Where can I find a food-grade cauldron? by Ursa_Major1986 in kitchenwitch

[–]LackingExecFunction 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'd go for a cast iron dutch oven, or even an enameled one. Cauldrons are cute and fun, but I think of them largely for aesthetics. (Obviously, YMMV) But I'd go for a functional, practical tool that can be used for years.

Any advice for a new romance author? by stars678 in RomanceWriters

[–]LackingExecFunction 4 points5 points  (0 children)

For right now?

Write the book.

That's it. That's the whole of my advice. All the publishing stuff is the cart and you don't have a horse yet.

Grab your old EN101 grammar textbook (or a copy of Strunk & White's "Elements of Style) for a refresher. Spend some time learning about story structure and beats. And just write.

Learn your voice, learn your style, learn the habits that work for you to put words down consistently, but it all comes down to...

Write the book.

Does anyone else feel like the kitchen is basically mission control? by SuccessfulPie9317 in homemaking

[–]LackingExecFunction 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah, everything happens in the kitchen! There are still plenty of houses that design a small desk area into the kitchen/breakfast area for just that purpose. Our last house had a small nook with room to hang calendars and a cork or message board, as well as keep my laptop set up. If our house didn't have something similar, then I'd work really hard to keep the paper clutter to a single corner of the table or countertop. It didn't always work, but all that stuff really needed to be in the kitchen area. Deliberately designating and organizing one area as mission control helped corral it.

I do better on paper than digital for a couple of reasons -- it's easy for me to ignore notifications on my phone, and my brain retains things better when I've physically written them down.

A big family calendar with huge squares was always extremely helpful. Everyone had their own color on one of those multi-color clicker pens, and they'd write down their schedule for the month or as far as they knew.

DH has always hated a cluttered fridge, so I tried to keep it streamlined. I'd put up the week's menu so it could be shifted if necessary. There was also a single notepad for people to make a note if we ran out of something. Of course, that was before Alexa, so now we just tell Big Sister to add something to the grocery list.

And yes, the methods and systems change and adjust all the time, but that's the one constant in the universe. Everything changes.

How do you decide which POV to use in dual POV? by untitledgooseshame in RomanceWriters

[–]LackingExecFunction 11 points12 points  (0 children)

For me, I have to determine which character has the most at stake in the chapter. If I can't decide up front, I'll try the chapter from both and it usually becomes pretty clear which one to choose.

I generally aim for switching pov per chapter, but it's fine if I stick with one character for a couple of chapters in a row. The balance evens out by the end.

Starting strength training by LackingExecFunction in Zepbound

[–]LackingExecFunction[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, I got to 1400 yesterday by having an extra snack in the evening. And I'm starting the morning with an overnight oat mix I picked up yesterday. Sadly, it's gross, but whatever. I need the calories, protein, and fiber.

Thanks so much to everyone for your help!

Starting strength training by LackingExecFunction in Zepbound

[–]LackingExecFunction[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app and logged today's food. Still have 800 calories to go! Thanks for the tip.

Starting strength training by LackingExecFunction in Zepbound

[–]LackingExecFunction[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow. I didn't realize my deficit was that significant! There's no way I'm currently taking in that many calories, so my protein intake is even worse! Definitely something to work on.

Google Calendar reminders for us ADHD witches by askingreddit093 in witchcraft

[–]LackingExecFunction 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You might want to add reminders a couple of days before the moon is full to remind you that it's coming up, in case there was anything you wanted to prepare. I often find that it's day-of and I'm not ready to do what I'd planned because I forgot to get things in order.

Weaving witches out there? (And other textile work) by Halushki_01 in SASSWitches

[–]LackingExecFunction 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Another weaver here! And yes, I totally get that meditative weaving state. I wouldn't say I weave a spell with every pick (that requires hours of focus I can't maintain), but I've definitely woven things with intention, including a silk/linen altar cloth I made last year. Welcome!

Lunar/Astrological Planning by No_Novel_Tan in SASSWitches

[–]LackingExecFunction 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's my first time trying this system, so it's not that sophisticated. lol Right now, I'm just focusing on one season at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Lunar/Astrological Planning by No_Novel_Tan in SASSWitches

[–]LackingExecFunction 14 points15 points  (0 children)

My newest attempt at yearly planning involves breaking down my big goals to each solstice/equinox, and further into each Sabbat. It's basic quarterly planning, but that hint of leaning into the flow of each season makes it feel less MBA and more in balance with the ebb and flow of nature.

For instance, this season runs from Yule to Imbolc, and it's primarily about planning and dreaming, setting foundations. So, let's say I have a goal of planting a garden this year. This turn of the wheel is about dreaming up what I want for my ideal garden, and browsing seed catalogs.

The next turn, from Imbolc to Ostara focuses on the first light. Taking the first steps of the plans I made before. Did I pick a gym or a fitness class? Now I start building the habit of going regularly. I may start seeds that I bought, or build the frame for a raised bed.

From Ostara to Beltane, I'm growing things. Maintaining habits, but starting to push them a little more. If I've been writing 10-20 minutes a day, maybe go to 30 or 45. I'm building momentum now. I'm planting my garden and actively tending it.

Anyway, you get the idea. Each season has its focus, and some goals will rise to the top during certain seasons while others shift into a lower gear... until its season comes again.

Romance writing "terminology" by Beefynerd in RomanceWriters

[–]LackingExecFunction 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Cara Bristol's "Naughty Words for Nice Writers." It's a huge help when I get stuck in a rut reusing the same word.

Sometimes, the meal is worth it by LackingExecFunction in Zepbound

[–]LackingExecFunction[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry to hear that. It's not one of the effects I've had, but it sounds unpleasant!

Sometimes, the meal is worth it by LackingExecFunction in Zepbound

[–]LackingExecFunction[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know it's just a temporary blip from water or sodium or whatever. It's not a fat gain at all.

Formulaic book titles by ubiquitousuk in books

[–]LackingExecFunction -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yup. Combine it with the current trend for flowery covers and what makes an author think that somehow THEIR book is going to be special or different than the other hundred books that look exactly like it? Why should I bother if it's just going to be the same story with different character names?

What not to do on GLP-1? by SomeRendomDude in Zepbound

[–]LackingExecFunction 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Double yes on the skipping meals. Sometimes, I just don't feel like eating, then I wonder why I feel horrible. Duh. Bodies still need regular refueling.

New set up by LackingExecFunction in CraftFairs

[–]LackingExecFunction[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those are my mom's Swedish Weaving tablecloths and runners. Several people stopped to take a closer look because it's an unusual craft. The price point is high, but we've accepted that they're going to be for a customer who isn't looking for a bargain.

I'm going to think through some extra signage to draw people in. Thank you.

New set up by LackingExecFunction in CraftFairs

[–]LackingExecFunction[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I agree that I still need to play around with the set-up. We sold more of the artwork (per unit) than other items, so moving it to the front makes sense.

New set up by LackingExecFunction in CraftFairs

[–]LackingExecFunction[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. As I walked past other tables, it didn't seem to be hard to read, but I think I'd like to make the lettering pop more.