T LOunge for May 8th 2026

May. 8th, 2026 01:30 pm
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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Le Morne Plage Restaurant – Case Noyale, Mauritius

We made it, darlings. Another FRIDAY stands before us, just waiting for us to waste it. Let’s get to work.

 

Hudson Williams’ Makeup Artist Aika Flores Urges People to Be ‘Kind’ After Met Gala 2026 Criticism
Everyone is talking about this glam.

Hudson Williams’ Met Gala 2026 makeup look is the talk of the town, for better and for worse. On Monday, May 4, the Heated Rivalry star made his Met Gala debut in an ab-baring custom Balenciaga look, complemented by bold Black Swan-inspired glam, and people have many thoughts about it.
In case you missed it, Hudson Williams’ Black Swan-inspired look was centered on a duo-chrome eye look with two contrasting shades: an iridescent blue on his right eye and a matte dark red on his left. Both eyes were rounded off by dramatic winged eyeliner, smudged for a smoky effect on the red eye, and kept just a little sharper on the blue eye.

 

Social Media Has Us Posturemaxxing. Are We Losing the Plot?
Posture has become a trend with an aesthetic, but that’s not the point.

Sometimes, when it feels like I hate all of my clothes and none of my outfits look quite right, I’ll go complain to my mother, and more often than not, she’ll simply say, “Don’t slouch.” Although I may roll my eyes at her, I’ll look back in the mirror and realize she may have a point; sometimes it’s just about how you carry yourself. Posture is, after all, fundamental to our daily lives. It’s in the way we wear a piece of clothing. It’s in the way we enter a room. It’s in the way we pose for photos. It’s in the way we communicate with others. It’s a quiet piece of who we are. But recently, posture has become a main character on social media. From Pilates workout vlogs to perfectly posed ’fit checks, it feels like everyone online is posturemaxxing.

 

Where Is The Flintstones Movie Cast Now? Inside Their Lives Today, Over 30 Years Since the Premiere
The modern stone-age family was brought to the big screen in the 1994 live-action film based on the animated series

“Yabba-dabba-doo!” It’s been nearly 32 years since John Goodman burst onto our screens as the short-tempered but lovable Fred Flintstone in The Flintstones.
The film premiered on May 27, 1994. Starring alongside Goodman was Elizabeth Perkins as Fred’s wife, Wilma Flintstone, and Rick Moranis and Rosie O’Donnell as Barney and Betty Rubble, their married best friends and next-door neighbors in Bedrock.
Despite a rocky reception from critics, the live-action remake of the beloved 1960s animated series made more than $340 million at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo. PEOPLE praised Goodman and O’Donnell’s work and said the film had “enough special effects and slapstick to keep children amused,” but likened the adult viewing experience to “taking apart a pile of pebbles, stone by stone, and then built another identical one two feet away.”

 

7 best sex toys for beginners 2026, reviewed by Glamour’s sexual wellness writer
The ABCs of sex toys.

If you feel a little daunted by the prospect of finding the best sex toys for beginners, know that you’re definitely not alone. A friend bought me my first bullet vibrator when I was 19 after discovering I’d never masturbated before. I had absolutely no idea where to start and carried a lot of shame around self-pleasure.
That small act of kindness opened the door to the wonderfully expansive world of sexual wellness. It turns out there’s an entire universe of beginner-friendly sex toys to explore, from clit suckers and dildos to sex gifts and long-distance sex toys. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, that’s completely understandable.

 

Will there be a The Devil Wears Prada 3? Meryl Streep has an idea…
Everything we know about another sequel.

Twenty years after the first film premiered, we were finally gifted The Devil Wears Prada 2. The entire cast returned — except for Andy’s awful boyfriend, of course. It had a strong opening weekend and quickly generated plenty of buzz, particularly for the way it captured the precarious state of modern journalism. Which naturally raises the question: could The Devil Wears Prada 3 be on the horizon?
The sequel successfully brought back major stars including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt, while also introducing new faces such as Lady Gaga (playing herself), Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu and Justin Theroux.
Will we have to wait another twenty years for a third instalment? Unlikely, but here’s what the stars have to say about another The Devil Wears Prada sequel. And by stars, we mean the cast… although we may also be consulting our horoscopes on the matter.

