T LOunge for November 18th 2024

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PinAfternoon Tea in The Gold Salon at Carton House, Maynooth, Ireland

It’s MONDAY and that means we’ve all automatically earned the right to some grandeur in our lives. Let’s face it: the best way to live right now is in full-on TREAT YO-SELF mode and we intend to be the absolute center of that sentiment for the foreseeable future. Settle in! Ignore it all! Bellinis for everyone!

Betty White Stamp to Be Released in 2025
The U.S. Postal Service announced it would honor the actress known for her comedic work on shows such as “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
The actress Betty White, who is known to generations of viewers for her memorable characters in television shows such as “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” will be getting her own postage stamp.
The U.S. Postal Service announced on Friday that it would release a stamp in 2025 featuring a digital illustration based on a 2010 photograph by Kwaku Alston of Ms. White dressed in purple.
Ms. White died in 2021, just three weeks before what would have been her 100th birthday.
In its announcement, the Postal Service described Ms. White as “an icon of American television” who shared “her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades.”

45 Best Animated Christmas Movies to Watch With the Whole Family
From the novel to the nostalgic, these movies definitely make the “nice” list.
When the time comes for family movie night, these are the best animated Christmas movies to watch with your family this year. There are recent (and even upcoming) favorites mixed in, in case you want to start a new tradition with your family. But then there are the classics that even Grandma and Grandpa probably saw back in their day. No matter which you choose, you’ll be filled with holiday cheer.

Beyoncé Set to Perform At Halftime Of Ravens-Texans During NFL Christmas Gameday Live On Netflix
The singer will perform in her hometown of Houston.
Beyoncé is set to perform during halftime of the Ravens-Texans game as part of NFL Christmas Gameday live on Netflix.
The singer will perform in her hometown of Houston, and the performance will take place during the second of Netflix’s two games, as the Houston Texans host the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium at 4:30 PM ET, Dec. 25.
Beyoncé’s official Instagram revealed the news along with a short clip of the star catching a ball while standing atop a flower covered car. The performance will be available to all 283 million Netflix subscribers worldwide.

Is ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Really Just ‘House of the Dragon’ in Space?
The Hollywood Reporter takes a closer look at HBO’s latest epic book adaptation, and why it might feel familiar to the ‘Game of Thrones’ faithful.
The end of an old war brings about a regime change in a faraway fantasy land. From that moment forward, one organization holds all the cards over the rest of civilization, while others scheme and plot their way toward ultimate power — or die trying.
Sound familiar? That could be because it’s a very vague description of two HBO shows that aired episodes this year: House of the Dragon, which completed its second season over the summer, and the newest arrival, Dune: Prophecy, based on the novel universe created by Frank Herbert and most recently adapted for film by Denis Villeneuve.

The 32 Best Movies on Hulu to Watch Right Now (November 2024)
The best movies on Hulu are a cornucopia of classics, comedies, dramas, and more.
Each night, you look into your lover’s eyes and ask, “Will no legacy media outlet tell me what are the best movies on Hulu?” Luckily, Vanity Fair is here for you. One glance at the platform’s A-to-Z listing reveals that there are almost too many good movies on Hulu to choose from, and it can become a chore to figure out which to choose.
After a deep dive into the Hulu archive (the Hu-chive?), we’ve selected a top mix of classics, comedies, dramas, horror pictures, documentaries, and, importantly, a few titles that got overlooked upon their initial release. Our list is in alphabetical order, so you gotta scroll close to the bottom to get to The Wizard of Oz. Hu loves ya?

A Look At Daisy Edgar-Jones’s TV And Movies
From Marianne to Kate.
Daisy Edgar-Jones has been one to watch ever since she burst onto screens as Marianne in Normal People, but did you know she was in a number of BBC productions before that?
Since, the 26-year-old actor has also been in big Hollywood blockbusters, and starred alongside the likes of Andrew Garfield and Glen Powell.

