6 Reasons Why LaurDIY Is Our #WCW

I don’t know if you guys were around for Halloween (aka the ACTUAL most wonderful time of the year — sorry, Xmas), but it’s one of our favorite times to connect, Pin and create with other uber creatives in the DIY community. One of the online DIYers we fell head over html in love with this past Halloween was Lauren Riihimaki or, as we all know her best, LaurDIY. This 21-year-old YouTube star is living the #iamcreative dream, having just passed the 1,000,000th subscriber mark this year. In case you need a refresher course in Reasons to Love Laur or need us to make the intro (Where have you been?! Clearly not making *this* for your office-appropriate Halloween costume this year…), here are a few reasons why you should be subscribing to this #WCW.

1. She’s a Total Inspiration for Budding DIYers: Like all good things — Post-It Notes, potato chips and Play-Doh to name a few — Lauren shares with us that LaurDIY actually started by accident: “I made a YouTube account with the name LaurDIY solely for the purpose of using YT to upload the videos that would be later embedded into my blog posts. I had no intentions of using the channel for anything other than uploading and pasting the URL into wordpress, I didn’t even know YouTube and the communities that surround it existed.” Let’s file this one under Very Happy Mistakes, k?

2. She’s a Maker + a Shaker Racking Up Those YT Views: “As soon as I realized that the DIY/lifestyle/beauty community existed on YouTube, it’s like a whole other world opened up. Not only are there other creators that make similar content, but we all come together to create an amazing community that supports one another. Through YouTube I’m able to have full creative control over the content that I post while still being able to be myself and show my personality in each of my videos. I’m able to connect with my viewers in a variety of ways, meet other similar content creators from all over the world and monetize the content that I love to create!” Yeah, girl!

3. AND SHE’S STILL IN SCHOOL: What may have started as an NBD upload lead to another… and another… and another video and another 100,000 views and now she’s kind of a baller with over a million avid fans and followers waiting (often impatiently ;) for her next video to release. COOL, but even cooler = she’s still in college.

This is a day in the life of LaurDIY: “Right now as a university student about to head into my final semester of 4th year, life is pretty hectic. On a day to day basis I’m doing assignments for school, planning video ideas, gathering supplies for the next DIY video, interacting with my viewers and creating content for social media, filming, editing, uploading and attempting to maintain a normal social life! It’s busy but I’ve never been happier.” If that’s not motivation to live out your own dreams, we don’t know what is.

4. Her Superhero Name Could Be LaurDIRECTOR: Okay, not really, but maybeeee because homegirl does her own shooting. That’s right — she is a one-woman show. We got the lowdown on how technology is crucial to what she does: “The accessibility and affordability of HD cameras and DSLRs has definitely made it easier for main channel videos and even vlogs to be of amazing quality. The official YouTube video size actually changed not too long into my YouTube career as these cameras got more affordable and more YouTubers were shooting in 1080p.” She’s techy and she knows it (cue tunes).

5. She’s Wise Way Beyond Her Years: We all get there — into slumps where it’s tough to make, hard to dream up what to make and being creative on a deadline sounds like, well, work. How does Lauren do it? “Staying productive in regards to anything YouTube related is never an issue! I’m always insanely motivated to better my content and constantly thinking about what’s next for LaurDIY. School on the other hand is where I fall short in motivation and productivity. Time management and rewarding myself with a (sometimes lengthy) YouTube video watching session or something is usually necessary to get me motivated to get things done for school.” So, what we’re hearing is that it’s okay for us to binge watch all of your YouTube videos the next time we have writers’ block, right Lauren? Cool!

6. 2015 Is Looking like a GOOD Year for Laur: We got the chance to ask Lauren what she has planned for next year and she only got us counting down the days ‘til Sunday (four days, btw) and well beyond. “DIY videos on Sundays will be a consistent thing until LaurDIY is no more, so you can expect that for sure. All the amazing things I’ve had the opportunity to do this year were so unexpected so it’s definitely hard to say what’s to come – but I’m unreal excited to be done with school and dedicating all of my time to LaurDIY. This is a super unofficial and hopeful wish for the future, but I’d love to do a DIY book or collaborate with a retail store.”

Are you tuning in to LaurDIY on the reg? What’s your favorite video? Share below!

