Secret Garden Restaurant – Amsterdam, Netherlands
It’s THURSDAY, darlings. Let’s spend it somewhere whimsical. Since we’ll be in Amsterdam over the holidays, we’re feeling fairly Dutch in our preferences at the moment. It’s strange for us to travel over Christmas, because it means our usual over-the-top preparations have all been put aside this year. Virtually no baking, only minor decking of the halls, and very little gift-giving. The result is that we constantly have to fight this feeling that we have a ton of stuff to do. We don’t! We’re just waiting for departure over here and then we’ll have two weeks of the most concentrated Christmassing you ever saw. Feels weird!
Truly, Madly, Jonny: Wicked’s Jonathan Bailey Talks Fame, Wanting Kids And Returning To The Stage
From Bridgerton to the boards, via a gravity-defying blockbuster and an upcoming trip to Jurassic Park, for millions the British actor is the internet crush de nos jours. Beyond the impossible charm, Vassi Chamberlain uncovers the beating heart of a star ready to shine.
Bailey has managed to achieve what was once thought impossible in Hollywood. He is among a new guard of out actors to be lusted over by men and women (the latter tag him their “internet boyfriend”) while also evading falling into a gender pigeonhole, snagging roles of every persuasion. Tragedy, comedy, singing, dancing, stage, big screen, small screen, fashion week, fan mobbings… he can do it all. Scarlett Johansson, his costar in next year’s looming instalment of the Jurassic Park franchise, recently gushed on the red carpet: “I adore absolutely every single thing about that man.”
Austin Butler Set to Star as Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘American Psycho’
Austin Butler is set to star in Luca Guadagnino‘s new interpretation of the book “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis for Lionsgate.
While there had been rumors that Jacob Elordi was being eyed to play Patrick Bateman, that casting didn’t come to pass. Elordi and Butler have something in common, having both played very different versions of Elvis in movies by Sofia Coppola (“Priscilla”) and Baz Luhrmann (“Elvis”), respectively.
The film, which features a script by Scott Z. Burns (“The Laundromat”), will not be a remake of the 2000 film, but a new adaptation of Ellis’ novel.
Harris Dickinson Plays Coy About Starring as John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ Beatles Biopics: ‘It Would Be Amazing to Do That’
Rumors of who will play the Beatles immediately began popping up as soon as it was announced that Sam Mendes was set to direct a Sony Pictures four-part biopic series about the Fab Four.
As of Wednesday, Paul Mescal is attached to the movies, likely as Paul McCartney, and Barry Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr (according to Starr himself). Charlie Rowe is rumored to take on George Harrison, while Harris Dickinson is said to be attached as John Lennon.
The Candy Cane blush trend will give your cheeks a subtle uplifting shimmer — here’s how to do it
We tried out every method, so you don’t have to.
Just as lip combos have become essential, so too have blush combos. Among a season of festivities, the latest viral look to try is candy cane blush. This holiday-themed blush and highlighter duo is taking TikTok and YouTube by winter storm.
Candy cane blush initially graced FYPs back in November and has been creating buzz ever since. What exactly is candy cane blush? It’s just applying alternating lines of red blush and glittery white highlighter, like a candy cane, to the apples of your cheeks and mixing them to get a softer red with a subtle glittering shimmer – something akin to the rosy cheeks you get after returning home from a cold, snowy day.
Selena Gomez says that Hollywood can be “isolating” — and discusses her relatable way of coping
Selena advocates for women supporting women.
Selena Gomez just made the best point about the power of female camaraderie at work.
Yes, Gomez may be one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but she can also feel isolated in her male-dominated industry — she’s just like us!
While delivering a keynote speech at the Academy Women’s Luncheon Presented by Chanel in Los Angeles, Gomez opened up about the isolation of working in Hollywood — and how the community of women can still show up for each other.
The Will Ferrell-Reese Witherspoon movie, You’re Cordially Invited, has just dropped a trailer
Double the weddings, double the chaos.
We’re officially RSVP’ing yes to You’re Cordially Invited, the new Will Ferrell-Reese Witherspoon movie about two weddings on a collision course.
Based on every bride’s worst nightmare, the movie follows the mishaps that ensue after a remote wedding venue accidentally double books itself one weekend, leading to a clash between the two parties. Since the chaos of weddings is go-to rom-com fodder, we can already tell where this is heading.… disaster and fun. Read on for everything we know about You’re Cordially Invited.
