T LOunge for April 22nd 2025

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

PinAnd/Ore Bar and Restaurant – Toronto, Canada

It’s TUESDAY. Let’s form a coven and spend the day doing dark magic. Couldn’t hurt.

10 Western Sagas to Watch After ‘1923’
If the brutal close to Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Yellowstone’ prequel series left you wanting more, here are some must-watch Western dramas.
After you’ve dried your eyes from the rollercoaster season two finale for 1923, get ready for more shootouts, betrayals and bloodshed from TV’s expanding Western empire.
Wild West tales, long reliant on tired tropes like cattle drives, cowboy bar fights and train robberies, got a lift on the small screen thanks to prolific hitmaker Taylor Sheridan inspiring a wave of neo-Westerns led by Yellowstone, the flagship Dutton family drama.
Frontier justice good guys battling the bad guys on wide open Midwest vistas and their trusted horses have become very popular with TV audiences.

How Sebastian Stan Survived Communism and Became Hollywood’s Most Daring Shape-Shifter
So you need somebody who can play the Winter Soldier, Trump, and Tommy Lee? We’ve got the guy.
Stan left Romania more than three decades ago, but it’s still a core part of him. So is the uncertainty of growing up in a place where the government dominated and demoralized its own citizens—which makes him especially attuned to authoritarianism in his adopted country of the United States. His old accent is gone, of course. Few who have seen him onscreen as the Winter Soldier in a decade and a half of Marvel movies—including the upcoming outcast team-up adventure Thunderbolts*—could find a trace of it. Stan’s character of Bucky Barnes is as all-American as his closest friend, Captain America.

I take great pride in my long hair, but these 25 bob hairstyles make a convincing case for chopping it all off
The humble bob is as chic as ever
The bob hairstyle might have been one of the biggest hair trends of last year, but it’s already proving to be a firm favourite in 2025 too. From the French bob to the lob, the humble bob isn’t going anywhere (although long hair is making a comeback, too).
Although there’s a lot to consider—face shape, whether or not you have thick or thin hair, styling capabilities, desired style—one thing’s for sure: they’ll never go out of style, and that’s pretty much a fact. There are so many variations of the cut to choose from that it’s virtually impossible not to find one you’ll suit.

Edinburgh is my top pick for a last-minute foodie weekend
From cosy cafés and historic gastropubs to local gems.
From the historic charm of the Royal Mile to the breathtaking views atop Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh never fails to impress. The city is a blend of old-world charm and contemporary energy, where centuries-old buildings house cosy, welcoming pubs, and winding alleys lead to discoveries. By night, the city transforms with a buzzing bar scene, live music venues, and tucked-away whisky dens, the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. However this time, my mission was simple, eat well and enjoy the city’s vibrant food scene.

The best pocket sprung mattresses of 2025 to transform your sleep
Wake up with a spring in your step.
When it comes to the best pocket sprung mattress, the game has seriously levelled up. Forget lumpy old coils and saggy spots — today’s best buys are all about pocket springs that respond to your every move, giving you the perfect blend of support and squish. Whether you’re a side sleeper needing a little extra pressure relief or a back sleeper after spinal alignment, a good pocket sprung mattress is your sleep soulmate.

My algorithm knew I was pregnant the day I took a positive test – and the trauma content followed
There’s a fine line between helpful and harmful content. So how do we control it?
My Instagram and TikTok accounts learned I was pregnant the day I took a positive test. Through my behaviours — like my searches to discover morning sickness remedies beyond potato waffles — I had been drip feeding my accounts with intimate details about my body. This was fine at first: fuelled by my new dose of pregnancy hormones, I enjoyed tearing up at videos of pregnancy announcements, tiny little crocheted cardigans and pictures of tastefully curated nurseries. But as I progressed through my pregnancy, the platforms’ algorithms turned on me.

