T LOunge for January 23rd 2024

Posted on January 23, 2025

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

PinBagheera Cocktail Bar – Vancouver, Canada

Darlings, it’s THURSDAY and once again, we invite you to hunker in a bunker with us. Draw those drapes closed, shut out the outside world, and join us in fantasy and delusions, why don’t you? The Oscar noms are coming up, so sit tight. We started a tab.

 

A first glimpse of Miss Austen, a period drama that delves into the literary mystery surrounding Jane Austen’s sister, is released
British star Keeley Hawes stars as Cassandra, the sister of the famous novelist, who destroyed Jane’s letters in an effort to protect her privacy

Miss Austen may be the latest gripping drama coming out as the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth is celebrated – but the series won’t focus on the novelist. The programme, which premieres on the BBC on 2 February, will instead explore the life of Austen’s lesser-known sister, Cassandra, who lies at the heart of a particularly intriguing story.
The show ‘takes a literary mystery – Cassandra Austen notoriously burning her famous sister Jane’s letters – and reimagines it as a fascinating, witty and heart-breaking story of sisterly love, while creating in Cassandra a character as captivating as any Austen heroine,’ reads one synopsis.

 

‘The White Lotus’ Nabs Early Season 4 Pickup From HBO
The series’ third season is set to premiere Feb. 16.

Four weeks ahead of the show’s third season premiere, HBO has renewed The White Lotus for a fourth installment. The Thailand-set season three is set to debut Feb. 16, two-plus years after season two.
The series’ first two seasons have won 15 Emmys — including two acting honors for Jennifer Coolidge and writing and directing wins for creator Mike White in season one — and brought in strong viewing numbers for HBO. Season two, which aired in the fall of 2022, averaged 10.1 million viewers per episode across all platforms, a 50 percent improvement on the first installment.

 

Dame Judi Dench Says Vision Loss Keeps Her Out of the Public Eye
The 90-year-old Oscar winner says she can no longer go out solo: Somebody “will always be with me…because I can’t see and I will walk into something or fall over.”

Dame Judi Dench, who turned 90 last month, will no longer be attending events as a party of one. The Oscar-winning actor recently shared that her deteriorating eyesight has advanced to the point where she is unable to go out in public on her own.
Somebody will “always be with me,” she said on Trinny Woodall’s Fearless podcast. “I have to now, because I can’t see and I’ll walk into something or fall over.” Dench first revealed in 2012 that she had age-related macular degeneration, telling Reuters in a statement at the time, “I do not wish for this to be overblown. This condition is something that thousands and thousands of people all over the world are having to contend with. It’s something that I have learnt to cope with and adapt to—and it will not lead to blindness.”
Speaking about her condition now, Dench said that she has “no eyesight” and requires a companion. She’s always been “nervous before going to something,” the legendary actor added. “I’m not good at that at all. Not at all. Nor would I be now. And fortunately I don’t have to be now.”

 

All About Phoebe Dynevor’s New Film ‘Inheritance’
Shot completely on an iPhone, the Bridgerton actor is set to star in this fast-moving thriller

If you’re looking to add some excitement and suspense into your January, look no further than Phoebe Dynevor’s latest film, Inheritance. A fast-moving thriller, the low-fi film is directed by Neil Burger, who is best known for directing The Illusionist (2006), Limitless (2011) and Divergent (2014).
Since Dynevor’s portrayal in Netflix’s psychological thriller, Fair Play, the star continues her foray into the thriller genre as she stars as young woman caught in the midst of international conspiracy, and next up are her up-coming thriller films Beneath The Storm, Anniversary and Famous.

 

Teddy bear brunette is the cutest hair colour for spring
Soft, cosy and so easy to love

One trend we’re seeing in general with hair colours in 2025, is a movement toward more natural tones. Among them, Teddy Bear Brunette may be the cutest shade getting extra attention as we head toward spring.
It’s been a big year for brunettes with dark espresso shades, warm chestnut browns and even cherry chocolate tones all taking off over autumn, but as the days get brighter, while we’re keeping the warmth, we’re going to see it expressed in the form of more golds, caramels and honey undertones.

 

31 best plus-size wedding guest dresses
You want to look good when you catch that bouquet right?

