T LOunge for April 23rd 2025

Apr. 23rd, 2025 01:10 pm
[syndicated profile] projectrungay_feed

Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Rundle Bar – Banff, Alberta, Canada

It’s WEDNESDAY and we have decided to treat that fact as good news. Settle into today’s swankified LOunge and plan on abandoning all your plans for the day. Let’s be disgraceful.

No. 1 on the Call Sheet: Bella Ramsey Takes Charge of ‘The Last of Us’
The HBO star on becoming the sole lead of ‘The Last of Us,’ saying goodbye to working with Pedro Pascal, shutting out online trolls and trying to save the world — one plastic bottle at a time. (Spoilers for last Sunday’s second episode.)

An avid environmentalist, Ramsey has a “green rider” in their contract. Typical celebrity riders make demands related to an actor’s comfort — such as a swank trailer, high-quality food and luxurious accommodations and transportation. A green rider is less self-serving but more ambitious — requiring sets to embrace across-the-board sustainability (such as using electric vehicles and reducing food and material waste). “It covers every department, and the producers have to adhere to certain things and so does the actor,” Ramsey explains. “Both parties have to be accountable for being sustainability-conscious throughout the shoot. Making sustainable choices on set should be built into the very fabric of the production because it’s not that difficult.”

 

Can the Academy Force Oscar Voters to Do Their Homework?
For the first time, members must officially see every movie that’s nominated in a given category before they can vote. At least a few Academy members are applauding the new rule: “They needed to do something.”

In a perfect world, every Academy voter would watch every nominated movie before casting their final Oscar ballots. But as those horrendous anonymous interviews with voters that the trades publish each year have shown us, that is rarely the case. As one voter told The Hollywood Reporter of the films up for best animated feature in 2023: “I watched at least part of all of them—a couple of them in their entirety—and I didn’t really give a shit about any of them.”

 

Emily in Paris season 5 is filming this summer – and one huge character isn’t coming back
We can’t wait for another instalment, bring on Emily in Rome!

Bonne nouvelle! Emily in Paris is not done yet. Oui mes cheries, Emily Cooper is officially coming back for a fifth season on Netflix. And filming begins very soon.
The show’s star, Lily Collins, first revealed the news during an appearance on Good Morning America before show creator Darren Star spoke to Netflix’s Tudum. “We’re thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily’s adventures in Rome and Paris!” he said.
The news came after the release of part two of season four of Emily in Paris, which saw our favourite American in Paris back doing what she does best — you know, flirting with hot French chefs, speaking absolutely no French (or Italian) and wearing the wildest colour combos you’ve literally ever seen.

 

How to recycle beauty products—and why it’s such a crucial step
Consider this your go-to guide on beauty recycling

Sometimes it’s hard to fathom just how horrific the extent of the devastation that plastics have on the planet, especially our oceans. That said, documentaries like Blue Planet II have opened our eyes. According to Global Citizen, by late 2018, 88% of those who had seen it had changed their relationship with plastic completely. They went on to call the episode, ‘a key moment sparking the war on plastics.’
We have certainly noticed more reusable water bottles on our commute and in the office—some people have gone a week completely plastic-free and huge beauty brands have started doing their bit to reduce their plastic waste, including creating refillable beauty products.

 

I have no time to be faffing with brushes, but a make-up sponge is an essential in my routine—here are the 6 best
Essential for smooth, seamless skin

Speed is very much of the essence when it comes to my morning beauty routine, and the contents of my make-up bag very much reflect that. Skin tints that provide coverage and glow, cream blushes that can double as lipstick, and eyebrow gels that tint and groom are where it’s at for me. And as for application? If it can’t be applied with my fingertips, then I tend to forget it. However, there is one tool that I reach for daily to assist my haphazard blending and buffing, and that’s a make-up sponge. Because while I have no time to get to grips with an assortment of different-sized make-up brushes with a whole array of specific uses, a make-up sponge makes for an incredibly versatile tool that just helps to make my finished look a little more polished. And make-up artists agree.

 

These are the best greens powder supplements for 2025, approved by GLAMOUR editors
Plug any nutritional gaps in one quick scoop.

You can pretty much guarentee that any wellness enthusiast — or TikTok-obsessive — is now well acquainted with greens powder supplements, (highly) praised for their ability to plug any nutritional gaps when incorporated into a healthy diet. But do greens powder supplements actually work? Or are they just another wellness trend that isn’t backed by evidence?

 

It turns out we’ve all been washing our faces wrong. Here’s how to do it properly…
Avoid these common mistakes.

How do you wash your face? It’s something most of us do every day, so it’s a bit of a shocker that experts say we may have been doing it wrong for all these years.
For starters, (bad news face wipe fans), face wipes are about as good for our skin as they are for the environment – although, we already kind of knew that one. But even for those wedded to their creamy cleanser or micellar water, lots of us are making the same common mistakes that can mean we’re not getting rid of all the grime effectively, or worse, are causing unnecessary damage and stress to our skin.

 

What are Labubus and why is the internet so obsessed?
The toy that stole all the fashion girls’ hearts.

You’ve probably seen the Labubu doll, a grinning gremlin plush toy hanging from the Birkins of your favourite influencers lately. Whether you think they’re cute, creepy or just plain weird is besides the point, because the Labubu doll has become a viral sensation, and it’s just a matter of time before you also fall under the spell of its googly eyes. Olivia Attwood, Dua Lipa and Rihanna certainly have.

 

‘I Have To Feel Confident In What I’m Wearing’: Lily James Talks Beauty Rituals And Personal Style
ELLE UK caught up with the British actor in Kyoto as she got ready for Dior’s magical show at the ancient To-ji Temple gardens.

It’s going to be a big year for Lily James. Later this year, she’s set to star as Whitney Wolfe Herd, the female founder of dating app Bumble, in the film Swiped. It’s a fitting role for the Surrey-born actress, who’s made a name for herself playing strong, complex women – from Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy to Natasha Rostova in War & Peace.
As well as starring in Swiped, James is producing the project, alongside 20th Century Studios and another company, Ethea Entertainment. James is the co-founder of her own production company, Parados Productions, which she launched alongside Gala Gordon to champion fresh voices and female-led stories. It was also recently announced that she will star in an upcoming horror film Let the Evil Go West, reuniting with her Pam & Tommy co-star Sebastian Stan.

 

Happy Birthday, Prince Louis! How William And Kate Plan To Celebrate Their Youngest Child’s Seventh Birthday
The Prince and Princess of Wales’ youngest child, Prince Louis, is turning seven today — and this is how the royal couple are planning to celebrate.