Will the Search for a New Pope Be Just Like Conclave, or What?
Here’s what the Oscar-winning film gets right about the centuries-old process of papal succession—something the internet is suddenly very invested in, thanks to six months of Conclave memes.
The first papal conclave, a term derived from “con clave”—Latin for “with key”—took place in 1276 with the passing of Pope Gregory X, after he decreed, in 1274, that electors should be locked away from the outside world when making their selection for a new pope. As shown in the film, up to 120 Roman Catholic cardinals (all under the age of 80) from around the world are expected to descend upon the Sistine Chapel within 15 to 20 days of the pope’s death. After taking an oath of secrecy, the collective will be sequestered from all media, voting multiple times per day until a two-thirds majority is reached.

How to Read the Ransom Canyon Books in Order
The adaptation of Jodi Thomas’s Western romance series is now streaming on Netflix.
The Western romance drama Ransom Canyon, starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, premiered this week on Netflix. While the story is new to the small screen, the series is actually based on the Ransom Canyon books by Jodi Thomas, who grew up in Amarillo, Texas.
“I was excited to have my book adapted by Netflix,” Thomas told Amarillo Globe News. “Many great writers don’t get this chance, so it’s a joy to see my story reach new audiences.” She added, “The Netflix adaptation expands the story in ways I hadn’t envisioned. When I write, my characters are mine, but sending them into the world lets me see what they become. I can’t wait to meet them on screen.”

Autry White Sneakers Are Suddenly Everywhere This Spring
The brand’s cool retro sneakers have flown mostly under the radar—until now.
This spring, look at the feet of any fashion insider, and you might spot a pair of Autry sneakers, especially the brand’s white Medalist style.
A new trendy sneaker is an unexpected, though not unwelcome, break from the sheer omnipresence of Adidas Sambas and Puma Speedcats we see every day. The vintage-style sneakers have made a huge comeback in recent years, and while we love their slim silhouettes and clean designs, it’s hard not to notice that they’ve all but pushed chunky styles off the street-style radar.

Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer: A Complete Relationship Timeline
These two are crazy cute together.
Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer are married! After a long engagement—and the much-discussed idea of having their ceremony officiated by Guy Fieri—Hollywood’s It Sapphics are officially hitched. Here’s a full timeline of Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer’s relationship, with the most recent updates at the top.

26 Lavender Nail Ideas for a Sweet and Soothing Summer Manicure
Let the stunning shade bring peaceful energy.
If you’re looking to treat yourself while rocking a manicure that’s both calming and chic, lavender nails might be the perfect choice. This soothing purple pastel nail shade not only evokes tranquility but also serves as a neutral, easy-to-wear hue. The trick lies in finding the right undertone or contrast for your skin tone—whether that’s a cooler, blue-tinged lavender or a warmer, reddish variant. In the end, the ideal lavender shade is all about what feels best for you.
For those who favor a subtle, minimalist look, lavender nails offer a touch of understated elegance. But if you’re more into bold styles, don’t worry—this color can still make a statement. With the right finish and nail art, it can be just as daring as any vibrant neon color.

Kate Middleton Has Worn At Least $97 Million Worth of Queen Elizabeth’s Jewelry
From her wedding day in 2011 to the present day, the Princess of Wales often honors the late Queen through wearing her pieces.
When we think of Kate Middleton inheriting another royal’s jewelry, the first person to come to mind is likely her late mother-in-law Princess Diana. After all, the current Princess of Wales not only shares a title with Diana (who, before Kate, was the most famous Princess of Wales of all time) but also a sapphire and diamond engagement ring that Diana wore during her marriage to the former Prince Charles and that Kate now wears after getting engaged to Prince William in 2010.

Love Them or Hate Them, Concealer Lips are Back
Whether you love or loathe Y2K-inspired trends, there’s no getting it around it—concealer lips are back again. Chanel, Dior, Jason Wu Collection, and Khaite each offered their version of the look for Spring 2025, and more and more celebrities have been opting for a pale lip on and off the red carpet. Just peep Gracie Abrams’ disappearing-lip at the recent Grammy Awards or Tinashe’s go-to Y2K-lip to get the drift. Seems like the era of bold berries and bright reds on the step-and-repeat (and elsewhere) might be making a downshift towards subtler hues.

