The winter months bring a lot of wonderful things with them. Winter brings snow, ice skating, skiing, hot chocolate, bonfires and more. It also, of course, brings the cold. This is the time of year when shorts and sandals are put away, and scarves and sweaters come out. However, just because dressing for winter means dressing in layers and bundling up, it doesn’t mean you can’t still look amazing.
Coats and Jackets
No winter wardrobe is complete without a warm, beautiful coat. There are all types of jackets and coats out there designed to fit any taste. For warmth and comfort, nothing beats big, fluffy, oversized goose down coats. They are incredibly warm and make you feel like you’re inside a giant marshmallow. If you want something more professional, parkas are perfect. Their long length makes them look elegant, and the thick insulation keeps you quite toasty. For an edgier, more casual look, faux-fur lined leather jackets are a great choice, and if you’re looking for something more sporty, ski or snow jackets will do the trick. No matter your style, there is a coat or jacket out there for you. Just be sure to find one warm enough for the climate in which you live.
Boots and Shoes
The best footwear option for the colder months is, of course, an attractive pair of boots. Boots are a comfortable, stylish and most importantly, warm choice for both men and women. There are work boots and steel-toed boots for rugged, outdoor activities, chic leather, fur and cloth boots for casual outfits and dressy ankle-, calf- or even thigh-high boots for more upscale occasions. However, if you’re one of those people who simply must wear sneakers year-round, make sure they are up to the challenge. They’ll need to be made of warm material, such as leather, suede or shearling, and you’ll definitely want them to be waterproof. Furthermore, anywhere you walk outdoors is bound to be slick and icy. Therefore, it’s important to choose boots and shoes that have good traction on them in order to stay safe from common slip and fall hazards that you may encounter this winter.
Accessories
Don’t discount the appeal of accessories this winter, either. You can find all kinds of unique accessories to make you look totally fashionable while also keeping out the cold. Gloves and scarves are common accessories for winter, but they aren’t the only ones. Keeping your head warm is very important to maintaining body heat. This can be achieved with beanies, knit caps, toboggans, and even some hats, all of which can be very representative of your own personal style. Balaclavas can even work under the right circumstances. Other lesser-used but just as relevant winter accessories include shawls, wraps, woolen socks, leg warmers, fuzzy earmuffs, tights, long johns, headbands and more. In addition to looking fantastic when paired with the right outfit, these items are also usually made of soft, snuggly material that will make you feel like you’re walking around in a cloud.
Winter is no longer defined by frumpy sweatshirts and matching stirrup sweatpants. In fact, your winter wardrobe can be just as sexy and appealing as your summer one. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to go buy new clothes? So make a shopping list, and check it twice, because this winter you’re going to look better than nice!
Making the step up from the rack to designer brands is always exciting. You will often have the perfect item in mind before you get it and the day when it is actually yours is always going to be exciting. However, there are some things you should think about along the way. Here are some of the things you should think about when buying your first designer item.
Why Do You Want It?
Before you even start thinking about how you are going to buy the designer piece, you should think about why you want it. Many young people want to buy designer pieces because they think it will give them some sense of worth or they will come off as particularly stylish to friends and acquaintances. These are not good reasons to buy designer pieces and they can leave you feeling frustrated if you do not get the response you are looking for. One of the best reasons why you should buy designer brands is that you simply like the look of their goods and how they make you feel when you wear them — not just to impress others.
Find a Genuine Seller
The problem with designer goods is that
fakes pop up all over the market. A dedicated seller like SSENSE is
always going to be able to provide you with genuine goods instead of
knock-offs. You need to be extremely careful as fake designer goods can look
incredibly convincing. Scammers can now even duplicate the certificate of
authenticity which comes with the priciest of goods to try and swindle even the
most careful of designer lovers.
One of the easiest ways to catch a scammer
out is the price. If something is listed for a price which is too good to be
true, you will most likely be looking at something which is fake. Don’t be
tempted to grab those Gucci sneakers at the lower price; you are only going to
be picking up a fake pair and lining the pockets of a scammer.
Choose Something You Will Use
Some people are tempted to buy a beautiful
dress when they shop for their designer goods. However, this means that you
might wear it once for a special occasion like a birthday and then never reach
for it again. If you instead pick something which has plenty of wearability,
you are likely to get more use out of it and therefore much better value for
money.
For example, many people choose either a
pair of shoes or a handbag for their first designer item. By buying one of
these, you will know that you are likely to use it quite a bit and it won’t
just sit in your closet.
Buying your first designer item is an
important milestone. While it requires some careful thought, you should make sure
you find the perfect piece for your style. It might take a little while to
track down but you should make sure you find something which you know you are
going to love forever. The right designer good is out there waiting for you to
buy it.
From billboard chart toppers to most streamed albums, these are the hottest pop stars at the top of the music industry food chain.
Let’s
face it — pop stars rule the media scene.
Everyone
loves a good movie, but pop songs
drop all the time, whereas major Hollywood movies are few and far
between.
Chances
are you’ve had a pop song stuck in your head before. You mouthed it as you
scanned the grocery store aisles; it interrupted your thoughts as you tried to
fall asleep; you even hummed the songs you didn’t like!
Pop
songs are just plain catchy.
And
following along with the lives of celebrities is a guilty pleasure for many of
us.
Why
did Miley and Liam divorce? Who is Ariana Grande feuding with? Does Zayn
Malik have a new girlfriend?