Fans who were left on the edge of their seats after watching the first part of AHS: Delicate last year won't have to wait longer for part two! Emma Roberts and Kim Kardashian are gearing up to pick up where their characters left off, and sinister twists are about to get much darker. While we know the focus revolves around their interactions, we can't wait to see how Gilmore Girls star Matt Czuchry fits into what's sure to be a big reveal.

Read on for a mini recap of part one of AHS: Delicateand learn all the juicy details about part two!

Recap of Kim Kardashian's involvement in AHS: Delicate

Image via FX Networks

Kim Kardashian as 'Siobhan' in "American Horror Story: Delicate"

As good as Kim Kardashian is as the icy publicist Siobhan on AHS: Delicate, don't expect her to watch herself onscreen. She appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live yesterday and explained why she hasn't seen herself in clips of the show when Jimmy Kimmel played and unsettling one.

Her character can be seen intimidating a fertility doctor to do her bidding as she pierces the top of his neck with a long orange fingernail. She smiled before saying "It's so funny, I can't watch it back," and then added, "I get so nervous."

She even talked about the difference between filming for TV and working as an actual actress. She said, "I called my sisters and I go, 'Guys. You — not to say you'd ever want to get into acting — but you are so lucky you can wake up and just, we can sit in bed and film, and you don't have to get up...like there is no schedule."

However, it seems like the budding actress took her new schedule in stride because Star Trek actor and AHS co-star Zachary Quinto applauded Kardashian’s acting chops.

“I did a cameo on this season of ‘American Horror Story’ and I got to meet her,” the actor told People. “She was so lovely and warm and, really, I don’t think she needs my advice.” Quinto added, sharing that Kardashian, was “really in her element” on set and he was “really impressed by her spirit and her openness…I really look forward to seeing this season because I think she’s gonna do a wonderful job.”

Recap of AHS: Delicate Part 1

Image via FX Networks

The first part of AHS: Delicate premiered on FX September 20, 2023 and centered around actress Anna Victoria Alcott's desire to become a mother. Played by Emma Roberts, viewers watched as her husband Dexter Harding (played by Matt Czuchry) was supportive of her IVF procedure so the couple could conceive their first child. Despite the previous struggles, the procedure is a success and the happy couple learn they have a baby on the way.

However, things go horribly wrong when Anna starts being followed and eventually experiences a violent miscarriage during her first trimester. Somehow the baby actually survives, but Anna still experiences a series of strange hallucinations and events. From losing her hair to vomiting a foreign object, she starts to wonder if something is wrong with her baby. There's also the fact that she told her publicist Siobhan (played by Kim Kardashian) that she'd do anything to remain at the top of the her career.

What's revealed is that a baby cult does exist and Dexter's dead first wife knew all about it. However, the cult still looks at him as a threat so it's only a matter of time before they close in.

If you need a refresher, catch up on the first part of AHS: Delicate on Hulu and be sure to check out the eery trailer for a look at part two! Also, get your hands on a copy of Danielle Valentine’s novel Delicate Condition to see how the story truly unfolds.

Watch The Official Trailer For AHS: Delicate Part 2

www.youtube.com

American Horror Story: Delicate Part Two | Official Trailer - Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian | FX

We suspected Siobhan may have a darker role than Anna thinks and the trailer confirms it. As Anna gets further along in her pregnancy, it's hinted that her growing baby may not be 'normal' and there's nothing she'll be able to do about it.

We're crossing our fingers for Anna and Dexter, but the baby cult may have the final say in AHS: Delicate Part 2.

The first portion of AHS: Delicate Part 2 premiered on FX April 3, 2024, but the series will come to a close beginning April 24. All we can say is things are about to get extremely bumpy 👀.

What do you think will happen during the final moments of AHS: Delicate Part 2? Let us know in the comments!

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This post has been updated.
Header image via FX Networks

What you eat can greatly affect your skin, causing different side effects, both good and bad. Luckily, there are so many foods that can revitalize your skin and get it back to feeling radiant and looking glowy from the inside out — and just in time for summer! If you don't know where to start, we've got you covered with expert advice on all the best foods for your skin, plus all those bites you might wanna avoid.