Prince Louis is turning seven today, and the Prince and Princess of Wales are planning to celebrate their youngest child in traditional Wales family fashion.
Catherine Middleton, who is also the mother to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, is known to stay up until midnight making birthday cakes for her children’s birthdays. ‘I love making the cake,’ she revealed in a 2019 BBC interview. ‘It’s become a bit of a tradition that I stay up till midnight with ridiculous amounts of cake mix and icing and I make far too much. But I love it.’

 

‘She’s So Real for That’: What Does Gen Z See in Carrie Bradshaw?
A lot of Gen Xers and millennials were raised to believe that, as women, they should strive to be “the chill girl.” The girl who isn’t “too much,” who doesn’t care what her guy does, and who certainly isn’t going to wear her romantic anxieties on her sleeve. But I wonder if—or I hope, at least—this same chill-girl trope just doesn’t hold the same appeal for the generations below. Gen Z worships at the altar of artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Lana Del Rey, and Gracie Abrams—all anti-chill girls, in their music at least—so it’s no great stretch to imagine why they’ve fallen for Carrie also. It helps that, with a designer wardrobe straight out of the ’90s and ’00s, the columnist is the ultimate style icon, too. Fashion-forward and totally unhinged? It’s no wonder 21-year-olds think she’s a baddie.

 

What to Get (and Avoid) at NYC’s Newest Japanese Doughnut Shop
Everything you need to now about I’m Donut in Times Square.

Trendy doughnuts have long played an essential role in the New York City dining landscape.
For decades, Doughnut Plant and Dough Doughnuts have been drawing lines for their innovative creations made with all-natural ingredients. The Cronut, Dominique Ansel’s croissant-doughnut hybrid, is widely recognized as the city’s first viral pastry sensation, followed by the Daily Provisions’ cruller, an ultra-tender doughnut made with pâte à choux.
And today, the era of trendy doughnuts lives on, with the opening of a new shop that’s practically designed to draw lines down the block: I’m Donut.

 

If Your Waiter Starts Doing This, It’s Time to Leave the Restaurant
It’s been a pleasure to serve you, now please get out of here.

When one works in food service there is no shortage of things that might be aggravating. From the minor disrespect of customers refusing to use eye contact to the more bothersome act of being snapped at by customers with either fingers or words, there are plenty of ways servers can be annoyed. But there is one situation that gets deep underneath the fingernails of practically every restaurant server, embedded there like ground beef when you hand mix a meatloaf: customers who stay way past closing time.

 

22 Handheld Appetizers for Every Kind of Party
It’s easy for guests to mingle and nosh simultaneously when utensils are taken out of the equation.

Save your forks for setting the table and keep the pre-meal party noshing easy by serving handheld appetizers that require nothing more than a napkin and maybe a toothpick to enjoy. From one-bite snacks like homey, spicy cocktail meatballs and elegant salmon-topped gougères to classic dips, savory sliders, and crisp cheese-topped toasts, we have all of your utensil-free appetizer bases covered. These tasty snack ideas will keep your guests happy and your forks clean.

 

Here’s the Surprising Secret History of America’s Most Popular Snack Cracker
My great-great-uncle, a single dad and widower, created some iconic packages that are probably on your shelves.

We all remember genealogy week in elementary school. As if talking about family weren’t awkward enough, there always seemed to be a hotshot related to a famous celebrity, inventor, or worse—Constitution signer. I grew up loving art. My mother used to let us skip school to see special exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. There was, I realize now, an important artist in our lineage, but I didn’t see that at the time. As far as I could tell, my family tree’s most notable branch grew from the snack aisle at the grocery store.
It took me years to fully appreciate that my great, great uncle’s Nabisco box designs literally made us the Ritziest family of all. His name was Sydney S. Stern, and he turned personal tragedy into the most prolific commercial art career you’ve never heard of.

 

We’re Calling It: Coconut Water Americanos Are the Coffee Drink of the Summer
Brb, we’re running to buy some coconut water.

The sunny days of spring are here, and summer is so close we can taste it — especially when sipping social media’s favorite new coffee trend, the iced coconut water Americano.
We hope your Instagram and TikTok feeds looks something like ours, packed with happy, caffeinated people flaunting their love of this energizing and hydrating drink. The idea is as simple as it gets and nearly identical to a traditional Americano, but with one major swap: Pour coconut water over ice, then top it with a shot or two of espresso.

 

A Picasso Show From Pablo’s Daughter
An exhibition at Gagosian includes never-before-seen works from the personal collection of Paloma Picasso, who helped organize the show.

Paloma Picasso, the youngest of Pablo Picasso’s four children, vividly remembers sitting on the floor of her father’s studio, drawing on paper as he worked at his easel.
“Because I was a very quiet little girl, I was able to stay with him,” she said in a recent interview. “He would let me stay next to him while he was painting because I could spend hours without uttering a word.
“I knew we were not supposed to touch anything,” she added. “He would always say, ‘You can touch with your eyes, but not with your hand.’”
Now Ms. Picasso has helped organize a show of her father’s work at Gagosian gallery, which opened on April 18. Some of the pieces in the exhibition have been in her possession and have never been seen by the public.

 

Tina Knowles, Mother of Superstars, Owns Her Own Story
In “Matriarch,” a memoir out Tuesday, Beyoncé and Solange Knowles’s mom reveals she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Her resulting memoir, “Matriarch,” available Tuesday, brings Knowles’s life to center stage. It has the drama of her upbringing in the segregated South and the personal improvement journey of a working mom compelled to stand up for her kids but not herself, as well as cautionary optimism: Knowles reveals for the first time that she was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer in 2024. (After surgery and treatment, she is cancer free — and daring to dress in “sheer mesh” after undergoing a reduction. “That was my silver lining.”)

 

Ms Tina Knowles Tells Ellen Pompeo How She Built an Empire of Women
Tina Knowles is a mom to many, but it took a lifetime to put herself first. In a memoir out this April, the entrepreneur recalls her triumphs and traumas, from an impoverished childhood in the segregated South to building a family-run music empire alongside daughters Beyoncé and Solange—and a husband who couldn’t stay faithful. “I got tired of everybody else telling our story and judging us,” the 71-year-old reveals to Ellen Pompeo. “All the misconceptions and all the lies, I just wanted to tell the story myself.”

 

Can You Reuse Plastic Freezer and Sandwich Bags?
Food safety experts weigh in on whether or not you can reuse plastic resealable bags.

Whether you use them frequently or on a limited basis, plastic freezer and sandwich bags are items that many people keep on hand. But if you want to cut back on your plastic use, you may be wondering if you can reuse this food storage staple more than once. To answer this question, we spoke to food safety experts who explained how to reuse resealable bags safely and when to throw them away.