I’ve stayed at more than 10 resorts in the Maldives, and this is by far the best
I came for my honeymoon, and now I bring my family.
Patchwork baby blue and turquoise streaked waters, framed with white sandy beaches and softly swaying palm trees, the Maldives is the closest thing to an earthly paradise. Which is why I’ve travelled to this glorious sunshine destination six times over the past 15 years staying at over 10 different resorts. I’ve visited as a honeymooning couple (Paris Hilton also honeymooned here when she married Carter Reum in 2021), all bright-eyed with my dream of a sparkling future laid out before us, then again as a getaway from the stormier weathers of a period of IVF, and now twice with my young family in tow. At every stage of life, this country, with its hundreds of small, sandy islands dotted through its transparent waters, has offered an antidote to city life and a true desert island getaway.
21 elf on the shelf ideas to bring all the magical mischief in 2024
Creative naughty elf ideas to see you through the festive season.
Elf on the shelf has become a staple for us in the run up to Christmas, providing some much needed festive cheer as we gear up for the big day on the 25th. But coming up with creative elf on the shelf ideas every single day is no mean feat, so if you’re struggling for inspiration then we’ve got you covered with 21 ideas, from the creative to the last minute.
Depending on how willing you are to commit to the bit we’ve got thoughtful ideas that require minimum effort but deliver maximum impact, as well more adventurous ideas for the more dedicated among us. We’re not quite sure we knew what we were getting ourselves in for when we signed up for the whole naughty elf gig but as we now find ourselves here, we’re on hand to help you bring magic and mischief in equal measure.
Raw milk is becoming more popular — doctors continue to warn against it
Wellness influencers on TikTok swear by it, but health care professionals are doubling down on serious risks that can come from drinking unpasteurised milk. Here, doctors separate fact from fiction.
By now you’ve probably heard the controversy around raw milk, also known as unpasteurised milk. In recent months raw milk has become a major talking point on social media and in politics, with doctors repeatedly warning against its consumption, which can lead to infections (some life-threatening) from harmful bacteria present in unpasteurised milk.
The fact that drinking raw milk is up for debate might be surprising for anyone who has an elementary school education — or ever visited a farm — but in an era of misinformation fuelled by social media platforms like TikTok, it’s not so shocking.
You Can Now Rent Nicola Coughlan’s Festive Wardrobe On HURR
How chic would it be to show up to a Christmas party in the ‘Bridgerton’ star’s hand-me-downs?
There’s something about this time of year that makes us all feel a little more generous than usual – which is probably why a number of celebrities have announced they’ll be opening up their wardrobes to the public for charity this month. Just yesterday, the news emerged that Paul Mescal will be selling items from his Gladiator II press tour wardrobe on Vinted from December 16 in aid of Pieta, and now, Nicola Coughlan has teamed up with HURR and Choose Love to rent out a selection of her looks, just in time for party season.
Prince Louis Wrote The Sweetest Note During Kate Middleton’s Christmas Carol Service
He left a special message behind.
Prince Louis may be young, but he already knows that the holidays are all about spending time with family.
The six-year-old prince joined his family last Friday for the Princess of Wales’ annual ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service. Arriving at Westminster Abbey alongside his siblings, 11-year-old Prince George and 9-year-old Princess Charlotte, the young royal participated in a Christmas-themed activity that involved writing a note of gratitude and attaching it to an outdoor Christmas tree.
45 Stunning Short-Blunt Bobs to Inspire Your New-Year Haircut
While we can’t say for sure that the short blunt bob ever left the building, we know that it’s back and better than ever. The modern-day version is as versatile look that’s adaptable for all hair textures and types. The face-framing, chin-grazing cut can be worn pin-straight, wavy, curled, or in any other imaginable way.
Maintenance is key with a short blunt bob, so you’ll need to keep up with regular trims. Celebrity hairstylist Cody Renegar says to be ready to invest in regular mini trims every four to six weeks. “It’s essential to cut the hair with super sharp scissors, which will make the bob’s bluntness more noticeable and make the cut last longer,” he says.
Blue Ivy Carter Wearing Makeup Shouldn’t Cause This Much Controversy
Allow Black girls to experiment with beauty in peace.
