Mermaid Lovers: This Is How You Turn Store-Bought Cookies into Magical Works of Art

Kelly Bryden
Apr 16, 2017

With multiple trips to the beach marked in our Google calendar, we’re finding ourselves becoming very obsessed with everything aquatic. The waves — and everything about the ocean — are so mesmerizing that I often find myself wishing I was a mermaid. Sun-kissed skin, beachy waves, and an opportunity to watch all the surfers — sign me up for my transformation ASAP. Sadly, I am not a mermaid, but still take inspiration from their lifestyle. Therefore I would like to introduce you to mermaid Madeleine cookies. This is hands down the most beautiful way to transform any cookie (store bought or fresh) and is a must for your next mermaid soiree.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Add a tablespoon of oil into your chocolate wafers and melt in the microwave for one minute. Stir and then microwave again for 45 seconds.
  2. Once the chocolate is melted, add a few drops of food coloring and stir five times to create colorful swirls.
  3. Kiss the top of the cookie onto the swirled chocolate and then place onto a cooling rack.
  4. Once the chocolate has hardened, use a paint brush to press the gold foil onto the cookie.

Melting chocolate is a tricky task: One minute it’s still hard, and the next minute it’s burnt. You’ll want to add a tablespoon of oil into your chocolate wafers and melt for one minute in the microwave. Take it out, give it a good stir, and microwave again for 45 seconds.

Once the chocolate is melted, add in a few drops of teal and purple food coloring and swirl it around about five times.

Dip the top of the cookie into the chocolate and then let it harden on a drying rack.

Check out how unique each cookie turns out. Add more food coloring after about five cookies, because the chocolate will become more muted.

Once the chocolate has hardened, use a paint brush to apply gold foil to the icing.

Amazing. I’m adding gold foil onto all of my food now.

As Nicki Minaj once said, “Let’s go to the beach; let’s go get away!”

Mermaid life is a life that I am read to fully embrace. Sign me up for all things seashells, turquoise, gold, and sandy.

Show us your best mermaid project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
 Photography: Kurt Andre

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Where To Buy Seema's $15,000 Golden Vibrator — Plus Some Orgasmic Options For Less

If you’re looking to add a little luxury to your life, look no further. Apparently, there are gold plated, custom $15,000 vibrators out there — and And Just Like That’sSeema is a proud owner of one (Because of course she is!).

Seema’s golden vibrator is proudly made by “THE luxury pleasure brand” (their words), LELO, who are on a mission to offer “the experience of ecstasy without shame, the pleasure of discovering all the wonders of one’s body, arming our customers with confidence that leads to a fulfilled intimate life.” And we’re sure the custom-made, gold-clad Inez does just that. The g-spot vibrator is “defined by decadence and elegance…for those who understand you can’t put a price on pleasure.” But don’t worry — if gold isn’t to your liking, LELO also offers a stainless steel version for $7,900. Thank goodness.

Now, we certainly don’t have the Birkin-funded bank account to shell out a cool $15k. If you’re in the same boat (and also want to feel like luxury), we’ve got you covered. Here are our top Seema-approved pleasure toys that will guarantee a happy ending.

​LELO SONA 2 Travel ($99)

Prepare to escape on a journey of sexual wellness with a truly orgasmic companion. This petite travel vibrator is here to provide a clitorally mind-blowing experience anywhere you go in an elegant and discreet fashion.

​Nu Sensuelle Multi-Play Tulip ($99)

The Tulip is a multi-play vibrator that “cultivates your thirst for sexual pleasure,” delivering pinpoint stimulation for an abundance of erogenous zones. Equipped with ten speeds, five pulsations, and two independently controlled motors, this toy will leave you feeling good

plusOne travel bullet ($15)

One button, infinite orgasms. Don’t be fooled by its size — this toy packs a punch.

