{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/30/2024 }

Good morning everyone!

 

I just opened my windows to the most glorious chill in the air, something I've been waiting for with great anticipation.  

 

Come on in, I have hot coffee but if you would rather have a cup of tea, I can do that as well.  

 

Here we are, the last Happy Homemaker Monday of September 2024.  How does that make you feel?  Personally I am thrilled, but a little hopeful that the month of October slows down a little, as I'm not yet prepared for all the festivities and big gatherings.  Don't get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I'm just not ready for it to come around that quick.

 

So, tomorrow is the first day of October and the first day of my 31 Days of Prayer for my Husband.  You are more than welcome to join in, if you so wish.  Normal blogging will continue as always, but every day we will have a separate post dedicated to that.  

 

As you may notice as you start reading my post today, some of the categories may seem slightly different.  I just wanted to change it  slightly and bring up some of the older HHM's from years past.  You don't have to change anything on yours, it's basically the same it's always been from year to year, just with slight changes here and there.

 

Anyway, enough talking, let's get right on with it.  Have a wonderful blessed week ahead ♥

 

 

 

*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 

Just perfect and the kind of weather I would love to have all year round. 

 

Monday - Abundant sunshine, 94

Tuesday - Sunny, 91

Wednesday - Sunny, 93

Thursday - Sunny, 96

Friday - Sunny, 94

Saturday - Sunny, 94 

Sunday - Sunny, 93

 

 

 *** Things that make me happy ***

Reminiscing about family, places, looking up old posts and old photographs.  I often think that I only wish I had been more present in certain moments.  I was there, but not appreciative as much as I should have of the time I had with family who are no longer with us.  

 

One of my favorite things to do, is to look back, remember times, treasure memories and try to relive some moments or ways of doing things......especially when it pertains to my great grandmother and grandmother. 

 

 

*** Book I'm reading *** 

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen and Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson. Also, still reading through Joshua in the Bible.

 

 

*** What's on my tv today *** 

Not sure, but I really, really, realllllyyyy, feel like a good period drama show.  I have been missing Lark Rise to Candleford, or Road to Avonlea, maybe something along those lines. 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of Pumpkin spice coffee with 2% milk and a keto mini waffle (1 egg, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese)  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Chicken Salad (lettuce, onions, tomatoes, leftover roast chicken with olive oil, salt and pepper, smoked paprika)     

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Feijoada (Portuguese Bean Stew), Basmati Rice (cauliflower rice for me), Zucchini in Tomato Sauce.     

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Monday

Feijoada, Basmati Rice, Zucchini in Tomato Sauce

Tuesday 

Lentil Soup, Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Wednesday 

Slow Cooked 7 Spice Sticky Chicken, Smashed Potatoes, Super greens

Thursday

Pesto Baked Pasta, Salad

Friday

Mediterranean Fish Stick Tortilla Wraps

Saturday

Leftovers or Fend for yourself

Sunday

Turkish Lahmacun

 

*** On my to do list *** 

Start the Pumpkin DIY I want to make.

Make another Pumpkin Patch Coaster.

Work another 2 or 3 rows on my near Fall Blanket.

 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 

I love the Super Greens from Panda Express, so I searched out a recipe to recreate them at home.  I'll be making it this week and am so excited to try.  This is the recipe I'll be using, from A Farmgirl's Dabbles.

 

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

Pumpkin Patch Coasters and a new Granny Fall Blanket.  I will take better pictures, but just snagged these from my Instagram story.

 

*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 

This sweet boy ♥  I put my craft pumpkin on the table when I got home from the store, and he immediately jumped up to lay against it.    

 

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

My heart has been so heavy with the news of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.  It's moments like these, where we feel so helpless, being far and not able to physically be there to do something, anything for those in need.

 

What we can do, is to pray for everyone affected by the path of this horrible Hurricane.  Please keep praying, the devastation is horrifying.  

 

{ Groceries, Cleaning and Prepping }

The window is open and a slight chilly breeze is flowing into the bedroom.  I've looked forward to these mornings, all summer long.  Each day the temperatures rose, my mind would tell me to hang tight, that soon the cool crisp mornings and dewy grass would be gracing my sight.