 

9 Kitchen Items You’ll Regret Tossing During Your Next Clean-Out
Even professional organizers think these are worth keeping.

We all have tools and ingredients in our kitchens that we only reach for once in a blue moon. And when things begin to feel overly cluttered, it can be tempting to throw these away with abandon. But even those who declutter for a living advise against this method.
Here’s what a professional organizer says is worth keeping the next time you’re cleaning out your kitchen; plus, see the items an executive chef finds surprisingly versatile.

 

25 of Our Best Strawberry Recipes, From Sweet to Savory
Celebrate strawberries with this collection of drinks, desserts, salads, and more.

Everyone’s favorite berry, the strawberry is also the first fresh berry to appear in markets, beating out raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries that all appear later in the year. The peak season for strawberries is April to June, which means these sweet, juicy berries star in many springtime dishes beyond dessert, playing a starring role in everything from cocktails to salads
Ready to start cooking with them? Enjoy your favorites all season long with these spectacular strawberry recipes.

 

This Historic Hotel Just Reopened in the Heart of Bucharest With 30 Suites, Over-the-top Luxury, and a Stunning Art Nouveau Ballroom
This 152-year-old Belle Époque beauty is back and better than ever.

“This hotel is filled with stories.”
Over the four days I stayed at the newly opened Corinthia Bucharest in Romania’s capital—fresh off a seven-year renovation and rebranding—I heard this line repeated by everyone, from the concierge to the servers who once visited the building as children.
The Belle Époque beauty opened its doors in 1873 and made history as the first hotel in the city outfitted with electric lights and an elevator. It hosted art exhibitions on par with posh, at-the-time contemporary museums and threw galas frequented by royalty and nobility. It all came to a halt during World War II, when German troops used the building as their headquarters. Then, during Romania’s communist period, it served as the Palace of Culture.

 

This Hidden Gem in Northern Italy Is Called ‘Little Rome’—and Its Historic Center Is a UNESCO Site
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Verona, Italy.

Most famous as the hometown of Shakespeare’s tragic couple Romeo and Juliet, Verona isn’t typically one of the first cities in Italy that tourists visit, but it’s definitely worth a trip. Located in the northern Italian region of Veneto, Verona is about 75 minutes from Venice and Milan via high-speed train. It’s also within striking distance of Lake Garda, making it a great stop on a trip through northern Italy.

Founded by an ancient tribe, Verona became a Roman colony in 89 B.C.E., and you can still see traces of the ancient civilization (the city is even called “little Rome”). In fact, the Arena of Verona is the world’s third largest surviving Roman amphitheater, and every summer it hosts the city’s renowned opera festival. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Verona was ruled by the della Scala (Scaliger) family, under whose reign Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fell in love and met their tragic ends in Shakespeare’s famed play. Today, visitors come from around the world to see sights inspired by the love story.

[Photo Credit: frankarchitecture.ca]

The post T LOunge for April 23rd 2025 appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

Reading Wednesday

Apr. 23rd, 2025 07:03 am
sabotabby: (books!)
[personal profile] sabotabby
 Just finished: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad. I don't know what else to say about this scathing, perfect little book beyond that I wish I could make everyone in so-called Western civilization sit down in a chair with their eyes forced open, Clockwork Orange-style, until they'd read it. Until they make this atrocity fucking stop. It's one impassioned cry in the midst of genocide but it's a very powerful cry.

The Dragonfly Gambit, A.D. Sui. I have mixed feelings about this novella, which is a military sci-fi about a pilot, sidelined after a career-ending injury, who plots an elaborate revenge against the empire that blew up her planet. I first encountered the author at the same event where I first encountered Suzan Palumbo, and this could be a paired reading with her book Countess, only I read Countess first and preferred it. Which is not to say that this book isn't good, because it really is, but it's a bit inevitable to compare two anti-colonialist lesbian revenge fantasy space operas that end in tragedy that came out the same year, y'know?

My main criticism is that it suffers from the same issue that a lot of space opera suffers from, which is that there's a big universe and a limited cast of characters, doing all the things. The genre wants scrappy underdogs with interpersonal drama, but it also wants its protagonists in positions of power, which you can do in longer-form work but is challenging in a first-person novella. The Third Daughter is very hands-on, and it's implied that Mother is as well, but at least the former is ludicrously incompetent for someone running a massive empire. Which is to say that if you've blown up someone's planet, you probably shouldn't promote three young people, all of whom are childhood friends, from that planet into critical military positions. Especially if you're going to fuck at least two of them.

That said, I like the romance in this one more, if you can call it a romance; it's wonderfully toxic. And the ending is a gutpunch.

Currently reading: Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons From Marine Mammals by Alexis Pauline Gumbs. This continues to be excellent. One thing that I think is really cool about it, among the many things that are cool about it, is that she's decided to capitalize the word Black in all instances, not just where it applies to humans. Which has the intended effect of anthropomorphizing the creatures she writes about in a way that identifies them as the racialized Other, and thus part of the struggle for liberation. Look, this is poetry about marine biology, I'm going to basically love everything about it.

Lost Arc Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa. I just started this one last night but we have a future Lagos that is mostly underwater, save for five skyscrapers. Which is a cool enough concept that I'll overlook that the book starts with both a dream sequence and the main character dressing for work. I'm into the worldbuilding so far.


spiralsheep: Sheep wearing an eyepatch (Default)
[personal profile] spiralsheep
Aurora Australis readalong 1 / 10, The Ascent of Mount Erebus, post for comment, reaction, discussion, fanworks, links, and whatever obliquely related matters your heart desires. You can join the readalong at any time or skip sections or go back to earlier posts. It's all good. :-)

Text: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Aurora_Australis/The_Ascent_of_Mount_Erubus

Readalong intro: https://spiralsheep.dreamwidth.org/662515.html

Reminder for next week: Midwinter Night, a short poem by Ernest Shackleton:
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Aurora_Australis/Midwinter_Night

The Ascent of Mount Erebus, written by Tannatt William Edgeworth David, who also wrote the later published Narrative of the Magnetic Pole Journey about the same Nimrod Expedition's successful first visit to the magnetic South Pole (which was also the world's longest unsupported sled journey until the mid-1980s).

This is a ripping yarn of exploration and adventure with detailed descriptions of mountain walking through snow and ice, much specialised vocabulary about frozen landscapes and volcanic geology, and outbreaks of self-deprecating humour. Very much in the tradition of travel writing about extreme exploration (later perfected by Shipton and Tilman).

