally used.
Salads with translucent pasta are popular, as are hot pan dishes with translucent pasta. They're also frequently utilized to prepare Japanese versions of Chinese and Korean cuisines. Shirataki is another similar option.

7. Hiyamugi- Cold Wheat Noodles

Hiyamugi is another cold Japanese noodle. It is similarly made of wheat and has a diameter of 1.3 to 1.7 millimeters, making it thicker than Somen but not as thick as Udon. Hiyamugi is usually a basic white tint. However, it can also come in shades of green or pink.
Hiyamugi, like Somen, is a light and pleasant summer noodle. It's usually served with ice or in a glass bowl of water. "Tsukejiru," the accompanying sauce, is made of Mirin, dashi, and soy sauce.

8. Shirataki- Pasta Without Calories

Due to its low-calorie content, Shirataki, also known as Konnyaku, has acquired favor outside of Japan as a weight-loss food.
Konjac yam makes thin, translucent pasta high in nutritional fiber, low in carbohydrates, and soft in calories. Also, this is one of the different types of Japanese noodles.
Furthermore, Sukiyaki, nikujaga, and other cooked foods frequently include noodles. Pasta can also be drained, dried, and roasted to minimize bitterness and give it a consistency commonly used in soups and sauces.

9. Wafu Pasta

Wafu Pasta is a Japanese pasta that is similar to Italian pasta. Although it's called "pasta," it's essentially a noodle. Between noodles and pasta, there are some distinctions.
Wafu pasta is made from durum wheat or other types of flour and cereals or grains. The flour is mixed with water or an egg and shaped into stands. It all started in a Tokyo restaurant called Kabenoana in 1953.
Wafu pasta is stirred with sweetened rice wine, Dashi broth, soy sauce, butter, and mushrooms such as Shimeiji and Shiitake after it has been cooked. So, if you want to create it at home, feel free to use anything you have on hand.

10. Yasikoba- Fried Noodles

Yakisoba is a beautiful noodle dish that is stir-fried—pork and vegetables such as onions, carrots, cabbage, salt, pepper, and Yakisoba sauce. Beni Shoga, Aonori, mayonnaise, and Katsuobushi can all be used as toppings.
Yakisoba is made by sauteing a form of Chinese noodles known as "Chuukamen," pork, vegetables, and a special sauce. The noodles are made of wheat flour rather than buckwheat, despite the name.
Furthermore, You can find yakisoba throughout Japan at food stalls, fairs, and festivals (matsuri). It's also known as "Yakisoba Pan" and may be found in convenience stores. Also, the vendors frequently serve stir-fried noodles in bread or hot dog buns.

11. Tokoroten- Seaweed Noodles

Tokoroten is an agarophytic algae-based pasta that the Japanese have consumed for over a thousand years. Also, Tokoroten was frequently consumed in the Edo region after being introduced to Japan by China during the Nara period.
Furthermore, Traditionally, the pasta was created by boiling tengusa and served immediately. You can identify the appearance of kanten, jelly, or agar-agar through freezing. Tokoroten noodles were made as a result of their strong resistance.
Moreover, Tokoroten can be served either warm or cold. It's finest served as spaghetti with a blend of vinegar and soy sauce and nori, pepper, and sesame seeds.
Tokoroten is done as a dessert with kuromitsu in the Kansai region. Without a doubt, this is one of the different types of Japanese noodles.

12. Instant Noodles

Instant noodle is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Also, Instant noodles appear to be available in every country.
Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin, was the first to invent this noodle in Japan. They come in a variety of tastes and varieties.
There are two types of instant noodles based on price. Some of them are inexpensive, costing between 100 and 200 Yen. Instant noodles will be more expensive if they have additional toppings. Their costs vary between 200 and 350 Yen.
Furthermore, the flavor of instant noodles is excellent. Everyone loves them since they simply take a few minutes to prepare.
They do, however, contain a significant amount of sodium, fat, and other unhealthy ingredients. Also, this is one of the different types of Japanese noodles that are not highly recommended for consumption.

13. Chanpon- Pasta Cooked in Soup

Chanpon is a noodle dish from Nagasaki. In Japan, Korea, and China, there are several variants. Chinese cuisine was the source of inspiration for this meal. Pork, shellfish, and vegetables are fried in fat and served in a bone broth.
Furthermore, the chanpon is served with noodle soup. Because the pasta is cooked with the soup, only one pan is required, unlike other ramen recipes. The components and the flavor vary depending on the season, place, and situation.

14. Shirataki- Konjac Yam Noodles

It's fantastic to be able to eat noodles without worrying about gaining weight! If you enjoy that type of experience, I recommend Shirataki. "Ito-Konnyaku" is another name for it.
Because the konjac yam is very low in calories and carbs, it also contains a high amount of fiber.
Furthermore, Shirataki is available in both dry and moist forms. In a liquid, wet Shirataki simmer. If you acquire this variant, deodorize the noodle by washing them before cooking. You can keep it for up to a year.
Sukiyaki (hot pot), Nikujyaga (meat and potato stew), and other dishes are made using this noodle in Japan. After draining and drying the noodle, they also roast them. Noodles lose their bitterness when they are roasted. They then serve it with sauce or soup.

15. Sanuki Udon

Sanuki Udon is a Kagawa Prefecture Udon variation. It was given that name because Kagawa's previous name was "Sanuki."
Sanuki Udon is distinguished by its noodle strands. They're square and have a chewy texture. Dried infant sardines make up the broth.
In addition, this is one of the different types of Japanese noodles that we use two methods to serve. Also, they can directly pour the broth into the boiling strands and eat it like regular noodle soup. Alternatively, they can dip the strands in a broth-based dipping sauce.

16. Toshikoshi Soba- New year's Eve Noodles

Every Japanese person eats Toshikoshi Soba on New Year's Eve. It is a symbol of endurance and strength. This is a classic Soba noodle. It is made with the essential ingredients of Soba noodles.
Eating soba on New Year's Eve dates back to the Edo Period. People eat it to wish for a happy, tranquil existence.
Because the noodles are easy to break apart, they give people the impression that they have overcome adversity during the year.
Also, Dashi broth is used in the soup. Only chopped scallions are used as a garnish. You can also add raw eggs, Tempura, and Kamaboko fish cakes to make them tastier.

Hello everyone! Hopefully my story reaches whoever needs it. I sadly struggled with BV for 9 months straight before it finally went away. It all started when I was sexually active with a guy that was no good for me. It was my first time ever having BV so I didn’t understanding what was going on with my body at the time. After ending the connection my vaginal health wouldn’t get better for the life of me. I was constantly going to the clinic getting tested, making multiple doctors appts but no matter how much antibiotics was given to me I would still have BV. The antibiotics I took were Flagyl (took this about 4 times) and Clindamycin cream (used this once) and both gave me the same effects. I always finished the meds and my downstairs area would smell like dirty water! I was miserable and super insecure. Before having any vaginal issues I was drinking a lots of water and taking my probiotics on a regular basis. In those nine months nothing was working! I spent around $200 in probiotics trying different brands and different strains to see what would work for me. I can’t say they didn’t work because I did feel and smell a difference but I still wasn’t back to normal. Finally after a long 9 months with lots of research and a good amount of money spent I am happy to say I am free of the shackles of BV. I been BV free for 4 months now. Here are some tips for anyone struggling.

1. Drink lots of water! I know it’s very cliché to say this but dehydration can intensify body odors. I recommend drinking about 40oz - 64oz a day. Stop drinking water when your pee is clear. You don’t wanna over hydrate your body and lose electrolytes.
   
2. Invest in a good probiotic and be patient. Sadly a lot of reviews online for probiotics are fake and some companies pay for good reviews. Avoid the brands that have reviews like "after one day of taking this probiotic all my problems went away." Learn from my mistake of being gullible enough to believe that. Look for probiotics with variety of strains, between 7 to 20 strains will do. CFU count can be a little tricky but I notice my body reacts will to 50 cfu. I don’t suggest 100 cfu because it could give you adverse effects and make your BV or yeast infection worst. If you need any recommendations feel free to message me.
   