Best Foods For Your Skin

Photo by Olena Bohovyk/Unsplash

Grapes, Strawberries, Blood Oranges, and Watermelon

Elina Fedotova of Elina Organics, says that colorful fruit are key to achieving good skin! She says, "Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, and healthy fats like butter or plant oils help improve skin immunity and protect against environmental UV damage. Liquid collagen is popular as a skin-rejuvenating food or supplement, but when you do that, make sure you are making the smoothie with collagen peptides. The collagen is broken into small pieces called peptides which absorb much better and signal your body to regenerate collagen." So clearly, collagen is vital if you want to have glowy skin.

Elina also says, "It is a scientifically proven fact that people who eat very high levels of antioxidant-rich diets with fruits and vegetables and anthocyanosides — they can stay in the sun without any protection much longer because their body can protect them naturally from UV damage." Her three rules for healthy skin?

  1. No processed foods.
  2. Eat tons of antioxidants.
  3. Use an SPF — preferably one that is a mineral Zinc Oxide based — alongside protective hats in the sun.

So not only can certain foods make your skin look radiant, they can also protecting you from the sun with proper precautions! We love to hear that!

Photo by Dose Juice/Unsplash

Leafy Greens, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Edamame

Leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, and edamame are some of our favorite foods to eat that will give you that inside-out glow. Nutritionist and wellness expert Jessica Green says, "Silica rich foods are a great place to start — these include celery, asparagus, banana, cucumber, green beans to name my favorite. When you juice some of these, they can become more bio-available. Celery juice for instance is excellent at giving your skin a beautiful natural glow. Collagen rich foods can help improve skin elasticity — bone broth is my absolute favorite for not only its skin benefit but bone broth is also very calming for the gut."

Skin elasticity can easily be improved through these foods and can make you look 10 years younger! I definitely notice a significant difference in my skin when I regularly eat collagen-rich foods than when I don't!

Photo by Thought Catalog/Unsplash

Avocado and Olive Oil

Avocados and olive oil are really going to up your skin game, and giving you that gorgeous glow for summer we're really looking for. Kristen White, RDN, CLT, says, "Clean fats like olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, and tallow in our diet help replenish needed vitamins and fatty acids to help skin look its vibrant best." That's exactly what we want!

In regards to olive oil, it really is the must-have when it comes to achieving a glowy complexion. Jenny Jiles, a holistic nutritionist says, "Olive oil is the GOAT. We know why all of those women in the Mediterranean look so vibrant and sexy as they age, because olive oil is such a staple in their diet. Don’t be afraid of this healthy fat, it’s filled with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids which help protect your skin from free radicals to reduce those fine lines and help you glow from the inside out. Add olive oil to any and all of your meals, savory or sweet (yes, trust me on that)." So I guess the key to looking like an Italian goddess this summer (and always) is olive oil!

Photo by Maddi Bazzocco/Unsplash

Chia, Flax Seeds, and Sunflower Seeds

Many seeds and grains are going to be crucial in giving you radiant skin. Plus, they have so many healing properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. Christine Glaser, CEO of DIY Skincare Business, says, "Chia and flax seeds are also helpful for all skin types and can aid in toxin removal." And sunflower seeds actually have antibacterial properties too that help get rid of toxins in order to keep your skin looking fresh and clear; thus the radiant skin we're trying to achieve here!

Photo by María Sainz Cabezalí/Unsplash

Red Bell Peppers, Carrot, and Tomatoes

You always want to have a variety of colors when eating fruits and vegetables because this will help you get the most out of your diet and achieve maximum radiance. A health expert and dietician, Chrissy Arsenault of Kori, says, "Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Choose 2-3 colors of fruits and veggies at every meal – fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E) that protect your skin from damage." And tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are very rich in color so they will give you so many great nutritional benefits that will assist in giving you a perfect inside-out glow!

What foods should I avoid for my skin?

Photo by MART PRODUCTION/PEXELS

If you want radiant, clear, acne-free skin then you definitely want to avoid foods high in dairy or sugar. Jessica Green says, "When it comes to foods to avoid for radiant skin, sugar and dairy float to the top. Both are inflammatory. Sugar causes glycation which damages the skin's elasticity. Dairy (cow dairy specifically) tends to be one of the most common foods that cause reactions for people including acne and puffiness." I'm definitely taking note to try and cut our these foods now!