LELO DOT Cruise ($199)

The same company that brought you a $15k golden vibrator brings you this pinpoint clitoral stimulator. Thanks to LELO’s Infinite Loop™ technology, it moves in a unique elliptical motion with delicate precision, using the soft and bendable tip to provide a new type of sensation that will leave you wanting more.

​Unbound Ollie ($76)

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic wand. Whether you're a seasoned professional or sex toy newbie, this waterproof wand is ultra-reliable and ultra-satisfying.

Diosa Soft Touch by Bellesa ($179)

“Diosa’s dual action vibes hit your clit and g spot better than ever before — bringing you the highest quality blended orgasm you can find on the market.” But don’t just take their word for it, dozens of five star reviews will certainly convince you to click “add to cart.”

​Dame Pom ($99)

Dame means it when they call Pom “small vibe, big versatility.” For “first-time players looking for a place to start (and finish) to experienced pleasure-seekers craving flexibility and ease, Pom offers broad or targeted stimulation, plus a powerful motor with 5 intensities and 5 vibration patterns for anything you're in the mood for.”

​Nu Sensuelle Aluminium 60sx Amp ($100)

Experience the fusion of intense vibrations and gentle warmth with this versatile bullet. The Aluminium commands 12 vibration speeds, and combined with its aluminum composition ensures that its intensity and heating element withstand dampening, allowing for a “heavenly sensory experience.”

​Unbound Bender ($71)

This flexible internal vibrator caan hit all the right places. On the quieter side, this vibe is travel-friendly for those flying solo or with roomies.

​Dame Eva ($140)

Spice up partnered sex with this hands-free device that will blow your mind away. Designed for a secure and comfortable clitoral fit, Eva leaves your hands free so you can really be in the moment.

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Header image courtesy of Wallshoppe, Craig Blakenhorn/Max,LELO.

Design by Olivia Taylor.

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6 Crazy "Outer Banks" Opinions That Would Totally Change The Show

I'll admit out of the many teen dramas I've consumed, Outer Banks is one of the most ridiculous. But the insanity surrounding the plot is half the reason it's enjoyable! John B. wrestling an alligator with his bare hands? Kiara getting kidnapped then making a daring escape in her PJ's? John B. and Sarah getting married (kind of) by the power of "the sky, the stars, and the sea" after escaping the SBI?

Considering my favorite fan theory for the future is that Madelyn Cline's Sarah and Rudy Pankow's JJ learn they're secret siblings, I know the crazy train isn't slowing down anytime soon. I took to Reddit to find the wildest Outer Bankshot takes and I was not disappointed. Keep reading to see if you agree with any!

JJ and Kiara Never Should Have Happened

Image via Netflix

While JJ and Kiara is one of the most popular ships on the show, a lot of Outer Banks fans think the "no Pogue-on-Pogue macking" rule from the pilot should have stayed in effect. The individual romances between Kiara and JJ, John B., and Pope make the story really messy, and the fact the show writes Kiara to be with all three of them in the span of three years gives a lot of viewers the ick.

I'll be team #Jiara forever (and literally screamed when The Backseat Lovers' "Kilby Girl" started playing during the motorcycle ride in season 3), but I'll say it would incredibly compelling to see a friend group take care of each other as much as the Pogues do without ever crossing over into romantic territory. That's found family, after all!

Pope Should Have Ditched The Treasure Hunt

Image via Netflix

One Reddit user is convinced that "Pope should’ve focused on his future in school instead of giving everything up to search for treasure." And TBH, I totally agree.

In season 1, Pope has a breakthrough about the hidden treasure in the middle of his scholarship interview. He ditches the scholarship committee to tell the rest of the Pogues, throwing away a crazy educational opportunity. Pope beats himself up for it, and his parents definitely aren't pleased, but at least it meant he got to stay in the show instead of leaving for college, which leads me to...