3. TEA! There are lots of different teas that have amazing benefits for you vag. I researched the benefits of a lot of teas before i came across hibiscus tea. This tea has completely changed my life for the better. Funny enough I had a dream about hibiscus tea after i brought it and something told me to give it a try. Before i tell you this recipe I recommend you do your own research on this tea. If you have low blood pressure I do not recommend you drink this because it could lower it even more. Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and assist the body in fighting infections. You could drink the tea alone but i personally didn’t feel the most benefits from doing that. What I do is brew a cup of tea for about 5 mins, add a SPLASH of Apple cider vinegar with the mother. ACV does have some antibacterial and anti fungal properties that could help with health of your gut and vaginal Microbiome and the "mother" is the cloudy particles you see within the vinegar, which is made of good bacteria. Not a shot but a splash of it, took much ACV can be harmless to your throat and teeth. To sweeten the tea I use 100% organic, honey. This is optional but if you have pure 100% pure cranberry juice not from concentrate in your home add a splash of that too. Literally a hour after drinking this I smelled significantly better and continued drinking this for 7 days straight, once a day. My ph balance was right back to normal on day 7. Now I make this for myself about 2-3 times a week. If you come to the conclusion that you can’t consume hibiscus tea a good alternative is green tea, ginger, turmeric, peppermint, licorice, and black tea.
   
4. Take a shot of Pure 100% cranberry juice not from concentrate twice a day. Yes cranberries are mainly used for UTIs, but with long-term consumption, it can help the overall pH balance of the vagina. I recommend the Lakewood Juice brand.
   
5. Ask for a different antibiotic. Please be vocal about a specific antibiotic not working for your body. A lot of doctors love to prescribe Flagyl because it’s considered the standard for BV but it doesn’t completely eliminate the problem. For any of my ladies who have been prescribed Flagyl over and over again please consider trying oral clindamycin! This is the only antibiotic that has completely cleared my BV. Please be cautious though, it can be really hard on the stomach so i do recommend you take a probiotic about an hour after the dose. For example, if you have to take two pills a day after your last pill take a probiotic a hour after. This is to prevent the loss of the healthy bacteria in your gut. YOU DON’T TO GET C DIFF. If you have IBS, Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease please talk to your doctor to see if it’s a good fit for you. Tips 1-4 are for replenishing your Microbiome and maintaining your pH balance.
   

If you come to the end of this post, thank you so much for reading. I hope my story encourages you and gives you a sense of hope that you can gain control of your body again. Feel free to ask any questions or message me! F**k BV.

Paleo Crab CakesWe believe that we’ve created the perfect recipe for Paleo Dieters who enjoy this treat from the sea. Try this yummy omega 3 dish prepared without grains or dairy.
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I’m a homebrewer making my first mead using a high alcohol tolerant ale yeast. Hoping to carbonate in the bottle.
Lots of recipes for mead recommend transfer to a secondary. In the beer homebrew world, there seems to be a strong shift away from use of secondary. Experiments don’t show the need for it, and it increases the risk of oxygenation. Current thinking for many is you can leave it in the yeast cake for months, if you want, and/or just transfer and age directly in the bottle, if it needs ageing.
What about mead? Why would it be any different? Anyone know of any good argument or experimental evidence for use of a secondary?

It's difficult to find someone who doesn't have strong opinions about which of the different types of cake flavors is the best. Each of us has a favorite type and flavor.
It may be a mile-high, rich and sweet layer cake with lots of frosting for some. Others prefer a lighter cake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries, such as angel food cake.
Some people will only eat homemade cakes when it comes to birthday cakes, but a few of us enjoy a good old-fashioned grocery store cake or even a cookie cake with a letter scribbled in tube icing.
Whatever your preferences, knowing the facts about different types of cake flavors is beneficial. Cakes are ideal for sweets, gatherings, celebrations, and pretty much everything else.
There are many distinct cake flavors, and You can combine them in many ways, such as red velvet and vanilla cakes.
Nowadays, you can make cakes in almost any flavor and shape. There is a great cake flavor out there for whatever occasion or craving.
However, not all flavors complement one other. Some flavor combinations are simply superior to others. Cakes are a delectable and traditional part of any celebration, and it is your responsibility as a baker and host to provide the best options available.
Without much ado, let's discuss some of th different types of cake flavors available.

1. Yellow Butter Cake

A sheet cake variation of this delicacy, covered with billows of chocolate frosting and rainbow sprinkles, is served at many kids' birthday parties.
Also, c the butter and sugar together (with an electric mixer in modern times) is a standard method for making yellow butter cakes, then adding dry and wet ingredients.
There are also "dump" variations, in which all of the ingredients are simply combined in a bowl.

2. Red Velvet Cake

A chemical reaction between cocoa powder and acidic buttermilk turns red velvet cake scarlet, but a drop of red food coloring makes the bright cake shine.
The delectable cream cheese frosting is an absolute must. This is a true Southern classic and a great favorite. The color of red velvet cake derives from the reaction of buttermilk and cocoa powder when made with either butter or oil.
Also, modern variations often use red food coloring, or in the instance of the raspberry velvet cake shown here, pink food coloring.

3. Pound Cake

This cake doesn't rise much when baking and has a dense texture. It's named after the fact that it's made using a pound of each of the key ingredients (flour, butter, and sugar).
Matcha and cocoa powder is used in our version, although vanilla essence is used in traditional recipes. Bake one of these in a loaf pan or a Bundt pan. This is one of the different types of cake flavors.

4. Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a shorter cake leavened with baking soda and baking powder and utilizes oil instead of butter as its primary fat.
Also, The inclusion of grated carrots adds moisture to the cake. Warm spices flavor the carrot cake, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Walnuts or pecans are optional!.
Furthermore, Carrot cake recipes vary in the quantity and amount of spices used and the addition of nuts and fruit.
Still, tender chunks of sweet carrot, an ideal dosage of cinnamon, and a fantastic frosting are what make a perfect carrot cake. Try our Carrot Cake Cupcakes recipe.

5. Sponge Cake

This foam-style cake has no artificial leaveners (baking powder or baking soda). It is entirely made up of whipped eggs, either whole or just whites.
This cake can be soaked in flavored syrups (try lemon syrup with a dab of lemon curd) or stacked with whipped cream and smashed berries.
Sponge cake can be rolled with fillings when baked thin in a sheet pan, like Buche de Noel's Christmas classic.

6. Genoise Cake

In Italy and France, a sponge cake is known as Genoise. Egg yolks, egg whites, and sugar are mixed together until mousse-like in this dessert. The flour, oil, or butter is then folded in. This cake is moister and more delicate than its sponge cake counterpart.

7. Chiffon Cake

A chiffon cake is a sponge cake and an oil cake hybrid. It has the richness of a shorter cake thanks to the addition of oil, and it's light and airy thanks to whipped egg whites and baking powder.

8. Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is the lightest of the light, created with only beaten egg whites for leavening and no extra fat. It's traditionally made in an angel food cake pan and then cooled upside down in the pan to keep the light texture. Its high sugar content in an angel food cake gives it a chewy, sponge-like feel.

9. Funfetti Cake

Funfetti is a joyful and fun dessert that has received a lot of love from its fans, earning it the eighth slot on this list. Also, Funfetti is a delightful birthday cake with colorful sprinkles both inside and out. This is one of the different types of cake flavors.

10. Vanilla Cake

Vanilla is, believe it or not, the third most popular and well-liked cake flavor. It's flexible and goes well with various flavors, including chocolate, lemon, and strawberry.

11. Coffee Cake

They're tasty and come in various coffee flavors, including Irish and Mocha. Also, this cake is ideal for coffee enthusiasts as a treat.

12. Banana Cake

The banana cake is the cake flavor that makes you go bananas. It has a juicy texture and an overpowering flavor. This is one of the different types of cake flavors.

13. Pineapple Cake

The pineapple, like the cake, is a beautiful element for desserts. The cake has a refreshing flavor and a stunning appearance.