 

And here we are 🍂

 

In about 30 minutes, I need to leave for the gym, but I wanted to come in and start this post, because I know that once I return, it is a bit of a flurry of busyness as I get lunch made, laundry washing, and dinner and dessert prepared for tonight's dinner.  Jasmine and her boyfriend come over every Sunday for Family Dinner, it's a tradition we started after she moved out, and it's a time that we very much enjoy as a family.  We eat, we talk, we catch up on the past week and we play some games.

 

I am hoping though, that between all these chores, I get some time to sit and crochet a bit more.  I can't begin to tell you how much I have loved getting back into my crochet.  My mind is running wildly with so many things I want to make, but as always, blankets have a special place in my heart.  I currently have 3 crochet blankets being worked.  

 

Normally, you would expect a person to finish one, then move onto the next, but for some reason, I work best (in crochet at least), when I have a few going at the same time.  I don't always feel like working on a specific one, so I get 3 to pick from.  It works, for me!

 

Anyway, this post is not about crochet, but rather about sharing my past few days, from grocery shopping to a home tidy up and vegetable and fruit prepping for the week.

 

I was using Walmart pickup for a while, I found it easier and quicker to do, than going into the actual store.  But as time has gone on, I have chose to shop in store again.  Why?  Because I find that with Walmart I never know what I'm getting.  They often tell me things are not available, and when I go into the store immediately after the pickup, it's there.  

 

They substitute things I have not chosen to be substituted, or send me the wrong sizes, or I've been sent 3 of the same thing.  It's a bit of a risk for me when doing my grocery shopping by pickup.  

 

I'm not saying I won't use it again, because I know I will, but I do enjoy shopping at the base commissary, taking my time, and really looking at the products.  So that is what I did this past week.

 

This is the part where I say prices have gone up again, but truly what is the point in repeating something of which we have zero control of?

 

Food is not something we can go without and there really is only so much cutting back or cutting out you can do.  I am so blessed in the sense that I love cooking, love inventing meals and can make do with what is at hand, but even that becomes a bit frustrating.

 

Here's an example.  I used to absolutely love meal planning.  I would pull out my cookbooks and get such joy from looking through recipes and trying new ones, but I can't really do that anymore.  We all know that meats especially are the biggest part of the budget, so I try to cook with minimal meats.  That in turn means meals will eventually start getting a bit boring, and I start drawing blanks as to what I am going to make.

 

That in turn, takes the joy out of something I really enjoying doing.  But alas, we push forward and continue.  Where drawing up a menu would take me one day, now it takes me a couple of days, thinking, rethinking, crossing out, replacing, right up until the morning of grocery shopping.  It's crazy!

 

I am currently making some homemade apple cider vinegar.  It's something I have wanted to try for a long time, and I had quite a few apples that were going bad, so I thought it's now or never.

 

Will it work?  I am not sure.  I hope it does because homemade is always better than store bought, in my opinion.  It will take about 2 months or 3 for it to be fully ready to use, but I am quite excited to see how it turns out.  I'll obviously keep you updated on the progress!

 

After giving the cider vinegar a good stir, I got busy with prepping fruits and vegetables for the week. I know it takes some time and effort to do, but I think the results are worth the hour or so you take to chop and wash and pack everything correctly. 

 

It will be all neatly packed in the fridge and freezer, for meals during the week.

 

I also refill the olive oil jar, beans, pasta etc.  Refill the cookie jar and any other pantry staple.  I love seeing jars in the pantry and kitchen shelf, instead of boxes everywhere.

 

Since I do a lot of Mediterranean inspired meals, there is always an abundance of peppers, but they're not always as cheap as I would like, and unfortunately my pepper plant didn't produce much this year.  Definitely need to have a few pepper plants next spring.  

 

When I go grocery shopping, if I see peppers on sale, I buy them.  I then wash, and chop and place in a ziploc freezer bag to use in meals.  Works wonderfully.