Interest in Tarot and Oracle Decks Is on the Rise—This May Be Why
Have you even been a human on this doozy of a planet until you’ve survived a Tower card moment? Do you know what it’s like to draw the Death card, and then find out it’s actually a good thing and a sign of rebirth? What about surviving a V pull of any suit and then making your way to an X card when completion has come your way and something new is on the horizon?
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you’re among the dwindling population that isn’t looking to tarot and oracle decks for inspiration. Believed to have originated in 15th-century Italy as a card game used by nobility, the original deck was expanded and popularized by 18th-century French occultists; and again later in the 20th century, when modern tarot was born thanks to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, published in 1909. Now, this mystical tool includes 22 cards known as the Major Arcana (including the Tower and Death cards), and 56 cards known as the Minor Arcana that are separated into cups, pentacles, swords, or wands—and oracle decks, of course, which are a freer, more personalized take on using cards as messengers of the divine.

It’s Time to Meet Your Unexpected New Source of Protein — and It’s a Fan-Favorite Italian Ingredient
In case you need one more reason to pile parmesan on your pasta.
“I’m over protein bars — switching to full blocks of parmesan,” one user captioned the footage of herself chowing down on a full-size wedge. This is far from the only TikToker to eat parm like a stone fruit, and many other creators cite the cheese’s high protein content as the reason they’ve opted for it as a snack.
If videos on TikTok are to be believed, then Parmigiano Reggiano contains about 10 grams of protein per ounce or 33 grams of protein per three ounces.
However, as we all know, social media isn’t a definitive source of health and nutrition information, so we consulted experts to determine if parmesan is the protein-rich snack you need in your life — plus, exactly how many grams of protein you can expect to reap per serving.

Rum Was Once Outlawed in Georgia, But Now the State Makes Some of the Best in the Country
The Peach State is experiencing a rum renaissance.
America was still an abstract concept when the 13th colony, Georgia, was established in 1732 to honor King George II of England. Originally envisioned as a debtor’s colony, a ship carrying founder James Oglethorpe and 114 men, women, and children landed near modern-day Savannah.
Oglethorpe was staunchly against alcohol consumption, but colonists and neighboring Indigenous tribes did not share his views. They were fond of rum, to put it mildly. One book estimates that individual colonists drank nearly 4 gallons annually in the years that preceded the Revolutionary War.
By 1735, “strong liquor” like rum was banned, the first act of alcohol prohibition in the not-yet-formed nation. The ban was overturned a few years later, but in the next century, it would take hold, county by county. The state’s ban on alcohol lasted from 1907 to 1935, but legislation would make it difficult to create rum and other spirits for many years to come.

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’: Onya Nurve on Winning the Crown, Honoring Eddie Murphy and Which Queens She’d Like to Compete Against on All-Winners 2
“I want to be on stage — on big stages — as much as possible,” the new ‘Drag Race’ winner tells The Hollywood Reporter fresh off her season 17 win.
Winning comes easy when your name is Onya Nurve.
After dominating the 17th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she took home four varying challenges wins and won over the fans with her endearing personality, Onya was named America’s Next Drag Superstar on Friday night. Her tenure on the biggest competitive drag show in the world was nearly flawless, only having to lip sync for her life (the show’s format at eliminating competitors via lip sync battles) one time.
During her time at Drag Race, Quinta Brunson commended her comedy skills and admitted that she’d like to see the newly crowned queen host Saturday Night Live one day, which she somewhat already did in the show’s RDR Live! spoof challenge based on the popular sketch comedy series.

‘Heartstopper’ to End With Netflix Movie
“Heartstopper” is coming to an end, with its finale set as a feature film.
The hit Netflix series, which ran for three seasons, made the announcement Tuesday morning. “‘Heartstopper’ will return, bigger than ever,” the streamer posted on X. “A ‘Heartstopper’ movie, our final chapter based on Alice Oseman’s upcoming volume six, is coming!!!”
More information was provided in an article on Netflix’s Tudum, confirming that the movie will see Kit Connor and Joe Locke return as Nick and Charlie in addition to serving as executive producers. “Heartstopper” creator Oseman has penned the script with “Still Alice” helmer Wash Westmoreland directing, and filming is set to begin this summer.