This article on some substitutes for vegetable oil will provide you with an alternative if you are cooking and running out of vegetable oil.
Vegetable oil is a must-have for many cooking or baking recipes because of its neutral flavor and high smoking point. But don't worry if you've run out of the pantry staple.
Don't be concerned! Various vegetable oil replacements are available, including several that are likely already in your kitchen.
Before switching to a different oil, remember that not all vegetable oil alternatives are equal.
However, one of the best things about vegetable oil is that it's perfect for deep-frying—using a lower smoke point oil could result in a smokey kitchen! Look through the choices below to pick the perfect one for your recipe.
Various vegetable oil replacements are available, some of which may already be in your kitchen.
But before you hurry to your cabinet to have a look, let's go through when and how you should replace this sort of oil. Please read on as we discuss some of the substitutes for vegetable oil.

1. Canola Oil

Canola oil (also known as rapeseed oil) is a type of vegetable oil that includes corn, soybean, peanut (do not use it if you have a peanut allergy or are cooking for someone who does), and sunflower oil.
This group also has a similar appearance and flavor and can be used in any dish that requires vegetable oil, such as frying and baking.

2. Peanut Oil

Peanut oil has qualities similar to vegetable oil, making it an excellent replacement. Because of its high smoking point, it's very suitable for frying.
Also, contrary to its name, Peanut oil does not taste like peanuts and is renowned for its neutral flavor. On the other hand, Peanut oil is much more expensive because it is produced in smaller quantities and might be difficult to obtain. This is one of the best substitutes for vegetable oil.

3. Refined Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is made from the fruit's pulp and is high in heart-healthy fats. Its smoking point is high (about 520°F!).. and its flavor is similar to that of avocado.
You can also use it as a substitute for vegetable oil. However, because it is more expensive, you may only want to use avocado oil in recipes without much oil.
However, unrefined Avocado oil, while excellent, has a green tint and a buttery flavor that makes it a poor substitute for vegetable oil.

4. Olive Oil

Because ordinary olive oil is refined, it has a greater smoking point and can be used for frying. On the other hand, extra-virgin olive oil is created by crushing olives cold and extracting the oils.
This makes it ideal for salad dressings and as a flavoring oil. Both can be used in place of vegetable oil and impart their olive flavors.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a versatile cooking tool that can be used for frying and baking. Making it a convenient vegetable oil substitute. It isn't wholly flavorless, though; expect a little coconutty taste.
Another thing to remember is that coconut oil solidifies as it cools. So melt it in your microwave or place it near the oven to return it to a liquid state for measuring. This is one of the substitutes for vegetable oil.

6. Ghee

Ghee is a clarified butter prepared by caramelizing ordinary butter and straining it to eliminate all the water. It is a shelf-stable jar of toasted, buttery milk solids with a high smoke point.
Furthermore, the intensely nutty flavor is nothing like vegetable oil's neutral flavor. Yet we'd argue that it just enhances the flavor of everything.

7. Butter

Melted butter is an efficient substitute for vegetable oil, especially for baked items. You probably already have an essential component if you seek a fundamental element for your kitchen.
You can add richness and taste to cakes, cookies, and muffins. But You should not use it for high-heat cooking because it will burn. Butter Substitutes is one of the substitutes for vegetable oil.
Furthermore, The dish will be richer if butter is used instead of vegetable oil. Butter is a worthwhile and even luxurious substitute, especially in baking.
Though butter can be used in cooking, it's not suggested for deep-frying or high-heat skillet cooking because of its low smoke point, which means it will burn.

8. AppleSauce

If you want to fry chicken or sauté vegetables, this alternative isn't cut. However, applesauce is a baking winner that you won't want to overlook!
Applesauce will offer moisture and serve the same purpose as oil in a baked dish, but it will also reduce the overall fat content of the recipe, making it a healthier alternative.

9. Greek Yogurt

Keep this in your back pocket as an alternative to vegetable oil in baking: Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness. And a delightful tang to the dish. Whether you choose low-fat, non-fat, or full-fat.
Replacing oil with Greek yogurt may produce a healthier baked item with less overall fat. Regarding frying or sautéing, yogurt isn't a good substitute.

10. Mayonnaise

You might wish to avoid using mayo as a culinary substitute for vegetable oil. But use it in baking: Baking with mayonnaise instead of oil is an age-old method that produces moist, rich results.

twice in a day…
i work at an ice cream shop. next to kids, boomers are easily our biggest customers. most of the time its not an issue, but theres always a handful of moments. these two happened today…
boomer couple walks in
me: hello! how can i help you?
lady: can i get half scoop of vanilla and a half scoop of chocolate?
me: i apologize ma’am but we cannot do half scoops here, but-
cutting me off lady: yes, you do.
me: umm, no ma’am, but i could get you a kids double, which is about the same size as a single, and is only a couple cents more
lady: well could you just charge me for a single scoop then?
me: no ma’am, i cannot do that.
lady: well i get 2 half scoops all the time, you can do it too.
me: i apologize, but the closest thing is a kids double. ive never let anyone get a half scoop.
lady: well yeah, it wasnt from you
me: well thank you for bringing that to my attention, as a manager i will have to remind the team that we do not do that here.
i didn’t actually remind my co-workers lmao, i just wanted to make it seem like she just ruined it for herself. pretty much everyone who asks for 2 half scoops accepts the kids double scoop option, so i really don’t understand her deal.
in fact, if she was indeed telling the truth, whoever did that for her probably just gave her a kids double, and neglected to tell her, i just like making sure everyone knows what theyre getting before i charge them for it.
now, this next one is a bit hard for the context. we were fairly busy, someone was getting a cake, and i dont like making people getting cakes wait so i asked them to follow me to the register, but as i got there i saw there was someone waiting to pay, so i got to them first.
i knew their item had bananas in it, but i didnt know what exactly it was because i didnt take her order. so i asked:
me: was it just a banana split today?
her: yes, just the banana split
me: okay, your total is $9
her: walks away towards to throw trash away
i started to ring up the person getting the cake, but then she butts back in front
so, i say once again.
me: just the banana split, right?
her: yes
me: your total is $9
her: what? that doesnt sound right?
me: you were just getting the banana split, right???
her: no, im getting a single scoop with bananas and chocolate syrup.
WTF LIKE WHY NOT JUST SAY THAT? thats almost completely different than a banana split, i dont even understand why she said yes, just fucking annoying.

Tl/dr - I told my ex’s bf it’s his job to do the right thing and tell his wife. It’s not my job, or my problem. This was 2 months ago. Should I do it?
My wife and are separated, and have moved on. We still live together while the divorce is being finalized bc money is obviously a factor for both of us moving out. We actually live a nice little college roommate style life. We are in the know about each other’s actions, very open, very copacetic. Neither of us have any complaints.
I 44m am seeing a new women (36f), she knows our deal, my wife knows, and this new woman is a total outsider to our circle as a former married couple.
My x wife 33f started seeing a guy 42m, that knows about our situation. However, not only is he still married (43f wife), but he and I were buddies .. AND the two of them were friends with my wife and I. And they have a son. I don’t hate him, it is what it is. His wife has NO idea.
They were both scared I’d say something at first. They asked me several times my opinion; I finally told them flat out “I’m a happy guy, it’s not my job to do that. I don’t know your situation at home. I don’t care. Do what you gotta do, BUT I think the right thing to do is for you to tell your wife yourself bc you have her and your son living in the dark while you get to go do what you want.” And I told my ex wife i didn’t think this was smart, but again, not my place. Not my problem. They can deal with it.
So 2 months later, and he hasn’t said shit. He’s still fronting like dad of the year, and then sneaking around. It’s actually starting to wear my ex out, bc everything has to be clandestine. Like if they do dinner, it’s gotta be an hour away to not be seen. Etc … I have become her therapist 😂
I’m over here chilling, I’m good. Living my life, happy guy, do whatever I want. But i realized “damn, I’m holding a big secret for a while now for you two.” My ex is scared for multiple reasons to say anything herself. He’s just not doing it. I told him his inaction is starting to appear like he’s taking advantage of my ex’s situation. (Again, not my problem, but I don’t want to see her be hurt either. )So he can have his cake and eat it to. He just keeps pleading and saying he needs time and thanking me for being understanding … I’m like yeah dude sooner or later somebody might ask me something. It’s not my job to share your story, but it’s not my job to carry your secrets either. Better act fast.
So what say you? Do I continue to just chill and let this unfold, or should I say something? I honestly want nothing to do with being involved in his imminent divorce lol … but I can’t let him burn this lady forever.

