u/DharmaDama

'Murican here. I recently ordered a chicken salad at a pub in Dublin and I thought it was so funny that it was covered in bacon.

Turns out, it was the best bacon of my life. Now I feel like I never truly experienced bacon until that moment. Nothing compares. I can't stop thinking about that bacon. I don't think it's a common cut in the US. Now I have to go searching for that cut. I'm just chasing that high now.

Everything I ate in Ireland was so delicious and fresh, and I'm missing it so much already.

I can see how the Irish outside of Ireland get homesick for the food.

Do feathers or other found items have a significance or is it more of a personal thing?

I recently came back from my first trip to Ireland, visiting mainly the area one side of my family is from.

Before the trip, I tried to manifest finding magical items while I was there. On the day before I left, I was wandering around a meadow by a farm. I came across two, big, beautiful feathers, from either a raven or crow, each found in a different spot.

I took them home and cleaned them, freezing them and everything.

I have them up on my altar now and they feel like they are charged with strong energy, moreso than anything else I have. I’ve incorporated them into my rituals and prayers. I know crows are associated with the Morrigan and perhaps and it’s an opportunity to build a stronger relationship.

How do some of you use found items? What kind of items have you found that you’ve added to your practice?

Any discussions around on the highlights or is anyone doing summaries of what’s happening? TIA

I'm on a 90s kick, so I bought a bottle the other day. This is one my sister had in the 90s and I was more of a clinique happy girl.

I couldn't even remember what it smelled like but I blind bought it because I thought why the hell not? It's 90s in a bottle and it was $10. I read through all the reviews on fragrantica and I looked at the notes, thinking it could be something I'd like.

I love it, but it doesn't feel happy and sunshine-y on me. It feels like something sexy and sultry to wear on a balmy night. I have heard it can smell completely different on each person.

Are there others out there still using this one?

I found this service for Spanish and I really wish it were a thing for French. It’s the only way I found that I can improve quickly. Private classes don’t really do it for me. There’s something about group classes and the social aspect that helps me learn a lot.

Any unlimited, daily group classes out there for French?

I went to a department store yesterday and the lady who was there was nice but very intense. I know they probably want to make their sales, but I feel pressured to smell what they want to show me. I want to just be alone and sniff everything by myself. What's a nice way to signal I just want to try everyting myself?

There are many options like this for Spanish like:

Spanish Fluency Club ($25/month)

(https://www.spanish-fluency-club(.)com/#pricing)

and

GoSpanish ($35/month)

(https://gospanish(.)com/landing)

But I haven't found anything similar for French. Does anyone know of any options?

I'm not looking for private classes. I feel like I do way better in group settings.

I'm not advertising these websites above, I just want something similar.

Thanks!

I am now ready to send in all of my materials to the embassy. Other than the courier having a delivery confirmation, does the embassy give a confirmation when they receive it or when they send out the application?

edit: just mailed mine. It arrives at the embassy tomorrow.

I speak Spanish just fine that I can tell jokes, argue and respond in the moment without issue. I’ve come to terms with knowing that native speakers will always know that I’m a foreigner the moment I open my mouth. They don’t care and they know I understand and speak fine enough that they don’t switch to English. I, of course, make the occasional mistake of misgendering words or flubbing up the grammar on occasion, but I normally speak well and clearly that it’s not an issue.

How can I take my Spanish to the next level? How can I sound elegant or maybe be able to give a speech?

I read books in Spanish just fine. I watch and listen to media in Spanish all the time.

Should I take advanced Spanish classes? Or maybe more academic Spanish classes like a literary class?

I heard this perfume was strong and y'all weren't kidding. I just did one spray. I'm just stunned into silence. This is military grade stuff.

I was really looking forward to this one but now I'm coughing and I need a shower.

I'm going to take this with me next time I go hiking.

Like, how much do you normally put on? I could see maybe 1/4 of a spray being enough.

I'm trying to appreciate this fragrance put it keeps punching me in the face.

*Cough*

Not like pesto, but an abundant fresh basil plant that hasn’t been cut yet. Maybe also some citrus or anything that can compliment that smell so it smells fresh, not sweet.

Any suggestions?

Thank you

Right now I'm looking into Elizabeth Arden perfumes. I'd love to hear some of your suggestions.