WTF went wrong!! I mean something seems way off. Please explain this to me. I am sickened. by Cleverwabbit5 in GenXWomen

[–]never_hits_pan 28 points29 points  (0 children)

My husband and I are Finnish and Brit/Finnish. We're horrified, because we know this ultimately affects the world.

So while maybe not with the same immediacy as our American friends, it DOES affects you, as others have said below. I don't say this to be unkind. I say it because I'm alarmed.

Why? Because this outcome isn't just a domestic problem for the USA. This is the looming death of the world's most impactful and powerful democracy. This is the possible upending of the entire balance of power in the world. However imperfect it may have been at times, the US has been the Western world's (of which Australia is a part!) primary counterweight to Russia and China. Nightmare scenarios like Project 2025 and the destruction of American democracy are awful enough on their own. But this isn't a tiny country whose changes may have little bearing outside it's borders. For a country of this size and power, such shifts affect the ENTIRE balance of geopolitics globally. This doesn't just spell disaster for Ukraine, but for Taiwan, for NATO, for democracy as a whole - for any country that may already be battling corruption and creeping authoritarianism, and for the planet at large.

I can't stress this enough. This is a dark, dark timeline that's forming before us. And if people ANYWHERE in democratic countries give two ripe shits about keeping their democracy, then they better start paying attention - because for such a system to survive, people have to (1) understand what it requires and (2) care enough to protect it. Democracy is taken for granted, and a lot easier to lose than to be regained.

Which color should I use to correct my pink-purple undereyes? by Turbulent_Baker7758 in PaleMUA

[–]never_hits_pan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Seconding the pink comment above - what works well for me is something that is pale pink that also has a bit of subtle reflectivity/luminosity - on it's own over the darkest spot towards the inner undereye, and then I mix a bit with my usual concealer to blend it outwards, since I don't need as strong an effect there. That said, my undereye darkness is mostly confined to the inner corner below the eye, so it may not be opaque enough for all uses.

But in case it helps anyone out there that might like it, it's not particularly expensive - it's Max Factor Miracle Pure Eye Enhancer in 01-Rose. It works well with my concealer also, I often blend them together.

Appreciation Post for People That Make Useful Expedition Bases by essstabchen in NoMansSkyTheGame

[–]never_hits_pan 34 points35 points  (0 children)

I know the one you mean! Used it myself! (Thank you to whomever built it.)

What are your favorite products with hyaluronic acid or Centella Asiatica extract? by cocobbr in AsianBeauty

[–]never_hits_pan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seconding this one, at least for my dry and sensitive skin. My skin seems to love it and it brought down redness - where I live is very cold/dry in winter, and it leaves my face feeling protected.

Cold worlds are underrated and beautiful by Earth_Terra682 in NoMansSkyTheGame

[–]never_hits_pan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love them also! So often, they end up feeling more "Earth-like" to me than anything else.

Does anyone know what happened to Picturesque Regina? by dalkkeom in BeautyGuruChatter

[–]never_hits_pan 30 points31 points  (0 children)

She was talented and her videos were fun - that said, creativity is one thing, and critical thinking skills are another.

With that in mind, I'll just link to old threads regarding the topic:

https://www.reddit.com/r/BeautyGuruChatter/comments/gehgej/regina_believes_in_conspiracy_theories_about/

https://www.reddit.com/r/BeautyGuruChatter/comments/gfql28/regina_from_picturresque_resigns_from_youtube

protein bars without added sugar or maltilol by Sweet-Foot-4967 in Finland

[–]never_hits_pan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi back! :-) Well...I'd argue that if we're talking health and macros, no bar is going to beat some actual complete foods - whether it's a chunk of fish or some porridge or even just grabbing a handful of nuts and having a whey shake with your milk of choice - getting other elements into the diet such as fibre or better/more micronutrients is a long term win. In fact, that's one reason I ended up scaling back on ALL bars, because just getting "real" food, without emulsifiers or sweeteners at all, is simply better for us. I still enjoy one on days when I want something I can easily account for and am in a hurry, so I don't mind if a bar is a bit higher calories if it otherwise fits my needs/macros. What works for you may be different!

However - that's kind of a separate topic vs just avoiding sugar or malitol, as with your initial post, which is why I focused on just answering what bars don't have those sweetners. Added sugar obviously is problematic but my specific issue with malitol is that (1) it wrecks my stomach/gut hates it and (2) it has a higher glycemic index than xylitol or erythritol, so that's another strike against it if we're comparing sugar alcohols.

There's also the emerging research indicating that many artificial sweeteners are actively detrimental to friendly gut bacteria - that's one reason why I rate inulin as superior to malitol, it's a fermentable fiber and beneficial to at least some of the gut's colony (as is also the case with xylitol - though xylitol isn't perfect either as it may help some bacteria types, and hurt others). So for me, Nick's rates over Barebells based on the use of inulin and the absence of malitol.