Outer Banks Should Have Started With The Pogues In Their 20s

Image via Netflix

As one of the only people alive who loves the post-time jump One Tree Hill, I would have loved to see OBX start off with the characters in their 20s (although it looks like that's where Outer Banks season 4 will pick up!). This would eliminate SO MANY problems from the jump because the Pogues wouldn't have to worry about missing school, they'd be more self-sufficient, and instead of being the same old high school drama, it could have provided a commentary on figuring out life in your 20s the same way Friends did.

Rafe Shouldn't Have Any Kind Of Redemption Arc In Outer Banks Season 4

Image via Netflix

Drew Starkey the man that you are. According to one Reddit user, "Rafe should not have a love interest or a redemption arc" like we see in season 3. We spent all of season 1 and season 2 establishing that Rafe (played by Drew) would do anything it took to get what he wanted (including one successful murder and two other attempts?!). He shows next to no remorse for his actions, and exploring his literal psychopathic tendencies would take the show to a whole new level.

Big John Should Never Have Returned

Image via Netflix

John B.'s dad's disappearance is the catalyst for the Pogues' journey at the beginning of Outer Banks, and Big John's return means the story feels somewhat repetitive in the third season, and it undoes a lot of the growth we've seen from John B. Plus, Big John is just SO chaotic, selfish, and dramatic. If he had truly died in season 1, we could have seen John B. wrestle with that finality, and how to cope with loss in the face of finding the treasure and falling in love with Sarah.

And Finally, Outer Banks Should Have Ended After Season 1

Image via Netflix

Outer Banks season 1 was exactly what we needed at the height of the pandemic. It was escapist — both in terms of the beach vacation vibes, but also because the '00s aesthetic took us right back to simpler times — and it had such a wonderfully resolved finale that some fans think nothing has matched it.

Do you agree with any of these Outer Banks opinions? I'm such a romance fan, I don't know what I'd do if the show didn't have JJ and Kiara get together! Check out all the best New TV Shows coming this year for more.

Lead image via Netflix

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Finally, We're Getting A Restock Of The Phoebe Bridgers x Catbird Jewelry Collab

You read that right – the Phoebe Bridgers x Catbird jewelry collection is getting a restock on May 24.

The singer-songwriter's collaboration with Catbird Jewelry (that originally dropped in February and quickly sold out) features six enchanting charms that recall various themes and lyrics of her songs, and they are simply perfect. As part of the collaboration with Bridgers, the Catbird Giving Fund is donating $25,000 to The National Center for Transgender Equality in honor of their work in policy change. Supporting an amazing cause, and our favorite artist? We're in.

The collection flaunts a duo pair of charms. What better way to celebrate your bestie than splitting the pair with them? Whether you and your bestie are silver wearers, or more go-for-gold girlies, don't fret — Bridgers made sure both preferences are covered in the designs. Scroll for the collection and shop it when the pieces return on May 24. We're *dreaming* about wearing it.

www.catbirdnyc.com

Kissing Skull Friends Charms in Yellow Gold ($490)

We especially adore the Kissing Skull Friends Charms, which is the perfect gift to share between yourself and your closest Pheobe-fan friend.

www.catbirdnyc.com

Kissing Skull Friends Charms in Silver ($130)

The matching heart-shaped charms are also available in silver. The lyrics to "Garden Song" are etched on the backs of the charms, adding a sentimental touch we just need in our life.

www.catbirdnyc.com

Give You The Moon Charm in Yellow Gold ($398)

It's name hailing from one of Phoebe's sad girl anthems, "Moon Song", this sleek moonstone charm also boasts her handwriting etched on the back.

www.catbirdnyc.com

Give You The Moon Charm in Silver ($198)

Wear this beautiful charm on a necklace chain, or on a bracelet.

www.catbirdnyc.com

I Want To Go Home Charm in Yellow Gold ($290)

The dainty chains that dangle from this UFO-shaped charm are so sweet, and the fact that it's topped with a pearl adds to the *wow* factor.

www.catbirdnyc.com

I Want To Go Home Charm in Silver ($98)

Pop the charm on an earring hoop, and you've got your new favorite earring that'll also make you think of Phoebe each time you wear it.​

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This post has been updated.