 

I also always have cilantro and parsley in the freezer.  I wash them when I get home from grocery shopping, chop them roughly, and then place both together into a big tupperware container that stays in the freezer.  I add it it to all my meals, soups, stews, salads etc.  No more parsley and cilantro going bad two days after you've bought them.

I keep a tupperware with lettuce leaves too, for quick fresh salads.  I wash them, let them dry completely, then layer the leaves between paper towels.  It stays for at least 2 weeks, though ours don't last that long usually, but they're fresh and crisp.  

Another great way to have crisp lettuce for salads always available.

The time I spend in the kitchen is wonderful.  I love taking care of my home and doing the best I can to ensure that our family has fresh, home cooked healthy meals.

I thank myself during the week, when I have everything prepared to go. 

The never ending laundry mountain was conquered, washed and folded.  Laundry can become overwhelming at times, but I must say I quite enjoy doing laundry.  I don't enjoy putting it away but every other part of the process, I like.

In the meantime, a new book came in from my paperback book swap.  I have been collecting as many as I can from Julie Klassen.  Just loving this author and her sweet books. 

That's it.  I've also been crocheting a ton, started the sweetest granny blanket, and also made my first autumn inspired coaster, need to make 3 more to make a set.  I can't wait to show you though, it is a pumpkin patch, with the most adorable little crocheted pumpkins hugging the coffee mug.  

I'll show you tomorrow in my Happy Homemaker Monday!

I'll leave you now with Sir Elliott, sprawled down on the dining table next to my foam pumpkin.  (it is for a project that I am making this week, which I am hoping to share with you all)

Have a blessed rest of weekend!  I am going to sit down, do a little more crochet and maybe even take a quick nap as I'm exhausted from today's workout.

See you tomorrow 🍂

{ September Days }

"Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul." - Peggy Toney Horton

 

There's a shift in the air, signaling the season to start using up what we have in the garden, to dry the herbs, to can, and to start putting summer to sleep.

 

There is a lot of wood to be chopped, a chicken coop to winterize, a garden to get ready for fall planting, although I must say I am a bit late in that this year.  I wanted to get things in the ground, but some of my crops are still producing.

 

A few weeks ago, during the high temperatures and drought we were having, we had to make the decision to move our container garden from the back porch, to the front porch.  Since then, the plants have thrived and really grown, so I guess they're a bit late in their production this year, and I really don't want to kill them all to get the winter garden going.  I'll wait just a little.

One of the first things I did, was to start cutting down our Thai Basil plant.  It is huge.  I cut down quite a bit of it, so I can hang it to dry.

I made a little hanging herb drying station, using a metal wreath ring.  It works just great, and I'm able to hang quite a lot of herbs from it.  I will have to take a picture and show you, because I just realized I didn't get any photos of the finished wreath.

 

And, I love dried herbs and flowers hanging around the house.  Just love it ♥

 

Let me show you the other plants real quick.  It thrills me that they're still producing blossoms and vegetables.

 

My pepper plants especially seem to love the new area, by the big windows.

 

A basket full of Thai Basil, smells amazing.

 

As I was cutting the basil and looking over the other plants, I got a sense of pure contentment.  It's hard to stay focused sometimes and truly appreciate the blessing of where you live, your home, and what you have.

 

But, I can truly say that I love everything about my life.  I am full of joy when I'm in my home, surrounded by my things and puttering around, whether inside or in the garden.  Creating, making, adding little touches here and there, all of those things bring me joy and peace.

The other day I sat thinking how different my blogging life is from when I first started back in 2006.  Back then my children were so young, my Jasmine was just 7 years old and Nick was 3.  Even though my world revolved around them and their needs, I still managed to fully immerse myself in the home and the life that I had always dreamed of.

 

A home where every nook and cranny has a touch of who I am.  A home that portrays the simplistic way of life that I long to live.  I always say that save for some really uncomfortable things back in the 1800's and earlier, I would have been in absolute heaven living back in those times.