We
can’t answer every question you may have, but we can tell you who some of the
more famous stars are today. That way you can narrow down your hunt of gossip
to the select few that appear here.
Read
away!
Biggest Female Pop Stars
Let’s get this list started with four favorite females that are dominating the charts (and tabloids) right now.
The
tiny and tattooed Ariana Grande is making headlines for a variety of reasons.
First,
she released her fifth LP — Thank U, Next— this February, and it was very well-received.
Three
of the singles hit the Top 100 on Billboard’s music charts: “7
Rings,” “Thank U, Next,” and “Break Up With Your
Girlfriend, I’m Bored.” Whether you liked the songs or not, you can’t deny
their great beats and memorable lyrics.
Second,
she made the news recently after suing Forever 21 (for a cool $10 million)
after using her likeness, without permission, in recent advertisements. Could
that have contributed to Forever 21’s recent closure of stores across the U.S.?
And,
unsurprisingly, she became the most-followed female on Instagram with 146.3 million followers. Sorry, Selena
Gomez!
Grande also recently collaborated with Miley Cyrus. Let’s move on to her next.
Despite
what you have to say about Miley’s lifestyle, her voice is one that goes
unmatched.
Her
new ballad, “Slide Away,”
is an ode to her newly-ended marriage with Liam Hemsworth (much to fans’
dismay). And in preparation for her soon-to-be-released She Is Miley
Cyrus, she put out a six-song, 19-minute EP entitled She Is Coming.
One song from the album, “Mother’s Daughter,” came with a
body-positive music video that fans adored.
On
top of all this music, she starred in Black Mirror‘s most recent season,
playing the complex character of Ashley O.
And sticking with the movie theme, she, along with Lana Del Ray and Ariana Grande, made a soundtrack and accompanying video for the new Charlie’s Angels reboot.
Lover was the star’s seventh LP
and the album we’ve all been patiently waiting for since 2017.
It
contains eighteen different ballads, most on the subject of — you guessed
it — love. After all, that’s worked so well for her in the past. Why
change the tune now?
That
goes for self-love, too. “The Man” is all about staying strong as a
female in the world of men.
Visit here often
for the accompanying tour we all know is bound to be announced any day now!
Seventeen-year-old
Eilish became popular with the crooning “Ocean Eyes” —
a song that she only intended to be a part of her dance routine in 2015.
But
her siblings thought it too good to remain in dance class.
They
posted it to SoundCloud in 2016 and soon, major record labels were fighting to
pick it up. In only a short amount of time, the song got played by an
astounding 10 million people.
Soon
after, she released a music video for the song that was just as popular. This
is only the beginning of her story.
Her
new album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, featured a
variety of hits — one of which, “Bad Guy,” came in the #1 spot on the
Billboard Top 100.
Biggest Male Pop Stars
All right — time to turn it over to the guys that are making waves in the pop music scene.
Canadian
heartthrob Shawn Mendes has had 13 songs reach the Billboard Top 100 chart.
Five
of them have even hit the top 10: “Señorita” with Camila Cabello,
“If I Can’t Have You,” “Stitches,” “Treat You
Better,” and “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.”
“Señorita” even spent some time in the #1 spot! (It likely had a little bit to do with the popularity of Camila Cabello as well.)
Khalid
has a soulful, diverse voice that rides the line between pop and R&B.
His
first and only album to date, American Teen, is just
that — a collection of pop songs that describe life as a living, loving,
growing and learning teenager.
He
also does a number of notable collaborations with artists from Billie Eilish
and H.E.R. to Halsey and Ed Sheeran.
This
is another reason we’re hearing him everywhere. Play a Shawn Mendes playlist on
Spotify and “Location” by Khalid is bound to pop up. He was featured
on more than twenty songs with various artists in the last year alone.
It’s safe to say Khalid and his duets aren’t going anywhere!
Post
Malone is not only the subject of many a hilarious meme, but he’s a rising star
in pop, hip hop, and R&B.
He’s
had a whopping 44 songs
on the Billboard Top 100. Three of those became #1 hits while nine reached the
Top 10.
One
song, “Sunflower,” got featured in the newest Spiderman: Into
the Spider-Verse movie, further catapulting Malone to the top of
everyone’s playlists.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little (Pop) Star
These
are some — of many — of the biggest pop stars right now.
This
list is certainly not exhaustive. The pop music scene is full of awesome
talent. You’ll just have to turn on your local radio station to hear more.
For more great articles like this, browse the rest of our site!
Retro-pop futurism hits new peaks with Magdalena Bay, a Los Angeles-based duo dripping with semi-ironic style. Following the release of mini mix vol. 1—a genre-bending 12 minute flurry of nostalgic production and saturated visuals—Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin have followed up with two new songs: Venice and Good Intentions. Read on for an inside look on what makes the group tick.
We recently saw a switch from the reclaimed look of your Mini-Mix series to a more polished feel with your recent release “Venice.” Is there a point for you where aesthetic informs your music, or vice versa?
Our music definitely informs our aesthetic! And our aesthetic doesn’t exactly inform our music, but we do think that both in our visuals and our music we like to have fun and not take ourselves TOO seriously. So even in a more polished video like “Venice,” we like having some DIY weirdness and crafty vibes.
What’s your most unconventional source of influence?
Don’t know if it’s unconventional or not, but a non-musical influence for us is video games. We’ve just gotten into Zelda and Mario games and they have such sick soundtracks and stories that we’re definitely inspired by!