I practically live in the bath—trust me, any one of these oils will *seriously* elevate the experience
They can actually be a savvy investment
There are many beautiful bubble baths on the market and I’d have no trouble listing off a dozen gorgeous ones I’d happily have on rotation forever. But if you’re a frequent bather you’ll soon blitz through a bottle of the fancy stuff, and repurchasing it soon becomes an expensive love. So, if you want to save without scrimping on the luxurious bath experience, stock up on a cheap, unscented bath foam and pour in a little bath oil along with it to create that same relaxing, scented bubble bath experience Martin Lewis would be proud.
Whether you want your bath to be scented like a luxury perfume, something that’ll ease your mind before bed or a purely medicinal option that’ll help steam you back from the brink of a cold (along with the help of a deliciously scented body wash), I have recommendations for all of the above and then some. Ahead are my reviews of the very best bath oils…

This spicy candle fills my flat with the cosiest winter aroma—and it’s about to become *very* popular
It’s time to start feeling festive
In today’s economy, an expensive-smelling candle with a fragrance that fills the room – let alone half my flat – and costs under £30 is a rare find (and, believe me, I have burnt a lot of scented candles in my time). But Space NK’s Shimmering Spice Candle ticks both of those boxes.
If you’ve stepped into any Space NK store before, you’ll know that it’s a beauty enthusiast’s dream. A treasure trove for things like the best luxury candles, foundations and one of the best ranges of travel minis you’ll find in a shop, it remains one of my favourite destinations for all things beauty. It’s where I first tried brands like Kevyn Aucoin, Oribe and Sunday Riley and I have more of their zip-around beauty bags than I care to admit.

According to the experts, these are the *only* trending pedicure shades to wear on your toes this winter
Hello party season feet
A winter pedicure may seem like an oxymoron however I firmly believe there’s no need to cancel your pedicure appointments just because the weather’s turned colder. From party season and festive events to slipping your feet into the best fluffy slippers, there are still so many occasions to show off your freshly painted toes through the winter months.
So, with that in mind, I’m sure you’re still eager to know this season’s trending pedicure colours and which shades the experts are naming as the best nail colours to wear on your toes this winter. Lucky for you, I’m here to help, or at least I’ve got the biggest names in the industry on speed dial (and in my email address book) to ask for advice. Keep scrolling to see the pedicure shades they’re obsessed with for winter 2024…

9 signs that you’re not eating enough carbs
Carbohydrates aren’t the enemy, people.
The world of heathy eating is a bit like a Marvel comic, where protein is cast as the superhero and carbohydrates the shady villain. Not eating enough carbs continues to be seen as a good thing, with bread – and even fruit – being demonised by some ‘health’ enthusiasts.
That rocky relationship with carbs can be traced back to ‘80s diet culture, with many of us still internalising the belief that cutting out carbs will make us lose weight faster. The current popularity of the low-carb keto diet – where your total carb intake is 50 grams per day (the equivalent of half a medium-sized bagel) – may have something to do with it, too.

A beginner chest workout to strengthen your upper body
There are just five moves in this quick yet effective dumbbell routine.
Whether you’re carrying a bag of dog food, walking with a stroller, or pushing open a heavy door, there are tons of instances when a beginner chest workout can really come in clutch, giving you the strength you need to crush those tasks of daily life. And we have just the routine to help bolster your upper body: A five-move dumbbell chest workout you can do right at home.
Now, the best chest workouts (and the best chest exercises in general) don’t just hone in on your pectoral (pec) muscles alone — they also smoke your arms and shoulders too. That’s because one of the main jobs of your chest is to perform that pushing motion. And to do that most efficiently, you need to recruit the supporting muscle groups, including your triceps (back of your upper arms) and deltoids (shoulders), to get the job done. The stronger all these muscles are, the more effectively you’ll be able to push.

9 nail trends that will dominate your FYP in 2025
The tips you need.
We may not be over 2024 yet, but for the beauty gals that like to look ahead, it’s never too early to contemplate the 2025 nail trends set to dominate our socials and FYP next year.
The last couple of seasons have set a solid tone, with many of 2024’s headliners set to continue to recruit fans going forward, but there are some emerging trends and techniques that are about to become a lot more familiar and OTT artwork in particular is having a major moment.

Why you must visit Barbados during the Crop Over celebrations (you might even spot Rihanna in the parade)
Booking your summer 2025 holiday? This should be top of your list.
As soon as I stepped off the plane and into the warm, humid air in Barbados, I was welcomed by a spectacle unlike any other. Dancers in dazzling carnival costumes swayed to the beat of rhythmic drummers at Grantley Adams International Airport, and it hit me—the Crop Over festivities had begun.
Rooted in Barbados’ history as a sugarcane powerhouse, Crop Over dates back to the plantation era when the island was the world’s leading sugar producer. Once the harvest season ended, the islanders would celebrate a successful sugar crop—a tradition that has evolved into the Crop Over festival. Now a 300-year-old cultural landmark, it transforms Barbados into an island-wide party with events stretching from coast to coast.