Info and links )

Quotes )

Hurrah! Champagne all round! :D
[syndicated profile] theenglishkitchen_feed

 

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two


I wanted to use up the last of my roast chicken today and so I went looking for a casserole to use it up in. You know that was not a HUGE roast chicken, just a medium sized one, but I got a meal for four from it as a roast chicken, then a delicious hot chicken sandwich, and today I got a casserole sized for two.  That isn't even including the bones which are in the freezer waiting to make soup.


Yes, it can seem really expensive to buy a whole chicken these days, but they, with proper planning, can be rather economical in the long run!


I found this casserole recipe on a page called The Kitchen Magpie.  What appealed to me was the simplicity of it.  I decided that I could easily cut it in half as well to feed only two people. Bonus!



Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two 



I pretty much did it exactly as written this first time around.  I like to follow a recipe the first time I make it, and then I can make any changed I want to make the next time.


I did cut it in half.  I liked that there was no cheese in this one. I eat too much cheese. lol  It was refreshing not to have the cheese in there for a change.  


I think you could add frozen mixed vegetables, with the peas, carrots, corn, beans, and it would be similar to a pot pie casserole. You could also add some herbs such as summer savory or thyme.


You could even add some sauteed mushrooms.  But it really was lovely as is.  I was quite happy with it. I cooked it in two smaller casserole dishes and took one over to my next-door neighbor who really enjoyed it as well!



Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two 




WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE FOR TWO


You really only need a few simple ingredients for this tasty casserole.  It does use condensed cream soup. If you have an aversion to this, you can make a simple white sauce.


  • 1 1/2 cups (135g) uncooked egg noodles
  • 1/2 of a 10 3/4 oz/305g tin of condensed soup (cream of chicken or cream of mushroom, freeze the other half tin.)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) dairy sour cream
  • 3 TBS whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (38g) frozen peas
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder, not salt
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder, not salt
  • pinch salt
  • pinch pepper
  • 1 cup (125g) diced cooked chicken breast meat
  • 1 small packed (about 12 crackers) saltine crackers
  • 1 TBS butter, melted



Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two  



You don't have to use egg noodles; you can use any kind of flattish type of pasta or even rotini!  I used cream of mushroom soup and froze the other tin. MAKE SURE YOU LABLE your soup before you put it in the freezer. You think you will remember what it is at a later date, but trust me, it's very easy to forget!


I used full fat sour cream and whole milk.


I used frozen petit pois. I just like the texture better.


You can use leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken or even poached chicken that you have cooked specifically for this.


You do not have to use saltine crackers. You can use any kind of cracker you wish to use.  There is no wrong about this.



Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two 





HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE (for two)


You won't believe how very simple this is. Dinner could not get any simpler.  All you need is a salad of some sort on the side!



Preheat the oven to 350*F/180*C/ gas mark 4. If you are using two casseroles (small shallow ones) butter them bother, otherwise butter a 7 by 11-inch casserole dish. Set aside.


Cook your noodles to al dente, following package directions. Drain well and then return to the saucepan.


While the noodles are cooking, whisk together in a bowl, the soup, sour cream, milk and seasonings.






Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two






Fold this mixture into the cooked and drained noodles in the saucepan. Fold in the chicken and the frozen peas.



Spread in the prepared casserole(s).


Mix together the melted butter and the cracker crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over top of the casserole(s).


Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. Serve hot.




Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two 




HINTS AND TIPS FOR MAKING A REALLY GOOD CASSEROLE


All of my hints and tips for making a great casserole!


1. Make sure you choose the right dish for your casserole and then butter your casserole dish really well so that nothing sticks. I like shallow dishes because you get more crispy edges, but that is just me.

2. If you are using pasta of any kind, do not cook it any more than al dente. Bear in mind that the pasta will keep cooking in the sauce of the casserole and you don't want soggy pasta.

3. Make sure the protein in your casserole pairs well with the other ingredients.

4. Fresh or frozen vegetables add lots of color and even crunch, depending on how well cooked they are. I like to use frozen veggies a lot of the time and I don't bother to thaw them out.

5. Make sure you have plenty of sauce. You don't want it to be too soupy, but you also don't want it to be too dry. Again, make sure the flavor of your sauce pairs well with the remaining ingredients.

6. You will need a starch of some sort. Rice, pasta, potatoes, etc. all work well.

7. Don't be afraid to add layers of flavor with herbs and spices.  Again, make sure they go well with everything else.

8.  Don't overlook the value of a crunchy topping!  I love a crunchy buttery topping.  Buttered bread or cracker crumbs. French fried onions. Buttery flaked almonds. Grated cheese.  Or any combination thereof.  All work very well.






Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two 






For all of its simplicity, this is really delicious!  I did add a bit too much chicken to mine which took a bit away from its creaminess, but I wanted to use it all up!  In any case it was quite enjoyable anyways!



I did add extra peas as well, and of course a very generous buttery cracker crumb topping. Can you ever have too many buttery cracker crumbs on top?  I think not!





Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two  






Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole not quite doing it for you?  Perhaps you would enjoy one of the following two delicious casseroles.  Very, very tasty indeed! And again, sized for two.



Grandma's Chinese Chicken Casserole







GRANDMA'S CHINESE CHICKEN CASSEROLE - This is one of my all-time favorite chicken casseroles. I can't begin to tell you why it is called a Chinese casserole because there doesn't seem to be anything remotely Chinese about it. Not unless you count the crispy chow mien noodles and salted cashew nuts on top! Everything else reads like an ordinary chicken casserole! It's totally delicious!



Chicken and Dumpling Casserole





CHICKEN & DUMPLING CASSEROLE - This is a "just-like-magic" kind of an entree.  Almost like a pudding cake. You know the ones I mean . . .  the self-saucing ones, except this is not a sweet pudding. Rather, it is a savoury chicken casserole along the same vein, and I don't mind telling you that it is amazingly tasty!





Yield: Two servings
Author: Marie Rayner
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole (for two)

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole (for two)

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min

Crisp buttery crackers top this creamy chicken noodle casserole which is sized perfectly for two. Delicious comfort food. Just like mom's.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (135g) uncooked egg noodles
  • 1/2 of a 10 3/4 oz/305g tin of condensed soup (cream of chicken or cream of mushroom, freeze the other half tin.)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) dairy sour cream
  • 3 TBS whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (38g) frozen peas
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder, not salt
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder, not salt
  • pinch salt
  • pinch pepper
  • 1 cup (125g) diced cooked chicken breast meat
  • 1 small packed (about 12 crackers) saltine crackers
  • 1 TBS butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350*F/180*C/ gas mark 4. If you are using two casseroles (small shallow ones) butter them bother, otherwise butter a 7 by 11-inch casserole dish. Set aside.
  2. Cook your noodles to al dente, following package directions. Drain well and then return to the saucepan.
  3. While the noodles are cooking, whisk together in a bowl, the soup, sour cream, milk and seasonings.
  4. Fold this mixture into the cooked and drained noodles in the saucepan. Fold in the chicken and the frozen peas.
  5. Spread in the prepared casserole(s).
  6. Mix together the melted butter and the cracker crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over top of the casserole(s).
  7. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. Serve hot.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two




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L&O season 2: Episode 2

Apr. 22nd, 2025 06:39 pm
sabotabby: plain text icon that says first as shitpost, second as farce (shitpost)
[personal profile] sabotabby
This one was clearly ripped off the Ashley Madison hack, with a weird reference to Rohinie Bisesar (the woman who stabbed a stranger to death in the PATH Shoppers Drug Mart). The latter is even name-checked in the show, which I'm kind of surprised is legal.