On Dec. 9, Beyoncé attended the premiere of ‘Mufasa,’ alongside a special guest—her daughter Blue Ivy Carter. The duo stars in the film as mother and daughter, so it likely comes as no surprise that they wore coordinated looks for the premiere. Beyoncé chose a strapless Balmain dress with a deep neckline and bustier cups, while Blue Ivy wore a form-fitting gold gown that was custom-designed by Christian Siriano. Some social media users praised the teen’s look, mentioning that she looked like a “princess” and a “spitting image of her mother.”
That being said, over on X, formerly known as Twitter, some people are debating whether Blue Ivy wearing makeup was appropriate for someone her age.
An Ounce of This Sweet Treat Per Day Could Reduce Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes by as Much as 21%
Here are all the details.
It turns out your cheeky little chocolate habit may not be so naughty after all.
In early December, researchers from Harvard published their study in the British Medical Journal, looking at the impacts of eating chocolate on your overall health. And, according to the conclusion, it’s great news for those who consume dark chocolate over anything else — especially if you’re trying to stave off Type 2 diabetes.
“Our findings suggest that not all chocolate is created equal,” Binkai Liu, the lead author of the study and a doctoral student in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard, shared in a statement. “For anyone who loves chocolate, this is a reminder that making small choices, like choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can make a positive difference to their health.”
15 Wines to Bring to a Party That Will Impress the Wine Snobbiest of Hosts
These wines will certainly get you invited back next year.
It’s inevitable during the holiday season. You get invited to a party, and you need to bring wine. But which one? This year, lean into bottles from California, Oregon, and Washington; or, hop the pond and head to France.
The choices here are impressive, plus they (at least most of them) won’t damage your bank account too direly, a consideration during the months when life involves party after party after party. I’ve chosen great wines here that range from $15 to $130, both white and red, and included one terrific nonalcoholic rosé as well.
They’re so good, in fact, that the recipient probably won’t even regift them, that sad fate that lies in wait for far too many host gifts. Here are 15 to seek out this holiday season.
This Is Martha Stewart’s Favorite Butter for Baking
Your holiday treats are about to get even better.
Martha Stewart is famous for a long list of accomplishments — ranging from her television shows and recipes — but the most recent feat that’s put the entrepreneur and cookbook author back in the limelight is a viral Instagram post featuring one of our favorite things: pie.
Stewart surprised the internet at the end of November when she showed off the 35 Thanksgiving pies she baked for her staff, including apple crumb, chocolate pecan, and pumpkin phyllo varieties. Equally as amazing as the number of pies she baked is the amount of ingredients it took to make them, which Martha Stewart outlines in her caption. According to the entertaining expert and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she used 100 eggs, 14 pounds of pecan halves, 60 ounces of pumpkin purée, 11 jars of corn syrup, and, very specifically, 30 pounds of Plugrà butter to bake all of the holiday treats.
80 Best Christmas Desserts for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Start preheating your ovens now for these showstopping seasonal treats!
There’s a lot to love about Christmas: Spending time with loved ones, the adorable holiday decorations, and Christmas movie marathons, for starters. But we’d have to say the best part of the season is all the delicious treats. From Christmas cookies to seasonal confections, we’ve rounded up our favorite Christmas dessert recipes for you this year.
We have every kind of sweet treat you’d want at your dessert table for the holidays! We are talking fudgy and delicious for chocolate lovers, picture-perfect cookies, and unique desserts that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you are participating in a cookie exchange or looking for the perfect way to end your holiday feast, these recipes won’t disappoint! Bookmark your favorite Christmas desserts to try this season!
Queen Camilla’s great-grandmother gifted King Edward VII a Fabergé cigarette case during their love affair – now, it’s going on display in Buckingham Palace
Queen Alexandra quite liked Alice Keppel, even though she was carrying on with her husband, King Edward VII – the scandalous glamour of their entangled social webs was oh so Edwardian, and now one of their adulterous objets d’art will feature in a new exhibition
It’s not everyday that a gift from your mistress is exhibited to the nation from Buckingham Palace. (It is not everyday, perhaps, that you have a mistress, let alone one of such generosity.) But when you had quite as many extra-marital affairs as King Edward VII, you’re bound to end up with one or two trinkets. And when it’s from Fabérge … Well, the good curators behind upcoming exhibition The Edwardians: Age of Elegance would be remiss not to display one particular blue enamel cigarette case that the King was offered as a keepsake by one of his paramores. Especially when you consider her very royal descendant.