What might people be surprised to know about you?
That we started making music in a progressive rock band in high school. Our music was inspired by 70s bands like Yes and we didn’t even like pop until a few years ago! Now, we’re obsessed with it.
What’s your favorite song of yours that you think might be overlooked by fans?
Probably “Set Me Off,” it’s such a jam!
Are you guys still working long-distance? Run us through your collaborative process living cross-country from each other.
We’re not working long distance anymore, but we did for like two years! It was a lot of sending files back and forth and a bit of a hassle but we think it helped us develop our songwriting skills independently in a cool way.
Are there any lessons from your experience in a prog-rock band that you’ve applied to your careers as pop musicians?
Definitely! We love injecting weird chords and song structure into our pop songs. We think it keeps things interesting.
Mica, as a working professional in marketing, are there any lessons you’ve learned at work that you’ve applied strategy-wise for the group?
Haha maybe! I think it’s helped me have a productive mindset. It’s important to always have new videos, photos, newsletters, and ways for fans to connect with us and feel like they’re a crucial part of our journey, because they are!
You’re both young, but if you had the opportunity to travel back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger selves (say, age 13), what would it be?
We’d tell ourselves to stop listening to Radiohead nonstop and check out Kylie Minogue!
What’s up next for Magdalena Bay?
More singles, more shows, and maybe some long form releases soon…
Can we please get a selfie of whatever you are doing at the moment, to keep it real for the fans? : )
Yes, here’s an awkward pic of us driving down the PCH from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles (attached)
Michael Peña is a Los Angeles-based musician and Kanye West enthusiast. When he’s not busy being unusually defensive about Kacey Musgraves on the internet, he can be found on Instagram.
If this is your first foray into the world of Tokyo Ghoul, the opening sequence of Tokyo Ghoul S, the second live-action film in the franchise, will be a baptism by fire.
The film opens as a beautiful model with heterochromatic eyes (each is a different color) arrives to her luxury hi-rise apartment, only to be greeted by a sparkly mask-wearing ghoul who proceeds to, in order: promise she won’t be violated; force her to do an uncomfortable dance with him; rip out and eat her eyeballs. Oh yeah, then he throws her out the window to her bloody death. I think that counts as “violating” but I guess ghouls have different standards.
And that is the introduction to the villian of this movie, Shuu “The Gourment” Tsukiyama (Shota Matsuda), who has some serious food fetishes but, unfortunately, little backstory.
For those unfamiliar with Tokyo Ghoul, its set in a world co-inhabited by normal humans and ghouls who must feed on people to survive – ala vampires but with serious martial arts skills and superweapons called kagune, which are literally part of their bodies. Ken Kaneki (Masataka Kubota) is our warm-hearted half-ghoul, half-human protagonist who really doesn’t want either ghouls or humans to be hurt or killed, but alas regularly finds himself in situations where both are.
Tsukiyama, the aforementioned eyeball muncher, catches wind of Kaneki’s unique biological makeup, and decides he must have a taste of such a rare breed of ghoul. He befriends Kaneki through their common bond over books, and sets in motion a plan for the ultimate ghoulish feast.
While Kaneki’s plot line is ostensibly the focus of the film, I found that the true standout of the movie is ghoul Touka Kirishima (Maika Yamamoto), who is struggling with her friendship to a mortal — knowing the danger that she poses should she ever find out her true identity. Her storyline is a nod to the complicated nature of relationships among different classes, or even biological races, of people — and the sad truth that friendship can be marred by differences people have no control over.
She also happens to kick major ass, and in this film demonstrates why she is such a valuable character not only to Kaneki, but to the Tokyo Ghoul universe itself. Looking forward to seeing more of her!
Other pluses of the film are the fight sequences, which are quite fun albeit kind of short, and seeing the effort some of the ghouls go through to try to better the darker parts of their nature. If they can do it, maybe we humans can too!
Weaknesses include the lack of backstory for The Gourmet, a lack of Hide’s comic relief, and a fairly predictable trajectory: bad guy does bad things, hero almost dies trying to stop him — will he prevail? I think you know the answer–especially as the mid-credits scene portends a Tokyo Ghoul 3.
All-in-all, Tokyo Ghoul S is a’ight. Fun to watch but not something that breaks any new ground. B minus.
The film opens Monday, September 16 in 400 theaters across the U.S. and Canada. The film will have a three-day limited theatrical run (September 16, 18 & 20) and will screen in Japanese with English subtitles.
By now, most of the country is back in school, although a few of you will be heading back this coming week.
To ease the transition, we rounded up some of the best products we have been introduced to recently which would be perfect for this coming semester and beyond.
We’ve even got a couple items to give away, all you have to do to enter is 1) follow @teenswannaknow on Instagram and 2) take a screenshot of any of the products below (just the item name and pic is fine) that have the #TWKGIVEAWAY in the title and post it on your Instagram story or feed and mention @teenswannaknow and use the hashtag #TWKGIVEAWAY when you do. We will pick random winners for each correct entry on 9/12/19 (you can enter more than once).
So without further ado, let’s check out the products!
This one is a must for anyone heading off to a dorm room. Designed by a dad for his daughter who was headed off to college and wanted a secure place to store her stuff, its a combination safe/locker and desk for your laptop all in one.