The plot is needlessly convoluted. A hacker gets the database for Not!Ashley!Madison Dot Com, and appears to be blackmailing either the owner or someone in the database. People in the database include a well-regarded judge and a pastor of a megachurch. She's about to reveal the identity of someone in the database to her married best friend, but will only do it in person. They agree to meet in their usual spot in the PATH, but the hacker, who arrives first, is being followed. She makes her way to a Shoppers, where she's stabbed to death by a masked assailant.

you know the drill )
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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Addison Rae covers ELLE’s May 2025 Women in Music Issue, and in conversation with Suzy Exposito, reflects on the unexpected path that brought her from Louisiana dance studios to the frontlines of pop culture and how she’s learning to move through it all with more intention. With a new movie (Animal Friends, alongside Aubrey Plaza and Dan Levy), fresh music on the way, and a deeper sense of self, Rae isn’t reinventing herself. She’s just finally catching up to who she’s always been. “I feel like I’ve surpassed Addison Rae,” she says. “It’s just Addison now.”

In the cover story, Rae opens up about dropping out of LSU and moving to LA, betting everything on a gut feeling, and the early TikTok hustle that helped her build a career out of nothing but a camera and a dream. She talks about growth, creative freedom, and what it means to build a life outside of what the internet expects: “I have the luxury now to say no to things I’m not interested in, or that don’t feel like me or aren’t reflective of who I am. It’s still a job, at the end of the day. Everybody is trying to survive—I’m trying to survive and live here and do all these things that I love—but I definitely have become more intentional, because I do think saying no to things opens up a door for a much better yes.”

Addison also answered ELLE’s burning questions for the Ask Me Anything video series, revealing everything from the unexpected pop star who slid into her DMs to the best piece of advice she got from Charli XCX. She opens up about perfecting her now iconic Von Dutch scream, what it’s like to be Julia Fox’s muse, and why her debut album feels bold, personal, and sonically unique. She also shares her proudest red carpet moment and the career milestone that has meant the most to her.

 

Addison on stepping into a new kind of role with her upcoming film Animal Friends (starring alongside Aubrey Plaza and Dan Levy): “It’s definitely a 180 from everything else I’ve done,” Rae says. “I’m really playing a character in this one. In my other projects, I’ve not really played someone much different from myself. He’s All That was pretty on the nose for my life at the time—being the influencer. And same with Thanksgiving—I was kind of playing myself.”

Addison on outgrowing the influencer box: “I feel like I’ve surpassed Addison Rae,” she says. “It’s just Addison now.”

Addison on realizing college wasn’t the right fit for her and trusting her gut to drop out and pursue her dreams of performing full time:  She began pursuing a major in broadcast journalism, but found herself “struggling really hard, because it’s f**king miserable to write papers about s**t you don’t care about,” she says. “I was like, ‘Wow, what am I going to do?’ I really just wanted to perform. I wanted to honor the passion and desire to entertain that was inside of me, but I also didn’t want to struggle, and make my family struggle, as a result of that dream.”

She’d also joined a then little-known app called TikTok and was beginning to grow her following. “I asked my counselor, like, ‘What do I do?’” she says. “And she was like, ‘Girl, LSU will be here forever.’ So I was like, ‘Okay, I need to drop out.’ I just had this really strong intuition and gut feeling that, as unrealistic as it seemed, I needed to do it—there’s no time like now to try and chase those dreams.”

On moving to LA and began pursuing every job opportunity she could get her hands on: “I was doing any sponsored video I could do to make money to try and make this work for myself,” Rae says. “That’s why I was posting so much. I was like, ‘There’s only one chance.’ It was a big bet to make, and I knew I would hate myself if I didn’t try as hard as I could to make this happen.”

“It was an intense period of my life—there was a lot of work that went into us living there—but I also had so much fun while I was doing it all,” she says. “I wasn’t going to let being cringe and posting a million videos stop me. And now that I look back at it, I don’t feel embarrassed about anything I ever posted. I can appreciate that girl and say that was a girl who was going to make it happen, no matter what that meant doing.”

Addison on navigating family dynamics in the spotlight: After signing with WME, she asked her parents to move to L.A., too, telling them she didn’t know how she was going to live this life alone. So they found a way to get themselves to the West Coast city, even joining TikTok, dancing alongside their daughter. At times, her parents’ tit-for-tat relationship conflicts have blown up fantastically on TikTok; Rae says she now refrains from checking her parents’ social media. “My family has taken a step back and become much more private,” she notes. “Family is always tricky, but at the end of the day, you love them and you take the good and try to leave the bad in the past. Nobody’s perfect.”

Addison on the connection between dance and her sound: “Growing up as a dancer was such a natural transition into that sound,” Rae says. “I was interested in how that music made you feel, and how it made your body move. I think music is mind control—it opens up this portal of energy.”

Addison on the unexpected inspiration behind  her single “High Fashion”: Rae’s hit “High Fashion” began with a Pinterest post that made her laugh: “It was like, ‘F**k cocaine—let’s get high on fashion!’” she recalls. “It was like, ‘I don’t need your drugs.’ As in, ‘I don’t need this person’s addictive energy in my life, I’d rather have high fashion,’” Rae explains.

Addison on filming the “High Fashion” video in her home state of Louisiana and always knowing she wanted to be a star: “It was really important for me to film in Louisiana, because I feel like it’s a reflection of the way I felt growing up and then moving to L.A.—you know, the Wizard of Oz of it all,” Rae says. “I just felt like a fish out of water, in a way. But I always knew I wanted to be famous, to be a movie star, to be a singer—to just be a performer. That was always something I wanted—the glamour and the fashion. It’s almost like I’m convincing myself in this song, like, ‘No, I don’t want this—I want the fashion, I want the childhood dreams, I want that life. Don’t forget, don’t fall in love—you’d rather get these dreams accomplished.’”