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Mariska Hargitay’s Powerful “Me Too” Message Proves She’s Olivia Benson IRL

Mariska Hargitay is the woman of the hour anywhere she goes, with her iconic Law & Order: SVUrole as Olivia Benson under her belt for the last 25 years. The character is an absolute advocate to women — and assault victims of any gender — through her words, actions, and powerful convictions of each perpetrator on the show. She takes great care with her victims and pursues perpetrators with fervor, and slowly as you watch the show..the line blurs between Olivia and Mariska.

This isn't anything new — just recently Mariska literally stopped production on the show to help a child (who mistook her for an actual police officer) find her mom. It's just who Mariska is. She walks the walk and talks the talk — including during her speech at Variety's Power of Women's Power of Women event.

Image via NBC Universal

As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:

Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.

Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change

It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.

Image via NBC Universal

Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.

The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.

After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:

I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!

Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.

And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.

Watch Mariska Hargitay's Full Speech Here

www.youtube.com

Mariska Hargitay's Gets Emotional as She Thanks Her Support System and the Women Around Her

Turns out that your TV heroes really can be your IRL heroes after all. Long live Olivia Benson! Long live Mariska Hargitay!

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Header image via NBC Universal

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Here’s When You Can Watch “Emily in Paris” Season 4

After Emily in Paris season 3 dropped on Netflix in December of 2022, we were hoping to get the fourth installment of the hit show in 2023. But production halted when the WGA writers' strike, then the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike went to affect, and our beloved cast and crew campaigned for better wages and industry protection. But with the end of the writers' strike, and new SAG negotiations, Emily in Paris season 4 finally began production in February 2024 — and I can already tell you there's sure to be plenty of drama and French fashion this time around.

Not only will we see Emily in Paris (see what I did there?!) but she's also pulling an Audrey Hepburn and taking a little Roman Holiday. That's right — our favorite Parisians are heading to Italy! If that doesn't sound like a dreamy comfort show then I don't know what does. Here's everything we know about the upcoming season of your favorite TV brain candy!!

Is Emily in Paris season 4 coming soon?

Image via Lily Collins/Instagram

Via Variety, Emily in Paris season 4 began production in Paris the week of January 15! "Did someone say Saison Quatre?!" Lily Collins says in her Instagram post announcing production. "Finally reunited with my @emilyinparis fam back in Paris and it feels so good. Although, I may need to brush up on my selfie skills for Emily’s sake…"

Now the wait is over! According to the official announcementfor Emily in Paris, we know part one drops on Netflix August 15, followed by part 2 on September 12. I've been impatiently waiting for this considering we didn't know how filming would be impacted by things like the WGA writers strike!

Is Emily in Paris filmed in Paris?

Image via Lily Collins/Instagram

Yes, Emily in Paris is filmed on location in Paris! We got our first look at Emily in Paris season 4 when Lily Collins and Ashley Park were seen filming in the City of Love (via Daily Mail). The costumes for the series are still as bold and bright as ever, with Ashley's Mindy wearing cobalt and metallic boots, and Lily's Emily dressed head-to-toe in lemon yellow. I can't wait to see what these best friends get up to this season! Check out our Paris travel recommendations to live out your own Emily in Paris dreams ;).

On April 27, Lily Collins confirmed Emily in Paris season 4 had wrapped its France shoot and that the cast & crew have swapped the City of Love for the Eternal City! "When you’re the first ones on the dance floor at the Paris wrap party. Next stop: Rome!" she says on Instagram. Late spring is literally the perfect time to film in Italy and I just know this season is going to give me more wanderlust than ever before. I need gelato!

What's Emily In Paris season 4 about?