The Bunk Trunk features a digital keypad to enter your pin to lock and unlock, as well as a power strip with USB ports to charge your phone. You can choose a few upgrade items as well, such as a Bluetooth speaker and extra shelf. The best part about the Bunk Trunk is that it is super easy to set up, and won’t take up valuable floor space because it rests above or below your bed.
(Lifehack: its also able to stand alone against a wall if you don’t overload the top and put some weight on the base, but this is NOT how the product was designed to be used — we are just rebels haha.)
Here are a couple of videos explaining the product, and how to install so you can see how easy. It took us just a few minutes to set up the one sent by the company by following the instructions.
We were super excited to try this product out when we received it. Because one of the most stressful things in life is running out of cell phone juice, amirite? And this thing promises unlimited Snapchat and Instagramming far away from any power outlets!
The Sun Soaker we received came rolled up in a waterproof tube complete with suction cups and carabiner clips so you can attach it to a window, a backpack, tent, etc. Instructions are simple: unroll and expose it as directly as possible to the sun, connect your phone to the standard USB port, and you are good to go.
So how does it perform? Well, two of our reviewers tested it out in very different conditions. One took it to Coachella (plenty of sun) and the other to an overcast day at the beach. Results:
Sunsoaker hanging with the influencer hippies at Coachella.
Our Coachella reviewer had issues with the form factor. He tried hanging it, but it kept rolling up, limiting its sun exposure surface. So he only got a charge when he physically held it up with his arms, not a great solution.
Our beach reviewer, on the other hand, laid it flat and placed a weighted object at the base so it wouldn’t keep rolling up. Even on a cloudy day with no sun, the device performed beautifully–fully charging his phone in about an hour.
So, the verdict is that the device works wonderfully as long as you can lay it flat somewhere. When you try to hang it vertically, the angle and tendency to roll it up make it less effective.
This product is SUPER USEFUL! You can use it while laying out at the beach, on grass, and its a must-have for camping/hunting/emergency kits.
Picture this: you’ve got a hot date and you are just about ready to go, but you one quick check in the mirror and notice your teeth are, let’s just say, less than sparkly white. What do you do?
Well, if you’ve got HaloSmile around, you can have noticeable whiter teeth in about 3 minutes. As long as you don’t mind the drool. We’ll explain that part later; let’s cover the product and what it does first.
HaloSmile is a temporary whitening system for your teeth, meaning you literally paint your teeth with it and the coating stays on for hours. Its vegan, peroxide-free, and relatively quick and simple to apply.
Just add two drops of activator to the powder contained in one of the lovely jewel-like pods, stir well using the back of the applicator brush for 30 seconds and put aside. Insert the plastic mouth-holder-open thingy into your mouth, dry your teeth very well, and start applying. Once done, hit your teeth with the final touch “polish” and that’s it.
So, what are the results like? Well, our first attempt came out pretty splotchy. See below. Its just super hard to do because of the prolific amounts of drooling involved, even with paper towel rolled up under the tongue. With practice, however, we’ll probably get it more even. That’s what all the rest of the reviewers claim, and it makes sense.
Drool drool everywhere! Not the most even paint job, esp. on the left-most tooth, but overall not too bad.
The other thing is that it feels a bit “grainy” when you run your tongue over your teeth. But, after several hours, the teeth still look whiter, so the product does work as claimed! One issue for our test subject was that the coating started to wear off unevenly, leaving it splotchy after day 2, because it is really HARD to remove despite lots of brushing and flossing. Actually, there was still visible residue after 4 days. So, they probably need to come up with a way to remove it and throw that into future kits, like one of those rubber-tipped tooth stain erasers.
This tooth makeup system could come in very handy for picture day, prom, etc. AS LONG AS YOU PRACTICE A FEW TIMES BEFORE! Watch this following video to learn how to use, and try not to laugh imagining how silly you will look with that mouthpiece in your grill. The results, once the product is mastered, are worth it though!
If you prefer a more permanent solution to your teeth whitening, this kit will do the trick. Yes we tested it, and it works — pretty well too. Teeth were noticeably whiter after just one application.
All you have to do in brush and floss, rinse using their included wash, apply the peroxide mix (it stings if you get it on your lips or gums–meaning its the real deal!), and let it dry for twenty seconds. Finish off with a two minute round with the dual-energy whitening light (the coolest part of this process by far), and check your results. Need it brighter? You can repeat the process immediately over and over again until you get the shade of white you like! The kit has about 20 applications.
Pro tip: put some cotton or paper towel under your tongue to avoid drooling during the light part.
OolySchool Products, prices vary
Ooly makes super cute, super colorful school supplies — all at reasonable prices. You can get lost for hours checking out all their products, but here are three that we liked for starters.
Oh My Glitter! Notebooks – Blue $11.99. Life’s too short for a boring notebook. Go full glam with your notes with the small sized, Oh My Glitter Notebooks. This fun sized set of notebooks is perfect for on-the-go notes, writing, and doodles…and the best of all you’ll look fabulous while you’re doing it! Each set comes with 3 different colored notebooks in Teal, Dark Blue, and Light Blue colors. 64 Lined Sheets in Each Notebook. Convenient Small Size at 4” x 5.75” Pages
Radiant Writers Glitter Gel Pens $7.99. Make your writing and drawing glitter with amazing color with Radiant Writers Glitter Gel Pens! The eight radiant colors in this gel pens set will bring glittery life and happiness to anything you write or draw. In class or at work your writing will never be dull again!