 

13 dinner sets to elevate your table in 2026, reviewed by editors
From stoneware to bone china, they’ll last for years.

Dinner sets are one of those things I never gave much thought to — until I started hosting around the stylish dining table I bought (my prize possession, and an altogether grown-up affair). Suddenly, those mismatched – and I’ll admit, sometimes chipped – dinner plates just weren’t cutting it. I needed something that looked chic but could still survive everyday life (because hand washing stacks of plates after a high-spirited dinner party is such a comedown).
From minimalist white dinner sets that can easily be dressed up for special occasions, to craft-driven pasta bowls that elevate weekday comfort food, your tableware says a lot about your hosting style. It’s worth investing in a good all-round dinner set that can handle both casual dinners and more formal gatherings without missing a beat. And plating up well is half the battle when it comes to making your meals look positively restaurant-worthy — even if they’re straight from a meal delivery kit.

 

‘The Other Bennet Sister’ Is Our Next Period-Drama Obsession: Here’s How to Watch
The cozy British series about the overlooked middle sister from Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ just hit streaming in the U.S.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a new Jane Austen adaptation must top the watchlist of any historical romance fan. Among the many projects making their way to screens this year—including Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice and the Daisy Edgar-Jones-starring Sense and Sensibility film—I’m most excited for an entirely new take on an unexpected Austen heroine, courtesy of The Other Bennet Sister.
Based on Janice Hadlow’s beloved novel of the same name, The Other Bennet Sister moves Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to the background, instead focusing on Mary (Ella Bruccoleri), the plain-faced, book-loving middle child of the family. As her sisters focus on romance (and the events of the source novel), Mary leaves Longbourn for London to find her own purpose in the world. Of course, her journey of self-discovery could lead to an epic love story of her own.

 

21 best loveseats of 2026 for every style and space
Snuggle up in retro curves, rich velvets and serious style credentials.

Finding the best loveseats is less about chasing the latest design trends and more about sourcing something that genuinely works for your space. These comfortable chairs sit somewhere between an armchair and a full seater sofa, offering that sweet spot of style, comfort and flexibility. And yes, technically, a loveseat is designed for two, but who are we kidding? This is about sprawling, curling up, stealing the best spot in the house and calling it self-care. Think more indulgent lounging and less polite perching.
A good loveseat quickly earns its keep. In a living room, it slots neatly alongside a corner sofa or chaise, adding a softer counterpoint to bigger seating. In small spaces, it delivers proper comfort without swallowing the room. It also makes a convincing case for ditching a traditional sofa altogether, especially if you’re styling a home office or a more relaxed living space where comfort comes first and form follows closely behind.

 

‘The Night Agent’ Season 4: Everything We Know
Peter Sutherland is returning for one final mission.

Netflix’s The Night Agent is a thrilling espionage drama series whose third season took the titular spy, Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), around the world as he pursued answers to an international terrorism conspiracy linked to the United States government. But by the end of the season, Peter is ready to step away from the job—at least for a little while. While that could be a natural end to Peter’s story, we’ll likely see more of his adventures at the Night Action agency.
Ahead, we’ll break down what exactly we know about The Night Agent season 4, when we can expect it to hit our screens, and who might be joining Peter on his next mission.

 

Here’s how to style flare jeans for your chicest summer yet
They’re not just for boho looks anymore.

We get it: figuring out how to style flared jeans for summer is a process of trial and error. After over a decade out of the spotlight, the silhouette (and its close cousin, bootcut jeans) is very much back in the conversation right now — and not just for all the boho lovers out there. Want to make a subtle statement without looking like you tried hard? Reach for a pair of flares.
Flared jeans can sometimes go wrong, especially if you lean too much into their retro look, resulting in an outfit that feels a bit like fancy dress. But with the right styling tricks, they will make your summer wardrobe sing. With a slim blazer and pointed heels, for example, they’ll fit right in with the rest of your office uniform. Meanwhile, with a low-key top and aviator sunnies, they’re perfect for a Saturday morning coffee run with your besties.