Addison on her evolving relationships and tuning into herself: She groans when I ask about her actual love life; she’s been linked to Grammy-nominated producer Omer Fedi for nearly four years. But instead of diving into their relationship, she demurs, saying, “I think all relationships in my life right now are going through a transformation in a lot of ways, whether that’s good or bad or confusing or not. And I think it’s just a lot of self-confrontation right now in these moments, and just figuring out what I really want to do and what feels right.”

Addison on making choices that reflect who she really is: “I have the luxury now to say no to things I’m not interested in, or that don’t feel like me or aren’t reflective of who I am. It’s still a job, at the end of the day. Everybody is trying to survive—I’m trying to survive and live here and do all these things that I love—but I definitely have become more intentional, because I do think saying no to things opens up a door for a much better yes.”

Addison on using TikTok as a launchpad to her real dreams: “I acknowledge how lucky I am that I was on TikTok, and people cared enough to watch my videos and follow me, and therefore gave me the freedom to be able to explore my deep desires that I’ve always had. It’s like, ‘What am I going to do? Not chase my dreams because I feel like I haven’t done enough school to get here? Or I haven’t had enough experience?’ It’s like, ‘No, the door opened for me, and I’m going to go through and explore it.’”

Addison on finding possibility beyond what she ever imagined: ​​“I’ve definitely gotten much further than I expected to,” she adds. “And I do thank L.A. for that, honestly, because the world seemed so small when I lived in Louisiana. And the world feels so much bigger here.”

ADDISON RAE COVERS ELLE’S MAY 2025 ‘WOMEN IN MUSIC’ ISSUE On newsstands May 6th.

 

Photographer: Ellen von Unwerth
Stylist: Alex White
Writer: Suzy Exposito
Hair: Clayton Hawkins
Makeup: Leah Darcy
Manicure: Natalie Minerva

 

[Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth for ELLE Magazine]

The post Addison Rae Covers ELLE’s May 2025 ‘Women in Music’ Issue appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

The stars came out for the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors’ Fund) Gala in order to support their community of entertainers. We would add “and also to serve looks,” but we don’t think that was necessarily a goal for some of them. No shade! Okay, maybe a little shade.

 

Ariana DeBose in Stella McCartney

It’s a charity event for entertainers, so it’s both low-key and a little flashy at the same time. We’d say this fits the bill. We like the chain strap but we don’t think yellow satin is a good idea for anyone.

 

 

Darren Criss

Well done. It’s not exciting or trendy but it’s not meant to be. Love the color.

 

Denzel Washington

That’s about as good as it gets with Denzel these days. We’ll let the man be, but we’ll note that it’s always a mistake to try and pair kicks and a t-shirt with a formal suit. There are suits for which these items are made.

 

Idina Menzel

This is kind of fun, but that color is extremely difficult to pull off and those shoes only work with it if you’re a member of the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies.

 

Lisa Ann Walter

The idea is sound. She’s a lady who can work the shit out of leopard and we like the cropped jacket with it. But the hem length is awkward, the print looks chintzy, and the hair is wiggy.

 

 

Michael Urie

This all works just fine, although we question if those pants are the right cut for the boots. Nice suit, though.

 

 

Nicole Scherzinger

The dress is okay, but half the jewelry pieces need to go. The whole point to statement pieces is that they each, individually, are so strong and focus-pulling that they make a statement ON THEIR OWN. Girl, you’ve got a paragraph on your arms.

 

 

[Photo Credit: mpi099/MediaPunch/INSTARimages]

The post Entertainment Community Fund Gala 2025 Red Carpet Rundown appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Simone Biles came to the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards where she picked up the Sportswoman of the Year trophy, which is nice and all, but what really matters here is what we think of her dress. Or rather, what you think of it.

 

We’re throwing this one out to a vote in order to test your resolve. Is your love for Simon Biles enough to get you to ignore the sheer skirt and goofy peplum? Or are you a principled person? Oh, we’re just teasing. But for real: are you gonna let that skirt stand without response? Personally, we don’t mind the sheerness, except it’s another instance of a flimsy skirt under a stiff bodice, which is a trend we don’t love. Our real issue is with that peplum, which does nothing for the design or for her. But as we said, we’re not the ones being tested here. You are. Let’s hear it.

Simone Biles’ Satanic Skirt:

IN or OUT?

 

Style Credits:
Eman Alajlan Strapless Gown
Melinda Maria Jewelry
Tyler Ellis Clutch
Aleví Milano Shoes
Styled by Monica Rose

 

[Photo Credit:  David/Cordon Press/INSTARimages]

The post Simone Biles in Eman Alajlan at the 2025 Laureus World Sport Awards: IN or OUT? appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

For Spring/Summer 2026 Viktor&Rolf Mariage unveils a collection steeped in the romance of an era defined by femininity and artistic opulence. Drawing inspiration from the sumptuous gardens of a queen, the collection reimagines the elegance of royal court dressing, where bows, florals, and dramatic silhoueIes were the epitome of grace and refinement.

Signature elements of sculpted bows, intricate lace flower embroideries, and voluminous silhouettes are masterfully woven into contemporary couture craftsmanship. The ‘Bow Abundance Gown’ embodies this artistry with its cascading bow embellishments, reinterpreting an iconic motif of the era with modern precision. Handcrafted lace pansies, a tribute to a royal favourite, bloom across gowns like the ‘Blooming Pansies Lace Mini’, where delicate florals climb the dress with charm. Structured yet ethereal, the collection’s silhouettes range from regal A-line gowns and sculptural ballgowns to elegant mermaids and flirtatious minis, culminating in the ‘Cascading Bouquets Dream’, a breathtaking vision of floral splendour with handcrafted bouquets flowing down its voluminous layered tulle skirt.

This season, dramatic volume reigns supreme, whilst royal Watteau trains create striking back interests. Exclusive custom bow Jacquard fabric, designed in-house, lends a rich, textured dimension to tailored silhouettes, bringing a twist to historical inspiration. Draped bodices sculpt the figure with precision, while intricate pleating and handcrafted embellishments elevate each gown. The meticulous integration of bows pays homage to their historical significance as symbols of status and beauty.

 

 

[Photo Credit: Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf Mariage]

The post Viktor & Rolf Mariage Spring 2026 Bridal Collection appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Queen Maxima put on some bigass earrings, another of her beloved hats, a pretty fantastic skirt, and a bunch of mismatched accessories today, which makes it like pretty much any other day. The Queen stopped by the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden to visit the “Above Ground Level – 25 Years of Archaeological Finds” Exhibition.

