In light of our current administration's desire to downsize the federal government, the National Parks Service was hit with around 1,000 layoffs in February – that means the crucial workers that maintain trails and camping grounds, man visitor centers, collect park fees, keep grounds clean, and more are no longer present.
This puts the safety (and cleanliness) of our national parksat risk. Whether it’s first-time visitors that don’t fully understand the mantra of ‘pack in, pack out’ or adventurers seeking their next summit, we’ve lost some of the proper guidance that makes the parks what they are: magical!
Your next visit to America’s national parks may look different at this time as the visitor experience has lost its charm due to these mass layoffs.
Rachel Vine / PEXELS
Because many National Parks workers and rangers were laid off, each parks’ efforts to keep trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and restrooms may be minimized, irregular, or non-existent. Following ‘leave no trace’ principles implies your full responsibility for cleaning up the trash, food scraps, and more that you bring into the park.
Leaving no trace also includes staying on designated trails to prevent erosion that could impact local ecosystems and wildlife. And when it comes to wildlife, it’s best to not interact with their habitats – keep a safe distance and never feed the animals you may come across. This is also for your own safety!
For more information and guidance on how you can leave no trace, visitLNT.org.
Robert Forever Ago / PEXELS
If your national park itinerary includes day hiking, backpacking, or camping, planning ahead will be a key step in making sure your trip is as seamless as can be. This is especially pertinent as certain trails and areas may experience closures in light of the recent NPS layoffs.
So, what does planning ahead look like? It could be checking park websites in advance to be aware of any closures, fees, wait times, or limited services, bringing your own maps, first-aid kits, and packing plenty of food and water.
Andy Vu / PEXELS
This next method for responsibly visiting national parks goes hand-in-hand with ‘leave no trace’ and planning ahead. Since certain park rescue and ranger positions were also affected by the cuts, you’ll want to be 100% positive that you’ve brought everything you need in case of an emergency.
You’re not entirely on your own, though. During your visit, you’re sure to run into friendly faces that know basic first aid principles, how to read a map, and how to reach out for help if it’s needed. Make a friend on the trail or campground and simply show up for each other!
Zetong Li / PEXELS
Fewer workers and rangers in the national parks may mean slower service, whether it’s waiting to enter the parks or pay for goods. Of course, a slower process puts on a strain on everyone – visitors and workers alike. Be kind to staff and fellow parks lovers, and avoid peak hours to reduce any strain on park resources.
Lara Jameson / PEXELS
If you can’t make it out to (or simply don’t want to visit) a national park this season, you can still show your love and support for the parks by donating directly to NPS or groups like National Parks Conservation Association.
Additionally, contacting lawmakers in your local government for better park funding can be effective in making sure your voice is heard. Finally, you could also join volunteer programs in your nearest national park for things like trail maintenance or clean-ups.
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The spring goodies at Trader Joe’s just keep on coming! The latest addition to the grocer’s seasonal lineup is none other than their famed sheet cake – reimagined in a classic spring flavor. Trader Joe’s fans are already scrambling to find this $6 dessert at their local stores because it’s “soooo yummy” and simply “the best.” It’s also a stunning option for celebrating Easter or sharing sweets with your loved ones just because!
That’s right, Trader Joe’s sheet cake fans: the Carrot Mini Sheet Cake has officially hit shelves – just in time for all the best spring festivities. This returning product boasts a “moist, flavorful” carrot cake base topped with plenty of cream cheese frosting. This traditional combo truly can’t be beat!
Trader Joe’s
The Carrot Mini Sheet Cake joins Trader Joe’s existing sheet cake lineup that is entirely too yummy. Their current flavors include mainstays like Dark Chocolate Ganache and Chantilly Cream Vanilla Bean, alongside the newer (and gluten-free!) Yellow Cake. TJ’s tends to launch new flavors for their sheet cakes around each season – they’ve even had a Pumpkin Spice version in the past!
One Trader Joe’s fan on Reddit happily announced when the Carrot Mini Sheet Cakes came back to shelves, and plenty of other users chimed in on the excitement.
“I can’t wait,” one person said.
“BRB, about to cause a carrot cake shortage in the New York Metro Area,” another Redditor commented.
More customers raved about the returning spring dessert on another thread under r/TraderJoe’s:
“I went yesterday and have 5 in my freezer for now…” one person said. “I will continue to buy single ones but now have a stash in case they sell out for the season. It is by far my favorite of the mini sheet cakes.”
Another user noted that the Carrot Mini Sheet Cake is “moist, and the frosting is fantastic, not too sweet.”
Trader Joe’s fan account @trader_joes_treasure_hunt also shared the new find with their followers, with countless shoppers expressing their excitement:
“These cakes any flavor are so good!” one person wrote.