We all love love, but trying to find the best plus size wedding guest dresses to send options to your besties on your WhatsApp group chat when that formal invitation comes through can spark a bit of stress. Especially knowing the lack of options the fashion industry usually gives us curvy babes. […]
Positive steps are being taken. We now have more luxe labels such as GANNI who most recently did a collection with plus-size model Paloma Elsesser, and independent designers such as Renee Studio, whose core range goes up to a size 28 exclusively to ASOS. Rental sites such as By Rotation have also had a push on plus-size rentals, currently with just under 400 dresses over a size 20 available on their app, compared to 300 last year. We love to see the improvement.

 

49 best breakup songs that will help mend your broken heart
From Ariana Grande to queen of break ups Taylor Swift.

Breakup songs are so powerful, aren’t they? They get you through a period in your life when you feel there may be no hope in your love life. No matter what stage of the breakup you’re in, there’s something for everyone to relate to and keep pulling you ahead to the other side of single-life freedom.
From heartbroken and sad to angry and bitter… and to simply having the strength to leave the past in the past, failed romances have long served as inspiration for musical artists when it comes to penning their songs. Whether you are in the throes of denial and want your ex back, processing what went wrong or finally moving on, we know full well that we can turn to music to help mend our broken hearts.

 

An Expert Guide To Aura Nails, Plus All The Inspiration You Need For 2025
This dreamy manicure is here to stay.

If you’re the sort of person who never misses a manicure appointment (you know, the type that arrives to the salon with a fully fledged moodboard), you’ll already be familiar with ‘aura nails’. Playful but not juvenile, these airbrushed tips have been making the rounds since 2023, amplified by a roster of adoring celebrity fans including Dua Lipa and Sydney Sweeney. The best part? This whimsical nail art design can be recreated with just about any colour combination, making it one of the most versatile manicure trends of recent years. Not to mention, aura nails are amongst the simplest tips to try out at home – no professional tools needed.

 

Coloured Tights Are 2025’s Most Divisive Trend. Here’s How To Wear Them
It’s time to say bye, bye to basic black and embrace a more kaleidoscopic approach to your hosiery.

The remarkable thing about the cyclical world of fashion is that something that was once the antithesis of what you could ever imagine wearing can quickly come to the top of your must-try list. For me, the latest to make this move is a pair of coloured tights.
Don’t get to thinking that is because of a general distaste with tights. I’m a passionate supporter who wears black opaques most days from September right through to late May. Coloured tights, though? I had worried they felt a bit juvenile. A bit too jaunty. Or a costume component only viable around October 31.

 

The Mind-Body Benefits Of Reformer Pilates
The does-it-all workout is touted for improving posture, strength, and mobility, as well as deepening the mind-body connection.

Once the reserve of the A-list elite (with an eminent fan base including everyone from Margot Robbie to Harry Styles), Reformer Pilates has now well and truly entered the mainstream.
It’s the trending workout on Class Pass, surpassing once sold-out spin classes and intense bootcamps, and is now a staple among every one of your fitness-inclined friends (with searches climbing up by 600%, according to Google trends). See, too, the countless new studios cropping up – and their hefty waitlists – confirming that it’s the workout we all want to muscle in on.

 

As Bridget Jones Returns, A Definitive Ranking Of Our Favourite Frazzled Englishwomen
Yes, I’m aware that the Frazzled Englishwoman was a TikTok trend from 2022 but, in truth, she’s been on my mind ever since. Over the last few years, there have been more and more things to be frazzled about – the political landscape, global crises, the environment, I could go on – and now, with Donald Trump back in the White House, wildfires still raging across LA and the whole world feeling like a head-spinningly surreal dystopia, I’ve never related to her more.
It’s perhaps fitting, then, that the woman who is synonymous with this particular cultural movement, Bridget Jones, is about to return to screens in Mad About the Boy, a riotous account of her navigating the modern dating hellscape as a fiftysomething widow. In her honour, we present a definitive ranking of our favourite Frazzled Englishwomen, from mildly strung out to downing-vodka-and-blasting-Chaka-Khan levels of anxiety.

 

Smash Is Heading to Broadway
The cult-favorite TV series about the creation of Bombshell, a fictional musical about Marilyn Monroe, is set to hit the stage.