Halle Berry Just Rewore Her Iconic 2002 Oscars Dress
This week, Elie Saab celebrated its 1,001st season with a star-studded show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Along with the label’s signature glitzy designs, the presentation featured performances from stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Céline Dion, Camila Cabello, Nancy Ajram, and Amr Diab. (Talk about budget!) But one of the most-discussed moments of the night? Halle Berry making a surprise cameo on the catwalk in her iconic Elie Saab look from the 2002 Oscars, when she became the first Black woman to win Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball.

Tove Jansson, Beloved Creator of the Moomins, Painted the World as She Wanted to See It
In 1942, newly moved out of her family’s Helsinki apartment and living on her own, the Finnish artist Tove Jansson painted a self-portrait. She gave herself a cool confidence: steely gaze, striped brown coat, a lynx stole draped around her neck. “I look like a cat in my yellow fur,” she wrote to a friend. “I don’t know yet whether it’s good or bad, I simply paint.”
Jansson may not have been sure of the work’s quality at the time, but I am: It’s marvelous. Through her brilliant use of color, the focused look in her eyes, the subtle flowers in the background, and the swaggering outfit (the lynx stole was purchased while in a “reckless mood,” according to her biographer Boel Westin), Jansson channeled a clear point of view. On the cusp of 30 and with the Second World War raging around her, the young artist braced herself for what was ahead. She was watchful, a bit defiant, bold.

How to Bring the Almodóvar Aesthetic Into Your Home
If you, like me, have spent the last few decades drooling over the eye-popping interiors in the ravishing, delightfully soapy, and emotionally devastating films of Pedro Almodóvar, then you owe a debt to Carlota Casado. The Madrid-based creative has been collaborating with the Spanish auteur for over 15 years, carefully decorating his stunning sets for the likes of Broken Embraces, The Skin I Live In, I’m So Excited, Julieta, Pain and Glory, The Human Voice, Parallel Mothers, Strange Way of Life and his latest meticulously designed melodrama, The Room Next Door.

Why a Documentary About Repurposed Pizza Hut Buildings Made Me Cry
Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker filmed the chances people can take in chasing their version of the American dream.
It’s astonishing what a little documentary can do for your soul. In a time filled with strife, anger, and a feeling of despair, one delicious new film has come along at just the right time to show us that anything is possible — one rebuilt Pizza Hut location at a time.
In the soon-to-be-released documentary, “Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts,” filmmakers Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker track down former Pizza Huts that have been transformed into, well, just about anything and everything — from BBQ spots to cannabis shops, churches, and oyster bars.

There’s a Right Way and a Wrong Way to Read Online Restaurant Reviews
Anyone can write a restaurant review, but that doesn’t mean they’re all worth your time.
Gone are the days of spontaneity when we could walk into an unfamiliar restaurant based purely on its aesthetic and menu. In the olden days, pre-World Wide Web, maybe you had a dog-eared Zagat book of restaurant reviews, but for the most part you went in cold. Nowadays, we have health inspection ratings, Instagram influencers, and online reviews to consider before setting foot inside a restaurant and ordering just one meal out of tens of thousands in our lifetime.
It shouldn’t be this complicated. If you want to live life on the edge, go into a restaurant as unprepared as I was for my SAT in 1985, but if you’re going to take the time to look at online restaurant reviews, be sure to read them the right way.

25 Turkey Alternatives for Thanksgiving Main Courses
Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.
Turkey is a classic main course for Thanksgiving dinner, but that certainly doesn’t mean you have to serve it every year. We’ve collected plenty of alternative Thanksgiving mains that can take center stage at your table, including wholesome salmon recipes, succulent pork shoulder recipes, showstopping prime rib roasts, and a wide array of vegetarian recipes for your holiday spread. Here are those recipes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen, plus more turkey alternatives for Thanksgiving.