“Best carrot cake I ever had in my life,” another said.
“Holy sheet I love some sheet cake,” someone else commented.
The smooth cream cheese frosting makes it an excellent blank canvas to add Easter-themed sprinkles or even small chocolate eggs for the holiday, though it’ll still taste like heaven if you eat it plain. The size of this sheet cake is perfect for sharing with a small group – or just keeping all to yourself this spring!
The Trader Joe’s Carrot Mini Sheet Cake is currently in stores now for $5.99 each. It’s only available for a limited time, so you’ll definitely want to hurry to try it before it’s gone!
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about more amazing Trader Joe's products!
Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.
Brit + Co
Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Brit + Co
Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)
Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)
Taylor Simpson
Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)
Shutterstock
Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)
You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.
Aww Sam
Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)
If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!
You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.
Brit + Co
An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!
Brit + Co
If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.
Brit + Co
The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.
Brit + Co
Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.
Shutterstock
What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.
Brit + Co
Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.
What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.
Brit + Co
Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!
A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.
Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.
Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!
In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.
If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.
Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.
Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!
Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.
Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.
It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!
Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!
Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.
Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.
Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.
If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.
Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.
Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.
Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.
Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.
A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!
Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.
Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!
Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!
We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!
Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!
This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez.
Greta Gerwig's Narnia has generated some buzzy casting rumors over the last few months. Charli XCX, Daniel Craig, and even Joseph Quinn have all been a part of the rumor mill (but considering I've been waiting for news on this adaptation since it was acquired by Netflix in 2018, I'm not mad about all the chatter!). And the latest Narnia casting rumor has cause more conversation on the internet than anything else. Meryl Streep might be voicing Aslan.
Meryl Streep is reportedly in talks to voice Aslan in Greta Gerwig's Narnia movies. The casting rumor first broke on March 31, leading some people to wonder if it was an early April Fool's Day joke, until Deadlineconfirmed the rumor on April 3. Fans of the book have called the choice everything from "interesting" to "cruel," and the conversation revolves around one particular question: are they making Aslan female?
A lot of Narnia fans were taken aback by the rumor about Meryl Streep because of the fact Aslan is an allegory for Jesus (referred to in the Bible as the Lion of Judah) — especially since Aslan's mane is such an integral part of the series, and lioness' typically don't have manes.
When the White Witch sacrifices Aslan on the Stone Table in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, she shaves off his mane in an attempt to shame him and strip away his identity as King of Narnia. Lucy Pevensie hiding her face in his mane in Prince Caspian plays a huge role in bolstering her courage and faith, and the mane even comes into play during The Last Battle before (spoiler alert) Narnia gets destroyed.
The most iconic visual of the Narnia series, arguably more than the wardrobe or the lamppost, is Aslan's mane. "If it’s true that Aslan has been changed to a female lion in the upcoming film, it’s deeply troubling that the filmmakers would make the choice to visually distance itself from The Chronicles of Narnia as it has always been known to its fans and the public imagination," one Narnia fan wrote on NarniaWeb. "It would be hard to look at a decision like that and not think that they were deliberately disassociating from the Narnia canon."
Another fan on NarniaWeb points out that having Meryl potentially voice a male Aslan "would be a fine way to convey the genderless nature of the soul. Aslan transcends all of that and was never bound by the idea of duality in the way that the ‘fallen’ believe they are."
@bereckerwentviral for his claim that fans who are upset about the casting simply "hate women" (yes, some of the backlash to Meryl's casting rumor has been atrocious). "I would like to officially say that if I die, I would be more than honored if Meryl Streep were to play me in my biopic, she’s the greatest to ever do it," he said in the comments.
"Meryl was hired based on merit. She’s the best," another Instagram user said in the comments.
Disney/Walden Media
Let the record show that, as of writing this story on April 7, Netflix hasn't actually confirmed anything about the movie outside Greta as director and Atonement cinematographer Seamus McGarvey as Director of Photography. Whether the film is a The Magician's Nephew adaptation, whether Daniel Craig is playing Uncle Andrew, and whether Meryl Streep is actually voicing Aslan are speculation at this point.
As one viral tweet puts it, "Increasingly convinced Greta either has no idea what she wants to do with this movie or has a vision so incredible nobody else can see it." Stay tuned for official casting announcements!
What do you think about the Netflix Narnia casting rumors so far? Let us know on Facebook.
TV is a wild place right now. We've got crazy White Lotus theories, Netflix extended Nicole Kidman's once-limited The Perfect Couple into an anthology series, and Simone Ashley teased our favorite characters are reuniting for Bridgerton season 4.