Mini Dots Pixie Paste Glitter Glue set of 5 $7.99. Glitter and glam, shimmer and shine. These dot-happy glitter glue colors are simply divine! With glitter glue colors enhanced with mini dot of dazzling glitter, you know anything they touch will become magical. Mini Dots Pixie Paste comes with a brush too!
When we saw the price for we were like “nah” but after just ONE use of this product we were like “heck yes, totally worth it.” It works very, very well to removed dead skin cells, tighten pores, and restore a nice glow. Your face will feel baby smooth and look great. We wish we had a bottle to give away–but we only got sent one and we are keeping it mwahaha!
VITAMINscrub is an antioxidant infused facial cleanser with a mild exfoliating action. You only need a small amount each time you use it (rubbing it in for about 30 seconds before rinsing), and it smells GREAT, almost good enough to eat. In fact, you can eat a lot of the raw ingredients in this, because it contains things like mango, aloe vera, green tea, grapefruit, turmeric, and even hemp seed oil.
According to the company:
VITAMINscrub is good for all skin types including dry, mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, combination and normal. It’s designed for daily use. Environmentally-friendly bamboo particles act as a polish to resurface the skin and keep pores clear.
For those who prefer a few less harsh chemicals on their body when applying deodorant, you might want to give Crystal Mineral Enriched Deodorant a go.
The two samples we were sent (Freshly Minted and Mountain Fresh) have a pleasant smell and don’t leave a thick white residue on your shirts or sheets like a few other essential-oil based deodorants we have tried in the past. As far as controlling odor for 24 hours as claimed, results here were mixed. Let’s just say we recommend a touch up application every once in a while if you are exerting yourself and sweating above average.
The product incorporates essential oils, and while it does contain common things like propanediol and sodium stearate, it is aluminum and paraben-free and hypoallergenic. You can check the safety of the ingredients of any other cosmetic or household product ingredient at the Environmental Working Group’s Skin-Deep Database.
While summer is basically over (sob), don’t think you don’t need sunscreen still. Outdoor activities like skiing, skating, and sports still expose your skin to UV rays, and you need protection. For a convenient way to apply it, try the Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 by MyChelle. Its like a chapstick for your skin, and is lightly tinted for a neutral finish.
From the website:
Sun Shield Clear Stick SPF 50 is a mineral-based, water-resistant sunscreen that glides on smoothly and dries clear to deliver powerful UVA and UVB full-spectrum protection. Zinc Oxide provides a safe alternative to harsh chemical sunscreens. The addition of Avocado, Jojoba, and Vitamin E Oils help moisturize and protect, and Cocoa Seed Butter soothes skin and supports elasticity. Perfect for on the go. .52 oz. Made without GMO, Gluten, Parabens, Petroleum, Phthalates, Silicones, Sulfates, Ureas, Artificial Fragrances, and Artificial Colors. Vegetarian. Cruelty-free. Reef Safe and Biodegradable. Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 17%
So the main ingredient is good old zinc oxide, and that makes this product reef safe for use when diving or enjoying places like Xel-ha in Cancun (which we highly recommend, having just come from a vacation there whoop whoop!).
7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud and Peel-Off Mask, prices unavailable #TWKGIVEAWAY
Alright, we did not have time to test these out by press time, but wanted to include them for those looking for quick detoxes and refreshers for their faces. They are made by a company with a good pedigree as far as eco-friendliness and commitment to being cruelty-free, Montangne Jeunesse, which has been in business since 1985.
The products we were sent are single-use Dead Sea Mud mask and a peel-off mask. The instructions are super easy: simply clean and dry your face, apply the contents, and wait until COMPLETELY dry. Then remove and voila! — fresh face!
One thing we have to mention is the striking artwork on the labels, which feature some smiling, yet somewhat terrifying, half-human, half plant creatures lol.
Look at them:
OMG. They are certainly attention-grabbing!
At any rate, here is the description for the peel-off mask:
Clean and purify your skin with our Dead Sea Salt peel off! Chamomile soothes your skin and Fucus Vesiculosus (Seaweed) fights free radicals. Leave your skin feeling healthy and revitalised!
And the mud mask:
We’ve harvested nutrient rich minerals from the Dead Sea to draw out impurities and open blocked pores for clean, soft skin. Key ingredients Dead Sea salt, seaweed, lavender.
Hitting the books for hours at a time can get stressful. Sometimes you need a break with some good old fashioned mindless entertainment, like the book Strange Hollywood.
The book features over 400 pages of facts, trivial tidbits, quotes, and even tweets about stars ranging from the silent era to now.
For example, did you know that Mike Myers based Shrek’s accent on the voice his mom used when she would read him bedtime stories as a kid? Or that Quentin Tarantino sued his neighbor because his pet macaws screamed like pterodactyls?
Weird but true! Find out more in this easy to read book whenever you need a break from physics and chemistry.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of Hollywood oddities, maybe your next choice is to escape to a world of ancient magic, which is what The Book of Spells by John J. Miller, MD promises to do.
Official synopsis:
Transporting the reader back to Southern England into the midst of the seventh century, The Book of Spells takes readers to the Kingdom of Vilgar, governed by a generous king in whose household an evil wizard has positioned himself.
Convincing the king that his powers of magic and premonition will benefit the kingdom, Malecar becomes the court wizard, surreptitiously studying the dark arts in his quest to rule over the kingdom. When Martir, a kind and gentle wizard arrives, he is appointed Malecar’s apprentice and becomes a close friend and confidant of the king’s son, Audric.