 

Some of you are probably crinkling your nose at that.  Maybe you're thinking how weird of me to say, but I've always felt a pull back to those times.  Honestly, plonk me in the middle of a small simple home, with the bare necessities, and I'll run with it.

 

 

This past week, I've slowed down the rhythm of life and immersed myself in preparation for the colder, longer months.

I've pulled out the Autumn cookbooks for meal planning, rearranged a few things around the house, made lists of things needing to be done, and have been enjoying my crochet, reading, and more Autumn themed tv shows to watch.

The mornings are darker, the air is crisper, and sundown shows up much earlier than a month ago, which means candles are making a comeback.  I do keep candles all year round, but they get used way more during this time of year.

 

Life keeps moving on, every day the same tasks over and over, which used to drive me a little nuts, but I've since learned to find peace in those moments.  The routine, the monotonous chores.  Even the animals know these by heart.  It's funny seeing them move to certain parts of the house in anticipation for what I'll be doing.  Amazing how smart animals are!

Though September is coming to a close, already, October is right around the corner.  It is usually one of our busier months, we have Pecan trees to harvest this year, wood to be chopped and piled for winter, preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas and all those things that come with running a little homestead.  

All these things make me smile!

Now, I am off to finish dinner and get the table set.  Tomorrow is another day, and no doubt another busy day awaits. 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 09/23/2024 }

Good morning sweet ladies, come on in and have a cup of tea or coffee.  

 

It is a beautiful morning, cloudy, rainy and 59 degrees.  If I were to pick the best weather to have all year round, it would probably be this one.  What can I say, I love rain and clouds ♥

 

I had a good weekend, quiet, restful, just wonderful and I find that when my weekends go like that, they seem to set the tone for the rest of the week.  

 

So, we are officially in Autumn/Fall, the best time of the year for me.  I love the BER months but October especially is a month I just thrive in, right up until the end when it gets overshadowed by Halloween which, well, you know my feelings on.

 

This year, I have chosen to once again do my 31 Days of Prayer for my Husband.  I did this previously, back in 2009 and it was a great success.  If you want to read more about it, you can look here.    First post will go up on the 1st of October, of course, and will run every day until the end of the month.  It doesn't mean that I won't be posting as usual, it will just run concurrently.  I hope you will join me this year.

 

I wish you all a very blessed, productive week ahead.  Let's get right on with our post....

 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday we were once again hit with triple digits, which was not fun at all, but I think we can safely say they are finally gone for good.  We got rain yesterday afternoon, and it's been raining all through the night.  We may get a few more storms this morning, but even if it doesn't rain, the forecast for this week is wonderful. 

 

Monday - Partly cloudy, 78

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 90

Wednesday - Sunny, 86

Thursday - Sunny, 84

Friday - Partly cloudy, 83

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 85 

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 90

 

 

 *** Right now I am ***

Typing up this post, sitting in my comfy bed and watching All the Lights we Cannot See, on Netflix.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

This week I need to get groceries, work on some projects around the house, and some more crochet.  I also want to find some Fall recipes to try out, and need to find some that are low carb and low sugar, for me to enjoy as well. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling *** 

Really good.  This whole health journey has taught me so much.  I am slowly pinpointing and rooting out things that make me unwell.  Some I already know, others take me by surprise.  Example.....last weekend after the gym, my husband gave me a zero sugar beef stick to eat.  I should have known that anything processed is not good, but I have always been able to eat some beef jerky or beef sticks, here and there, without any issues.  This was a new brand to me, so I ate it.  Within 2 hours I had horrible stomach cramping, which then turned into full on constipation.  I spent the rest of the week uncomfortable and finally felt well on Friday.

 

This Saturday after the gym, he once again gave me one of those, and I decided to eat only a small piece because after thinking about what could have hurt my stomach last week, the only thing out of the ordinary for me was indeed that beef stick.  I ate just a small piece.  Within 2 hours, stomach cramping and constipation again.  Thankfully this time it last only a day.