Pope Francis’ Funeral Set for Saturday as Global Media Outlets Descend Upon Rome
Pope Francis’ funeral has been set for Saturday and will take place outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. Meanwhile, global media outlets have started to descend upon Rome to cover the event, which is expected to draw millions of mourners.
The pope’s funeral, according to strict protocol, is to be followed two to three weeks later by the secretive conclave, in which 135 cardinals from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Catholic Church leader. The conclave is now expected to begin sometime between May 5 and 10.

Black Mirror Creator Charlie Brooker on Drones, Rabbit Holes, and Broligarchy
Black Mirror creator and professional pessimist Charlie Brooker has turned our collective anxieties into prestige television, conjuring dystopian futures that always feel just a few doom-scrolls away. Through his hit Netflix show, which released its seventh season earlier this month, the former journalist and cartoonist has skewered everything from surveillance states to social media apps—A Twilight Zone for our tech-addled nightmare. While doing press for the six-episode new season, Brooker took a moment to offer up his immediate takes on some pretty freaky stuff.

8 Uses for Castile Soap—a Natural Yet Powerful Way to Clean Almost Anything
Castile soap is a versatile, multi-purpose cleaner. From laundry to dishes to flooring, we’re covering the many uses for castile soap in your home.
So often, it’s the simplest things that stand the test of time. Castile soap, an organic and versatile cleaner formulated with vegetable fats, is the perfect example.
Even with its minimalist formula, this powerful household cleaner can tackle tough grime on floors and surfaces, cut through greasy dishes like a champ, and offer load after load of soft, fresh laundry. Best of all, it’s easy to use and cost-effective—and, importantly, using a truly multipurpose product means replacing multiple products with a single one.
There’s no doubt you’ll figure out a way to use every last drop from the bottle; ahead, cleaning pros outline a few.

How to Store Spinach So It Last for Weeks, According to a Produce Expert
Here’s how to keep it fresh—and the best type to buy for a longer life.
If you’re anything like us, you always grab a bag of baby spinach to keep on hand when you go grocery shopping—and you often end up pronouncing it DOA when you reach for it in the crisper drawer. How should you store spinach to keep it fresh? Its delicate leaves and high water content give this nutritional powerhouse one of the shorter lifespans among vegetables, but correct storage will make it last longer. We spoke with Robert Schueller from Melissa’s Produce, and he shared his best tips for maximizing spinach storage.

8 Household Uses for Tea Tree Oil, From Sanitizing to Pest Repelling
The essential oil is more than just a skincare staple.
Tea tree oil—if you haven’t already fallen in love with this major multitasker, you’re about to. Known and appreciated for its antiseptic properties, this essential oil is more than just a skincare staple. Tea tree oil uses run the gamut, from household cleaning to pest control.
It’s time to ditch harsh chemicals and welcome this plant-powered wonder into your cleaning and homecare arsenal. If you’re wondering how to make tea tree oil your new best friend, look no further. These ideas and tips will help you unlock the many benefits of tea tree oil.

This 7-day Train Itinerary Lets You Explore Italy’s Culinary Heritage by Rail—With Pasta-making Classes, Trattoria Visits, and Wine Tastings
With a focus on trains and food, these Railbookers trips combine all the best things about Europe.
Food is one of the best things about travel—going to new places and eating dishes you may have never even heard of before is one of the most exciting things about visiting a new place. Now, train vacation booking platform Railbookers has a delicious new trip through Italy.
The seven-day Florence to Rome: A Food Adventure takes travelers between the two iconic Italian cities, combining the country’s rich history and architecture with its renowned culinary traditions. The excursion begins with three nights in Florence, where highlights include hands-on pizza and gelato-making classes and wine tastings in the picturesque Chianti Hills.

[Photo Credit: andorerestaurant.com, soliddesigncreative.com]

• T LOunge