 

Only Got 5 Minutes To Cook? Your Ultimate Busy Woman Nutrition Bible, According to Emily English
As her third cookbook, So Good Express, hits shelves.

One of the biggest barriers to eating well is, quite simply, time. Most of us don’t need another lecture on getting our five-a-day; we need healthy food that fits into actual life.
So Good Express is about those moments when you get home hungry, the thought of deciding what to cook feels like a lot, and you just need inspiration to get something on the table quickly. In practice, that means normal, easy, relatable food that people will actually make and eat every day. Simple ingredients, prep and cook times on every recipe, quick methods, lots of one-pot meals, and time-saving hacks that make eating well feel far more achievable.

 

The Beatles Drama Series ‘Hamburg Days’ Reveals Key Cast and First Look Images as Shooting Starts
BBC has U.K. rights, and ZDF to air in Germany, while AGC is selling internationally

The key cast for drama series “Hamburg Days,” about the Beatles’ early days in the German city, has been revealed as the six-parter started filming in Hamburg, Munich and Liverpool.
The series stars Rhys Mannion (“It Is in Us All,” “Freud’s Last Session”) as John Lennon, Liverpudlian singer/songwriter Ellis Murphy as Paul McCartney, newcomer Harvey Brett as George Harrison, Louis Landau (“Rivals,” “Kennedy”) as Stu Sutcliffe, newcomer Patrick Gilmore as Pete Best, Luna Jordan (“Wild Republic,” “Sleeping Dog”) as Astrid Kirchherr, Casper von Bülow (“Druck,” “Wann wird es endlich wieder so, wie es nie war”) as Klaus Voorman, Laura Tonke (“22 Lengths,” “Amrum”) as Nielsa Kirchherr, Trystan Pütter (“Ku’damm 56”), and Max von der Groeben (“Fack Ju Göhte”).

 

Nail Ridges Are Normal, but Bothersome—Here’s How To Treat and Disguise Them for Good
Your nails are trying to tell you something.

There’s a reason walking out of a nail salon feels disproportionately good. Whether you’ve gone for a classic pillarbox red or a milky, understated oval, a fresh manicure has a way of making everything feel slightly more together. But, really, a great manicure is only as good as the nail underneath it.
As we get older, our nails change—they dry out more easily, grow more slowly, and often develop ridges along the nail plate. It’s common, it’s normal, and the instinct to buff them away is one worth resisting. But over-buffing thins the nail and makes things worse in the long run. The good news is there are smarter ways to deal with them—treatments that actually address what’s going on and polishes that disguise while they get to work. We asked the experts to break it down.

 

Addressed: Help, My Mother Keeps Giving Me Clothes I Don’t Want
Being a good (neurotic) daughter, I contacted a professional for help. Psychologist Carolyn Mair, the author of The Psychology of Fashion, told me that our guilt in these situations doesn’t necessarily have to do with whether we like a gifted garment, but what it signifies. “When a mother passes something down, she’s offering more than fabric; she’s offering continuity, a tangible link between her identity and yours,” she said. “That’s why refusal can feel emotionally loaded and hurtful to her, and why discarding it later can stir a daughter or son’s guilt that feels out of proportion.”

 

These Mother’s Day Wines Make a Gift Feel More Meaningful
Show mom how much you care by letting your good side lead with these wines that give back.

Mother’s Day calls for a little more than a routine gesture to celebrate the amazing life-giving women in your world. After all, it’s not just about what they do for only you, but what moms of all kinds contribute to make this planet a better, safer, and kinder place; how they tirelessly strive to pay it forward in support other women, children, and families, wherever and whenever possible.
This year, let your wine gift speak volumes, not only about your affection but also your dedication to supporting meaningful causes that touch their core mom values, too.