As we said, a pretty great skirt. Personally, we would not have pulled out the yellow in order to build an ensemble around it, largely because yellow is a tough color to pull off and an even tougher one to match. The hat coordinates well with it, but every other accessory should’ve been blue and we’d have liked that blouse in one of the browns. Actually, we’d like that blouse to be destroyed because of that incredibly weird sleeve situation, but your gal loves herself some tricky pieces.

Style Credits:
Lena Hoschek Opulence Ribbon Skirt
[Photo Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images]

The post Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at the ‘Above Ground Level – 25 Years of Archaeological Finds’ Exhibition appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Jennifer Lopez came to the F1 Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia dressed like Racer Barbie because of course she did. Your girl is never not completely on theme.

 

She’s also never not visibly uncomfortable in her outfits because your girl also likes to suffer for her fashion. We can smell the baby powder and hear the squeaking from here. And listen, as two judgy fashion bitches, we appreciate the commitment. No one has to suffer to look beautiful, but we usually appreciate those stars who make the effort for our entertainment. The thing is, if all we can see is how uncomfortable your outfit looks, it’s not really doing its job. The trick is always to make the suffering look effortless. So, we don’t mind how silly this looks because it’s right for her and it’s semi-right for the setting. What we mind is how cheap and uncomfortable it looks. In semi-related commentary, while we have always strenuously avoided telling women to smile more for pictures, we don’t see the point in dressing in such a silly outfit if you’re just going to scowl and serve Fashion Bitch face. Girl, if you can’t manage one full-throated, head-back laugh in this outfit, you shouldn’t bother with it.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo)

 

Style Credits:
Usama Ishtay Pink Catsuit
Hadia Ghaleb Neptune Pink ‘JLO’ Sunglasses
Gianni Shoes
Styled by Rob Zangardi + Mariel Haenn

 

[Photo Credit: Clive Rose – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images, Kym Illman/Getty Images]

The post Jennifer Lopez in Usama Ishtay at the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

T LOunge for April 22nd 2025

Apr. 22nd, 2025 01:04 pm
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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

And/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]

The post T LOunge for April 22nd 2025 appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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[personal profile] spiralsheep
A tale of medieval women crossing the gender line LITERALLY: in 1417 the Bishop of Durham ordered two Newcastle women to dress as drag kings and parade around two churches on six separate days, because he thought it was an appropriate act of penance, and if the Bishop of Durham thinks parading around a church in drag improves one's chance of getting into Heaven then who am I to argue?

Matilda Burgh and Margaret Ushar were ordered to do this penance after they dressed as men to visit the shrine of Cuthbert, one of England's most popular saints (defo Top Five), because the Bishops of Durham had literally built a misogynist blue line of exclusion into the ground around the shrine and only men were supposed to enter. There's more. The women's employer's wife, Mrs Baxter, who was accused of aiding and abetting the "crime" of female pilgrimage to a saint's shrine, disobeyed the Bishop's order to attend his ecclesiastical court and also disobeyed his order for her to attend the drag king parades because she claimed having twins to look after made her too tired ("& uxor prædicti Petri fic eſt fatigata cum duobus gemellis quod honeſte non poteſt comparere"). Clearly I love this entire escapade, although I did feel mild sympathy for the parish chaplain who had to deal with these three ungovernable women and an out-of-touch Bishop, lol.

Sources in English and Latin. )

Hot Chicken Sandwich

Apr. 22nd, 2025 06:00 am
[syndicated profile] theenglishkitchen_feed

 

Hot Chicken Sandwich


After our Easter Supper I ended up with some leftover roast chicken that needed using up.  We were supposed to have our dinner on Saturday, but because of my trip to emergency we had it on Sunday. I made a really simple meal.  I spatchcocked a chicken and rubbed it with olive oil and a generous amount of Kinder's Seasoning, Buttery Garlic and Herb.


That stuff is so good. I use it on a lot of things. We bought ours at the Cambridge Convenience store where they carry a lot of Costco products.


So we had that roast chicken, with some scalloped potatoes, carrots, beans, stuffing, biscuits and some relishes on the side.  Ice Cream for dessert. I kept it really simple and did not overdo it this year. Happy to say there was nothing leftover except for some chicken breast meat. It was a nice sized chicken. It fed the four of us and I also sent a meal next door to my neighbor Sheila. I was surprised to have leftovers.


Hot Chicken Sandwich 



Today I used some of the leftovers to make myself a hot chicken sandwich. Oh, how very much I love bread and gravy!  I would be quite happy with a meal of bread and gravy and nothing else at all.  This is the reason I really love hot sandwiches such as this one!  Is the bread and gravy!  


If you don't like soggy gravy-soaked bread, then this is not for you!


This causes me all sorts of pleasure.  The soft bread, the gravy, the sliced chicken. mmm mmm I am all over this.  These kinds of hot sandwiches are very popular in the mom-and-pop style of restaurants here in Canada.  And for good reason!  They are delicious and help a small amount of meat to go a long way!



You can use leftover roast chicken, a rotisserie chicken or even deli sliced roast chicken for these sandwiches.  I like the leftover roast chicken the best.  Just saying  . . . 




Hot Chicken Sandwich 




WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE A HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH


It's simple really.  Simple ingredients put together in the most delicious way possible!



  • two slices of a rustic type of white bread
  • 4 slices of roast chicken (enough to fill the sandwich)
  • 1 cup (240ml) of chicken gravy (use leftover, make some fresh, or use a packet)


Hot Chicken Sandwich 



You could use a sourdough for this, but bear in mind it will soak up twice as much gravy so you will need to make more.  


I used leftover roast chicken. I cut mine from the breast about 1/3 of an inch in thickness. At the end of the day, you can use as much meat as you like, as thinly cut as you like. Just bear in mind that the gravy is what will be heating it up.


You can use leftover gravy heated up, or you can make your own fresh gravy from scratch, get it from a can (heated), or use a dry packet mix.  The packet mixes can be quite salty however so do bear that in mind.


Hot Chicken Sandwich 




HOW TO MAKE A HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH



These really aren't hard to make and come together very quickly.  All you really have to do is slice the meat and heat the gravy and you are set to go!



Make your gravy or heat up the leftover gravy. (You can heat your sliced chicken in this if you wish, but it's not totally necessary.) You want your gravy to be boiling hot.



Lay one slice of your bread on a plate. Ladle 1/4 of the gravy on top of the bread.





Hot Chicken Sandwich



 

Top with the sliced chicken. Ladle 1/2 of the remaining hot gravy over the chicken.



Place the final slice of bread on top of the chicken and gravy. Ladle the remaining gravy over top of everything.  Serve immediately.