Yeah, I will have to put the pictures in the comments tomorrow, but I did figure out how to make edible cookie dough from cake mix.. And oh my god it's so easy.
I will put the stuff down below. Also, if you try this.. Let me know. It is inspired by another recipe I saw somewhere online. It's perfect for that left-over box of cake-mix you've had in your cabinet for months.
PLEASE!!!! Be sure to heat treat the cake mix before you mix in the ingredients and eat it.

• You can heat-treat raw cake mix and raw flour by spreading the raw cake mix or flour out on a baking sheet, toast it at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. It must reach a temperature of at least 160°F. Also, wait for it to cool.

★ Ingredients ★

★ 1 box of cake-mix <> - (It MUST be heat-treated to kill off bacteria in the flourery parts of it. I literally used a generic brand that is easily found at Wal-Mart. Please make sure it isn't expired though. It makes it harder to mix with the other ingredients..)
★ 1/3 Cup of milk - (I personally used 2% less fat milk, blue cap, Prairie Farms brand.)
★ 1/3 Cup of melted butter. - (I used the Blue Bonnet butter in a tub. Half of a stick of Blue Bonnet butter works too.)
★ Optional: 1 teaspoon of imitation vanilla flavoring.
Toppings that are optional: Sprinkles, Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips, etc..
How to make it!
First up. Add the HEAT-TREATED cake-mix to a large mixing bowl.
Then, add the melted butter and milk.
Stit that around.
Add the imitation vanilla flavoring, it's optional. Some cake mixes are very sweet by themselves, with the butter and milk too of course.
Add any toppings you would on ice cream. It includes, but is not limited to.. Sprinkles, Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Chips, Caramel Drizzle, Fudge Drizzle, Strawberry Syrup, Chocolate Syrup.. etc.
Finally, you can eat it. Preferably put it in the fridge for a good 1-3 hours, for that more cookie dough feel.
Enjoy ✨

Around 2010 I remember coming across a (fiction) book in which a woman starts a bakery business and throughout the book are real-life recipes that you can make yourself. Unfortunately, I don't recall the cover or author. I think it had a title with "cake" or "cupcake" in the name, but I'm not certain.
It was a fairly short-looking book, probably not more than 350 pages? I don't know when it was first published, but I found it between the years of 2008 to maybe 2011 (thus my approximation of 2010, as that's pretty middle-ground).

Had anyone tried the newer flavors from lady m? I tried the matcha crepe cake before but it was too rich and creamy for me. Really want to try liking crepe cakes.