And we're in for even more news and crazy viral moments because these April TV shows are some of the best yet. And don't worry if you haven't finished all those March shows yet; they're not going anywhere ;).
Anna Kooris/Netflix
3rd year resident Danny Simms gets thrown into leadership when Chief Resident Xander Phillips is suspended, and a hurricane sends the hospital into lockdown. Now the ER is simply trying to get through the storm — and all the secrets about Danny and Xander's relationship aren't making things easier.
Pulse premieres April 3 and stars Willia Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell, Justina Machado, Jack Bannon, Jessie T. Usher, Jessy Yates, Chelsea Muirhead, Daniela Nieves, Néstor Carbonell, Jessica Rothe, Santiago Segura, Ash Santos, and Arturo Del Puerto.
George Kraychyk/Hulu
The Handmaid's Tale season 6 promises "something big is about to happen" in its first look as June works to take down Gilead. And I totally believe it since June finally reunited with Serena and Noah at the end of season 5.
The The Handmaid's Tale season 6 premieres April 8 and stars Elisabeth Moss, Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Sam Jaeger.
Jake Giles Netter/Max
Hacks season 4 finds Ava and Deborah at odds — and threatening to spill some serious tea to get what they want. But that's showbiz, baby.
Hacks season 4 premieres April 10 and stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.
Apple TV
Hedge fund manager Andrew Cooper is dealing with his divorce and losing his job when he decides to steal from his wealthy neighbors. Only then does he realize just how dangerous their secrets really are.
Your Friends & Neighbors premieres April 11 and stars Jon Hamm, Olivia Munn, Amanda Peet, Mark Tallman, Hoon Lee, Lena Hall and Aimee Carrero.
Disney+
Doctor Who is back for another set of adventures as the Doctor works to get Belinda Chandra back to earth — and fight the mysterious force keeping the TARDIS from returning home.
Doctor Who premieres April 12 and stars Ncuti Gatwa, Varada Sethu, Millie Gibson, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Christopher Chung, Rylan Clark, Alan Cumming, Anita Dobson, Freddie Fox, Michelle Greenidge, Jonah Hauer-King, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave, and Susan Twist.
Liane Hentscher/HBO
Five years after the events of The Last of Us season 1, Ellie and Joel are safe in Jackson — but secrets from their past and a ruthless new threat could ruin everything. Not to mention all the infected.
The Last of Us season 2 premieres April 13 and stars Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Jeffrey Wright, and Catherine O’Hara.
Apple TV
This comedy series follows the dreamy Chamber family in 1969, whose world gets turned upside down when Hampton Chambers returns home from prison.
Government Cheese premieres April 16 and stars David Oyelowo, Simone Missick, Bokeem Woodbine, Adam Beach, and Sunita Mani.
Virginia Sherwood/Peacock
This offshoot of Law & Order follows the beloved Elliot Stabler and the Organized Crime Control Bureau as they handle the most intense dealings in New York City.
Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 stars Christopher Meloni, Danielle Moné Truitt, Ainsley Seiger, Rick Gonzalez, Dean Norris, and Jason Patric.
Anna Kooris/Netflix
Yellowstone fans will love this Netflix show, which follows three ranching families in Texas as they wrestle with destiny, secrets, and crime.
Ransom Canyon premieres April 17 and stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Jennifer Ens, Niko Guardado, Casey W. Johnson, Philip Winchester, Kate Burton, Brett Cullen, Tatanka Means, Jaren Robledo, Justin Johnson Cortez, and Kenneth Miller.
Lucasfilm LTD
Cassian is now playing a vital role in the Rebel Alliance's plans to take down the Empire. This Rogue One prequel is sure to break our hearts with its final installment.
Andor season 2 premieres April 22 and stars Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Alan Tudyk, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Ben Mendelsohn, and Forest Whitaker.
Philippe Antonello/Prime Video
Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's new show Etoilé takes place in the high-stakes world of ballet. When two world-famous companies in New York and Paris run into trouble, they decide to swap their best dancers — and everyone's in for a world of drama. Here's the first look!
Etoilé premieres April and stars Luke Kirby, Charlotte Gainsburg, Lou de Laâge, Gideon Glick, David Alvarez, Ivan du Pontavice, Taïs Vinolo, David Haig, Simon Callow, Kelly Bishop, and Yanic Truesdale.
Clifton Prescod/Netflix
Joe is back for one last season of You — and this time, he's looking at, well, you. And in the official trailer, he promises it "is the last time" he's going to be tested by love. I'm scared!
You season 5 premieres April 24 and stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.
Check out Jenny Han Just Teased A "Surprise" End To The Summer I Turned Pretty for even more TV hot takes.
This post has been updated.