Hot Chicken Sandwich 




HINTS, TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS


Quick and easy to make here are a few hints and tips to ensure hot sandwich success!


1. Make sure your gravy is really hot.  Boiling actually.  This will help to make sure your sandwich is really hot when served and it will heat through the chicken.


2. Don't use too dry a type of bread if possible. The dryer the bread it will soak up more gravy, so you will therefore need more gravy.  You want a sturdy bread, however.  We like these with white bread and a good homestyle white works great!


3. Don't think you have to use chicken only in these hot sandwiches.  This concept works for all kinds of leftover meats. Beef, pork, turkey.  All work well. I confess I have never made with lamb so cannot speak to how that would taste.


4.  Add a layer of stuffing if you wish for additional flavor, and in that case, possibly a few dabs of cranberry sauce.  Stuffing also goes well with roast pork and turkey as you probably know.


5. If using roast beef why not add a dab of horseradish sauce?  Yummy!


6. Its great if you have lots of leftover gravy, but don't worry if you don't. I have a recipe here for perfect gravy that you can make from scratch using stock. You can also use canned gravy, or packaged gravy mixes. Do bear in mind however that those mixes usually contain a lot of salt.





Hot Chicken Sandwich 



These hot sandwiches are a really delicious way to use up leftover cooked chicken.  I enjoyed this along with some roasted halved baby new potatoes and a mix of steamed carrots and podded broad beans.



I was really excited to see the podded broad beans in the freezer section of our local Soby's store. They were in the Indian food section. I think they must be a popular addition to the Indian diet. I like them just plain as they are with a bit of butter, salt and pepper! They are also great thawed out and used as is in salads much like you would use thawed frozen peas!



Hot Chicken Sandwich 




Not convinced?  Perhaps you might like these other tasty ways to use up your leftover cooked chicken?


 
Spaghetti with Roasted Chicken and Shredded Sprouts





SPAGHETTI WITH ROASTED CHICKEN AND SHREDDED SPROUTSLeftover roast chicken tossed together with buttery soft shredded Brussels sprouts, whole wheat spaghetti, garlic and cheese.  Simple to make and delicious.



Crusty Chicken Pot Pie Buns




CRUSTY CHICKEN POT PIE BUNSLeftover cooked chicken and vegetables in a tasty, creamy sauce. Stuffed into a hollowed out crusty roll and topped with stuffing.  These are then baked until the filling is hot and bubbling and heated through. No faffing about with rolling out pastry.  These are quite simply a delicious way to use up what's in the refrigerator. If you have leftover gravy, so much the better!



Yield: 1 serving
Author: Marie Rayner
Hot Chicken Sandwich

Hot Chicken Sandwich

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 20 Min

The quantities here are for one serving. You can very easily multiply this to make as many hot sandwiches as you like. This is incredibly tasty. No leftover chicken? Use deli sliced chicken. This will still be delicious!

Ingredients

For one serving:
  • two slices of a rustic type of white bread
  • 4 slices of roast chicken (enough to fill the sandwich)
  • 1 cup (240ml) of chicken gravy (use leftover, make some fresh, or use a packet)

Instructions

  1. Make your gravy or heat up the leftover gravy. (You can heat your sliced chicken in this if you wish, but it's not totally necessary.) You want your gravy to be boiling hot.
  2. Lay one slice of your bread on a plate. Ladle 1/4 of the gravy on top of the bread.
  3. Top with the sliced chicken. Ladle 1/2 of the remaining hot gravy over the chicken.
  4. Place the final slice of bread on top of the chicken and gravy. Ladle the remaining gravy over top of everything.
  5. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can also shred rotisserie chicken to make these. If you want to you can add things like shredded cheese or a layer of hot stuffing to the base. In my opinion, however, it doesn't get much better than this basic version.


Serve with hot chips, oven wedges, heated leftover roast potatoes, and a vegetable on the side.

Did you make this recipe?
Tag @marierayner5530 on instagram and hashtag it #TheEnglishKitchen

Hot Chicken Sandwich




This content (written and photography) is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at: mariealicejoan at aol dot com  



 Thanks so much for visiting! Do come again! 


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L&O season 2: Episode 1

Apr. 21st, 2025 06:18 pm
sabotabby: plain text icon that says first as shitpost, second as farce (shitpost)
[personal profile] sabotabby
By no one's request, I have downloaded Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent season 2 so that I can watch it so you don't have to.

This one is bad. Like, I normally like my trash TV but it's possible for a pop culture product to be actively harmful and the season opener, "White Squirrel City," is definitely that. It's also an incredible microcosm of our cultural moment.

Which is to say, a few years ago the cops cleared a tent encampment at Bickford Park. Residents were violently displaced, their possessions confiscated, and either forced to go elsewhere, minus their belongings, or shoved into insufficient temporary shelter. This is a major cause of death for homeless people.* Then, to film the copaganda show, they set up a fake tent encampment in the same place where the city had evicted real ones.

So it's one of those situations where even if it had been Great Art, the price of creation would have been outweighed by the moral violation. That said, it's also bad art.

Here is an article from the excellent Grind magazine about all of the things wrong in this episode. The author says it better than I could, and also points out its most egregious flaws, leaving me to nitpick and mock the minor ones.


spoilers )
[syndicated profile] projectrungay_feed

Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

The stars of Agatha All Along came together to serve looks and ask for Emmy nominations, but we’re just hoping they keep doing these victory laps because they’re about to announce a second season.

But if they wanted to give Patti an Emmy, we wouldn’t get mad at that.

 

Patti LuPone

It’s very “Nonna’s church clothes,” but that only means she’s dressing appropriately for herself. It’s not a bad suit, but it’s also not a particularly photogenic or exciting one. She’s fine. It gets the job done. We might have rec’d a lighter pair of pumps.

 

 

Sasheer Zamata in Taibo Bacar

Taibo Bacar is Mozambican fashion brand and this looks fantastic on her. We could do without the feather trim, but only because it’s been so wildly overused in the last several years.

 

Joe Locke

Meh. It’s a gorgeous jacket, but the rest of it is pretty disappointing, given how adventurous he tends to be with his fashion. On the other hand, whoever did his brows did very good work.

 

Kathryn Hahn

It’s… fine. We’ve certainly seen her in much worse, although she usually makes more interesting choices than these, even when they wind up looking bad. We’re surprised that brown and black is like the biggest color trend of Spring 2025, but we suppose people aren’t feeling particularly colorful and sunny at the moment. The slides look like house shoes.

 

[Photo Credit: Faye’s Vision/Cover Images]

The post Patti LuPone, Sasheer Zamata, Joe Locke, and Kathryn Hahn at the AGATHA ALL ALONG Official Emmy FYC Event appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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