• lavender matcha
• earl grey
• strawberry
• salted caramel
• dassai blue

Boys: Justin, Ripper, Topher
Girls: Anne Maria, Jasmine, MK
Episode 19: The Princess Pride
"Last time, on Total Drama Action! Just when the cast thought they were safe, I swung in to surprise – I mean, antagonize them."
"The cast were forced to use their creative sides while showing off their back sides. As they made superhero costumes out of spandex. And...some other junk. Nice tights!"
"Of course, they were foiled by the diabolical Pythonicus, evil alter-ego of the villainous Chef!"
"In a fight against evil, the cast proved they could be heroes. And also, loooseerrss!"
"In the end, the most diabolical of them all was MK, who twisted things in order to get Chase eliminated."
The recap footage ended, and the scene flashed to the control tent where Chris was waiting with a smile. "Will the Gaffer alliance recover from Chase being gone? Will Anne Maria and Topher keep going out?" he pressed a button on the keyboard to his side, causing a picture of the couple to appear on one of the screens behind him.
"Maybe you'll find out right now?" he shrugged impishly as the scene changed again and he walked towards the cast trailers. "Maybe you won't? On another, totally dramatic episode of," he stopped in his tracks and the camera zoomed out with each further word, "Total! Drama! Action!"
(Theme Song)
The episode began with, of all things, a close-up of some brown and beany mush plopping onto a plate. The camera panned up to reveal its source as burrito beans in the hands of Jasmine being put together. Shots of Ripper, MK, and Justin also showed them making burritos as well.
The camera zoomed out to show the four constructing burritos on the table next to the tent's entrance while Topher and Anne Maria were at the other table, the former overseeing the quartet as he stood on the table and the latter simply applying lipstick to her lips.
“Ten more seconds, guys! The biggest burrito wins!” Topher declared and looked at Anne Maria. “Do you think I'd make a good reality show host?”
Anne Maria put her lipstick away. “Can you excuse me? I'm working on my facial features,” she said.
“But you already worked on yourself in the morning,” Topher said.
“You'd do the same if your hair was lookin’ messy,” Anne Maria retorted.
“Touché,” Topher pulled back.
“And time is up, folks!” MK informed everybody with her watch.
"Ripper, what do you got?” Topher asked the burly boy.
“Allow me to demonstrate my beefcake burrito!” Ripper held up his plate - his burrito has no wrapping and simply consisted of beef shaped into a cake. “I actually managed to make a cake out of beef.”
“How interesting,” Topher observed after getting off the table. “Jasmine, how about you?”
“These are my twin burritos!” Jasmine said with a plate that had two burritos tied together with an elastic rubber band.
“You actually wrapped your burritos?” Topher inspected heavily.
“Of course I did,” Jasmine nodded. “Twins are sometimes inseparable, and it's a good thing that these burritos aren't Siamese, otherwise they would have tried to eat one another.”
Topher laughed at her quip. “Points for that quip,” he said and made his way over to MK. “MK, how did you manage to make your burrito?”
“I am proud to present the MK Whopper!” MK took her burrito out from under the table and presented it - the burrito was shaped to look like MK with the beans as the body, wrap pieces as the hat and clothes, a sliced piece of tomato as the mouth, and pieces of beef as the eyes.
“The burrito is self-serving, but quality effort regardless,” Jasmine commented.
“Quality? Check out the guns on these beans,” Justin objected as his leitmotif played and he whipped out his burrito shaped to look like a flexing bicep. He even flexed his own bicep and moved his eyebrow in order to impress the contestants, but they were unfazed. “Nothing. You feel nothing?”
“Nope,” Jasmine shook her head.
“I was never once into you, Justin,” MK added as well.
“Man, this scratched schnoz has destroyed my looks and my life!” Justin moped. “Why?”
“MK, your self-art and ego is unsurprising, but you did make the biggest and best burrito, so you win,” Topher told her.
“This isn't right,” Justin protested and was now out of his seat. “I demand a second neutral opinion.”
“I'm no doctor or anything, but we all have reality-show-itis, and it's making us turn things into a challenge,” Anne Maria spoke up.
“I'm not sure if that's a thing, but I can't help myself when this day is bland and boring,” Topher said.
Confessional: Justin
“When my good looks went, so did my winning edge,” Justin told the viewers. “But some people are still managing to kick butt, and they're not nearly as good looking as I am!” He paused to think about what he said. “Okay, as I was.”
Confessional Ends
Justin was now sitting next to Anne Maria. “You know, you're the only one taking the game seriously. I just wish I knew how you did it all. It's so inspirational.”
“I'm just playing the game the best I know how,” Anne Maria said. “And it's not by sabotage like Scott did to me.”
“Scott also sabotaged my chances in the game as well,” Justin continued. “Hey, we have something in common.”
“Yeah we do, now go away,” Anne Maria ordered. “I don't know if they'll be a challenge, and I'd like to relax in peace.”
A few off-camera footsteps gave everyone pause, and they looked towards the room's entrance as the shot moved to a side-view of the room. Chef Hatchet had entered wearing a faded purple Medieval-styled costume, complete with a simple horn bearing a flag marked with a simple black-and-purple shield.
He blew a few awkward notes, then the camera moved in for a close-up as he made an announcement. "Hear ye, and rise! For Sir Chris!"
"Sir?!" Jasmine repeated with disbelief. "This Bruce's ego is fussing me to heaps!"
The shot moved back out to show Chris McLean riding atop the same decrepit-looking horse that had been used for a much earlier episode. He was wearing a knight's helmet and holding what looked to be a boot made of glass, and dismounted once Chef laid out a small rug for him to stand on.
"Hold on," Topher said slowly. "Glass slipper. Medieval stuff. This must be a Fairy Tale theme!"
"Topher," Chris said with stern annoyance, "if you ever steal my intro again, I'll have to personally boot you off the show."
"Hey, you can't do that!" Topher protested. "You brought me onto this show!"
"This boot," Chris said happily, "will determine the Princess for today's Fairy Tale movie challenge! The rest of you," he added as the camera panned across the tent from right to left, "compete for the honor of rescuing the fair Princess."
Anne Maria immediately raised her hand eagerly. "I wanna be the Princess!"
"I said the fair Princess," Chris repeated. "And what we think is fair is that the candidates be the ladies who haven't had a win since the merge: MK," he looked at the unamused techno, "and Jasmine." The focus moved to the Outback girl, who merely raised an eyebrow.
Confessional: Jasmine
"Okay, I am not Princess material," Jasmine said in the make-up confessional. "Not only am I too tall to fit the role, but I'm not really interested in fairy tales."
Confessional Ends
A short drumroll preceded an even shorter chanted note as MK and Jasmine approached the end of the table closest to the tent entrance.
"Yeah, there's no way that I'm gonna be some Princess, McLean!" MK barked at the host who was standing nearby with the glass boot still in his hand. "And don't even try to jam that boot on my foot."
"Okay," Chris said slowly, "that's a no for MK. Jasmine, you're up."
"Well, I'm not fond of fairy tales," Jasmine said, "but I might as well."
"Hold on there, Thunder from Down Under," Chris told her. "You have to put the boot on first. Make sure you're actually Princess material."
Jasmine frowned. "Okay then." She sat on the end of the table, slipped off one of her shoes, and tried to force it on.
The host and other castmates watched as she grunted and began to sweat, trying to get the boot onto her foot. Eventually, she let out a disappointed breath and held the boot back up. "It's no use," Jasmine told the host. "I can't get it on, and even then, it would shatter to pieces."
"Well," Chris said blankly, "guess that's both candidates out, unless MK changes her mind."
MK just glared at him. "Not a chance."
Anne Maria immediately grinned. "Yo Chris!"
"Looks like we have to do another selection method," Chris grabbed the glass boot and began to turn, only for Anne Maria to dart forward and snatch the footwear away from him.
Anne Maria swiftly tossed aside one of her heels and replaced it with the glass boot. "There," she said with a smile, raising her leg to show the boot glimmering on the end of it, "I always knew that I was meant to be royalty!"
"Fine, Anne Maria can be the Princess," Chris said heavily. "Let's just get this over with. Chef?" he looked back over his shoulder, and the shot pulled back to show the hulking man arriving back on the scene. He had changed into a pale blue ballerina's outfit, and had strapped a pair of fake wings to his back that, along with the glittering 'wand' in his hand, gave him the appearance of a fairy godmother.
"I dub thee, Princess Anne Maria," Chef said shortly as a touching song played, waving the wand above the grinning girl's head and releasing a cloud of sparkling dust that nearly choked Topher, Ripper, and Justin.
Confessional: MK
"Anne Maria as the Princess?" MK told the confessional camera with a snort and a laugh. "I wouldn't want to be in that Fairy Tale. Along with any others out there."
Confessional Ends
A harp played in the background as an image of Chris' head and a large hardcover book appeared on screen in front of a yellowish stock background. "It's story time, with uncle Chris," the host's disembodied head said before the scene flashed to him seated in a large purple armchair with the same book in hand. His left hand was on a joystick built into the arm of the chair, and he seemed to be slowly rolling through the set.
"Once upon a time," he began slowly, the camera pulling back to show the host rolling up to the contestants minus Anne Maria on a wheeled platform, his chair joined by a matching footstool, pedestal side table, and even a fireplace. "Five brave knights went on a quest to rescue a Princess from her ivory tower." He pulled back on the joystick, and the platform came to a stop. "But, it wasn't gonna be easy! First," he looked at the staircase behind him, "the knights had to get past my very good friend," the shot quick-panned up and left to Chef, now dressed in a tattered vest and trousers with a long moss-green wig and beard, "the Terrible Toothless Troll!" The shot zoomed in on Chef as he quickly blackened a few of his front teeth with a sharpie. "And, his Bad Breaks Bridge!"
The camera zoomed out even further as a few ominous chants played in the background, showing a large mountainous set featuring a rickety rope bridge over a treacherous and craggy fake waterfall. The contestants gulped.
"To get past the Terrible Toothless Troll," Chris read on, "the knights had to wear disguises! There was the Frog Prince," he grabbed a vaguely frog-like great helm from behind his chair and tossed it to Justin, "and the Ugly Stepsister," he tossed a large wig of wavy red hair in a tall bun to MK. "Snow White," he tossed a pink sleep mask to Jasmine, "and one of her Seven Dwarves," he followed that up by throwing a tall wizard's hat patterned with stars, moons, and lightning bolts to Topher. "Aaand," the host finished by pulling out a bright red hooded cape, "Little Red Riding Hood."
He tossed it to Ripper, who raised an eyebrow as he caught it. "Seriously? Can't I just be Riding Red?"
"No dice dude. That's what it says in the script," Chris told him as an unseen intern delivered a plate of milk and cookies to the host's side table. He turned and grabbed one, saying "Good work, kid," before continuing his monologue. "And so, the Ugly approached the Terrible Troll."
"I can't see in this thing!" MK said.