Ginger Is an Anti-Aging Powerhouse That Targets 12 Hallmarks of Aging, According to a New Scientific Review
“Ginger provides significant health benefits, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are major contributors to aging and chronic diseases.”
Ginger, a common spice usually used to add zest and spice to foods, has a growing body of research behind it that’s found the root vegetable to be as good for your health as it is for your palate. Now, a new scientific review links the spice to healthy aging.
The review, which was published in the journal Biomolecules, analyzed data from existing research and found that the root vegetable acts on 12 established hallmarks of aging on a cellular level. The researchers point out that a “particularly high number” of animal research studies showed that ginger can positively impact everything from your cells to bodily inflammation.

Why we obsess over giving “the perfect gift” — and how to stop
5 rules for recovering gift perfectionists.
If you’ve ever found yourself frozen with indecision come Black Friday, racking your brain over what to get all the people in your life, you’re not alone. If you get a bit of a high from logistics or find yourself devoting way too much time to your online shopping cart, I am with you. If you subscribe to the sadly false idea that you can actually win the holidays with the exact correct present, you may be yet another victim of gifting perfectionism.
In a highly consumerist culture that begs us to buy more and more during the holiday season, overwhelm is to be expected — but it doesn’t have to be this way. There are some ground rules that can help you break free of your own gift perfectionism.

All eyes on Rome: as Gladiator II and Conclave shine a spotlight on the Italian capital, Tatler’s Travel Editor reveals why it is hotter than ever
The Eternal City might have 2,000 years of history, but it’s no old flame. In fact, in the December 2024 issue of Tatler, Delilah Khomo discovers how Rome is erupting with ever-more opulent hotels and lending glamour to scorching new blockbuster films
Rome, in a word, is hot. As hot as Paul Mescal roaring in a fringed leather skirt against the backdrop of all the weighty splendour of the Colosseum in Ridley Scott’s next blockbuster, Gladiator II. Smoking hot like the curls of white vapour that signal a new pontiff, so evocatively depicted in Conclave, the new papal thriller with Ralph Fiennes that is about to grace our screens. Red hot like the Roman designer Alessandro Michele’s debut summer collection of fantastical whimsies for the most Roman of couture houses, Valentino.

Cher Can, and Does, Turn Back Time
In the first volume of her memoir (which she hasn’t read), she explores her difficult childhood, her fraught marriage to Sonny Bono and how she found her voice.
Twice during a 90-minute interview about her memoir, Cher asked, “Do you think people are going to like it?”
Even in the annals of single-name celebrities — Sting, Madonna, Beyoncé, Zendaya — Cher is in the stratosphere of the one percent. She’s been a household name for six decades. She was 19 when she had her first No. 1 single with Sonny Bono. She won an Oscar for “Moonstruck,” an Emmy for “Cher: The Farewell Tour” and a Grammy for “Believe.” Her face has appeared on screens of all sizes, and her music has been a soundtrack for multiple generations, whether via vinyl, eight track, cassette tape, compact disc or Spotify.
But wrangling a definitive account of her life struck a nerve for Cher. There were dark corners to explore and 78 years of material to sift through. And — this might have been the hardest part — she had to make peace with the fact that her most personal stories will soon be in the hands of scores of readers.
“This book has exhausted me,” she said of the first volume of her two-part eponymous memoir, out on Nov. 19. “It took a lot out of me.”

How to Make DIY Room Spray With Essential Oils
Give your linens, bedroom, and the air in your home a refreshing spritz.
A refreshing room spray can infuse your linens, bedding, bathroom, and other areas of your home with a pleasant scent. Rather than buying one, consider making your own DIY room spray with essential oils.
Essential oils—extracted from leaves, fruit peels, petals, and other plant parts—capture nature’s subtle fragrances and can refresh your living space. That’s why writer Anusha Rajeswaran decided to create this all-natural spray, which you can spritz throughout every room in your home. Learn how to make DIY room spray ahead, and your home will smell incredible in no time.

14 Ideas for Storing Throw Blankets, Whether on Display or Tucked Away
Your throw blankets can also act as décor while being properly stored and out of the way until their next use.
There are few experiences cozier than curling up with a blanket, especially in the colder months. A throw blanket not only keeps your feet snug but also adds a splash of warmth to your home décor, making your space feel inviting and comfortable.
Throw blankets make a perfect gift, whether handmade or thoughtfully selected from a store—and they are also one of the more irresistible home décor items to pick up while shopping. So, there is a good chance you have quite a few of them scattered throughout your house, and there is an even better chance that you need a creative and stylish way to store them.

[Photo Credit: cartonhouse.com]

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