In 2012, Smash premiered on NBC. It was a TV show about the making of a fictional musical called “Bombshell” about Marilyn Monroe, starring Meghan Hilty and Katharine McPhee. It was a cult favorite, but lasted for just two seasons, and after it ended, fans have been clamoring for more.
“Ever since the show ended in 2012, not a week goes by that someone doesn’t ask us when will they see Smash as a musical,” producer Neil Meron said in a statement. “We think we’ve come up with something the die-hard series fans will love but that will also be exciting for people who never saw an episode of the show. And above all else it will be a valentine to the Broadway musical and the exhilarating rollercoaster ride of bringing one to life.”

 

Since the 1970s, Martin Yan Has Taught Americans How to Love Dumplings
The beloved host and author of ‘Yan Can Cook’ says that dumplings are universal — and he’s correct.

There are few foods that bring me as much joy as dumplings. They’re the first dish I learned to make as a kid and always the first to disappear at a party — the moment I put out a platter, guests come swarming and eat every last one. In my house, we have a saying: “There is no such thing as too many dumplings.”
Chef Martin Yan shares my affection for dumplings. Since the launch of his show Yan Can Cook in 1978, he’s been teaching audiences across the world how to make them, along with other Chinese classics. Yan inspired cooks who had never seen Asian ingredients before, as well as those of us who’d grown up with soy sauce and ginger in the pantry but never seen an Asian chef on TV. It’s impossible to know how many Chinese American households have a copy of the Yan Can Cook cookbook on the shelf, but mine certainly does.

 

15 Wedding Guest Makeup Trends To Try in 2025
This wedding is not about you. But it could be, like, a little bit about you, right? Your wedding-guest makeup look is a chance to play with trends you see on your feed or a lipstick color you saw Taylor Swift wear on the red carpet. It’s not wear-a-white-dress about you, rather it’s who’s-that-guest-with-amazing-makeup about you.
While the bride may be trying to keep things natural, you definitely don’t have to. But you also don’t want to veer so far into the experimental realm that you draw attention from the newlyweds. A graphic eyeliner look or a smattering of face gems might not be quite right for the occasion (though there’s a way to pull that off for a wedding too), “but a pop of pastel, a metallic shadow, a holographic blush, or the perfect fluttery lash can make you stand out in a subtle way,” says makeup artist Christin Cook Zito. Your look will be in the couple’s photos forever, after all. Think of trying understated but pretty trends like pearl skin or berry girl makeup instead of louder looks like neon lipstick or full-on rock star eyeliner.

 

The tragic and glamorous life of Princess Natalia Paley, who rose from Russian exile to become one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated creative luminaries
The Romanov descendant is to be celebrated in a new exhibition, which delves into her family history and life as a socialite

A Russian aristocrat descended from the Romanovs, who became one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated models and socialites, Princess Natalia Paley rose from her family’s fabled and tragic history to leave her own extraordinary legacy. Now, a special exhibition at Hillwood Museum in Washington DC will be the first to chronicle her life, exploring the glamorous connections, enigmatic flair and royal roots that made her famous.

 

36 Hours in Quebec City
With its fortified walls, Quebec City, one of North America’s oldest European settlements, in many ways feels frozen in time — a major draw for visitors who relish its quaint public squares and cobblestone streets, absent of skyscrapers. But while French speakers still resist the incursion of English, Quebec City is evolving. Walk down a street and you’ll find a Japanese restaurant serving up salmon poke bowls not far from a bistro offering the traditional fare of tourtière and poutine. Don’t miss the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, home to the largest collection of Quebecois art in the world. And there’s plenty of fun to be had in even the most frigid months, when temperatures can drop to an average low of -16 Celsius (3 degrees) in February, whether you’re whizzing down the hill on a toboggan sled with a view of the St. Lawrence River, marveling at intricately carved sculptures at an ice hotel, or enjoying live music and ice canoe races at Le Carnaval de Quebec, the annual winter carnival, which runs from Feb. 7 to Feb. 16.

 

Every ‘Star Trek’ Movie, Ranked
To celebrate the latest Trek feature film, Section 31, here’s our highly illogical, entirely emotional list of the franchise’s entire slate, from worst to best

Film. The final frontier. These are the movie voyages of the starship Enterprise — well, mostly. With this week’s debut of Star Trek: Section 31, the venerable sci-fi franchise finds itself exploring new territory altogether: the straight-to-streaming film. In this case, it’s actually the end result of a long, complicated development process where Section 31 — spinning off a Star Trek: Discovery character that Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh last played in late 2020 — was originally going to be an ongoing show, and now will be a Paramount+ exclusive-premiere movie. It’s the first of a potential series of Trek films made for the streamer, though Trek almost certainly still has a future on the big screen, whether or not plans to reunite the cast of the Chris Pine films comes to fruition.