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Lead image via Pexels/Sora Shimazaki

When anyone asks me for my favorite movie-viewing experiences, A Simple Favor (starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick) always makes the list. When I first watched the movie, I knew next to nothing about the plot, and it made the viewing experience ten times better, especially since I had a watch party with a bunch of friends who *also* had no expectations. I know A Simple Favor 2 is going to be just as sexy, unexpected, and gripping as the original. Keep reading for everything we know about the new movie, from the A Simple Favor 2 release date to casting announcements!

What is A Simple Favor 2 about?

Image via Lionsgate

A Simple Favor 2 will see the "return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."

The first leaked images show the aforementioned extravagant wedding, with Blake Lively's Emily in a wedding dress and Anna Kendrick's Stephanie standing by her side in a gorgeous floral midi dress. While the first A Simple Favor ended with Emily in prison, I have no doubt whatsoever that we'll see her make a grand escape to coastal Italy. The only thing chicer than martinis and crime at home is martinis and crime while basking in the Italian sun.

Is there A Simple Favor 2 movie?

Image via Lionsgate

Yes, Deadline confirmed in May of 2022 that we're getting A Simple Favor 2! The sequel film will be produced by Lionsgate and Amazon Studios, and reportedly, Paul Feig will direct again, while Jessica Sharzer will write the screenplay. I still talk about the script for A Simple Favor, so if Jessica is returning, I will be seated!

When is the A Simple Favor 2 release date?

Image via Lionsgate

I'm expecting A Simple Favor 2 to hit our screens in 2025. Filming was originally scheduled for the fall of 2023, but after the Hollywood strikes delayed a variety of projects, production on the film was pushed to 2024. A Simple Favor 2 will reportedly begin filming in April of 2024.

Who's in the A Simple Favor 2 cast?

Image via Lionsgate

We can expect to see Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick return for this sequel. Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack are also set to star in A Simple Favor 2. Glee fans will also love knowing that Alex Newell is joining the cast along with Allison Janey! We can't wait to see the characters they'll be playing!

How does A Simple Favor end in the book?

Image via Amazon

The A Simple Favor book ending is *wildly* different than the movie ending! Instead of Stephanie turning on Emily and joining Sean, and then Emily getting run over by a car and put in prison for the murder of her father and sister (plus, you know, all the other illegal activity), Stephanie actually takes Emily's side.

In the book, Sean stays in a hotel while Emily gets custody of Nicky. The novel ends with the police finding Emily's ring inside the car of her main victim (a move that was probably orchestrated by Stephanie since Sean gave her the ring), and Emily deciding to pack up her life and leave.

Are you excited for A Simple Favor 2? Do you prefer the ending to the A Simple Favor movie or the book? Follow us on Facebook for more movie news!

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This post has been updated.

Lead image via Lionsgate

If there are two things you can count on, it's that I'm always thinking about Gilmore Girls and I'm always listening to Taylor Swift. As soon as I pressed play on The Tortured Poets Department, I could tell this album would resonate with so many experiences I had a child and a teenager. I've always been imaginative (and, admittedly, a bit spacey), and to this day, I never leave home without a book.

I've built thousands of imaginary worlds and crafted endless stories, but have always had difficulty keeping up with real-world relationships. So, needless to say, when I listened to Taylor Swift's new album and heard "I Hate It Here" and "The Bolter," I felt seen. I also realized these two songs would speak to Rory Gilmore in the same way!

Rory Gilmore Would Love "I Hate It Here" By Taylor Swift...

Image via Warner Bros. TV

"I Hate It Here" totally showcases Taylor Swift's ability to express raw emotions, and it also perfectly captures Rory Gilmore's struggles during certain periods of her life. The lyrics reflect frustration and dissatisfaction we can all feel sometimes (I know I've definitely felt them), and while Rory and Taylor's dreams in and of themselves are different, they both want to leave their small towns to achieve them. Whether it's feeling overwhelmed by expectations or facing setbacks in her career in Gilmore Girls season 5, Rory has moments throughout the series where she feels a bit trapped.

But even more than the physical meaning of the song is the imaginary one. Taylor sings about creating worlds in her mind and diving into books to escape the mundane. Rory reads more than any fictional character I've ever seen before because she also craves that escapism! The lyrics of "I Hate It Here" resonate with Rory when she wants to live different lives, and it encapsulates the moments when she struggles or questions her decisions — relatable!