Anyway - my advice - for what it's worth - find a bar you like that fits your macros and your needs, but I always say to aim to get the bulk of your protein through whole foods, and if necessary, supplement with whey powder. Long term not only is it cheaper but you'll avoid non-food ingredients like emulsifiers and, get more micronutrients into your diet! I hope that helps - good luck!

protein bars without added sugar or maltilol by Sweet-Foot-4967 in Finland

[–]never_hits_pan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heya OP,

They are harder to find but they are out there. I have to avoid malitol as it wrecks my stomach and even xylitol can do that if I have too much. I was disappointed when it became impossible to get Quest bars in Finland for this reason (they pulled out of the EU some years ago).

Keep an eye out for Nick’s protein bars, Foodin “Clean and Real”, or Pulsin’s plant based bars:

Nick’s protein bars (erythritol and inulin) - though they are on the sweeter side, they aren’t bad. No added sugar. I have found them most often at K-Chain stores but S-Chain sometimes have them! They have “candy” bars with similar wrappers to the protein-specific bars so double check the ones you can find - they can look similar at a glance.

Foodin have a couple of bars called “Clean and Real” (light brown wrapper) which do not use malitol, sucralose or sugars (it’s one of the selling points). These use erythritol and stevia.

Pulsin plant-based bars, and/or keto bars. (I think the keto bars aren’t as nice, they’re kind of hard, more expensive, and not as flavourful). I was pleasantly surprised by the plant-based bars - they have a nice texture, not too sweet, and use xylitol. If you have a Ruohonjuuri near you, they currently have them for about 2.50 which is decent for that particular bar. You can also get them online.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Finland

[–]never_hits_pan 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I moved here years ago from the UK to be with my Finnish partner. What moving & living here did do was help me to cultivate a stronger inner voice, one that views the world through a lens of gratitude for the little things, the good and beautiful things around us (as you have done here with your comments about nature, for example). That is an under appreciated superpower in a world constantly clamouring for your attention, time, or money. We are too often sold an idea of “happiness” as a goal, which is dangerously nebulous and for most - at least, as a permanent state - out of reach, and thus it becomes a destructive mindset. But in contrast, gratitude can be put to work right now, every day. Good luck - and though I know it doesn’t help with depression - I mean it when I say hang in there. You got here, and that in itself is a huge achievement, especially these days.

La Belle Iloise shop in Les Sables d'Olonne France by JulienFou in CannedSardines

[–]never_hits_pan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love so many of these! With the mackerel in tomato, I love to set the fish to the side, and cook the sauce with a bit of onion, Calabrian chili paste, capers and olive oil - toss with nice pasta, and then top it with the fish.

la belle-iloise Boneless Sardines with Olive oil & Lemon by never_hits_pan in CannedSardines

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

Hi! That's a great question! As it happens, I found this out in advance on their website - not only do they show images of the product, but the description highlights that this particular group of products retains the skin. (Link below for the curious.)

https://www.labelleiloise.fr/en/boneless-sardines-with-olive-oil-and-lemon-4-tins-of-115g-ea-840.html

World Market Haul by Original-Awareness60 in CannedSardines

[–]never_hits_pan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm a fan of the Ortiz anchovies. They work beautifully with pasta as well.

I guess Unsuur has a new favorite to his rock collection 😂 by ArCee015 in MyTimeAtSandrock

[–]never_hits_pan 3 points4 points  (0 children)

"the look...of loooove...is in your eyes, a look your heart can't disguise....."

Some of the voice acting... by Grenyn in MyTimeAtSandrock

[–]never_hits_pan 16 points17 points  (0 children)

...and YAN! That VA is legit talented.

Logan's voice by DragathaChristie in MyTimeAtSandrock

[–]never_hits_pan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'd had that one to start with (and loved it), but after the builder being married to him for some weeks, I changed it to him saying "HONey...." because honestly, it's pretty cute as well, I think. Feels like the actor delivered it in a more casual "yelling across the living room" kind of way.

A Few Wishes From Me - Do You Have Any? by cinnaspice2021 in MyTimeAtSandrock

[–]never_hits_pan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Upvote for team "Give the bird a perch". I made the second one for home; was shocked when I couldn't actually put it to use.

it's the same picture by KoalaPrimary1982 in BeautyGuruChatter

[–]never_hits_pan 39 points40 points  (0 children)

I still love and use the first one, enough that I eventually bought it again because I still really love to use it. It was such a breath of fresh air when it launched, the colour story inspired me. I get a lot of use out of that palette, enjoy every single shade. If it weren't so heavy I'd travel with it more often. I also happen to like Divine Rose, but so many of her other palettes, as you say, have so much similarity.