The forest bordering Vilgar is a refugee to three witches. The women are in possession of a book they cannot open. Dabbling in the dark arts so that they might protect themselves, they realize that the book may contain the darkest of spells. Confronted by Malecar, the sisters give him access to The Book of Spells, and the evil within him allows him to open it. What happens when an evil wizard has access to powers beyond his wildest desires? Or when a gentle wizard becomes his nemesis—and the only protection for the Kingdom he serves?
Our quick review: interesting characters, but disorienting time jumps. If you like wizards and magic you will likely get into it.
Alright, so say you’ve read the books above and are still needing a break (procrastinate much?) Well, now its time for a few movie recommendations, the first being Disney’s live-action version of Dumbo which recently came out on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray and Digital.
This version of Dumbo was directed by Tim Burton comes with never-before-seen bonus features, deleted scenes, Easter eggs and bloopers and a special performance of “Baby Mine” by Arcade Fire.
Synopsis:
In “Dumbo,” struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists former star Holt Farrier and his children to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive but sinister entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere, who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, spectacular, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland.
Bonus features include*: BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
CIRCUS SPECTACULARS: Dumbo’s cast share their experience of making the film—and get to the heart of a story about family and believing in yourself.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: Explore how one of Disney’s most lovable characters went from an animated classic to a stunning live-action retelling.
BUILT TO AMAZE: Get a closer look at the film’s production and costume design.
DELETED SCENES: A compelling collection of scenes that almost made the final film.
Roustabout Rufus
Pachyderm Plans
The Other Medici Brother
Monkey Business
A Star Is Born
Where’s Dumbo
Elephant Heist
A Seat at the Show
EASTER EGGS ON PARADE: Discover the hidden and not-so-hidden nods to the animated Dumbo in this narrated tribute to the Disney classic.
CLOWNING AROUND: Laugh along with the cast in a collection of big-top bloopers and goofs from the set.
“BABY MINE”: Visual video performed by Arcade Fire
DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:
DREAMLAND – ANATOMY OF A SCENE: From Final Script to Final Scene: The filmmakers and cast talk a lot about the feeling of “grand intimacy” in the film. Step right up as they bring the Dreamland parade to life, accomplishing the rare marriage of a massive spectacle combined with an emotional tenderness.
REVIEW: Do you really need us to review Dumbo? It’s Disney. It’s Tim Burton. It’s a classic story. So just buy it because you know you are going to enjoy it (warning, it’s a little sad too).
Once you’ve finished Dumbo. and you decide you need to procrastinate with something a little more quality than YouTube vids, try Arrow–which just released its seventh season on Blu-Ray and DVD.
If you haven’t watched Arrow yet, its a DC Comics property about the Green Arrow, a billionaire superhero who happens to like shooting things with arrows. Hence the name.
Synopsis of season 7:
Following Oliver Queen’s shocking decision to turn himself over the FBI and reveal his identity as the Green Arrow to the public, Oliver has spent the past five months in prison while his team was left behind to protect Star City. In the wake of Ricardo Diaz’s escape, Oliver has yet again turned into someone else inside Slabside Maximum Security Prison. Determined to keep a low profile to shorten his sentence for the sake of his family, Oliver’s limits will be tested when he and Team Arrow are pitted against the most ruthless villains they have yet to face.
The Blu-ray package contains all 22 episodes PLUS the show’s 2018 Comic-Con panel, three Elseworld’s crossover episodes, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and more.
If you need even more superhero action, the 5th season of The Flash just dropped on Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital as well. Maybe arfetr watching you will decide to stop procrastinating and move at the speed of light to finish your homework?
Synopsis:
Shortly after defeating The Thinker, Barry Allen/The Flash and his wife, Iris, were stunned by the arrival of their already grown, speedster daughter from the future, Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy). However, acclimating to their lives as parents won’t be the only challenge they face, as Season Five pits Team Flash against Central City’s latest scourge – the DC Super-Villain Cicada (Chris Klein).
BLU-RAY & DVD FEATURES
The Best of DC TV’s Comic-Con Panel San Diego 2018
Still not ready to get back to your homework? Ok, well maybe you should hire a motivational coach. But in the meantime, there is yet another cool series to binge: Supernatural, which is the longest running sci-fi series in TV history! They are releasing season 14 on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital on Sept 10th, and it super fun to watch, you will get hooked!
Synopsis:
The Winchester brothers’ harrowing journey into the heart of darkness continues as Supernatural enters Season Fourteen. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) have matched wits with monsters, demons, Heaven and Hell. But last season, the Winchesters and Castiel (Misha Collins) stumbled upon a terrifying alternative universe: an apocalyptic world where they were never born, all while training Jack (Alexander Calvert), the son of Lucifer, and trying to save their mother, Mary Winchester. The final battle with Lucifer and the Archangel Michael altered the Winchesters’ lives forever…and created an even greater threat for Sam and Dean. The boys are back and willing to risk everything for their loved ones in all twenty thrilling new adventures, including a historic 300th episode, with a Winchester family reunion never to be forgotten.
Bonus features:
Supernatural Homecoming: Exploring Episode 300 (NEW Featurette)
The Winchester Mythology: The Choices We Make (NEW Featurette)
Supernatural: 2018 Comic-Con Panel
Audio Commentaries with Talent & Producers
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
Okay kiddos, there you have it. LOTS of options for back to school entertainment, skin-care and more! And don’t forget to enter our giveaways (instructions at the beginning of the post!)