 

But I can now safely say that it is in fact that beef stick that my body does not agree with.  It's enough for me to go off any kind of beef stick or jerky, for good.  This is how I figure out what I can't eat, and yes it means at times putting myself through pain or stomach issues for a day or so, to pinpoint exactly the issue.

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Had a cup of vanilla coffee with 2% milk, and a ham and cheese sandwich on multigrain. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Tuna with beans, broccoli and eggplant salad.    

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Mediterranean Chicken Thighs, Curried Quinoa.     

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

New meal plan will start on Wednesday.

Monday

Mediterranean Chicken Thighs, Curried Quinoa

Tuesday 

Mediterranean Tilapia, Roast Potatoes, Sauteed Collard Greens

Wednesday 

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

In my nightgown still, but will change into Black Leggings and a Tank Top, with my trusty slippers of course.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Reading Joshua in the Bible.

 

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson 

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Homemaking channels on YouTube 

Christian shows on Rumble and YouTube

Fall Inspired TV Shows and Movies

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Fall is littered through the house, in decorations, candles and gorgeous leaves and pinecones.  Really, really love this time of year.  

 

I need to carpet clean living room, because of the rain, and Kaia's paws in and out to go potty.  I try to grab her as soon as she enters the house but sometimes she's faster than me.  Hahah 

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Bible and Devotional time 

Reading 

Crochet 

Homecleaning

Water inside plants.

*** What I am creating ***

I had to put aside the Knitted Owl Gloves.  Unfortunately it just hurts my hands too much to continue, so I had to set it aside.  I did find a crochet owl glove pattern so will try that one, and see how it turns out.  Bummer!

 

I will be making the crochet ones this week and also trying to finish the Nordic Winter Blanket.

 

*** From the camera *** 

I've been enjoying my lattes the past 2 weeks.    

 

  

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

I keep talking about the unprecedented times we are in.  If you don't understand it, we are in a spiritual war, raging all around us.  It does us no good to deny it or to try and bury our heads in the sand.  We have the power of the Lord behind us, and we need to pray.  

 

I saw this daily devotion this morning and I feel that it needs sharing.  

 

There is power in the occult, but it is no match for Jesus’ name. The power you have in Christ does not work like a magic spell but works by taking God at His word. If you have dabbled in the occult, confess, and find forgiveness in Jesus’ name. - Dr. John Koessler

{ Cooking Thursday - Pineapple Cookie Cake }

 

 

 Good morning everyone, welcome back!

Today I am doing another Cooking Thursday, because I really want to share the simple but yet delicious, Portuguese recipe for this Pineapple Cookie Cake.

I know it may sound a bit weird when I tell you to dip the cookies in coffee, but the coffee and the pineapple actually go really well together.

 

Portuguese Pineapple Cookie Cake

Maria Cookies (you can use any plain cookie, shortbread or even lady fingers)

Brewed instant coffee

16 oz. Heavy Whipping Cream

1 tablespoon sugar or more to taste

Box of pineapple jello, 3oz

Chopped pineapple (I used crushed pineapple, but you can use slices or chunks, just chop it into small pieces), about 1/4 cup

 

Make the pineapple jello according to the box instructions, then place in fridge to set.  Once set, cut it into small pieces.

 

Line the bottom of a spring form pan with parchment paper.  I believe mine is an 8 inch, but if you have a bigger one that is fine too, the cake is layered so you can always make more filling if needed.

Brew some instant coffee, then carefully take the cookies and dip one at a time, then cover the bottom of the spring form pan.

 

In a kitchen-aid mixer, whip the heavy cream until thick, adding the sugar while beating.  When it's ready, add the chopped jello and pineapple.  Stir to mix well.

 

To the cookie layer in the pan, add a layer of the cream mixture.  Top with another layer of cookies.  I like to overlap the cookies. 

Repeat layers, finishing off with a layer of the cream.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.  

When ready to serve, run a knife around the edge of the cake, then open the spring form pan, and carefully slide the ring out.  

 

 

This makes a delicious, simple dessert that everyone will enjoy.  It's quite refreshing on a hot day, and since we are still having some of those, now is the time to make it, right?