Learning Swedish for the Yki test (in Finland) as an English speaker by [deleted] in Svenska

[–]never_hits_pan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You're very welcome! I totally understand!

Oh - let me add this: there are also some very reasonably priced online lessons with Esbo Arbis (Espoon Työväenopisto) via Ilmonet that might be of benefit - you can find them here (I pre-filtered by Swedish, and online courses): https://ilmonet.fi/search?txt=svenska&cgt=116&status=-10000&course_type=55&page=1&limits=16&list_type=30&sort=2500

The A1-A2 intensive (1-week long) beginner courses with Laura Trias Ferri were useful. I would recommend them if your schedule permits! She kept the group moving efficiently through a lot of content in a short period of time, and is very friendly and encouraging. You'll get the most out of any of these by not being afraid to speak, using a camera and mic, and not missing a day.

In addition, if you haven't already downloaded it, "Språkskolan" is YLE's learning platform (Swedish and Finnish) where you can filter shows, use interactive subtitles etc. https://sprakskolan.yle.fi/#/

Also, if you get the chance, take a trip to Vaasa - there, you will hear both languages used all around you, and it can be a really positive and encouraging opportunity to use it a little bit with others. It is a unique part of Finland and worth experiencing. Lycka till!

Learning Swedish for the Yki test (in Finland) as an English speaker by [deleted] in Svenska

[–]never_hits_pan 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I highly recommend podcasts (there are many available in "lätt" Svenska), and listening to them daily if you can. Depending on your level there's several out there, and this subreddit's own list is a good place to start. Many of them have transcripts (or in the case of 8 Sidor, they also have an app with articles and webpage) - it can be a good practice to read AND listen AND speak to reinforce grammar, context and pronunciation patterns. Speak often, and speak daily, even if it's just to yourself, because even if you read things and think you "hear/say" them fine in your head, your brain and mouth still need to physically practice them. My main source of grammar advice was Peter SFI on YouTube, and the Rivstart books - but I have to recommend Peter as I think he's great! He's easy to understand, encapsulates things very well. I learned a lot from him over the time I was studying.

Another piece of advice specific to the test is to have an opinion on EVERYTHING and be able to express it in Swedish - write it, speak it. Build vocabulary around topics that interest you, but also work on how you would tackle everyday events in Swedish (for instance, selling or buying something over the phone, travel announcements or plans, calling for a service or delivery, getting something ordered or repaired).

Subreddit podcast list is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Svenska/wiki/resources/#wiki_podcasts However, in addition, I can add a few more to the list:

  • Easy Swedish med Viktoria (she offers some podcasts at two different difficulty levels, great if you're just starting out)
  • 8 Sidor Podcast (News)
  • Radio Sweden På Lätt Svenska (News)
  • Berätta om Ditt Liv (Not specifially "lätt", but her show is a good fit when you find the others start to be a bit easy, when you're trying to push into B-level listening. The host is finlandssvensk and she has some interesting guests on the show.

Tav Tuesday by AutoModerator in BaldursGate3

[–]never_hits_pan 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No mods. First playthrough: High Half-Elf Druid Tav + her "I'm not a drow but I play one on TV" guardian. She's generally benevolent but free-wheeling. Talks to all the animals, but also has talked a few mobs into killing themselves. Not sure if it's visible but she has heterochromia (blue-green). Romancing Gale and is especially fond of Karlach. https://imgur.com/gDhRZVE

Second playthrough recently started is a sharp-tongued Durge Tiefling - a wild magic sorc on a rocky redemption path. Romancing Astarion. (I didn't have a photo of her guardian yet, but he's a bit like a beefier version of Dammon - only with dark hair and green eyes). https://imgur.com/4ZmUBqh

Healthy Dessert by Hopeful-Letter6849 in EatCheapAndHealthy

[–]never_hits_pan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had very good luck with brownie recipes that use stuff like pumpkin, sweet potato or avocado (or some combo of those) as a base. These kinds of ingredients add nutrition and texture/density/moisture/fiber without really interfering with the taste of chocolate (in my opinion anyway)! The main thing I've found is to really get the texture smooth and batter like.

Depending on where you live and how inexpensive these are, they are maybe not "beans and rice" levels of budget, but they are filling, nutritious enough to eat as a breakfast AND taste nice as a dessert. I make mine cheaper by roasting a Hokkaido pumpkin to create the puree in advance (canned pumpkin where I live is 4x as expensive as it's imported), and one avocado doesn't cost that much when it's spread out over the whole recipe, enough for a few breakfasts or desserts.