If you like to play video games, you’re probably no stranger to your dad complaining about how they’re a waste of time. Today, video games are so commonplace that they appear in many different forms, from mobile apps to VR headsets to handheld consoles. Whether you are searching for the top games of the year or nostalgic classics from the ‘80s, the truth is that video games have not only made a huge impact on society in entertainment value but also in the skills they are able to impart. Here are some of the useful skills video games can help you to develop.
Problem Solving
Believe it or not, playing Zelda games can actually accomplish more than just exploring all of Hyrule. Puzzle games like Ubisoft games and basically all Zelda games train the brain to find creative solutions to complex problems. Research suggests that popular mainstream games such as Call of Duty, League of Legends, and StarCraft can help improve the gamers’ problem-solving skills, attention span, and hand-eye coordination.
Job Preparation
Developing hand-eye coordination skills, better attention span, and problem-solving skills can be advantageous in any workplace. Different jobs may require skills that games can teach such as spatial orientation, information gathering, and better reaction time to emergency situations. According to L3HARRIS, airlines and overland freight companies routinely use simulators to train their workforce. Commercial airline pilots are required to practice emergency procedures in flight simulators and are required to pass a simulator assessment every six months. In addition, technology such as augmented reality made popular by Pokémon Go has already made its way into the workplace of engineering, manufacturing, and production jobs.
Stay Fit
Many professionally competitive gamers have been warned that staying fit is essential to maintain their game skills and reaction speed. Just as there are games to cover many subjects, there are games that can help improve fitness. According to Axtion Tech, activity-based games such as Just Dance and Dance Dance Revolution can provide a great workout. In addition, virtual reality activity games such as boxing, fencing, and speed skating can also provide intensive exercise.
Gaming as a teen is not a useless hobby. More and more people are recognizing the positive attributes that can be developed in a healthy gamer. You’ve just got to make sure to balance gaming with other things in your life. Gone are the days when games and gamers belong at the nerdy table. Contrary to what your dad may think, they can actually be quite useful.
Battle Royale games are all the craze across the globe, ranging from Fortnite Battle Royale and PlayerUnknown’s Battleground. When it comes to PUBG, you do not want to be left out in showcasing your prowess, when every other gamer from the 30 million daily active users across the world is upping their game. You also wouldn’t want to lose out just because you don’t have the coolest or best gaming equipment to take you further in the game. For instance, a quality gaming mouse from Razer’s website (https://www.razer.com/gaming-mice) could just change the game for you.
The high number of active players makes winning a matter precise strategies and skills, without which you will always be lagging in the game. Lucky for you, some experts have shared some of the tricks and hacks that help them get by, and you will need them in your journey to becoming a pro PUBG player. Here are five tactics to get you started on your road to becoming an epic PUBG player:
Adjust the graphics
Most gamers get quickly invested in getting the very best accessories to better their gaming experience, such as the opseat master series. But one other thing which can greatly boost your experience is better graphics, and one hack we heard which doesn’t involve buying anything is to increase the contrast so your enemies stand out much more. Then set it back to normal so you don’t get a headache when viewing normal content.
Study the map
This is a
crucial step if you are only beginning. Studying the map allows you to figure
out your way swiftly around the battleground while playing. Master all the
crucial hotspots in a particular map, ranging from Erangel and Miramir to
Sanhok and Vikendi.
Capitalize on the training ground
Figure 1 try out the guns
It may be a no
brainer to you, but it is not to everyone. PUBG Mobile has a training mode
feature that is very often overlooked by gamers. The feature allows you to try
out all the guns, attachments, and other weapons. In the end, trying out the
different weapons enable you to know what suits you best for better gameplay.
However, if you
really want to do it like the experts, don’t just test the weapons at
face-value. Consider the recoil patterns. For example, the AKM gun has a high
damage rate but high recoil. By mastering the recoil patterns and the names of
the guns, you already have a competitive advantage even before the game starts.
Land at hotspots that are away from the flight path
Now that you
know your way around the maps, the next step is to identify a spot that has the
prime resources but is slightly far from the flight path. The advantage with
this trick is that you may end up having most of the loot for yourself. Even in
the event of people showing up, you will have more advantage in fighting them
off, assuming you chose the best weapons.
Don’t kill knocked out players immediately
When the game is going your way, do not let the excitement of the game get you making the wrong calls. Once you knock down a player, be hesitant about completely getting rid of them immediately. While that should be the end game, use the knocked out players as bait. A lot of the times, a knocked out gamer will ask for help from a teammate. When they come out, this is your opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. However, be keen lest they get sneaky on you and hide far away from your field-of-view.
Seek cover in terrain
As you may have
noticed, the buildings are such an ideal spot to seek cover. With the perfect
strategy, you can stay alive if you are in a building, more especially if you
have covered the only entrance to the building. However, some risks come with
that. All it takes is for someone to know you are there, and a well-placed
grenade can end your gameplay instantly. For that reason, consider the terrain
an ideal place for cover. A suitable terrain will give you a spot with
excellent sightlines to keep a view of your enemies. Other than that, you have
more escape options when you are on terrain than inside a building. Find a
ridge, dip, or hill to hold you up for a while, before your next move.
While at it,
consider hiding in bushes. It may look like a lame move, but hiding in bushes
works surprisingly very well. However, you may want to take off any bright
colored clothes you have before you hit the bushes.