Hope you enjoy it, let me know if you try it and what you thought.

 

{ A day in the kitchen }

 

 

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home!

 

I think we've all heard that quote, and I for one am a firm believer in that it is absolutely true.  It is where we cook meals for our families, where we bring family together and where we sustain our bodies with nutritious food.

 

I love being in my kitchen and love spending time in it, pottering around, cooking, or doing dishes (I know that sounds weird, but I find doing dishes by hand, very relaxing).   Most of the time, you will find me in that room, in my happy place, where I feel the most at easy and calm.

Cooking is something I have enjoyed since very little.  I've told the story, I think a few times, of when I first started being interested in pots and pans and cooking.  I was just 5 years old, sitting at my great grandmothers feet.  I wanted so much to have my own set of pots, so my grandmother took me to the local store, in a small village in Portugal, and bought me a set of play pots and pans.  

I still remember it as if it was today.  They came in a big transparent bag, with a knot at the top, and I proudly carried it all the way home.  I wouldn't let my grandmother carry it, I was so proud of that set, that I wanted it all to myself.  Hahahah

When we got back home, my great grandmother was sitting at the kitchen table peeling potatoes, for lunch.  I sat at her feet, pulled out one of the pots, and asked her if I could cook too.  She passed me a small peeled potato, which I asked her to chop into small pieces and she obliged with a smile on her face.  I popped it in the pot, added water and salt and pepper and said I was going to make a soup.  She just smiled through it all, encouraging me.

So, as you can see, cooking has been ingrained in my soul since a very young age, and I think that's why to this day I absolutely adore being in the kitchen cooking for the family. 

So come into my kitchen with me.  I had my family over this weekend, and I decided to surprise them with some Portuguese desserts.  The first is for Bolas de Berlim, which if I were to translate would be Balls from Berlin.  Not exactly a great name, but it apparently was brought over to Portugal by German Jews fleeing World War II, and since Portugal was a neutral country, a lot of Jewish people immigrated there.  

 

Anyway, these fried donuts, filled with a delicious egg cream, are typically sold not only in bakeries throughout Portugal, but you will find them all over the beaches during the summer.  They are very reminiscent of our childhood in Portugal and one of our favorite desserts.  They do take time to make, and of course since they're fried and full of sugar, it's not something I make very often at all.  

 

I think the last time I made them was years ago.

 

So before I got to work on those, I quickly got dinner in the crockpot, so I wouldn't have to worry about it.

Then I got to work, and oh my word, the result were delicious perfect looking Bolas de Berlim, which my stepmother actually thought were bought at a bakery.  What a blessing and a wonderful compliment to me!

I may have a recipe on the food blog already, I'm not sure, I will check and if I do I will leave it linked here for you, but if not, then I'll be sure to get these on the blog this week.

They take some effort but are well worth it.

The recipe called for 12 but I actually ended up with 28 because I made them a bit smaller and doubled the recipe.  We have a big family of 16, so always need to make more.

The recipe I just linked for you above is not the recipe I used, this one came from an old Portuguese cooking magazine which I have collected for many years.  Teleculinaria!

Gorgeous!!!  (although I will say, I am regretting eating 2 of these, because I'm still paying for it today and that was Saturday that we had the family over lol)

I also made another Portuguese dessert which is kind of like the Portuguese Cookie Cake which I've shared here before.  You can find the recipe here if you want to make it, and I do suggest you give it a try because it's delicious.

This one however, is made the same way, but instead of a buttercream filling, it is layered with whipped cream that is mixed with pineapple jello and pineapple chunks.  It is so refreshing and easy to make and yummy too.  

I don't have this recipe on the blog yet, so this one will be going up very soon.

I ended my day in the kitchen, with a yummy dinner of Coney Island Hotdogs, and two amazing desserts to serve to the family.

They were a hit, and nothing was left, not a crumb.  

There is a pleasure that comes from serving your family, and seeing everyone enjoy your food.  It's a blessing for sure.

Thank you for joining me in my kitchen.  I hope you all have a blessed Wednesday.  Take care friends ♥