...And She'd Feel Attacked By "The Bolter" By Taylor Swift

Image via Warner Bros. TV

TBH, I'm half convinced "The Bolter" is referencing Amy March (after all, Amy has been "reviled" by readers for hundreds of years, and she "almost drowned...in frigid water" like Taylor sings), which is just another literary reference Rory would pick up on.

In "The Bolter," Taylor Swift captures the essence of a woman constantly seeking adventure and change, just like Rory Gilmore, and it's all about the idea of a restless spirit. While the lyrics can be taken from a hypothetical standpoint (feeling trapped by relationships or other people's expectations), we can also talk about it literally considering Rory physically runs away from Jess.

Rory might desire love, but the idea of it also scares her — two facts that don't cancel each other out! Just like Taylor Swift, I think Rory's thrilled by the idea of escape simply because she's so risk averse in other areas of her life. Once again, I say, relatable!!

"The Bolter" and "I Hate It Here" are both incredibly engaging songs because they highlight just how complex we are as humans — both in the ways we relate to ourselves and other people. And they're just two Taylor Swift songs Rory would definitely add to her playlist.

Which Taylor Swift and Rory Gilmore parallels do you see? Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture musings!

Lead image via Warner Bros. TV

Bathroom decor is having a moment, becoming more than just a place to wipe and wash. Instead, they're turning into what some are calling spathrooms with big bathtubs, open showers, saunas, and spa-like amenities, according to 2024 design trend report by Cosentino. One trend putting the "room" in bathroom is the bathroom library, which fits right into the vintage, grandmillennial and cottagecore trends, with built-in shelves above vanities, around commodes, and front and center to warm up a bathroom vibe. Here's the skinny on these neat nooks and how you can make one yourself!

Design: De Rosee Salon | Photo: Astrid Templier

But some of us at here aren't so sure. What do you think? For me, I'm a bath lover and reader, so the combo is definitely appealing. However, I definitely would worry about moisture ruining my precious novels, or guests lingering in the bathroom too long, wrapped up in a good book. But those cons aside, I dig the idea of a book nook in my bathroom, especially for my kiddo who loves when I read to her in the bath, and is even now a voracious reader herself.

Photo by Levi T./Unsplash

If you're into the idea and want to start with a small library vs. splurging on some fancy built-ins, then here are some shelving ideas that are perfect for books in a bathroom.

Shop Book Nook Bathroom Decor Ideas Here!

Mason Curio Cabinet

Display your favorite books, trinkets and towels in this arc-shaped cabinet with glass door and five adjustable shelves.

Mayfair Wall Cabinet

This bathroom-rated cabinet is perfect for hiding literary treasures. Love the green stain inside!

Camylle Bookcase

Add a pop of pink to your paperbacks with this mid-century piece, perfect for larger baths.

PB Haven Arched Bookcase

Create a little book caddy with this arched bookcase made of mango wood.

IKEA Billy Bookcase

This is IKEA's best-selling cabinet and for good reason: glass doors keep your book collection dust-free but still visible and the sleek design is space-saving.

Ederra Accent Shelf

Hang this shelf vertically or horizontally and showcase your best reads to reflect your good taste in books and design.

Crate And Barrel White Oak Reversible Shelf Set

Make the most of your bathroom wall space with this modular piece that allows you to attach three shelves to a mounted panel — one flat and two reversibles that can be hung on top or underneath to give you lots of storage options.

Hefling Metal Wall Bathroom Cabinet

This vintage-inspired cabinet would look charming above a sink instead of a mirror.

Ajax Narrow Ladder Bookcase

Save space with this vertical stainless steel bookcase available in several eye-catching colors. Once filled, the floating shelves vanish, keeping your tower of literature clean and organized.

Etsy The Curious Shelf

Have fun with your library with these whimsical shelves available in mustard, sage, white, lilac and pink.

Babyletto Spruce Tree Bookcase

Encourage future bibliophiles with a little bathroom library of their favorite books. Each shelf on this pine wood tree holds 12 to15 books.

Oscar Bee Scalloped Shelves (set of 2)

Love the scallop design here. Mount a set of these near your bathtub so a great read is always within reach.

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Main Photo by Vlada Karpovich