 

11 Motherhood Books That Actually Capture What to Expect When You’re Expecting
These must-read novels by Ann Patchett, Rachel Yoder, and more explore the messy reality of being a mom.

Between the health risks of pregnancy, the physical and emotional strain of raising a child—which often come with financial implications and lack of federal support— believe us when we say: Moms are total badasses.
Of course, welcoming a newborn is the first of many milestones. After the baby comes the mother load, or the often trying postpartum fourth trimester, and the doorway into parenthood. As if that weren’t enough, many new mothers are thrust into learning on the job, making motherhood ripe for messes and mess-ups.

 

We Tested 5 Ways to Cook Chicken Breasts and Found the Juiciest Method
Of all the techniques we tried, one clear winner delivered the tastiest and most reliable results.

Chicken breasts are one of my go-to proteins. They serve as a blank slate for seasoning, they’re a great source of lean protein, and they cook impressively fast. Yet some of their best attributes are also what make them tricky to master. Their lean nature and uneven shape require finesse to ensure even cooking and peak juiciness.
Because of chicken breasts’ utility, I cook them for dinner every week. One big batch makes an evening meal and provides enough leftovers to top salads, stuff sandwiches, and offer a high-protein snack. I’ve cooked them in all sorts of ways — brined, simply seasoned, or marinated and spiced to fulfill cravings for various global cuisines. But I became curious about stripping away all the additional flavors and recipe-specific techniques to determine a reliable method for cooking juicy, flavorful chicken breasts that don’t need adornment.

 

34 Impressive Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes to Honor Mom
Make a restaurant-worthy brunch spread at home to celebrate without crowds or reservations.

Cooking up a homemade brunch for Mother’s Day is a meaningful idea to impress the mother figure(s) in your life. Treat them to crêpes, zingy spiced eggs, a rich breakfast pizza, or a sweet scone topped with whipped crème fraîche. Curate your menu with these Mother’s Day brunch recipes for a thoughtful gesture.

 

Royal portrait artist Louise Pragnell on painting Princess Anne: ‘You’re trying to give a subtle insight into these qualities of humanity’
The British Army’s Intelligence Corps commissioned a new portrait of the Princess Royal to celebrate her role as Colonel-in-Chief. For artist Louise Pragnell, it was a chance to better understand the woman behind the crown.

Over nearly six decades of service, Princess Anne has become one of the most recognisable faces in the country. Often dubbed the ‘hardest working royal’, the Princess Royal has become synonymous with diligence, duty, and no-nonsense pragmatism through her patronage of over 300 charities, organisations and military regiments. For painter Louise Pragnell, the artist behind a new portrait of the royal, the challenge was to convey these many qualities while giving a sense of the human being behind the work.

 

3 Ways to Make Store-Bought Frosting Taste Homemade
No one will ever guess you frosted your cakes with canned frosting.

Before you slather on that can of store-bought frosting onto your freshly baked cake or cupcakes, you may want to consider this. With just a little extra time and effort, you can transform a simple can of frosting into something that tastes homemade. These tips will help elevate the flavor, texture, and appearance of the frosting, making it taste so good that those eating will never guess it’s from the store. Ahead, we share our favorite ingredients to add to store-bought frosting to take it up a notch. Don’t worry—your secret is safe with us.

 

10 timeless classics on Paramount+ for movie lovers
From classic epics to hidden treasures ready for rediscovery, Paramount+ is overflowing with classic films.

Paramount+ has become a hub for lovers of classic movies, offering a carefully curated and diverse library. The streamer’s selection spans the studio’s golden age, New Hollywood, the dawn of modern cinema, and beyond. From mid-century masterpieces to iconic genre films, you’ll find several movies that shaped film entertainment as we know it.
While many streaming platforms primarily chase the newest releases, Paramount+ leans into its studio legacy, giving subscribers access to titles that defined eras, launched stars, and influenced generations of directors.