"Oh yeah," Chris said to a dramatic rise in the background music, "for this challenge, each knight is blind." The five teens immediately began to protest, causing the host to snap at them. "Nowhere in this story does it say 'the cowardly knights complained'!" he told the cast with a brief glance at his book. "So get it together, steppy, and get crossing!"
The footage skipped ahead to show MK slowly inching her way across the bridge while holding on to one of the rope rails. "This ain't too bad," she said to herself. She was hit by several red apples in rapid succession, causing her to yelp in pain.
"Oh, also," Chris said as the shot cut back to him, "those are Wicked Witch's apples, so, they're poisonous and rotten. You might wanna watch..."
He stopped talking as the shot cut back to MK slipping on one of the apples and fell off the bridge to the rocky set below. The camera followed as she fell and bounced off of several outcroppings before landing onto the hard ground. The shot cut briefly to the other contestants as they winced in pain before cutting back to the techno girl lying awkwardly on the ground with an apple in her mouth.
"Well, looks like MK isn't fairy tale hero material," Chris commented, dunking one of his cookies into his glass of milk. The short girl writhed in pain.
Confessional: MK
MK had on a neck brace and bandages around her head and torso, "I'm having trouble remembering what happened after the fall. Does that mean I have a concussion?"
Confessional Ends
A harp was played as the footage cut back to the other contestants standing at the start of the bridge. "Next, the eighth dwarf," Chris said as he moved his platform around towards the far staircase. "He grabbed a fistful of courage and headed across the bridge."
Topher glanced over at Chef. The man had hunched over, and was slapping a cat o' nine tails against his hand with a wild grin. He took a deep breath, put on the wizard’s hat over his eyes, and charged forward with a battle cry. Chef raised his eyebrows and rushed out to stop him, but he jumped onto a rope rail and ran through it until he was past Chef.
"Did I make it?" Topher asked, having reached the other side.
Confessional: Topher
"Poise classes have taught me to always be aware of my surroundings, whether I’m blindfolded or not," Topher grinned. "And with Anne Maria as the Princess, I’m not botching this one."
Confessional Ends
The footage skipped ahead to Jasmine's attempt, the sleeping mask already over her eyes and her hands firmly on the ropes of the bridge as she walked forward at a steady pace. Chef squeezed a mother goose, launching a golden egg out of its rear like a bullet. It shot past the girl's shoulder. "What was that?" Jasmine asked as she moved her head to track it. A second egg hit her square in the chest, knocking her back a step and putting a grin on Chef's face.
Jasmine frowned for a moment, then took a cautious step that was apparently at the bridge's weak point. The camera zoomed in on the bridge as it rippled, knocking loose every plank all the way to Chef. With a gasp and a scream, the troll and his goose fell, and the scene cut to him as he grabbed something behind his back. "They don't pay me enough for this!" Chef yelled, pulling the cord of a hidden parachute and floating down safely.
Jasmine was unaware of the danger and took one more step, expectedly screaming and falling. The camera cut to Chris as he followed the Amazon girl's fall and winced at the sound of an impact. "Awesome!" he cheered. "You’re up, froggy." The scene cut to the start of the bridge where Justin stood. "Then Captain Hood after that."
Justin put on his helmet. "At least my face will be protected from further indignity," he said as he slowly moved towards the bridge. He walked right shoulder into one of the posts holding up the bridge.
Ripper laughed. "Tough break, pretty boy," he jeered. "Go a little to the right." The eye candy followed the advice and walked into the other pole, causing Ripper to laugh. "Sorry man!" the bully called before laughing again.
Chef was shown running past the center of the bridge with an ax raised and ready to strike, while Justin stayed at the bridge completely oblivious. Ripper laughed once more and pushed the model into the cook. "Let me give you a hand," he said as he did so. Chef brought his ax down and hit the hot boy's helmet, causing the eyes to spin comically and Ripper to laugh once more.
Confessional: Justin
“There I was, down dirty, and deafened,” Justin recapped his failure. “And I thought "W.W.A.M.D.": What would Anne Maria do? And then it came to me! She'd use her head.”
Confessional Ends
With a battle cry, Justin rushed the cook with his helmet and ran him over, safely making it to the other side. "Justin's still got it!" Chris said as the camera cut to him. "All right, the final knight attempting to enter Fairy Tale Land is," the shot cut to Ripper as he tied a blindfold over his eyes and faced away from the camera, "Riding Red! We're over this way!"
"My seeing is good," Ripper said as he turned around. The camera cut to his perspective to show that he could actually see Chef putting on a blonde pigtailed wig. "I'm able to see Chef as a female troll! Hilarious!"
"Rapunzel dude, let down your hair!" Chris called, and Chef lengthened one of the pigtails and began swinging it around. He cracked it like a whip at the bully, who dodged it.
The camera cut to Justin watching Ripper avoid every attack. "Hey! He can see!" he cried.
"How?" Chris asked sarcastically. "With his X-ray vision? That'd be cool."
Chef attacked one last time, but Ripper grabbed onto the pigtail and swung across to safety with a whoop.
The footage skipped ahead to a close-up of Chris's book as he began to narrate once again. "And so, the Terrible Toothless Troll knocked off two losers," the shot pulled back to show Jasmine, wearing a leg cast and her right arm in a sling, and MK sitting on the ground nearby. "But," the camera panned over to Justin, Ripper, and Topher on the right, "three semi-brave knights made it to the other side and continued on their noble quest. Whereupon I, in my wisdom, inspired them with a vision of Princess Anne Maria."
The shot pulled back even further, revealing that the group had assembled in front of a small stage with a pink-tinted backdrop depicting a large white castle off in distant hillsides. A slow piano melody began to play as Anne Maria, now dressed in a regal-looking pink gown and tiara, was lowered onto the stage by a few wires.
"When I was a little girl, I'd dream of my first kiss," Anne Maria began to sing in a rather mediocre voice the moment she hit the stage and the wired harness was reeled back up. "It would come from my perfect prince!" A number of tiny birds and chipmunks gathered around her, the birds even landing on her hands. "And in my dream, it went like this!"
The scene immediately cut to the three remaining knights as they watched the performance. Justin and Topher were both stunned by her display, while Ripper couldn't care less.
“She's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” Justin said.
Definitely,” Topher chimed in.
“I must've been so busy seeing her as a potential alliance member and extra vote that I didn't see her outer beauty. Wow,” Justin continued in amazement. “We'll be the best looking couple in the kingdom!”
The music came to a halt as Topher and Ripper were surprised by what just came out of Justin's mouth.
“Excuse me, but I am still dating her!” Topher objected heavily.
“And there's no way she'll ever be into you,” Ripper told Justin.
“I saw you cheat, Ripper,” Justin let him know. “You don't deserve to be anybody's prince.”
“And who died and made you the rule master?” Ripper faced the handsome boy threateningly.
"Guys, guys!" Chris said, stepping forward and getting between the boys. "No need to fight! At least not until after this break," he declared happily. "Will Ripper inflict any deformities on Justin? Or will Justin's ripped physique bring two tons of hurt down on Topher's head? Find out when we come back!"
(Commercial Break)
The footage came back to a distance shot of the stage Anne Maria was still singing on, her music resuming as the shot cut closer.
"My prince will be tall and handsome," she sang, the camera panning down to catch Justin standing straight and proud. "My prince will be tough as nails," Ripper flexed his biceps and then lifted a startled Topher over his head.
"My prince will have lots of money," Anne Maria continued, the camera moving back on her as she showered the stage with a wad of cash. "My prince will tame wild whales!" She flexed her own arms, Chris nodded to the beat, and the shot cut to Topher looking at a small and rather disoriented baleen whale on the floor in confusion.
The shot panned down to Jasmine and MK who were watching the performance with boredom on their faces.
"How are you feeling about the whole Fairy Tale thing?" Jasmine asked MK.
"Couldn't care less," MK answered bluntly. "I just don't know why we have to keep watching though."
A close-up was shown of Anne Maria reaching for a wary-eyed frog in a small crown, the Jersey girl pulling it closer to her as she finished her song. "When we kiss~, my prince will be you~!" As the music ended, she held up the frog and kissed it on the lips, but broke almost immediately in a fit of revulsion.
Anne Maria threw the frog away from her, and it landed on Justin's face. "Warts! Get it off!" he cried out as he ran around trying to get the frog out.
"Wasn't that song brilliant?" Chris asked as the focus moved back to him, Jasmine, and MK. "It was so brilliant, I know everyone wishes they could hear it over, and over, and over again! And now they can." He snapped his fingers, and a CD case bearing Princess Anne Maria's picture on the cover was placed in his waiting hand.
"Relive the magic of Anne Maria for only $12.99," he told the camera as a deep and theatrical tune began to play. "Call 555-SELLOUT to get your authentic Princess Anne Maria CD," he added as the camera zoomed in on the case, "before everyone else downloads it illegally!"
"I'll take one!" Topher quickly begged, earning him a CD. "This will be worth spending thirteen dollars of my money."
Confessional: Topher
"My prince will buy me lots of hot dogs! My prince will love ponies too!" Topher was listening to the CD through headphones as his confessional began. "Her singing isn't the best, but I do want to support her," he told the camera.
Confessional Ends
"After risking my life for you, I have come to realize this!" Justin said as he approached the stage. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. And the smartest. What are the odds?"
He offered his hand to Anne Maria, but she didn't take it. "Thanks for telling me what I already know!"
"Uhh, aren't you going to compliment me on my bravery?" Justin asked.
"Nah! Princesses are supposed to be complimented in my world,” Anne Maria said, to Justin's disappointment. “It's not their job to give them out to anyone, but for me, I'll make an exception for Topher, the handsomest knight around!”
The camera moved to Ripper rolling her eyes and Topher smiling. “And you are the most beautiful princess around!” Topher complimented back before a sound caught the attention of both. They turned their heads at once and the scene followed their gaze over to Chef, still in his troll costume but now riding the same fly-ridden horse from earlier in the episode.
"How has that horse not died yet?" MK commented. "It can't be in good condition after all their time being used on this show."
"Just because it's a little old, doesn't mean it's not fighting for their life," Jasmine told her.
Anne Maria hopped onto the horse's back while Ripper and Topher came over. “Are we supposed to catch him?" Topher asked.
"No, it's a classic princess abduction," Chris explained calmly. "As the villain makes a whirlwind getaway on a swift steed."
Chef kicked the horse with his feet, but it didn't react. "Guess ol' Betsy here didn't read the script," he said gruffly.
"Kick harder," Chris commanded, and Chef promptly complied. A stronger kick caused the horse to kick backwards, hitting Justin – who had been standing closest - right in the face.
"That did it," Chef said as Justin was shown to have a few teeth knocked out and a bruised right eye.