Image via Netflix

Season 3 left us with a huge cliffhanger: Alfie breaks up with Emily, Camille learns she's pregnant with Gabriel's baby, Benoit's "Mon Soleil" has been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, and Emily and Gabriel realize they've been in love with each other the whole time. Whew.

Emily in Paris season 4 will have a ton of cliffhangers to bring full circle, and a bunch of damage that all the characters need to heal. We know from the Netflix TUDUM fan event that we might also see Emily have to deal with an ultimatum head-on, as well as an unexpected twist. Plus, it looks like she's heading on a "Roman holiday," according to lead actress Lily Collins. We'll take any nod to an Audrey Hepburn movie, please and thank you!

Is Alfie coming back in season 4 of Emily in Paris?

Image via Netflix

We don't have OFFICIAL word on whether Alfie (played by Lucien Laviscount) will return for Emily in Paris season 4, but we're hoping for his sake that he gets some closure. Lucien wants to come back as well! "[The dream is] to keep this gravy train going and just to kind of really live in this world a little bit longer," he says in an interview with Elle. " The writers on the show and the creators behind it and everyone that comes into contact with it is so amazing and fantastic. Their minds [have] way, way, way, way surpassed mine. So, yeah. I’ll let them do their thing.”

Who else is in the Emily in Paris season 4 cast?

Image via Netflix

We can expect the rest of the cast — Lily Collins as Emily, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Ashley Park as Mindy, Camille Razat as Camille, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Samuel Arnold as Julian, and Bruno Gouery as Luc — to return.

Will there be a season 5 of Emily in Paris?

Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix

It looks like Emily in Paris season 4 will not be the final season, according to creator Darren Star. “There’s a lot more story to tell here and we’re not wrapping things up anytime soon,” Star tells Elle. “And also hopefully season four isn’t the end either. I feel like we’re all creatively feeling like we’re in the middle of something not heading towards the end.”

Darren also told Deadline season 4 is "not necessarily conceived as a final chapter. I think like every other show, it’s a rich ensemble. There’s no end in sight until everybody feels like it’s time to end. And I don’t think this show is limited by a number of seasons, I think it’s limited by everybody’s enthusiasm and excitement about doing it and telling stories about these characters."

We'll take as many seasons of Emily in Paris as they'll give us!!

What has the cast said about Emily in Paris season 4?

Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix

Lucas Bravo told People he's excited for a coming-of-age for Gabriel. "When you start a character, then there's a year where you experience the world and you mature, you become another person and you come back and it's exactly the day you left off," he says. "I'm happy that in season four I'll be able to bring more of what I became and what I've experienced in the past four years."

Even though Lily Collins is now an executive producer, she doesn't want to know TOO much about the future of the show. “Darren and I speak, on occasion, about where he’s thinking of going, but he also doesn’t wanna spoil too much for me because there is a fine line,” she tells Collider. “I don’t wanna know everything because I want to be led with the writing, but I am also curious because, as a producer wanting to celebrate the other characters, I’m very curious to see what their trajectories are."

What happened at the end of Emily in Paris season 3?

Image via Netflix

To be fully prepared for Emily in Paris season 4, it's important to remember just what happened during season 3! The junior season was a bumpy ride for Emily, and it ends with the craziest finale yet. After Camille and Gabriel decide to get married, Camille stops the wedding, saying she knows Gabriel is in love with Emily instead of her. This declaration leads Alfie to break up with our leading lady because he refuses to be her second choice (and honestly, I respect it). That's not the only shocker because Camille also reveals that she's pregnant with Gabriel's child, which comes as a surprise to everyone. Meanwhile, Mindy learns Benoit has submitted a song (specifically "Mon Soleil") to the Eurovision Song Contest and Laurent has his heart set on opening a club in Paris.

Are you excited for Emily in Paris Season 4? Give us your craziest theory in the comments, and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news. Read up on how This Emily In Paris Theory Could Be Why Emily And Gabriel Aren’t Together (Yet).

Lead image via Netflix.

This post has been updated.

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