 

Pardon us, but what the f‑‑‑ is going on with the actress categories at the Oscars?
Battles for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress have been particularly confusing this year.

Who knew that actresses actressing in their respective projects wouldn’t be the most dramatic showcase in Hollywood, as the industry continues to navigate awards season chaos in anticipation of answering the question: Who will be nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress among the 2025 Oscar nominations?
Sometimes, you get a clean-sweep year where everyone from the critic and journalist groups to the industry folks align from the start on a contender such as Blue Jasmine lead Cate Blanchett. In other years, it seems like not even the trio of Golden Globe, SAG, and Critics Choice Awards nods can vault the likes of Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers) into Oscars territory.

 

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal tease an ‘iconic’ When Harry Met Sally reunion: ‘It’s finally happening’
“It’s finally happening.”
Bust out your favorite cable knit; something big is coming.
Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal had a When Harry Met Sally… reunion on Instagram Wednesday in a post that promised an even more fulsome reunion to come.
“It’s finally happening, we’re reuniting for something iconic. Can’t wait to show you all soon,” Ryan wrote in the caption.

 

Are Heated Blankets Safe? Here’s What Electricians and Safety Experts Say
Electric blankets can be safe—as long as you know what to look out for.

When temps turn frigid outside or you simply feel like being as cozy as can be, there’s nothing better than curling up with an electric blanket. Heated blankets offer you a customizable source of warmth that’s comfortably soft, and they can even help you cut down your electric bill by offering the opportunity to turn down the thermostat. However, heated blankets are also the subject of numerous safety concerns.
Electric blankets can pose a potential fire hazard, which gives many people pause. So we turned to fire safety experts and professional electricians to find out how safe it is to snuggle up with a heated blanket.

 

14 Clever Uses for Old Bed Sheets, According to Experts
From DIY tote bags to closet organizers.

Whether because of discoloration, pilling, or stretching of the elastic, bed sheets start to show their age over time. Sheets typically lose their luster after two to three years, depending on the material and how often you wash them. But don’t toss the fabric once you’re ready for a new set. Old bed sheets are versatile and can be repurposed in various practical ways. We consulted our experts, who shared the best ways to reuse old sheets.

 

You Can Travel to These Stunning International Destinations Without a Passport
American’s without a passport can still travel to these tropical (and international) destinations.

The U.S. is the fourth largest country by land mass, with over 3.5 million square miles to explore. It’s home to 63 national parks and some of the most well-loved cities in the world. We’ve got Alaska for those looking for extreme wilderness and Hawaii for those looking for an island beach vacation.
In fact, America is so big that you could live your whole life without leaving the country — and many do. But you don’t need to limit yourself to the confines of the U.S. just because you don’t have a passport or are waiting for a new one to arrive. There are several international destinations Americans can visit with no passport at all. (It’s worth noting that starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required at TSA checkpoints. More on that here.)

 

The Museums Coming in the Next 5 Years Will Be a New Way to See NYC and Washington, D.C.
The Climate Museum will open in New York City in 2029 — in the same building as a 455-room hotel — while Washington, D.C. prepares for the debut of at least two new major museums, including one under the Lincoln Memorial.

While American cultural institutions face their fair share of post-pandemic challenges (most notably with funding and attendance), they are not a dying breed. On the contrary, we’re entering a heyday of new American museums. The long list of museums in New York City will grow with one notable addition in 2029. The Climate Museum has found a permanent home in a new real estate development on New York City’s West Side near Hudson Yards. The Climate Museum, which was founded in 2018 as the country’s first museum dedicated to understanding climate change and inspiring people into action, has held more than 15 exhibitions and hundreds of events and workshops throughout the city, often in collaboration with renowned institutions like Rockefeller Center and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

 

[Photo Credit: bergmandesignhouse.com]

Please review our Community Guidelines before posting a comment. Thank you!

blog comments powered by Disqus