"So, that's how the three knight dudes lost the Princess," Chris narrated, "But fate, aka me, wasn't finished with them." Chef and Anne Maria rode off behind him. "They followed the troll all the way to a fight to the death, because that's how I like my princesses saved."
"Sir Topher!" Anne Maria called out playfully as she was slowly abducted. "You better be the one who rescues me!"
"These two haven't even got a chance!" Topher replied arrogantly.
"As good luck, I'll give you my favor to carry into the battle!" Anne Maria tossed the glass boot, but it unintentionally hit Justin in the face.
Confessional: Justin
Justin was having his bruises covered up by make-up brushes from two unknown people while the glass boot was on the table.
“Falling for Anne Maria has been hard on the face. I think we'll have a no glass shoes policy if we start dating soon,” Justin informed and put the boot away. “I have no idea what Chase and Millie's policies are, but they're probably less dignified.”
Confessional Ends
The footage cut forward to a close-up of the old horse chewing on some hay before the camera panned over to a small castle archway propped up against a tower of some sort. "Sir Justin, Sir Topher, and Sir Ripper reached the ivory tower in which the troll had stuck the super tanned princess," Chris read as the three remaining competitors walked into the scene and he followed on his rolling platform. The shot panned up the towers, where several other pieces of crenelated wall had been attached here and there, and at the very top there was a pinkish spire and balcony where Princess Anne Maria waited.
"But there was only one way to rescue her," the host continued with a grin on his face and tense music building in the background. "One of the brave knights had to slay the dragon!"
"Dragon?!" Jasmine asked in alarm. "Tell me you didn't get a real dragon for this!"
"Seeing as dragons don't exist," MK told her, "I find that highly unlikely."
"She's right," Chris said as the music switched to something more ominously lurking. "We're reusing the alien monster guy."
Seconds later, a few tremendous mechanical footsteps were heard. MK and Jasmine looked to stage right and the camera pulled back, showing off the animatronic monster in all its glory. Chef was wearing the motion capture suit that controlled it, and it had been given a hood with horns, a scraggly 'beard', and two tiny wings in order to make it look more draconic. Chef raised his arms menacingly, and the monster echoed the pose and growled.
"Let the dragon slaying begin!" Chris announced, pulling out a trio of wooden swords and throwing them to the knights. Ripper caught the shortest, Topher the most slender, and Justin the broadest, and the three turned to face the tower and dragon.
"I'm counting on you, Sir Topher!" Anne Maria called from above, smiling at the fanboy and blowing him a kiss. He accepted it with a grin, and Anne Maria turned her attention to the other two knights and frowned. "As for you two, you'll need all the luck you can get."
"Yeah, cause I'll be the one who's going to slay today!" Topher boasted before turning and charging at the dragon.
"Not so fast," Justin charged at Topher and the two clashed their swords into each other's, only breaking when they noticed a foot-shaped shadow fall upon them. They rolled out of the way before the monster stomped them, and the camera panned over to Justin landing next to Ripper.
“You want Topher to win?” Justin faced Ripper.
“Like I care which one of you wins,” Ripper scoffed.
“Then help me take him down and I'll let you win,” Justin offered.
Ripper thought about it, and the viewpoint moved over to Chef guiding the monster in stomping and snapping at Topher. He was able to strike the dragon's head with his sword. “You are not going to stop me from rescuing Anne Maria!” the fanboy told the dragon.
“Just get them both chasing you,” Ripper suggested.
“And why?” Justin asked.
“Do you want to stop that monster or not?” Ripper glared. “Just do it!”
Justin sighed but complied, and both Topher and the Chef-controlled monster made moves to chase after him while Ripper watched from the sidelines.
“Are you going to fight me or run away from me?!” Topher asked with a taunt.
“Justin, you're going to stop running in 3…2…1!” Ripper ordered, and Justin paused his dash.
Topher also stopped chasing him as well, and the dragon, who was still trying to chase the others, caught its foot on Topher and somehow tripped. It flailed its arms humorously before crashing to the ground.
"A job well done," Ripper said as he ran over to the large red button on the side of the beast's neck. “Now to claim my second immunity win in a row!” he said as he readied his sword to finish it off, but Justin came up to push him off the dragon and onto the floor.
"Sorry Ripper," Justin told him. "If Izzy was the prize, I'm sure you'd do the same thing." He plunged his sword into the dragon's neck, causing it to fizzle and short out. "Anne Maria," he dramatically called out, "your prince is coming."
"Some prince," Ripper mocked.
The camera panned to the right to show Chris' moving platform as he arrived with Jasmine and MK in tow.
"Wanna rescue Princess Anne Maria too?" he asked the camera. "Now you can, for only $79.95!" he pulled out a pink-and-yellow striped box and held it up for the camera, a vaguely Anne Maria-shaped doll barely visible inside. "Order your very own Princess Anne Maria Limited Edition Glass Boot Doll! Playing with the Anne Maria doll is more fun and less dangerous than playing with the real Anne Maria. Guaranteed!" He finished with a cheesy grin.
The scene cut to the top of the ivory tower as Justin climbed up to the balcony where Anne Maria waited. "I have arrived!" Justin announced.
"Not the guy I was expecting, but a reward is a reward," Anne Maria grumbled and the two moved in for a kiss.
"Wait, wait, there's no kissing!" Chris interrupted the two from his chair.
“What?” Justin felt confused.
“Oh yeah!” Topher cheered from under the dragon.
"It says here that Prince Justin and Princess Anne Maria must sword fight to determine the true winner!" Chris explained while reading off his book.
"Which means I still have a chance at winning immunity?" Anne Maria asked quickly.
"You're much smarter than most princesses," Chris replied.
"Usually, most fairy tales end with a kiss," Jasmine said.
"Well, this is a modern tale," Chris explained. "Gals have to fight for themselves."
“You can say that again,” MK agreed.
“If that's how it has to be-” Anne Maria said.
“No,” Justin cut her off, now kneeling on one leg. “I am a noble gentleman. A brave knight. A handsome prince. I would never hurt a lady.”
“But you would hurt a guy working with you,” Ripper interjected after getting up on his feet.
“I said I was sorry, Ripper,” Justin told him with annoyance and focused back on Anne Maria. “I refuse to raise a sword to Anne Maria.” Anne Maria took the sword from him. “I give up any chance at immunity to spare her. And now…”
Justin puckered his lips and moved close, only for his eyes to widen. The camera pulled back to show the hilt of the sword buried in his crotch.
“Not sorry! I'm already taken!" Anne Maria declared before pushing Justin off.
Justin fell with a scream until he hit one of the 'towers' on his cheek. He kept on hitting one tower after another until he hit the ground on his back in severe pain. “I'm okay!”
The camera panned over to Chris and the other losers. "Anne Maria wins immunity! Again!" the host announced.
"Yes!" Anne Maria cheered.
The opening sequence of the Gilded Chris Ceremony came and went, leaving the scene focused on the tux-wearing host at his podium. "So," Chris began with an award already in his hand, "with immunity, Anne Maria is the first to win a Gilded Chris." He tossed the statuette to the girl, sitting on the left side of the bleachers, and she caught it with a smug grin.
"Immunity and my own dolls? How much better can this day get?" Anne Maria said.
"Well, it's not like you're getting the profits from the Princess Anne Maria line," Chris said plainly.
Anne Maria's eyes popped open in shock. "Uh, what?!" she said in outrage. “It's my line!”
“I’m saying that you're not going to get the profits because they’ll be sent over to your family for safekeeping, along with a Princess Anne Maria doll,” Chris explained. “I don't want any of my interns or producers to take what's rightfully yours. Lawsuits and all.”
“Oh!” Anne Maria said in relief. “I'm relieved, but I'm also upset that you made me act like an idiot!”
"Then you should have let me finish! Also still in the competish," Chris announced with another two awards in his hand, "MK and Jasmine." The former caught her prize in her lap with a confident grin, and the latter with a happy smile.
"And also Ripper," the host continued, the camera panning to the bully who smiled as he caught his award.
Spotlights were put on Justin and Topher, the former in a body cast. "Who will live happily ever after, and who will die penniless," Chris said as the music built dramatically. "And the last Gilded Chris goes to… Justin!"
"What?!" Anne Maria stood up. "You have to be joking! Justin should be going home!"
"Yeah, you're right. I was just kidding," Chris said. "Justin's actually the one who's been eliminated."
Topher caught his award. “I knew I would be safe.”
Confessional: Topher
“I told everybody to vote off Justin,” Topher confirmed. “He tried to move in on my girlfriend, and him getting booted would serve him right. The best part is, everybody was on board with it and I didn’t even have to try and convince them.”
Confessional Ends
Justin got up and started to head to the red carpet, but stopped to look at the contestants. “So is no one even going to miss me?”
“I never liked you,” MK shrugged.
“See ya,” Ripper said apathetically. “Get better soon, or sometime.”
“Okay, stop already! I'm going! But you'll regret it,” Justin told them and walked to the red carpet. Before getting into the limousine, he gave one last look to the remaining players. “With me gone, this competition just got eighty percent less handsome.” The eye candy turned around, only to hit his head on the roof. “All right, seventy-nine!” he groaned.
The footage paused there, and the camera pulled back to show it on one of the monitors in the control tent. Chris was sitting in his chair playing with a couple of Princess Anne Maria dolls, a few more scattered on the nearby desk.
"I know what I told Anne Maria, but marketing says that our target audience is too old for dolls," Chris told the camera as the footage on the monitor cut to static. "They're just not selling!" He looked to the side, and the camera panned to follow and show Chef playing with a group of Princess Anne Maria dolls dressed up as soldiers.
"Princesses, attack!" he said with a dark grin, lighting a miniature cannon with a match as the deeper and more dramatic ending theme began to play. The cannon fired with a puff, blowing the heads off two of the dolls.
Chris gave him an odd look, then turned back to the camera. "Hey target audience! Make sure you don't miss the next kiss-filled episode of Total! Drama! Action!" As soon as he finished saying the title, he mashed the mouths of the two dolls he was holding together and made kissing sounds. "Now you see, Chef," he told his companion, "that's how you play with dolls."
(Roll the Credits)
(Bonus Clip)
The scene opened to Justin sitting on the back seat of the limousine with the glass boot in hand. “What I've learned? Well, maybe that good looks won't take you everywhere you want to go,” he said wisely. “I mean, what have I ended up with? A wounded face, a bruised ego, and a shoe that I can't even wear. Maybe if I stopped modeling and threw all my energy into getting smarter, more girls could fall in love with me,” he thought. “But modeling pays. And Jesús, my booker, says that even with my severe facial wounds, he can get me a bunch of leg modeling and some celebrity kid's birthday party. So, love schmove.” He threw the glass boot out the window, and a shattering sound indicated that the boot was destroyed.
Eva - 15th
Geoff - 15th
Izzy - RETURNED
Trent - 13th
Sky - 12th
Brick - 11th
Scott - 10th
Izzy - 9th
Millie - 8th
MERGE
Chase - 7th
Justin - 6th
Boys: Ripper, Topher
Girls: Anne Maria, Jasmine, MK