 

This Stunning River Canyon Has the Highest Concentration of Waterfalls in North America—Just 20 Minutes From Portland
The Columbia River Gorge is not only a feast for the eyes but for all the senses.

For travelers heading to Portland, Oregon, the two-drop, 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls in the nearby Columbia River Gorge is usually a must-see. But while the gorge is home to North America’s greatest concentration of waterfalls, they’re just a drop in the bucket of everything this river canyon has to offer.
Stretching over 80 miles in length and reaching depths of up to 4,000 feet, the Columbia River Gorge—a designated National Scenic Area since 1986—is a geological wonder. Formed by volcanoes and carved by Ice Age floods, it’s a place of contrasts, where rain forests and woodlands coexist alongside semi-arid grasslands and rugged bluffs. Framed by looming basalt cliffs, the Columbia River cuts through the landscape, marking the boundary between Oregon to the south and Washington to the north.

 

How to Use Salt and Lemon to Degrease Sticky Cabinets
Refresh your cabinets with this all-natural method.

Salt and lemon juice are so much more than cooking essentials. The combination offers a natural, slightly abrasive, acidic cleaning agent that can effectively remove rust stains, restore wooden cutting boards, and even clean copper sinks. Not only that, it’s inexpensive and leaves no synthetic chemical residue.
This simple cleaning trick is effective for many household spots. But how does it do on sticky cabinet grease? After all, not all cabinet finishes are created equal, and you might feel reluctant to use anything acidic on yours, even a lemon.

 

[Photo Credit: beachcomber-hotels.com]

The post T LOunge for May 8th 2026 appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

Behind Five Willows by June Hur

May. 8th, 2026 08:58 am
james_davis_nicoll: (Default)
[personal profile] james_davis_nicoll


Shin Haewon's family falls far short of haughty aristocrat Yu Seojun's very reasonable standards, as he is gracious enough to explain to Haewon. How cruel that fate compels extended proximity between Haewon and Seojun.

Behind Five Willows by June Hur
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Thousands of people have taken part in the Palestine Marathon and Half Marathon which returned to the West Bank city of Bethlehem after a two-year pause because of restrictions over the Gaza War.
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Posted by Stacy Randall

Woo hoo, summer is on its way! And, while I have to admit, I don’t always look forward to the sweltering heat, I do love summertime. You get more sunshine, longer days, barbecues, family time, all the things that seem to give this season a more laid-back feel. You also have summer vacations, beach trips (if that’s your thing), and more time for outdoor activities. Yep, summer has a lot to love, but personally, I love enjoying the longer summer […]

The post 30 IKEA Summer Pieces That Scream Long Evenings, Good Food & Great Company first appeared on IKEA Hackers.

linaewen: Girl Writing (Girl Writing)
[personal profile] linaewen posting in [community profile] writethisfanfic
Hello on Friday!  Looking back at the day today -- or yesterday, if today hasn't gotten going yet -- how did it go?

   - I thought about my fic once or twice
   - I wrote
   - I did some planning and/or research
   - I edited
   - I've sent my fic off to my beta
   - I posted today!
   - I'm taking a break
   - I did something else that I'll talk about in a comment

Looking forward, how are you planning to spend your weekend?

   - I'm going to make up for not writing all week by having a writing marathon
   - I'm going to keep writing at my current rate and see how it goes
   - I have other plans, but I might have time to get some writing in
   - I'm going to take a break from writing

podcast friday

May. 8th, 2026 07:37 am
sabotabby: gritty with the text sometimes monstrous always antifascist (gritty)
[personal profile] sabotabby
 Another new-to-me podcast, Against the Grain, did an episode with not new-to-me Jordan S. Carroll, "Science Fiction and the Far-Right." It is very good. I mean, I would want Jordan to have his own podcast as he's a podcast creator's dream to interview, except that he is busy doing other things that are more important. At any rate, as someone rather deep into the SFFH community in a variety of ways, it bears repeating how closely entwined it is with our current dystopian hellscape, and Jordan is really an expert in explaining why and how.

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