Maria Callas: A Visual Dictionary
The things that made Callas Callas.
Nearly half a century after her quiet death in a Paris apartment, Maria Callas continues to exert a hold on our imagination. Her interpretations of the canon are impossible to escape; her legend has — so far — proved impossible to eclipse.
Callas managed to achieve a cultural reach far surpassing what one might expect of an opera star in the 20th century. And now, with the release of “Maria,” a new biopic starring Angelina Jolie that imagines the final seven days of the diva’s life, the singer is poised to ensnare a new generation of adherents and admirers.
But her power extends well beyond her voice. From her au courant hairstyles to her haute couture fashions, from her flashing eyes to her grasping hands, these are the visual cues that, taken together, helped establish Callas as the cultural icon she remains today.
36 Hours in Venice
A ban on cruise ships. Restrictions on large tour groups. Entrance fees for day-trippers during certain high-season periods. With millions of travelers annually vying to photograph Piazza San Marco, cross Rialto Bridge and experience the canal-filled city’s other famous draws, Venice is struggling to stem the tide. To minimize your impact (and discomfort), two tips. Forays to more remote neighborhoods and islands offer additional calm and turn up unexpected discoveries. Along the way, you might find upstart grand hotels, gourmet osterias, innovative new cocktail bars and a semi-secret convent garden recently opened to the public. Second, winter — with its early darkness, famous fogs and reduced crowds — provides breathing room and deepens the mysteriousness of Venice’s narrow passageways and centuries-old buildings. One upside to visiting this coming summer: an ambitious new art center, Palazzo Diedo, reopens in a restored 18th-century building in May.
How to Host a Cookie Swap, the Sweetest Holiday Party
Make this fun pre-holiday party the best it can be.
If there’s a dessert that speaks most to the holiday season, it’s cookies. That’s why cookie swaps are so popular this time of the year. Not only is sharing and swapping cookies with friends and family fun, but you get to leave with a selection of treats to enjoy and new recipes to try. Instead of getting invited to a cookie swap this season, consider hosting your own.
Hosting a cookie swap can be as simple as inviting a few friends over for snacks, drinks, and some cookie exchanging—and tasting. Our guide includes everything you need to make your party run smoothly, from sending out paper invitations and preparing appetizers to coming up with theme ideas and festive décor. But keep in mind that the end result—you and your favorite people slowing down and celebrating together—is what really makes your swap a sweet success.
The Best Cornstarch Substitutes to Thicken Sauces and Crisp Up Your Fried Chicken
If you don’t have any cornstarch, here’s what you can use instead.
A pantry staple that doesn’t get a lot of credit, cornstarch is essential for a myriad of important culinary purposes. Whether you’re using it to thicken a sauce, soup, or pastry cream; make a sturdier filling for a fruit pie; create a delectable candy; provide a super-crispy coating for fried chicken or roasted potatoes; or soften gluten-free baked goods, the possibilities are endless. But what if you open the cupboard and there’s not a box in sight? Here, we explain how cornstarch works and what you can use as a substitute should you find you’re out of this kitchen workhorse.
This Destination Was Just Named the No. 1 Place for Solitude — and It Has Stunning Mountain Ranges and Desert Landscapes
Mongolia was just named the top global destination to find solitude.
Sure, you probably have a travel buddy you love exploring the world with, but sometimes, you just have to go it alone. And when you’re ready for those trips where you not only want to explore on your own but really be all alone, Book Retreats has a suggestion.
Book Retreats released its Holiday Relaxation Report, which detailed the best destinations around the world where travelers can find peace and quiet, including uncovering the top destinations for solitude. In the No. 1 spot is Mongolia.
This Coastal Maine Town Transforms Into a Holiday Winter Wonderland Every December — and It Has a Lobster Trap Christmas Tree
Here’s why you should plan a holiday trip to Kennebunkport, Maine.
When it comes to celebrating the holidays in Maine, there’s nowhere more festive than Kennebunkport. Each December, the seaside town transforms into a holiday wonderland seemingly straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Between Dec. 5-15, the town rings in the season with Prelude, an annual tradition that’s now ushering in its 43rd year. The festivities span 11 action-packed days and include events for all ages, including lighting the lobster trap Christmas tree, candlelight caroling, and even a visit from Santa Claus, who trades in his standard sleigh for an arrival aboard — what else — a lobster boat.
[Photo Credit: secretgardenamsterdam.com]
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