My birthday is in a week, and I decided to bake my own cake this year!
Please give me your suggestions! Also, time wise I'll only have the morning before and most of the day of to make it. I have good time management, and I actually enjoy a little crunch. I've gotten really into baking this year and it has given me so much peace. I'm actually considering pivoting my career to baking, but trying to build up my skills before I start bringing in resumes to bakeries around town (I already work in food service).
Looking forward to seeing your ideas- please link a recipe if you have one you like!

I have this fantastic fudge frosting recipe I use for chocolate cake, but when ever i make cupcakes I also have so much left over. I want to try and turn it into something with the consistency of fudge. Is that even possible with this recipe?
Recipe
Butter ~ 1/4 cup Sugar ~ 1 cup Milk ~ 3/8 cup Milk Chocolate Chips ~ 1 cup
• Bring to boil Butter, sugar, and milk. Boil for 2 minutes • Take off heat, and add Chocolate chips. Stir until smooth

She cried on our wedding day.
It was a very simple affair. I was going to college and working part time, she was working full time while I finished my degree. We had been living with my parents, who I returned to after my discharge from the Army. But they were retiring all the way and moving out of state, so griffingrl and I had to find a place to live.
Before my parents left though, we had a simple wedding. I was able to get the local VFW hall for free since I was a member. My mom made an amazing cake for us. Her mom sewed her dress. We had a cash bar and only paid for a the preacher, some finger food and some decorations. We had it on Mother's Day and gave roses to every mother and grandmother there that day, and there were a lot. My wife cried. I almost did. As we said our vows, I decided then and there: "I'm going to make her cry on the regular."
We moved into a small apartment that allowed dogs, but not cats. So I got a dog, and her childhood dog came to live with us. She cried. I finished school and bought a beautiful house in an amazing area. She cried. She was able to quit working the tool factory and stay home to get pregnant - something we both wanted. She cried.
One year early in our marriage, I took her wedding set from her with the excuse it needed to be cleaned. A few days I took her out for a night in the mountain casino. I gave her the wedding ring set and engagement ring all soldered together with a new ring, with a much larger diamond. It was our anniversary. I had been saving for over a year to get her a proper ring since I couldn't afford much when I proposed.
She cried.
I've made her cry with flowers. She cried when I asked if we could name our second born son after my dead brother. She cried when I got her a cat many moons ago, after promising her one. She has cried over thoughtful gifts and gestures over the years. I lover doing it to her. It's kinda mean I know, but she doesn't mind too much.
When I re-propsed roughly a month ago - she cried. SCORE! We renwed our vows and had a great night out. I love her so much. I tell her all the time. I SHOW her all the time. But making her cry once a year or so really drives the point home
If you are newly married, regardless of gender, pamper your partner. Make them cry. Make them grateful for you. Be grateful for them. As a biker, imma just say - I love my old lady. She is amazing. She has kept me going, and been a rock for me.
Find someone to treat you right. Reciprocate. Love.

Context: every year for most - I think all - long weekends including Easter and Labor Day we (husband, me, two kids) have been going to stay with MIL. This long weekend we have chosen to stay home since husband has vowed he won’t be going back after our last disaster of a visit where MIL was absolutely horrible. She ask if my toddler son “wanted a smack” because he was running around and touching things and was rude to guests she invited (refused to speak to them, demanded they go to the store and get some cheese even though they brought cake cause they said they’d bring cheese. We had plenty of food too).
Obviously we made sure the children behaved themselves but she basically expected little kids to behave like little victorian dolls. It was NOT a relaxing or comfortable experience. The whole weekend we were either fixing things for her, trying to cook and keep the place clean and manage the kids and a crotchety lady who openly bullies her husband. She made her him turn off WALLE E which he was enjoying with the kids because it was “disgusting” and she didn’t like the music 🥴.
Anyway husband received messages about how she was missing us this weekend and then this exchange in the family chat which I was not part of appeared 😂
Tonight we will be chilling out at home with a roast in the oven and glass of wine in hand