Grab the highest level equipment
If you really want to win the PUBG game, then you must grab the highest level of equipment when you are looting untouched equipment. While that is a strategy, there is more you can do to have the best armor for the game. When you defeat a level three player, it can be challenging to know what to pick up and what to leave. A general rule applied by most PUBG experts is, ‘always pick the level three helmet.’ Even though it might be damaged, this helmet will always save you from a headshot with the M24 and is the only one that will do so.
Pick your battles wisely
You are aiming for many kills in one round, but the chances of that happening and you being alive in the end are usually very slim. The whole idea of the game is to be the last man standing. This means that if other players can help you get rid of some people, then you should let them. The best strategy is not to hide out and avoid picking fights altogether, but rather to pick battles you know you can win. Know which enemies to attack in clear sight, and which ones you should re-strategize before you attack.
Are you in need of a break from your cell phone and social media? How about screens in general, including Netflix? If so, check out this guide to learn how to find clean family entertainment taht doesn’t involve looking at a glowing screen, which is increasingly associated with depression and other problems.
Family activities are a great way to get off your phone and make some lasting memories. Whether you have a big family or a small family, there are many “old fashioned” activities that can bring you closer together. Its good to reconnect in a world where families are increasingly worlds away — even when living in the same house.
Build a Garden
What’s a better way to enjoy the great outdoors while also helping the environment? If you said building a garden, then you’re right! It doesn’t take a botanist to figure out just how much fun you can have by planting and seeing the fruits of your labor (literally!) come to life.
Planning and planting a garden is an activity everyone in your family can be a part of. It’s a great way to get your hands dirty, cobnnect with nature, and have some fun!
Start by taking a family field trip to a local gardening shop to stock up on what you need, like plants or seeds suitable for your area and some common tools. You will also need some soil and fertilizer, and possibly some stones, wood, or other material to order your garden.
Building a garden is an activity that lasts long after the seeds are planted. Put your vision into action and reap the benefits, inclduing delicious fruits, herbs, and veggies if that’s what you plant!
Play a Board Game
Family game night could be just what the doctor ordered when you are bored and looking to take a break from social media. From classic board games to RPGs, board games are often the answer to families’ boredom.
Playing board games brings people together. You’ll find that no matter what games you’re playing, laughter ensues. The more you laugh, the less stress you feel. So no matter what’s happening in your life, the minute you roll the dice of Yahtzee or Go Fish you’ll feel a wave of relief and ushered into a night of fun with the people you love most. Okay maybe not if you play Monopoly, but that’s besides the point!
One of the best reasons to incorporate board games into your next family night is because it helps increase brain function and activity. It improves decision-making, problem-solving and mental growth in children, and might reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in adults.
Go Camping
You don’t have to be an experienced outdoor enthusiast to enjoy a nice camping trip. You don’t even have to leave your home to enjoy a night under the stars.
Some families love camping so much they invest money into a camper or high-quality equipment to ensure all their needs are met. But you don’t have to own a camper or even camp chairs to get the most out of camping. Many families take advantage of their own backyard to enjoy the great outdoors. Pull out your old tent and bring out the s’mores. Its a great way to test the waters in a very safe way, not to mention you won’t have to travel too far to use the restroom!
No matter how you choose to camp, there is no wrong way to spend time with your family. Whether you drive to a local campground or stay in your own backyard, a night out under the stars is one of the best memories a family can create together.
Go to a Ballgame
One of the best things about sports is you don’t have to be a big fan to enjoy a day at the ballpark. Whether you’re there to see your favorite player or just there for the food and atmosphere, a day spent listening to the crack of a bat is a day well spent.
One great reason to see a game is because it gives you the opportunity to learn experience a large community of people who are into the same ting. You feel connected with real people all rooting for the same team, especially when someone starts “the wave.”
Another big selling point is the food. Each ballpark has a signature type of food that’s unique to the area. In Miami and Seattle, you can find great seafood while you’ll find a big, juicy steak sandwich in Atlanta. Not to mention the Crackerjacks, which are a classic!
Above all, a day at the game creates memories that last a lifetime, Each time you find yourself at a ballpark, you’ll instantly be taken back to those special memories you shared with your family.
Laugh together
It’s a comedian’s job to make people laugh and it’s your job, as a spectator, to give them that laughter. We’ve all heard that laughter is contagious and it’s been proven that laughter brings people together – so why not go to a comedy show with clean comedians?
One benefit of finding a great, family-friendly comedian is that they can be utilized for other events such as birthday parties or family get-togethers. You’ll never have to worry about the content that comes out of their mouths or what your little bro or sis might hear next if you choose clean comedians.
Say Yes to Family Activities!
Putting down your phone to reconnect with your loved ones is important. It doesn’t matter what family activities you choose to do, the memories are going to last a lifetime.
Make it your mission to set aside special time weekly or monthly to dedicate time specifically to your mom, dad, and siblings. You won’t regret the memories you make and the smiles, hugs, and laughs you receive in return.
One last tip: keep an eye out for fun free activities happening in your community throughout the year, such as We Like L.A.. This is a great way to stay on a budget while still creating space for fun!
On Saturday, August 3rd, social media influencers actors, and musicians came together with fans at Burbank Town Center for unique meet and greet opportunity.
Sponsored by TWK, Burbank Town Center, and social media photo kiosk company Fotonota USA, fans got autographs and pictures with their favorite stars and immediately received two free color prints from the Fotonota kiosk.
