There comes a moment in every person’s life when they look at their bathroom shelves—crowded with half-used moisturizers, abandoned serums, and a dry shampoo that may or may not predate the pandemic—and think: What if I just bought more stuff? This is the story of that moment. And reader, I did not disappoint myself. I went on a beauty spree so excessive that it’s safe to say I’m now prepared for any scenario involving immaculate hair, flawless skin, and lips so hydrated they could host a pool party. Was it responsible? No. Was it fun? Oh, absolutely. So, grab a cup
Author: Kristen Grace
Beauty junkie, food obsessed, and constant wanderer.
Propylene Glycol: The Little Ingredient That Could (and Did, and Does, and Will)
Ah, propylene glycol. The silent hero of the cosmetics world, whispering sweet nothings to our dehydrated skin cells, making sure our mascara doesn’t look like a raccoon had a fight with a sprinkler system. This unassuming little compound is so omnipresent that it’s basically the Kevin Bacon of skincare. The cosmetics industry loves it. The skincare community pretends to understand it. And you? You’re probably slathering it on your face right now without even knowing it. Let’s take a moment to appreciate this tiny, unassuming molecular underdog. What Even Is Propylene Glycol? Picture a scientific lab, all bubbling beakers and slightly neurotic
I Went to Café du Monde, and Now I’m Addicted to Beignets (and Powdered Sugar)
Here’s the thing about New Orleans: It’s a city built on poor decisions. And when I say poor decisions, I mean of the delicious, deep-fried, definitely-not-calorie-conscious variety. Enter Café du Monde, the OG beignet capital of the world. It’s a tourist trap, yes. But unlike most tourist traps (looking at you, chain restaurants in Times Square), this one is 100% worth the hype and the powdered sugar lung damage. First Impressions: Powdered Sugar Enthusiast Paradise The man and I approached Café du Monde with the determination of people who’ve just Googled “New Orleans must-eats” and believe in following the will of the
To Build a Fire by Jack London: The Quintessential “I’m a Man, I Know Better” Cautionary Tale
Listen, sweet summer children. We need to talk about hubris. Specifically, the kind that convinces you to take a jaunt into the Yukon wilderness when it’s colder than an ex’s heart out there, armed with nothing but a pair of mittens and a Good Ol’ American Can-Do Attitude™. This is the exact brand of arrogance that Jack London explores in To Build a Fire, a delightful little tale about one man’s casual stroll through a subarctic hellscape. Spoiler alert: it does not end well and I spill all the deets. Act 1: The Stage Is Set (For Failure) The story
The Salmon Mango Bango from Food Wishes is the Perfect Recipe to Trick Your Friends into Thinking You’re a Fancy Chef
Folks, gather round. I’ve got a hot take for you today: if you’re not making Food Wishes’ Salmon Mango Bango, you’re playing yourself. You’re living in a world of dry chicken breasts and uninspired pasta dishes while this zesty, sweet, spicy salmon masterpiece is just waiting for you to level up your kitchen game. We tried it, loved it, and here’s why you need it in your life ASAP. Step 1: Preparation is Key (Even if You’re a Disaster in the Kitchen) Let’s get one thing straight: this recipe is easy. Like, stupidly easy. I’m talking “it’s 7 p.m., you just realized
I’m Still Not Over Emeril’s Fried Chicken and Mac & Cheese, And You Shouldn’t Be Either
Hello, beloved readers, and welcome to today’s episode of “Things I Have Yet to Forgive,” starring none other than Emeril Lagasse and his apparently heartless decision to deprive us of his most glorious menu item. Let’s get one thing straight. I’m usually a pretty chill girl. I can let things go. I’ve forgiven high-waisted jeans for being uncomfortable. I’ve forgiven Blockbuster for its decades-long monopoly on movie rentals. I’ve even forgiven Disney for the live-action Lion King (well, I’m trying). But taking off Emeril’s fried chicken and mac and cheese? Oh no. Not in this lifetime, sweetie. The Entree of My Dreams
Royal Fern Phytoactive Skin Perfecting Essence Review: A Love/Hate Relationship
Or: How I Spent $85 to Feel Like a Beautiful Houseplant If you’re looking for a product that will make you feel like you should be reclining on a chaise in a botanical garden, sipping a hibiscus-infused cocktail while someone fans you with a palm frond — the Royal Fern Phytoactive Skin Perfecting Essence is it. But if you’re looking for a product that makes sense to your bank account or your skincare routine, then perhaps proceed with caution. Let’s break this down with pros and cons, because apparently my life choices now include ranking how much skincare items confuse
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans: A Masterclass in History and Humanity
Let’s be clear: if you find yourself in New Orleans, skipping the National WWII Museum is not an option. I don’t care if you came for the beignets, the booze, or to commune with the ghost of Marie Laveau. Take a break from getting your palm read in the French Quarter and step into this world-class museum, because it’s going to take you on a journey through history that will leave you shaken, educated, and—let’s be honest—more than a little entertained. The museum does not half-ass its job of explaining one of the most complex and devastating events in modern history. It is sprawling—five
Water in Cosmetics: The Truth Behind the World’s Most Basic Ingredient
Gather ‘round, beauty junkies, because today we’re talking about the unsung hero of cosmetics: water. That’s right, H2-freaking-O. You may think, “It’s just water, why are we having this conversation?” But oh, sweet summer child, water is the backbone of your skincare. It’s the Taylor Swift of ingredients, always there, always flawless, but never quite getting enough attention (okay, so maaaaybe Taylor Swift gets plenty of attention). Now, let’s dive into the tea (or, should I say, the water) on what it’s doing in your products and whether that’s good, bad, or ugly. Why Is There So Much Damn Water in My
Mexican Chicken Tostadas: A Culinary Journey That Involves No Actual Skill
Let me set the scene for you. I’m standing in my kitchen, holding a recipe from Food to Film that promises Mexican Chicken Tostadas. I’m not entirely sure what I’ve done to deserve this, but as it turns out, I am about to make the best shredded chicken of my life. Despite my lack of competence, despite my questionable use of measuring spoons, and despite the fact that I used store-bought tortillas and coleslaw because I am both lazy and under no illusions about my culinary abilities. So if you, like me, are someone who can’t be trusted to boil water without supervision,